Do you let circumstances define who you are, or do you take charge of your life no matter how challenging it is?
I have the pleasure to interview Steve White, president, special counsel to the CEO of Comcast Cable. He works with executives on a number of important initiatives, including leadership development, strategic planning, diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) and digital equality. As President of Comcast’s West Devision, he has led nearly thirty thousand employees, served almost ten million customers, and driven annual revenue nearly $18 billion.
Steve started working as a young boy, helping his single mother clean motel rooms. He knew his mom was more capable than what she was doing, and he wondered what she and his three brothers could do if they had means and opportunities.
Those early years taught Steve that an unwavering work ethic and commitment attracts opportunities that lead to an impactful life. His mother was living proof. If not for her determination to raise her four boys, Steve might never have gone through some of the life-changing moments.
Steve developed an uncompromising mindset since he was young and now still apply the same will to keep his purpose front and center. That purpose is to create a table of prosperity that everyone can participate and enjoy.
Let’s dive right into our interview conversaion and learn about Steve’s inspiring story and winning philosophy:
1. In a nutshell, what made you decide to transition professionally to writing, speaking and inspiring others?
Steve:
I was inspired by a quote that’s often attributed to Mark Twain. “The two most important days in your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why.” Through hardship, I was able to answer the second question. The reason I was placed on this earth is to create a table of prosperity for others. Sharing my life lessons—the successes and failures—is in service of my why.
2. Is there something about helping people achieve personal and professional success that helped you discover something about yourself?
Steve:
Yes. We all want to be needed and counted on. I was the oldest of four boys raised by a single mother and she counted on me a great deal to assist, help and, in some cases, lead. I enjoyed and respected the responsibility. In some ways, I enjoyed receiving the approval of a job well done.
3. How do you currently measure success?
Steve:
I measure success in the following ways:
- Family = laughter
- Giving back = gratitude
- Business = Are we improving every day? Are we focused on “the process” and not just the results? Did my employees’ W2s increase year over year?
4. Have there been any surprises along the way? Perhaps something that didn’t quite work out as planned?
Steve:
I wanted to be a sportscaster. No regrets but you never say never.
5. Tell us more about your Daily Wins newsletter?
Steve:
Life is hard. The way you succeed in life is to focus on the process versus the outcome. As a result, you have to take each day as it comes and focus on being successful today so tomorrow will take care of itself. The Daily Wins provides that ongoing focus on the process. If you win today, tomorrow will take care of itself.
6. Are there any leaders who continue to motivate and inspire you? How do you keep learning?
Steve:
The two most important women in my life: My Wife and My Mother. My joyful nine-year-old son and all leaders who overcome adversity inspire me. I keep learning by surrounding myself with successful people and accountability coaches who push me through love, support, and tough questions.
I hope you enjoy my interview with Steve and are inspired by Steve’s story!
If you want to know more about Steve, check out his website and his book Uncompromising: How an Unwavering Commitment to Your Why Leads to an Impactful Life and a Lasting Legacy.
