The Proust Questionnaire: Samuel Poston

Each week, SSON introduces you to a member of our community by profiling one of our premium members. We set out to reveal that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes them forces in their field through work and life experiences. This week we speak to Samuel Poston, SVP-Shared Services and Federal Government Lead, ScottMadden Pastor, Philanthropist or Patton - just some of the roles that Sam Poston can identify with. But what lies behind the man who has developed the internationally recognized ScottMadden Shared Services practice ? Who do you look up to in business and why? I worked for Jack Welch at GE and learned the art of management from him and other leaders on his executive team. They took a very complex company and kept the management simple, straightforward and results oriented. The drive to constantly improve productivity pushed for continuous improvement and kept the organization focused on success in the marketplace. Lastly, Welch placed equal emphasis on people as he did on financial results, which in turn provided direct support to the financial results. What has been your greatest achievement? I developed ScottMadden’s Shared Service practice over the last 15 years to where it is internationally recognized and rewarded today. I’ve built a practice area which consists of extremely talented and bright people who have served many companies in many industries. I also believe the ScottMadden Shared Service practice has had a direct impact on the Shared Service Industry as a whole. What is your greatest regret? Sacrificing family time for work. Can’t get it back. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? Ask more questions, dig deeper. Listen more. Probably would have been a Pastor What looks like the biggest potential for you right now? ScottMadden’s shared service practice is competent across multiple industries. Allows us maximum flexibility. What is your favorite occupation? Philanthropist In 10 years time - how do you see your current operation being run? We have worked hard to develop a number of potential successors who will run my business. I don’t see major fundamental changes in our firm’s culture or our business consulting model Which management books do you read? The Daily Drucker, Good to Great, Flawless Consulting Who are your favorite writers? Peter Drucker, Peter Block, Lawler What car do you drive and what should you be driving? Lexus 335 now but I need a bigger car to make room for my grandchildren What's your favorite 10 minute dish that you cook yourself? Omelettes Tell us a behavioral trait we should expect of you Inclusivity Reveal one weird thing we don't know about you: Broken almost every bone in my body What one question would you put to your peers? What is the one change management technique you have found to be the most effective? What trait or quality brings the most respect in the consulting business? Integrity Which historical figure do you most identify with? Patton If your job requires a lot of traveling - what is your favorite journey? By plane, let someone else do the driving! What is the quality you most like in men? Sense of humor What is the quality you most like in women? Genuineness of the heart What is your motto? "It is what it is!" [inlinead]

The Proust Questionnaire: Samuel Poston

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The Proust Questionnaire: Samuel Poston

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