From the Sea to the C-Suite: Lessons Learned from the Bridge to the Corner Office

by Cutler Dawson, Taylor Baldwin Kiland (Contributor), John A. Lockard (Contributor)(Foreword)

With Cutler Dawson at the helm for the last 14 years, Navy Federal Credit Union, the world's largest credit union, has quadrupled the size of the organization and made it an industry leader in customer service. A retired Navy vice admiral with an esteemed 34-year career commanding ships and fleets, Cutler arrived at the venerable and conservative credit union and set it on a course for meteoric growth. It is now one of the most fiercely trusted and smoothly run financial institutions in the world ranked by Fortune magazine as a Best Place to Work for eight years. How did Cutler and his team at Navy Federal do it? What did he learn on the ship's bridge that that helped him successfully run a bank - a credit union, actually? What did he learn leading ships and crews into harm's way that helped him weather the storms of the 2008 financial crisis without a layoff? And what can you learn from his leadership experience that began when he took command of his first ship at the age of 27? This book reveals an honest and straightforward look at Cutler's leadership philosophy and guiding principles, offering tangible and practical insights for readers who want to learn how to chart a similar course of success - one of exponential growth without compromising a company's bedrock principles.




Running Time => 3hrs. and 57mins.

©2019 Cutler Dawson (P)2020 Tantor

Audible Audio

First published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[James Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

As true today as in 1974

I served two years with Cutler Dawson on USS Albert David. He was the senior Academy grad on board, and I was the most junior. He was kind of my "Sea Daddy." He kept an eye out for me, and literally saved my career and that of two fellow officers after we "messed up!” during a boring mid watch. I remember he came up to the bridge to take the 04 - 08 watch, eased up beside me and said ,"He is really pissed but it’s going to be OK. But you better be real careful (and scarce) until we get to Pearl Harbor."

The leadership and professionalism exhibited by Cutler on the destroyer escort is the same he writes about in cataloging important leadership lessons from long careers in both the navy and NFCU.

I read this book, cover to cover, without putting it down. There is a wealth of leadership lessons, techniques, and strategies. His wisdom and perspective transcend the navy or the credit union. Any leader in any endeavor would do well to read this book. While his North Star is to do the right thing, his emphasis on listening and taking care of his troops sets the foundation.

Truly enjoyed the book. Recommended most strongly!

[Tamara Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply amazing! It was total perfection!

[James Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the lessons and stories Admiral Dawson shared. This book is a great read for those who are or plan to be in leadership positions.

[Robert P. Louthan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership 101

Better read this book and keep a hood list. The foot stompers are a lesson in leadership for anyone who wants to lead a business or volunteer organization. Great Job!