This summer, WashingtonExec is reaching out to leaders in government and government contracting who’ve had success to learn more about their habits, experiences and perspectives.
Dave Zolet is president and CEO of management consulting firm LMI. His experience includes several years each in management roles at DXC Technology, IBM and Northrop Grumman Corporation among others.
WashingtonExec: What is on your summer reading list?
Zolet: “Tiger Woods” by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian. I’ve always been fascinated about what makes Tiger Woods great, and this was a book that was written by people not affiliated with Tiger and based on a lot of research.
“The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict” by The Arbinger Institute. My leadership team is reading this, and it’s around trying to understand how to be a more inclusive and diverse organization.
“Leonardo Da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson. I like Walter Isaacson’s books and am fascinated by Da Vinci.
WashingtonExec: Tell me about a time in your life when you had to really stretch yourself in order to learn and grow.
Zolet: There was a recent time where I was at DXC Technology and I moved from running the public sector business that eventually became CSRA to running the commercial business. I had never done pure commercial work before. It was an opportunity to really change my focus at a pretty late stage in my career.
I think the big takeaway for me was that I really understand how much the public sector market means to me, how important the mission is and how much I love supporting the mission. The other takeaway was a reinforcement of the fact that you never should stop learning. It’s very easy to get into a routine and I think that commitment to continuous learning is very important.
WashingtonExec: If you could go back and give your younger self career and/or life advice, what would you say?
Zolet: Go to Vegas and put money on the Caps to win the 2018 Stanley Cup.
WashingtonExec: What is your favorite city to visit? What do you enjoy doing there?
Zolet: My favorite city is my hometown of Baltimore where I was born and raised, but I don’t have a favorite city to visit otherwise. I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and Europe and have been to a number of prominent cities –– Paris, Rome, London, New York –– and I love them all. I get up every morning and go for a run, and it gives me an opportunity to really explore and experience a city when it’s quiet and there aren’t a lot of people around.
WashingtonExec: Tell me about an app, device or type of technology you personally love and why.
Zolet: I had the FoxSportsGo App on heavy rotation during World Cup. But recently, my leadership team started using iPads exclusively for our weekly meetings and check-ins. We receive briefings ahead of time to easily write notes and collaborate. We’re focusing more on conversations and less on PowerPoint. We did the same for our board of directors, using Diligent Boardbooks to simplify our board meetings. It’s changed the way we do business.
