700: Three People Who Will Help You Grow, with Andrew C.M. Cooper

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Sep 23, 2024

Andrew C.M. Cooper, an executive leader and author of "The Ethical Imperative," discusses the power of unconventional relationships for personal growth. He emphasizes investing in diverse connections, like 'shifters' who offer valuable insights and 'connectors' who broaden professional networks. Cooper also highlights the benefits of engaging with challenging individuals, noting that those who seem adversarial can provide critical lessons. His experiences during Operation Warp Speed underline the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership.

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ADVICE

Non-Traditional Relationships

Invest time in non-traditional professional relationships.
These relationships offer unique growth opportunities.

INSIGHT

Dory's Approach to Relationships

Dory's lack of preconceived notions about relationships helps her navigate complexity.
This open approach allows her to connect with anyone, even those perceived as dangerous.

ANECDOTE

Sharks to Mentors

Dave Stachowiak initially perceived some colleagues as "sharks."
These individuals became his greatest sources of learning.

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Andrew C.M. Cooper: The Ethical Imperative

Andrew C.M. Cooper is an executive leader and apologist for compassionate business practices. He led as a history-making first Millennial and Black executive to serve as General Counsel of UPS Airlines, the world’s largest logistics airline with over 20,000 employees. His team was essential to the success of Operation Warp Speed, the United States’ pandemic vaccine relief effort. He’s the author of The Ethical Imperative: Leading with Conscience to Shape the Future of Business*.

We all know the power of relationships to help us grow. However, we don’t always seek out some of the non-traditional relationships that might help most. In this conversation, Andrew and I discuss three types of people we often overlook that will help us grow.

Key Points

Many of us invest in organic, traditional relationships. Those are important, but not sufficient in such a dynamic world.
Invest 30% of your time into relationships that will add skills, knowledge, or insights you can’t develop yourself.
Shifters observe well, read between the lines, and help us adapt in uncertain and changing situations.
Connectors will help your expand professional affiliations. Having a connector in your corner can be as helpful as being a connector yourself.
People who first appear as sharks may be benevolent antagonists. Listen for what others around them say to determine who might challenge you in healthy ways.

Resources Mentioned

The Ethical Imperative: Leading with Conscience to Shape the Future of Business* by Andrew C.M. Cooper

Interview Notes

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How to Recognize Remarkable People, with Guy Kawasaki (episode 671)

Production Credit

Coaching for Leaders is edited by Andrew Kroeger. Production support is provided by Sierra Priest.

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