Thirty Minute Mentors Episode 290: Goodwill CEO Steve Preston
Jul 29, 2025
Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill and former government official, shares his remarkable journey from Janesville, Wisconsin. He emphasizes the power of education and trust in career development. Steve discusses leadership across diverse sectors, highlighting the unique challenges in government, corporate, and nonprofit realms. He stresses the importance of relationship building and mission-driven leadership, revealing how personal connections can spark professional growth. Tune in for insights on navigating change and the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership.
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Early Working-Class Roots
- Steve Preston grew up in a working-class family with blue-collar roots including coal mining.
- His parents instilled core values like honesty, hard work, and sacrifice that shaped his drive and success.
Add Value and Advise Freely
- Add value where you are and freely provide advice to others, including senior people.
- Approach it with a spirit of helpfulness to build trust and enhance your career.
Leading Through Crisis
- Leading in crisis demands owning the situation, communicating openly, and deeply understanding complex issues.
- Engaging teams to co-create solutions and tracking progress are essential for turning organizations around.