John Stanik earned a BS in chemical engineering in 1975 at Carnegie Institute of Technology. Today, he is chair, president, and CEO of Calgon Carbon Corporation, a global company providing environmental remediation products and services, many based on granular activated carbon.
You’ve been in “turnaround mode” since you took over in 2003.
In 2004 we made a major acquisition to regain global leadership of the coconut carbon business [coconut is a major source of carbon], and while doing that we undertook a thorough evaluation of the company. Then in 2005–06 we made nearly two dozen changes, including divesting two businesses, closing some facilities and opening a new one, refining our business processes for more efficiency, and developing new products. Now the ship has turned, the company has had two very successful quarters, and our stock price has nearly tripled.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in open communication. The first thing I did was develop a list of core values—integrity, respect for others, customer focus, organizational discipline, accountability for results, teamwork, pride, and enthusiasm. It’s my job to make sure the company lives them, because if they don’t, and especially if I don’t, then they have no meaning.
What advice do you have for students entering the business world?
To maximize career opportunities, you have to be willing to relocate. Also, try different things in your career: don’t expect to progress to the top position in one function or skill.
What did you gain at Carnegie Mellon besides professional training?
Learning to work together, the work ethic, setting goals, improving one’s performance. And work-life balance: we had a group of guys who played intramurals together and spent our off-time together, and those friendships have lasted for 32 years.
