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Q&A, from page 3

we going to do this? By documenting what works and what doesn’t and focusing on our short-term and long-term goals associated with each. At the end of the day, we want to be the best place to work, to stand by our five pillars, and to have our clients view us as trusted advisors. TZL: How have you helped your firm to outperform some competitors? RS: We are passionate about our culture. Many business- es put business first and company culture second. Culture has become a bit of a buzzword, but we were focused on it before it was “cool” and that extends back to our founding in 1970. Culture drives people to be engaged and elevates projects. When I started with the firm in 1994, culture was paramount and it still is. It’s this culture that helps us to at- tract the best and brightest. It creates a snowball effect that in turn creates an environment where people can do their best work. TZL: Are you married? Do you have children? Pets? RS: I’ve been married for 25 years and have four children ages 8 to 18 – three boys and a girl. TZL: What’s one thing most people at the firm don’t know about you? RS: I am an ex-professional Frisbee player. Yes – I used to get paid to play Frisbee. TZL: What is the last book you read (digital or print)? RS: Drive by Daniel Pink, which is an excellent book on what motivates people in today’s world. Most of the books I read have to do with self-improvement and business. I alternate between print and digital. TZL: What is the last movie you saw? RS: Star Wars . My whole family loves Star Wars . In fact, a few years ago, we had a Star Wars marathon and watched all six movies in one day. For the new release, we got tick- ets early and made a special night of it. It was a great way to spend an evening together as a family. TZL: What is the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever gotten? RS: You can’t make everyone happy. TZL: Who is a leader you admire? Why? RS: Walt Disney. I’ve read a great deal about him. I really re- spect how he always made time for his family. He was not only an achiever, hard worker, and a visionary, but he really understood the importance of having strong family values. TZL: When you’re not working, what types of activities do you enjoy? RS: Well, with four kids, you can imagine my wife and I are pretty active with all of their activities. We also like to travel together and try to make a point of a family vacation twice a year. This March we are going to the Caribbean. Last June we went to Alaska. I also love college sports – go Jayhawks – and enjoy exercising (P90X) and reading.

❚ ❚ Developer. I have a keen ability to see the potential in others. ❚ ❚ Relator. I enjoy close relationships. As for others, I believe the most important strengths for ef- fective leaders are a positive attitude, the drive to work hard no matter what the situation or task is, and the ability to put others first. These are strengths that are universal and apply to people regardless of whether you are in an entry- level position or C-suite. TZL: How would you describe your leadership style? RS: Consensus building. I think it’s key for leadership to meet as often as needed to share and discuss strategies and ideas and to be on the same page. I am also organized, yet relaxed in my approach which is a great fit for the culture of our company. I work on blending honesty and accountabil- ity into the daily operation and leadership of the company. I also try to be a servant leader. I think it’s important to be an available resource and to put the needs of the employees and the company above yourself. “It’s this culture that helps us to attract the best and brightest. It creates a snowball effect that in turn creates an environment where people can do their best work.” TZL: What is the greatest professional challenge to date and how did you deal with it? RS: I don’t think I’m alone in saying this: The economic downturn. It was difficult making layoffs, but knowing we were doing it for the best interest of the company made it more bearable. TZL: What makes Henderson Engineers a healthy place to work? RS: Our HR department has created five pillars of well-be- ing. They are: ❚ ❚ Career. Feeling happy, challenged, and fulfilled at work is the essence of career well-being. It is also about having opportu- nities to learn and grow, being recognized for contributions, and feeling comfortable in the workplace. ❚ ❚ Financial. We want to help people make good financial deci- sions today and plan for the future. ❚ ❚ Community. We want people to be able to give back. It’s not just about work at Henderson. ❚ ❚ Social. We want people to have healthy relationships with colleagues, family, and friends. ❚ ❚ Physical. We’ve changed the lives of people with our fitness center and health related programs. TZL: What is your vision for the future of Henderson En- gineers? RS: To “Be the Firm” that changes how the industry deals with clients and employees, how design and construction is more integrated, and a focus on building life. How are

THE ZWEIG LETTER March 21, 2016, ISSUE 1144

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