Larry Goodman

President & CEO, Cleveland Ballet

Education: AM and doctoral degree, University of Chicago; bachelor’s degree, Bucknell University

What Success Looks Like to Me: Success for me means that I have left the organization I am leading better, healthier and more robust than it was when I began working there. And it means that the organization has improved me as well.

Favorite Quote: I find the following two quotes work well together: “I’d rather be lucky than good” and “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: Probably my dog. Boy, does he have the life!

My Leadership Style: Unabashed enthusiasm, tempered with the knowledge that I have so much to learn. Above all, people need to be both listened to and heard.

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: I am somewhat of a Supreme Court nerd — I read everything I can find about the court and its history.

An Important Lesson I Learned: When you talk more than you listen, people tend to tune you out.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Smoking a cigar on my rooftop deck in Tremont