Page 14 - How We Lead Matters

Author’s Acknowledgment

This book is a collection of remembrances of people and times in my life from
which I’ve learned lessons that may provide some insight or guidance to oth-
ers. There are many, many more people who have enriched my life and sup-
ported my leadership than I could possibly mention within these pages. I
wish to express my gratitude to:
Deborah Cundy and Doug Cody, who have covered thousands of miles
with me on my spiritual and intellectual journey as well as my professional
one, helping me express my vision, my values and—my vulnerabilities. To
Deb, for encouraging me to finish what we started a couple years earlier when
we first developed the concept for this book, and to Doug, Carlson’s vice
president–executive communications, for collaborating with me on my
speeches, many of which have included these stories.
My sister, Barby, and her husband, Skip Gage, their children and grand-
children as well as our aunts, uncles and cousins—all 80 of them—with
whom we share every Christmas and Fourth of July.
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and its ministries, from
Robert Raines and Chester Pennington to David Scoates and Bruce Robbins
each of whom has baptized, married and/or buried our various family mem-
bers for 75 years and who have taught me of unconditional divine love.
Trudy Rautio, Bill Van Brunt, Jeff Balagna, Jim Porter and Kim
Olson—executives of Carlson and more than colleagues, who have bonded
as family.
Curtis Nelson, Jay Witzel, Richard Snead, Mark Conroy, Michael Batt,
Jim Schroer, Hubert Joly, Paul Kirwin, Kurt Ritter, Jasminder Singh, Boris
Ivesha, Herve Gourio and John Norlander who have successfully led our
businesses to global positions.
Mark Herreid, John Flottmeier, Matt Van Slooten, and, before them,
Dean Riesen for guiding our family office and real estate company.
Beth Rosenbloom, Bev McGinty and Faye Allen in my office for their
daily, nightly (and sometimes weekend) support and cherished friendship.

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