With an extensive background in human resources and organizational development at Hewlett Packard (now Keysight Technologies), Chuck McPherson knows a thing or two about business management. His passion for helping companies and leadership grow led him to becoming CEO and partner of Leap Solutions Group, a business management and consulting firm in Santa Rosa. When he is not problem-solving and consulting, he enjoys water skiing, biking, gardening and spending time with family. McPherson has two children, both in their 30s. An avid traveler, he met his wife, Dolores, while on vacation in Peru. (She was working for the UN at the time, specializing in combatting human trafficking in Latin America.) The McPhersons reside in Northern Santa Rosa.
What is your morning routine?
Up early around 6 a.m., a green tea, read the paper, shower and then off to work.
Communication is always at the heart of great and poor culture, but understanding what you want your culture to be is the critical question, then fleshing out steps to make it happen. You have to be intentional, especially around the culture you desire.
Have you ever been fired from a job?
Yes, when I was 14 and washed dishes for a restaurant. My dad showed up unexpectedly and took me on a trip for one week. There were no cell phones at the time, and I did not show up for work as expected. The owner said it was really hard for him because I was a good worker, but I needed to learn this lesson, and he fired me. I never forgot that lesson!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A police officer, but I never pursued the career because I was working. I was recently asked this question by a young man that I am coaching with: “Do you find the job or does the job find you?” Although I think I would have been a really good police officer, I love doing what I do now, and all the positions I have held lead me here.
Where do you waterski? What do you enjoy most about it?
I don’t go as often as I would like, but I ski on a private lake in Middletown mostly now. I used to ski two to three days a week, but now I’m lucky to ski 10 times a year. Being in the water is special to me, and the physical workout of skiing is like no other. You can’t get it in the gym, a bike, a hike or anywhere in the time frame that you can behind a boat. I also lose all thoughts of work when I’m on the water, and just focus on skiing and relaxation.
If you could write a best-selling book, what would you write about?
All the crazy things I’ve seen while being in HR and management. We always say here, we should write a book on this stuff because some of it is just unbelievable.
What is your comfort food?
I will eat anything, especially when it’s cooked for me. But PB&J is probably the go-to when I’m in a hurry, don’t want to cook, or to take on a bike ride or to the ski lake. Our office always has BBQ potato chips because of me, so maybe that is the real comfort (non)food.
Where’s your favorite place to take out-of-town guests?
Because I am so connected in the hospitality industry, and we live in Wine Country with exceptional restaurants, wineries and food are a common ground for guests. I like to take people to the big show (Coppola, Ferrari Carano), then to small wineries where they can meet the owners or winemakers. This side of the hill has much more of the latter, which is always impressive to guests and great for the wineries. So many great restaurants too!
Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead?
I want to be spontaneous, but I am more of a planner. I also don’t like being late. If you are on time, you’re late as they say. I also don’t like waiting on others who are late. Patience is not my virtue.
