James Harris on leadership
From Boyles Distinguished Lecture featuring Jamie Harris, Chief Financial Officer, RXO · · walkercob
“There is no substitute for preparation in business. You have strategy decisions, investor meetings, media interviews—you have to be prepared. The real leaders are prepared and they love pressure; they thrive because they're fundamentally sound and mentally and emotionally ready for the moment.”
On , James Harris, Chief Financial Officer at RXO INC, spoke about leadership during Boyles Distinguished Lecture featuring Jamie Harris, Chief Financial Officer, RXO on walkercob.
About James Harris
James Harris, Chief Financial Officer of RXO, spoke at the 64th Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series at Appalachian State University on September 17, 2023. He described RXO as an asset-light transportation solutions provider with more than 7,000 employees, approximately $5 billion in revenue, and a market cap just over $2 billion. Harris said he initially declined the CFO role at RXO because he was happy in his previous position, but was intrigued by the business from his experience as a shipper at Coca-Cola. He stated that the company is "doing well" but is operating in a "tough economic cycle and a tough freight market." During his lecture, Harris emphasized the importance of preparation, personal health, and building trust in business. He said he works out four to five days a week and prioritizes nutrition due to his Crohn's disease. Harris advised students to turn adversity into opportunity, noting that "very few people in business have become successful feeling like a victim." He also encouraged the younger generation to become "strong, highly ethical, passionate leaders" in their chosen fields.