George Hawkins, Founder & CEO of Moonshot Missions and Former CEO of DC Water
Jul 3, 2024
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Former CEO of DC Water, George Hawkins, and Willy discussed the remarkable transformation of DC Water into an innovative and customer-centric utility. They highlighted the challenges faced, the $4.2 billion spent on infrastructure, customer focus, and the successful outcome of the turnaround.
Focused on transparency, customer service, and innovative strategies for agency turnaround.
Employed financial innovations and communication for successful funding initiatives and credibility.
Symbolized cultural shift and unity through unconventional leadership attire decision.
Deep dives
Transformational Leadership and Agency Rebranding
The podcast discusses the remarkable transformation led by George at DC Water, focusing on turning around a previously distrusted agency adversely affected by a major lead crisis before his tenure. Emphasizing the significance of building rapport and communication with stakeholders, George's leadership approach centered on transparency, customer service, and innovative strategies to engage the community amidst necessary rate increases. By rebranding the agency and emphasizing performance improvements, they successfully tackled major financial challenges and infrastructure projects.
Financial Innovations and Community Engagement
The episode highlights financial innovations and community engagement strategies employed under George's leadership at DC Water, including issuing a groundbreaking century bond to raise long-term debt financing. By tripled rates and securing unanimous rate increase approvals, the agency's focus on effective communication and tangible performance improvements paved the way for successful funding initiatives and enhanced credibility with ratepayers and stakeholders.
Cultural Transformation and Symbolic Gestures
George's adoption of wearing a DC Wasa uniform shirt and rejecting typical white-collar attire symbolized a cultural shift within the organization, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among staff members. This impactful and unconventional leadership decision resonated with the team, fostering enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose within the agency. The symbolic gesture not only strengthened employee engagement but also exemplified George's inclusive and approachable leadership style.
The Importance of Rebranding for DC Water
Rebranding DC Water was crucial in changing public perception and improving recognition. The decision to rebrand stemmed from the realization that the existing branding failed to communicate the organization's identity effectively. The new logo, featuring a tilted water drop with the tagline 'Water is life,' aimed to enhance visibility and convey a clear message to the public. By simplifying the logo and utilizing bright environmental colors, DC Water successfully transformed its image.
Transformative Impact of the Digester Project
The implementation of the digester project marked a significant advancement in DC Water's sustainability efforts. By converting solid waste into energy, the digester facilitated a closed-loop system that reduced environmental impact and operational costs. Despite initial opposition from the board due to the project's substantial cost, strategic planning and a focus on long-term benefits led to its successful execution. The project reflected a shift towards more efficient and forward-thinking practices within the organization.
Willy took a trip down memory lane with George Hawkins as they discussed the incredible turnaround at DC Water when Willy was Chairman of the Board and George was General Manager. Under their leadership, they took one of the most problematic public utilities in the country, The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, and turned it into one of the most innovative, customer-driven, environmentally friendly utilities on earth.
George and Willy discussed why Willy picked George to lead the turnaround, the challenges they faced, the $4.2 billion they spent on infrastructure and environmental protection, and the customer focus and client satisfaction that George and his team achieved. It is a fascinating story of private sector innovation and strategy being implemented at a massive public utility that resulted in huge gains for the citizens of the Washington, DC Metro region.