Leadership Challenges During Crises

Walt Rakowich reflects on his experience as CEO of Prologis during the Great Recession, which presented significant challenges for the company. He highlights the drastic drop in stock prices and the urgent need for a change in leadership as a key turning point in his career. Rakowich discusses the importance of recognizing early signs of leadership problems, specifically focusing on his previous CEO’s hubris and unwillingness to consider others' perspectives. His decision to leave the company was driven by a desire to avoid being complicit in a reckless trajectory that ultimately jeopardized the organization.