Navigating Leadership Challenges in Downturns with Case Thomas
In today's episode, Andy Storch and Case Thomas discuss the nuances of leadership and talent development during challenging times. Case Thomas, Vice President of Global Learning, Development, and Performance at Seagate Technology, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career, encompassing roles in the military, law, and education.Listen in as Andy and Case discuss:The critical importance of honesty and transparency with employees amid a company's downturnThe shift from external partners to internal learning experiences due to budget constraintsHow Seagate's transition to Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) has streamlined business priorities and engaged employees with a clear sense of purposeThe balance of "heart" and "mind" in leadership, especially during crisesThe indispensable role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering a sense of belonging. Tune in for an honest conversation about career development, the invaluable power of networking, and the vitality of continuous learning and development.Case is humbled to lead an amazing crew that empowers the 30,000 strong Seagate team of worldwide industry-leading heavy-lifters.Over the last 27+ years, Case has had the honor of building high-performing, diverse, well-adjusted large and small teams that thrive in ambiguous, high-tempo environments, worldwide.He is gutturally driven to have meaningful impact and draws great satisfaction from making organizations genuinely tick. His passion is people.Casey was the #2 leadership gradate at West Point and had the distinct honor of serving as President of his class for 13 years. He was also the #1 academic graduate of the year-long Command & General Staff college with 1,000 students.He jumped from planes as an Airborne Ranger, served in combat with Special Operations Forces, and was awarded the Bronze Star.In addition to leading many teams over the decades, Case also had the pleasure of helping create and execute deeply impactful, values-based, custom education and development programs executed worldwide for hundreds of partner clients including numerous global multinational corporations—all driven by passion and purpose to create leaders that can lead thru complexity, inspire, and grow the business.Also a lawyer, Case advised senior leaders and others in the most complicated of circumstances for years. He also teaches at the University of Texas at Austin a course that deep-dives into the art of giving advice and counsel, assessing risk, and leadership.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Case Thomas:LinkedIn