“I’m a very analytical guy. I like to get to the heart of an issue and focus on what really matters.  It’s easy to waste time in the weeds and miss the point. I also enjoy mentoring the people I work with and seeing people grow in their careers.”

Abraham Lincoln. “He led through an incredibly difficult time, yet he didn’t have an inflated image of himself. If I had the chance, I’d ask him: ‘How close were you to giving up?’”

Money management. “I enjoy being able to study lots of different choices and then figure out what is best. I like picking where money should go to deliver the best value for all involved.”

With his wife, caring for his prematurely born son, including several weeks of special care at home. “It was overwhelming to have someone so completely dependent on us. My son taught me how delicate and precious life is.”

“The Screwtape Letters,” by C.S. Lewis. “Masterful writing, and incredible insight into the flaws and pitfalls of human nature.” Second choice: “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything,” by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. “An interesting book that uses economic theory to explain non-economic activity.”

Steven Jobs. “I love the way Apple products are intuitive and simple to the users. Their ad campaigns are both compelling and funny.”

Robert De Niro. He is a versatile and craftsmanlike actor. I really liked the character he created for ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Meet the Fockers.’”

College. “I did well in school growing up in a small town in Kansas. But when I went to a big university and succeeded, I knew that I could have a great career.”

“I would walk through the classic neighborhoods – Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Tribeca – and go into coffee shops and pubs just to observe and soak in the culture of the town.”

U2. “I like the depth of Bono’s music. Bono is such a fascinating character: A rock star by night and a crusader for social justice by day.”