Welcome to How Leaders Lead where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world.

I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about.

Okay, imagine this. Your alarm goes off and it's 1 a.m. In an hour, it's your job to be on the back of a trash truck. Oh, and by the way,

you're one of the top leaders of the company. Believe it or not, that's exactly what today's

guest did every week for seven and a half years. Jim Fish, the CEO of Waste Management, is just

that kind of leader, one who spends time on the front lines to be with his team and truly listen

to him. And I'm thrilled he's joining us

today. He's connected to the people he leads and he's focused on putting them first when he makes

decisions. And he knows that by taking care of his people, they'll then take care of customers and

that in turn provides value to shareholders. It's a fantastic formula and it's inspiring to hear how Jim is putting it to work

while also finding new ways to think about sustainability.

And that includes being the title sponsor of the Waste Management Open on the PGA Tour,

which somehow is a zero waste event despite the 700,000 fans who come for the party.

We get into all that and more today, so let's jump right in.

Here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours Jim Fish.

The first time I met you was on a golf course and I was impressed right off the bat with just your infectious smile. I mean, he had a big smile on your face. Do you bring a sunny

disposition to your work in life or did you just have a low round?

I did not have a low round, so that was not it.

No, I just think, sometimes I feel like, you know, the world's too serious, and it is serious,

and there's serious things about it.

But I think my mom and my dad as well, always, and maybe that's been continued

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