He was early.
Unconventional for an elected official, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom arrived - not late, not on-time, but early for our meeting at 1590 KLIV for a special taping of "The CEO Show" with more than a dozen Silicon Valley CEOs.
The unfortunate attitude of too many in public office follows from California Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh's famous maxim that "The biggest waste of time is to be on time." I much prefer Louis XIV's refrain that "Punctuality is the politeness of kings."
To his credit, Mayor Newsom seems to follow in the footsteps of "Louis" over "Jesse". Yet taking the unconventional path has distinguished the Mayor from most elected officials. From overcoming the challenge of severe dyslexia, being raised by a single mom and starting his own successful business at 25 years old, the Mayor has been tested in ways that many of us can understand and appreciate.
The 90-minute exchange with 14 Valley CEOs was illuminating. The unscripted and in-depth discussion on a full range of topics revealed a thoughtful leader with a command of facts and figures that was impressive for both its substance and style. With remarks ranging from bold plans for green tech, to homelessness, high-speed rail and the plight of the poor in Hunters Point, his regional leadership was refreshing.
In the more civil Silicon Valley, we cannot always appreciate the "blood sport" of politics in the City by the Bay, where the attacks are fast and fierce. Yet after more than a decade in public office, including more than four as Mayor, it was readily apparent why his approval ratings have remained in the range of 70 percent. By his own admission, the Mayor has made some tremendous mistakes that he will carry with him always, but there is also a growing mountain of work that underscores that this unconventional politician has many positive chapters left to write.
Unconventional for an elected official, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom arrived - not late, not on-time, but early for our meeting at 1590 KLIV for a special taping of "The CEO Show" with more than a dozen Silicon Valley CEOs.
The unfortunate attitude of too many in public office follows from California Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh's famous maxim that "The biggest waste of time is to be on time." I much prefer Louis XIV's refrain that "Punctuality is the politeness of kings."
To his credit, Mayor Newsom seems to follow in the footsteps of "Louis" over "Jesse". Yet taking the unconventional path has distinguished the Mayor from most elected officials. From overcoming the challenge of severe dyslexia, being raised by a single mom and starting his own successful business at 25 years old, the Mayor has been tested in ways that many of us can understand and appreciate.
The 90-minute exchange with 14 Valley CEOs was illuminating. The unscripted and in-depth discussion on a full range of topics revealed a thoughtful leader with a command of facts and figures that was impressive for both its substance and style. With remarks ranging from bold plans for green tech, to homelessness, high-speed rail and the plight of the poor in Hunters Point, his regional leadership was refreshing.
In the more civil Silicon Valley, we cannot always appreciate the "blood sport" of politics in the City by the Bay, where the attacks are fast and fierce. Yet after more than a decade in public office, including more than four as Mayor, it was readily apparent why his approval ratings have remained in the range of 70 percent. By his own admission, the Mayor has made some tremendous mistakes that he will carry with him always, but there is also a growing mountain of work that underscores that this unconventional politician has many positive chapters left to write.