The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving 603: A $3.6B CEO on the "Poverty of Dignity" in Corporate America
Nov 19, 2025
Bob Chapman, a transformative CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of 'Everybody Matters,' discusses the importance of human dignity in leadership. He shares how his approach reshaped the company into a $3.6 billion enterprise by fostering a culture of care. Chapman emphasizes that everyone is 'somebody's precious child' and that business models must be designed with people in mind. He highlights the value of relationships over transactions and argues that today's challenges stem from a 'poverty of dignity,' urging leaders to create environments where every individual feels valued.
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First Acquisition Transformed The Company
- Bob Chapman recounts buying a $3.5M inspection company in 1984 while his firm was nearly bankrupt and turning it into a growth engine.
- He doubled the product price to market value, sales jumped from 30 to 100 units and the deal triggered a London IPO.
Design A Balanced Business Model
- Design your business model for balance across customers, industries and revenue types to protect people when markets shift.
- Seek recurring revenue (e.g., spare parts) to smooth cycles and preserve jobs during downturns.
Price Based On Market Value
- Price to what the market will pay, not to internal cost plus a standard margin.
- Capturing customer value can massively outperform cost-cutting as a growth lever.
