What I Learned from Bill Bartlett

Mentorship is a powerful force that can shape the course of one's life. One of these guiding influences came in the form of Bill Bartlett, a remarkable executive whose impact on my personal and professional journey cannot be overstated. Bill was more than just a mentor; he was a teacher, not only with words but also with behaviors that aligned with his life philosophy, shaping my thinking for a lifetime.

Bill Bartlett was a senior executive at American Hospital Supply Corporation (AHSC), a veteran leader who had run the fast-growing V. Mueller surgical instrument and distribution division at AHSC. He later led the massive turnaround of troubled European and Mexican manufacturing and distribution units that comprised the Atlantic International Division. He was recruited by former Secretary of Defense and then G.D. Searle CEO Donald Rumsfield to lead Searle's Will Ross Division.

My First Encounter - Humor

My journey with Bill Bartlett began in 1970, a pivotal moment in my career. Facing impending layoffs as a young production engineer at Honeywell Inc., I was searching for new opportunities to protect my family. A Labor Day weekend trip to Chicago introduced me to Bob Heidrick, a key figure at AHSC, through my cousin's husband. Although my initial meeting with Bob didn't lead to a suitable role, it opened the door to a life-changing encounter with Bill Bartlett.

Seeing an ad in the Chicago Sun-Times for an Assistant Plant Manager position at AHSC's V. Mueller Division in Niles, Illinois, I seized the opportunity. With Bob's assistance, I secured an interview.

V. Mueller was a pioneer in manufacturing 'ring-handled' surgical instruments, producing specialty surgical instruments by hand and innovative surgical products for the healthcare market. During my interview, Bill Bartlett's dynamic and friendly demeanor immediately put me at ease. His use of humor made a lasting impression on me, contrasting sharply with the corporate formality I had experienced at Honeywell.

A Leader Who Invested in People and Freedom to Act

Bill Bartlett's defining quality was his commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging personal growth. As I joined V. Mueller and became the Assistant Plant Manager, I began to benefit from Bill's mentorship in unexpected ways.

Bill often took me out to lunch, sharing his plans and learning about mine. With his manufacturing background, we could discuss the intricacies of our industry, a rare connection in a sales-dominated company like AHSC.

At the age of 24, Bill entrusted me with the challenging role of plant manager in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, far from the home office and without direct supervision. This bold move reflected Bill's belief in pushing individuals out of their comfort zones to unlock their potential.

Five years later, I joined Bill's team as VP of Operations and Manufacturing in the newly formed Atlantic International Division, a division in crisis. Bill's trust in me during this challenging period emphasized his leadership style, rooted in accountability and the freedom to act.

Bill's commitment to providing the "freedom to act" was one of his most enduring lessons. He believed in hiring individuals with good judgment and allowing them autonomy, fostering confidence and self-worth.

Integrity and Courage

One of the most impactful lessons from Bill was the importance of integrity and courage in leadership. He demonstrated these qualities when he uncovered fraud and bribery at several foreign units, risking his own career to do the right thing. Bill's unwavering commitment to ethical conduct left a lasting impression.

In times of tough decisions, I turned to Bill for guidance. His advice centered on doing what's best for the business and doing the right thing, lessons I've carried with me and shared with others.

A Visionary Leader with an Action-Oriented Style

Bill Bartlett's leadership style was action-oriented and driven by boundless energy. He had a unique ability to motivate individuals to achieve the extraordinary. Bill's transparency in sharing challenges and involving us in high-level meetings left a profound impact on my leadership approach.

Despite his busy schedule, Bill made time for personal connections. His sense of humor and the infamous "gridlies" added lightheartedness to our interactions. Bill's emphasis on focusing on the most critical aspects of success while maintaining a sense of humor taught me valuable leadership lessons.

Developing a Customer, Supplier, and Global Perspective

At Bill's insistence, while managing the Fort Lauderdale plant, I traveled in the field with our sales team, gaining insights into customer interactions and sales challenges. This experience highlighted the importance of salespeople as the face of the company to customers and the company's interface with customers.

Traveling in the field also exposed areas where we could improve our products, leading to breakthrough features that enhanced product use and durability. This experience taught me the value of eliminating filtering between salespeople and decision-makers.

Bill's insistence on global perspective led to trips to England and Germany to visit suppliers, expanding my horizons in international business, supply chains, and cultural differences.

Bill Bartlett's impact on my life and career cannot be overstated. He was a mentor who shaped my professional growth, influenced my personal values, and left an indelible mark on my leadership style. His commitment to integrity, courage, and the freedom to act continues to guide me, a legacy I've shared with countless others.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from Bill Bartlett reminds me of the profound impact a mentor can have on an individual's journey. Bill's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and I am forever grateful for the guidance, wisdom, and friendship he provided throughout our journey together.

This is the first in a series of "What I Learned From...." stories of key mentors in my life.