Derek Porter has shaped his approach to driving revenue around three strategies. First, recognize and foster potential. He credits mentor Joe Iavarone with teaching him to see potential in others before they see it in themselves and to then relentlessly advocate for their success. Second, understand that revenue is the result of solving someone else’s problem and that the first step is seeking to understand. Third, Porter, a STRIPES graduate, believes leadership requires doing the behind-the-scenes work people may never see.

“Excuses don’t solve problems. Define what winning looks like, trust the expertise around you and get out of the way,” Porter says. “What it comes down to is being responsible to those around you and accepting the responsibilities of the choices you make.”