Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

Episode: Tech Tides: Key Lessons from Pivot or Die
Host: Joe Hart
Guest: Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Release Date: October 8, 2024

Introduction to Gary Shapiro and CTA

The episode opens with Joe Hart introducing Gary Shapiro, a seasoned leader with over 35 years in the US consumer technology industry. Gary leads the Consumer Technology Association, which organizes CES—the world's premier global stage for technology and innovation, attracting 130,000 attendees and 4,000 exhibitors annually. Recognized by Washingtonian as one of the most influential people in tech and policy, Gary is also a New York Times bestselling author, with his latest book titled Pivot or Die: How Leaders Thrive When Everything Changes.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [02:34]: "It was just an opportunity I grabbed and I was fortunate."

From Law to Technology Leadership

Gary shares his unconventional journey from law to leading the largest electronics show globally. Initially working as a lawyer on Capitol Hill, he transitioned to the CTA after being captivated by the innovation showcased at CES. By 1991, Gary was at the helm of CTA, witnessing the evolution of technology from VCRs and CDs to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [02:34]: "Innovation that not only made our lives better, it makes the world better in all sorts of categories, way beyond entertainment."

Vision and Evolution of CES

Gary discusses his vision for CES, emphasizing transparency, honesty, and redefining consumer technology. Under his leadership, CES has expanded to include sectors like mobility, healthcare, and sustainable technologies. A significant achievement was partnering with the United Nations to promote fundamental human securities, highlighting technology's role in enhancing global well-being.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [05:05]: "We want to continue to redefine what consumer technology is... making the world better through those very important relationships, through serendipity and discovery."

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Gary reflects on his growth as a leader, particularly in managing diverse stakeholders with varying agendas. He emphasizes the importance of viewing team members as individuals beyond their performance metrics. By fostering a culture of diversity and accountability, Gary ensures that CTA remains dynamic and inclusive.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [06:58]: "A leader's job is to present a vision that inspires and also to make tough decisions and explain them and hold yourself accountable."

Embracing Failure as an Opportunity

Central to Gary’s philosophy is the belief that failure is a crucial learning opportunity. He attributes part of America's innovative edge to its cultural acceptance of failure as an educational experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary led CTA in pivoting CES to a virtual format, a decision that, while controversial at the time, ultimately saved millions and preserved the event's continuity.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [09:46]: "You have to be willing to fail. Sometimes as leaders we do it very visibly and our employees' jobs may be at stake."

Navigating CES Through COVID-19

Gary recounts the challenges faced during the pandemic, where CES had to transition to a digital event swiftly. This pivot not only mitigated financial losses but also underscored the importance of adaptability in leadership. The experience reinforced the value of early decision-making and resilience in the face of unprecedented global disruptions.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [11:55]: "Making a big decision like that, you have to make the right decision, not what's popular."

Future of CES and Emerging Technologies

Looking ahead, Gary provides a sneak peek into the next CES, highlighting the rise of generative AI, advancements in healthcare technology, and sustainable innovations. He underscores CES's role not just in showcasing products but in inspiring new ideas and fostering meaningful business relationships.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [14:21]: "Generative AI is fundamentally changing the world in a big way."

Every Company is a Tech Company

Gary advises leaders across all industries to adopt a tech-centric mindset. This involves being agile, embracing partnerships, and continuously innovating. He emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and being open to evolving business models to stay competitive.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [16:42]: "Think like a tech company... it's about the rapid movement, solving problems using technology that real people, customers will have."

Fostering Empathy and Psychological Safety

Gary acknowledges his ongoing journey to enhance his empathy skills. He advocates for creating environments where team members feel safe to express ideas and take risks without fear of judgment. By encouraging open dialogue and valuing diverse perspectives, Gary ensures that CTA remains a hub of innovation and collaboration.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [22:28]: "Good ideas come from anywhere. If you're willing to listen to those ideas, you'll get a lot of good ideas."

Humility in Leadership

Humility is a cornerstone of Gary’s leadership style. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating his belief that success is a collective effort, rooted in everyday actions and genuine relationships. Gary highlights the importance of continuous learning and maintaining a humble approach, regardless of one’s position.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [23:37]: "We're all humans fundamentally. This is the American success story... anyone can succeed with some luck and extremely hard work."

Inspiration Behind "Pivot or Die"

Gary explains that the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to write Pivot or Die. The book serves as a guide for both business strategies and personal decision-making, advocating for agility and resilience in an ever-changing world. He emphasizes the importance of viewing major decisions as transient, allowing for flexibility and adaptation.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [25:32]: "If you're willing to take those risks, you'll have a greater chance of moving forward."

Balancing Leadership with Personal Well-being

Despite the high demands of his role, Gary maintains a balanced lifestyle through physical fitness, healthy eating, spiritual practices, and quality time with family. He attributes his ability to lead effectively to his self-awareness, acknowledgment of personal weaknesses, and the support system around him.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [31:28]: "I believe in a balanced lifestyle... learning and reading and being with my family and friends."

Leveraging AI and Continuous Learning

Gary discusses the role of artificial intelligence in leadership and innovation, appreciating tools like ChatGPT for generating insightful questions. He advocates for continuous learning and adaptability, aligning with Dale Carnegie's principles of positive thinking and proactive action.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [34:53]: "It was fascinating the concepts to me of a positive view of the world. And it definitely shaped me in its own way."

Closing Thoughts

Joe Hart concludes the episode by highlighting the alignment between Gary’s leadership principles and Dale Carnegie’s teachings. Gary expresses gratitude for the discussion, emphasizing the shared values of continuous improvement and impactful leadership.

Notable Quote:

Gary Shapiro [35:13]: "Great discussion."

Key Takeaways

• Adaptability: Embrace change and be willing to pivot in response to unforeseen challenges.
• Empathy and Listening: Foster environments where team members feel heard and valued.
• Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and personal growth.
• Risk-Taking: View failure as an educational opportunity and a stepping stone to success.
• Balanced Leadership: Maintain personal well-being to lead effectively and sustainably.

Conclusion

In this insightful episode of Take Command: A Leadership Podcast, Gary Shapiro shares his extensive experience and wisdom on leading in the dynamic tech industry. From navigating the complexities of CES during a global pandemic to fostering a culture of empathy and resilience, Gary exemplifies the principles of effective leadership. His emphasis on adaptability, continuous learning, and balanced living provides valuable lessons for leaders across all sectors striving to make a meaningful impact.

For more leadership insights and resources, visit www.dalecarnegie.com.