Change is HARD

After a nearly 10-year, fast paced ride, I resigned from Goodyear last week. I sent out a note to my colleagues, thanking them and recapping the incredible ride that it was. I’ve been blown away by the thoughtful notes from my co-workers. It’s amazing how the briefest of interactions, or those that might seem inconsequential to you may leave a lasting impact on others. I’ve attached a couple of cool pics and captured below much of what I wrote:

. . . Though resigning was my choice, it was far from easy. When I interviewed in 2008, I heard several themes: Goodyear was a hard-working / proud / loyal culture; it was an organization that had a knack for fighting through extremely difficult circumstances; and, it was willing to offer people challenging assignments if they wanted them.

That was all I needed to hear, so I joined the team despite the fact that Goodyear had already entered a steep downturn and (at the time) was anticipating worse days ahead. The above themes all turned out to be true, and I was able to play an impactful role in a business unit, supporting several global functions, and on multiple large change initiatives for Goodyear. Most importantly, I appreciate the opportunity to work with incredible colleagues like you. I learned a lot from so many of you – thanks to you all!

I have zero regrets about moving my family to Ohio to join Goodyear. Northeast Ohio has been an incredible place to raise a family, and the company has afforded me the chance to prove myself and even exceed many of my own expectations. A couple of other highlights:

• Coming to Akron led me to get back on the hardwood (a.k.a. basketball court), and compete on the Cleveland Wheelchair Cavaliers, and once again for Team USA, having won a Bronze at both the 2010 World Championships and the 2012 Paralympics. Various leaders played an actively supportive role in this, but I’d like to say thanks to Laura Thompson and Rich Kramer. People like Jim McKinnon, Joe Ruocco and Darren Wells were also instrumental!
  • I also like to remind people that Lebron didn’t deliver the first Championship to Cleveland in 2016. That happened in 2010 when the Wheelchair Cavaliers raised a banner at The Q … just sayin’!
  • By the way, training at Goodyear Hall gave me a unique connection to Goodyear’s deep-rooted identity with the sport of basketball. This will be a lasting memory

Although I was a transplant, I also became #JustAKidFromAkron, and more importantly I was able to support the broader community. That took on many forms, and I’m grateful that Goodyear created an environment that encouraged associates to give their time, talent or treasure. Based on where I’ve come from and how I’ve gotten here, that meant helping at risk youth, and people with disabilities. This will become an increasingly important part of what I do moving forward

Unfortunately, I was unable to see many of you and say goodbye in person. I’ve tried to copy a wide range of people on this note, because you all have been an important part of what motivated me to come to work and always give 110%. Whether you’re on the cleaning staff or the CEO; the cafeteria crew or the SLT; an analyst or a VP, I’ve always tried to treat you with the same courtesy and respect. All of you contribute to the success of the company.

The understatement of our careers is that change is inevitable. An equal truth is that change is HARD. At the end of the day, my advice to all of you is to be true to your own principles. Culture is what you do … not a collection of clichés that read well. Culture is the outcome of how associates are taught to behave, primarily by observing their leaders. I’ve often been asked to take on tough assignments because I had the courage to deal with resistance. I always said yes to such assignments, because I’d rather get in the game and compete than judge the competition from the sideline or after the game was played. In short, though not perfect, I’ve always tried to lead the right way.

Looking back, I’m proud of what the teams I’ve been a part of have been able to do, often things that many people doubted. Looking forward, well, I’ll be deciding that at a later time, and after I’ve had a chance to reset. Until then, I wish you all the very best, and for those who want to stay in touch, I can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. You can find me by searching for @TheWillWaller. I genuinely look forward to staying in touch and tracking everyone’s continued success.

Take care and hope to see you soon!

Will