Thoughts on Annual Visits to The Coca-Cola Company

by Harry Dixon, 2007 Scholar

On March 31st, the 2007 class of Leonard Leadership Scholars took an incredible corporate site visit to the Coca-Cola Company, the most recognized brand in the world. We were greeted upon our arrival by Rocky Rief, Director of Public Affairs and Barclay Resler, Vice President, Public Policy, our host for the day. The day started with catered lunch and - what else? - Coke products to drink.

Afterward, the Scholars attended a panel with four well-respected senior employees from Coca-Cola, Lee Winfield, Director, Corporate Communications, Scott Williamson, Director, Communications, John Lewis, Counsel, and Marika McCauley-Sine, Research Analyst, Stakeholder Engagement. They shared stories from their career with Coke, some of which were life-changing, such as Lee's experience with Arabic workers during Ramadan. Other stories were more light-hearted, like Scott's first encounter with our friend, Earl Leonard.

When the panel finished, the Scholars went on a guided VIP tour of the building. Soon, they found themselves in Coke's board room, dubbed the "Georgia Room" because of its solid pecan walls, flooring and molding - all created from the wood of one pecan tree. Looking out at a panoramic view of the city of Atlanta and Stone Mountain, each one wondered who among them might come back and sit at that very table - not as a guest, but as a leader.

by Adam Cohen, 2006 Scholar

Like eager children on the first day of school we made our way to The Coca-Cola Company in late Spring. Yet, instead of being greeted by a new teacher and classmates, we were met by another who had taught us so much already. Earl Leonard and a handful of Coca-Cola's finest welcomed the scholars to the beautiful worldwide headquarters of everyone's favorite soft drink.

The afternoon began with a lavish lunch far superior to any cafeteria, and the excitement of sampling some new Coca-Cola products. Replacing the normal lunchroom banter was the welcoming and insightful conversations with Scott Williamson, Director of Communications for Coca-Cola North America Division, and Jeff Foote, Director of Water and Environmental Resources, who joined Mr. Leonard in hosting the meal. Lunch was punctuated by a short speech from Mr. Leonard himself, which as always was insightful and thought provoking.

Next on the agenda was a tour of the grounds. No match for the cinder block walls of our favorite public schools, The Coca-Cola Company's floor to ceiling marble lobby was breathtaking, with tall windows looking out onto the campus. The tour highlighted their movie theatre, which was remnant from when Coca-Cola owned Columbia pictures. It also included the entrance to the tower and other common areas.

Much like an afternoon assembly the Leadership Scholar's took in a panel discussion. It included Coca-Cola employees that exemplified leadership, responsibility, stewardship, excellence, integrity and purpose. Each panelist shared some experiences with the group and then fielded questions. Much like your favorite subject from grade school, the Leadership Scholars were captivated by the values and outlooks that each of the individuals had toward their work and personal lives.

Many lessons were learned, and the Scholars left with excitement toward their own lives, where they could now implement some of the things that they had learned. As the day came to an end, the Scholars thanked their hosts and headed back to Georgia, awaiting the next visit and lesson from our faithful mentor, Mr. Leonard.