1066. The "MacGyver" for CEOs

“NationsBank was 80,000 people when I started there and 160,000 two and a half years later. So, it was just this whirlwind. That’s where I learned so much about core values. I got to experience working with the best boss I’ve ever had–she’s still one of the female execs at that bank. And that’s actually where I started forming my opinions on cultural compatibility in the mergers and acquisitions world, because what I saw was the deal guys were not addressing that at all. They were just slamming the deals together. Then, before the ink was even dry, the cultural compatibility issues and the differences between corporate cultures really could become problematic. And that was also part of what I uncovered in my MacGyver role with the acquisition of the 11-state Boatmen’s Bancshares Inc., the biggest acquisition in history at that time.”

Gary Frey is a connector, “MacGyver,” and confidant for CEOs as well as the co-host of the Anything but Typical Podcast featuring vulnerable, behind-the-scenes stories of ripple-making entrepreneurs to encourage others. He has served as president of four successful companies, including Bizjournals.com, a business news portal which he helped transform from a three-person organization to a $100 million company. He has done two turnarounds and held executive positions in two Fortune 100 companies. He leads business growth coaching and business development efforts for a regional CPA firm that serves privately held businesses and their owners. He does a Murph every Monday (Google it!), is a triathlete, drummer, father of two grown sons, “Papa” to four grandkids, and married to the wife of his dreams.