Off the Cuff

Rickie Hall

AGE: 49

TITLE: CIO and senior vice president

COMPANY: Gaylord Entertainment Co., Nashville, Tenn.

ANNUAL REVENUE: $749 million

INDUSTRY SECTOR: Hospitality and entertainment

TIME IN JOB: Two wonderful years

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED: Three characteristics of leadership are by example, by example and by example.

FROM WHOM: I heard it on National Public Radio.

BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN: It's not about the transaction; it's about the interaction. And the word "it" can be replaced with IT.

TO WHOM: IT staff and the leadership team at Gaylord Entertainment

FAVORITE QUOTE: "Begin with the end in mind."-- Stephen Covey

BEST CIO DECISION EVER MADE: Coming to Gaylord Entertainment. The entertainment section, the [Grand Ole] Opry, has all the stars. I get to mingle around the edges of stardom.

IF YOU WEREN'T A CIO, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?: A whitewater rafting guide

BEST TECHNOLOGY DECISION: When we realized we weren't ready to implement a project, I was able to stand up and say, "This is not ready."

LAST BUSINESS BOOK YOU READ: I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson. It's not really a business book, but it gives you a good perspective in many ways.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A CIO: Technology. I do all my research to buy products and services, and then two months later there's a better product.

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