Seven Insights on Leadership, Success and Diversity from Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good

Photo of Lynn Good when she was announced by Duke Energy as their new CEO and President in June, 2013

Photo of Lynn Good when she was announced by Duke Energy as their new CEO and President in June, 2013

As often as I can, I try to attend the Triangle (NC) Business Journal’s quarterly “Power Breakfasts” where area business leaders are invited to hear from key large corporate executives (see links at the bottom of this blog to a past blog about another TBJ Power Breakfast, and to two TBJ articles about Duke Energy.)

Yes, Duke Energy can be considered quite controversial with their sudden turnover in leadership after the Duke Energy – Progress Energy merger and with the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill. And some of these subjects were broached at this breakfast, but I often more listen for leadership and diversity topics from these speakers since those are my consulting areas.

As a diversity consultant, I do appreciate hearing from a female senior corporate leader, especially one like Lynn Good, who was ranked by Fortune Magazine as the 13th most powerful woman in business.

Here are the 7 insights I noted that Lynn shared around leadership and diversity at this March 1, 2016 breakfast:

1. As a senior leader of 28,000 people, Lynn feels it is very important to develop a culture of collaboration and inspiring others.

2. It is critical for people to hear the corporate vision and messages and understand that their role is important in the larger picture.

3. Diversity is indeed important – the strongest solution is reached when multiple views are brought to the table.

4. The three foundations of Duke Energy’s culture are safety, integrity and service.

5. Lynn Good herself is an excellent role model for success and work-life balance. When asked about what most satisfies her in life, she responded “I love what I do (at work) but am truly satisfied at home with a family and 2 college age sons.”

6. Diversity is important to Duke Energy since they want to have a workforce that reflects the markets they serve.

7. Their innovative diversity efforts include their “Aging in Place” initiative where more senior employees are paired with junior employees to foster knowledge transfer.

# # # # #

As mentioned at the top of this blog, here are links to my past blog about an earlier TBJ Power Breakfast I wrote about, and to two TBJ articles published soon after the breakfast meeting:

Link to past blog on an earlier TBJ Power Breakfast I attended: “Career and Leadership Inspiration from a Local Business Executive” with former Biogen RTP Site Executive Machelle Sanders.

The TBJ’s more in depth article about all items Lynn Good discussed at this power breakfast.

A second article from the TBJ about Duke Energy restructuring and impact on the RTP, NC area workforce.

An innovative corporate meeting process – Graphic Recording!

Caryn Sterling of Drawing Insight in action graphically recording a meeting

Caryn Sterling of Drawing Insight in action graphically recording a meeting

Recently I attending the day-long annual TODN (Triangle Organizational Development Network) conference (link to a blog summarizing the conference) – 2016 Global Human Capital Trends. As I attend various conference and meetings, I am always on the look out for emerging innovative trends in the business world. And indeed, the TODN conference did have such an innovation; they employed a graphic recorder Caryn Sterling of Drawing Insight to graphically record the presentations and discussion in the four trend areas.

Here is a brief interview with Caryn discussing more of this process

STAN: Caryn, could you explain a little more about what graphic recording actually is?
CARYN: Graphic recording is live capture of presentations and conversations in real time, using creative lettering and illustrations. It can be a conference keynote, ideation session or workshop. Any time people gather to learn, share or innovate, an illustrated chart of the experience helps everyone remember more. Retention goes up 60 – 80% when using graphic recording and it provides a wonderful take away.

STAN: What unique value does your process offer to companies and organizations?
CARYN: Many of my clients comment on how nice it is to be able to participate fully in the meeting, knowing I will capture all the important information. Seeing the meeting emerge on the wall keeps the energy up and timing on track. It’s easy to see how much has been accomplished and what still needs to be addressed. It’s also helpful that all participants go home with the same notes/information.

STAN: Do you feel it is critical for you to have a strong understanding of business in general in addition to art to be able to accurately depict the discussion?
CARYN: Yes and yes. One of the benefits of my work is attending so many business conferences and high level meetings keeps me up to date on trends. I stay active in the arts and continue to build on skills. When I’m not on site, I’m often creating illustrations for explainer videos, which helps me grow as an artist.

An example of one of Caryn's completed graphics

An example of one of Caryn’s completed graphics

STAN: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
CARYN: One of my favorite things about my work is how it helps people and how much they enjoy it. I love it when a speaker tells me after a keynote that I chose the perfect image for the message, or when I’m working with companies and my drawings spark a big aha moment. I love the effect graphic recording has on people and how it adds joy to an event.

STAN: How can people get a hold of you to explore your services for their organization?
CARYN: Yes, the best way to reach me is by e-mail at [email protected], check out my website http://www.drawinginsight.com, and you can follow me on twitter at @drawinginsight.

STAN: Thank you, Caryn. I enjoyed the graphics you created at the TODN conference I attended, and they are a great reference! I wish you the very best of success in your business.