Welcome David Gelles:
We’re joined on the Starline by author, climate reporter and former Corner Office columnist at the New York Times. His 2nd book “The Man who Broke Capitalism” is out. We welcome David Gelles.
David, let’s go Beyond the Mic. When people read the first 211 pages of your book filled with dread . All of the destruction caused by executive Jack Welch. But the last 20 pages you give a roadmap to fixing what’s wrong. How many companies are unable to fix?
One of the issues you brought up was the cheerleading by the financial media of these titans of business. Now, if I brought up things from your past you didn’t want mentioned would this interview be over or a future request for time be denied? Do you think if asked tougher questions reporters access would have been stripped?
The world has changed significantly from real food being served on airplanes. Pensions being a standard rather than an outlier. How do companies meet expectations of shareholders & stakeholders and yet deliver the benefits workers request in a competitive environment?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. One of your 1st jobs was web manager for the busiest aviation site on the internet. What’s your favorite prop airplane?
2. Favorite place on the Boston University campus?
3. Where do you meditate?
4. Favorite of all your Corner Office conversations?
5. You’ve written for arts, books, sports, obituaries and now stationed at the climate desk. Which department holds a special place in your heart?
6. Favorite benefit you have at the NYT?
7. If you could have interned anywhere in the world, which company would you want to have worked with?
8. Are you OCD about anything?
Which companies are the gold standard for the future?
One Big Question:
Has the world reached a point where looking back at the ways things used to be is too destructive than looking toward a way where things need to be?
Where can people find you?
The Wrap:
You can find him meditating in Barre, fairly laid back and would like to have interned at Apple. His book “The Man who Broke Capitalism” is available now. We thank David Gelles for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Check out other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
