Jim Hackett is one of the most interesting guys I have ever met. We share an unconditional love for offensive linemen in football since we both played the position. We share a love for Michigan football since we both lettered for the Wolverines. And, we both share a deep respect and admiration for our coach, Bo Schembechler. He taught us both so much. from that point Jim and I headed off in different directions. I went to broadcasting, and Hackett went into business, and his journey in business is legendary. in 1977 after his playing career at Michigan he joined Proctor and Gamble in management and sales, and then moved to Steelcase where he eventually became their long serving CEO. From there, he jumped into the Athletic Directors chair at his alma mater where he found time to hire Jim Harbaugh for the football program. If that wasn't enough, he went from that job to the CEO of the Ford Motor Company. Really! I can't recall another captain of industry that can boast the same resume as Jim Hackett. That being said, he's a perfect guest to talk athletics, business, automobiles, electric vehicles, computer chips and a lot more...so, sit back and listen in to part 1 of my Conversation With....Jim Hackett
Topics explored include college athletics
How playing football under Bo Schembechler aided in his progression to CEO positions
The Ford Motor Company
The automobile indistry
The emergence and future of the electric vehicle revolution
Steelcase and it's evolution when that business changed
CEO strategies and planning
The immense importance of computer chips and that industry and where it is primarily located
Gazing into the future as a CEO guiding a company into a changing and uncertain business climate