My day usually begins at 4 or 5 am when I do some of my best analysis without interruption. My engineering background compels me to write down at least three of the most important things I need to accomplish that day. I usually go out for a run by the ocean to clear my mind and reflect on our remarkable world. This helps me keep in perspective how important it is to consider what we do to our environment as a legacy to our children. By about 7 a.m. the fun really starts with international and domestic calls and meetings. Since our strategic partners span the globe so too does our time frame for meetings and updates. With each day’s craziness though I do take time to remember what I learned from a wise person—to take time to think, believe, dream, and dare to make happen what I believe is important.

What has been the best life lesson you have learned?

Two experiences come to mind which guide my daily life. Once while in combat operations in Vietnam at 2 am in the morning, we were under fire, not knowing if we would survive. I resolved then that if I was alive in the morning, I would value each and every day as a gift. I try to remember that promise particularly when things don’t go according to my plans! The second relates to running my first marathon. As predicted I hit the emotional and physical wall at the 20-mile mark, pushed through it and finished the race. I learned in this grueling process that a person can do anything even though physically or mentally exhausting, if in fact he/she believes they can do it, prepares accordingly, and focuses on the goal.

Who has been your biggest influence? Why?

My parents, both teachers, sacrificed financially to provide a Jesuit education for me—14 years worth! The Jesuit priests, though tough, inspired me through their commitment to the values of ethics, intellectual curiosity, discipline, and respect for cultural diversity. Through my personal life and years in business these have been wonderful guiding principles to keep me on course.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am excited about the work our team is doing. No one yet has successfully commercialized this technology, so our team is creating a legacy versus managing someone else’s. The opportunity to bring value to our investors and at the same time improve our environment is somewhat unique—empowering us to do good, yet also do well for those involved. It requires flexibility, creativity, perseverance, mutual respect, and balancing of risk.

What do you enjoy least about your job?

During my career I have traveled extensively globally. At one time I was responsible for 120 different countries so spent 90% of my time on an airplane. Less airplane time and more time focused in a few places would be great!

What is the biggest challenge of your job?