The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 13, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Dec. 8.
Next is Business Development Executive of the Year (Public Company) finalist Steve Rubley, who’s president of the government division for Thomson Reuters. Here, he talks key achievements, primary focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2020/2021?
Steve Rubley has led the Thomson Reuters government business to more than 150% growth in the past five years. In 2020, the government business grew by 10% and now represents close to $500 million in revenue. In the past 18 months, he has led the acquisition and integration of two fast-growing businesses, Pondera Solutions and CaseLines.
These companies have brought their human expertise, deep experience and technological innovation to help customers investigate and prevent fraud (Pondera Solutions) and facilitate the digital transformation of the court system (CaseLines), seamlessly complementing Thomson Reuters existing market-leading solutions.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
The growth of the business’ positive social impact is what Rubley is most proud of. Thomson Reuters has become leaders in the private sector in helping law enforcement officials combat human trafficking. In October 2020, the Thomson Reuters was the only private sector company, through its TRSS subsidiary, that was part of the U.S. government’s announcement when it launched its new Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
Thomson Reuters provides data analysis and expertise to the organization, and is proud of the work its analysts and data science teams have done to play a part in establishing the center. Thomson Reuters experts help officials understand the networks of traffickers so law enforcement officers can begin to identify the most important players and focus their efforts on shutting down those centralized actors first.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the future of the nation?
The Thomson Reuters government business has three strategies going forward. First, it is doubling down on its efforts to combat human trafficking. The business believes there is a significant impact it can make in helping officials protect vulnerable people from this heinous crime. The business is pulling together the brightest minds, newest tools and advanced technology to go upstream in new and innovative ways and make a serious dent in human trafficking, promote awareness and share best practices.
The second priority is on helping officials detect and deter nefarious activity while preserving the integrity of the business’ social assistance programs. The business help officials bring bad actors to justice and ensure that those in need are getting the government support they deserve.
Finally, the team is focused on the advancement of innovation and ethical AI (in products and services) to provide decisionmakers with the tools to make the best and most informed decisions.
What’s the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?
The biggest risk Rubley has ever taken is leading the effort to acquire Pondera Solutions. Financially, it was a significant risk. However, things could not have turned out better. The team has enabled the business to accelerate growth by helping customers detect and investigate fraud in social service programs.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The advice Rubley gives to those who ask is twofold. First, you need to follow your passions and go home every night proud of the work you do. This focus does not mean you won’t have bad days. But the bad days are easier to overcome when you love what you do.
Also, if you are not passionate about whatever career you choose, you will not be successful. Secondly, your values matter most. At times throughout your career, they will be tested. But always rely on your gut. If it doesn’t feel right — it’s not right.
Looking back at his career, what Rubley recommends most, and what he is most proud of, is the relationships he has had along the way. He has met and worked with so many incredible people who made the journey interesting, challenging, educational and enjoyable.