Podcasts Business Redefiners Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish

Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish

Published: Oct. 23, 2024, 4 a.m.

Not many CEOs would roll up their sleeves and ride on the back of a waste truck at 2am once a week for seven years. But for today\u2019s guest, it was the best way to get to know his employees and learn first-hand what impacts their productivity in the field. 

 

In this episode, Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish joins Simon and guest host Emma Combe \u2013 host of Redefiners\u2019 sister podcast, Leadership Lounge \u2013 to dig into what it takes to run a $20 billion company working on the frontlines of sustainability. Jim shares his insights into the importance of putting people first and creating sustainable value through all phases of the waste cycle \u2013 from recycling and composting to producing renewable natural gas as a byproduct from landfills to running his waste fleet on natural gas. He also talks about his views on CEOs weighing in on social topics and the delicate balance leaders need to strike between having a personal opinion and the broader responsibility to shareholders.  

 

We'll also hear from Justus O\u2019 Brien, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who will outline what it takes to transition from the CFO role to the top seat.\u202f 

 

Four things you\u2019ll learn from this episode: 

  1. How to get your team on board with sustainability initiatives 
  2. How to adapt your business to changing market conditions  
  3. What it takes to create a people-first organization 
  4. What is the CEO\u2019s role when it comes to social issues 
  5. How to balance and prioritize the many responsibilities and stakeholders a CEO has to manage 

 

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