I’ve long imagined a world where people wake each morning inspired, feel safe wherever they work, and return home fulfilled by what they’ve created. That vision once felt like a dream – until I met Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, who quietly built it into reality. Over five decades, Bob has grown a humble Midwestern manufacturing company into a global business success story, proving that leadership grounded in humanity can scale across the world.
Bob sees the people in his company not as line items, but as human beings within his span of care – individuals he feels responsible to help become healthy, fulfilled, and whole. His belief is simple yet profound: when people are cared for at work, they create happier families, stronger communities, and a better world. He captured this vision in his book Everybody Matters – which I’m proud to have published – inspiring leaders everywhere to imagine a kinder form of capitalism.
In this episode, we return to BW Papersystems in Phillips, Wisconsin where Bob first brought me fifteen years ago where he showed me what his Truly Human Leadership movement looks like. There, I speak with Amber Meyers, Randall Fleming, Lance Johnson, and Jared Nelson, each at different points in their journey with Barry-Wehmiller – some just three years in, others more than twenty-five. Through their eyes, we see the company’s evolution and the lasting power of care in action. What I once thought was idealism, I now know is possible: proof that capitalism can, in fact, be kind.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more of Bob’s work check out:
Bob’s book, Everybody Matters
Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute: www.ccoleadership.com
Barry-Whemiller: www.barrywehmiller.com
