My friends, I have a Bill Johnson story of my own to offer. It’s the story of a lawyer who came to the old Carolina Power & Light Company in 1992, and eventually became the CEO of Progress Energy. He had the honor and privilege of becoming CEO because of the thousands of employees at Progress Energy who conducted their business the right way, every day, and in everything they did. I didn’t get to be CEO because of what I did; I became CEO because of what you did, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity you provided me.
I have been humbled and gratified by the literally hundreds of letters, calls, emails, and posts on this blog of personal support and encouragement over the last several weeks. You have heard and read some critical things about me during those weeks. You have also known me, and worked with and beside me, for the last two decades, and I leave the judgment about the accuracy of these criticisms to you. But I have formed my own judgment about the folks from Progress Energy that I’ve worked with over the last 20 years. Dedicated, honest,smart, caring, nice people — people who gave their best every day to serve customers, to keep themselves and their coworkers safe, and who went that extra mile to make sure what needed done got done. One of the hallmarks of a great organization is the integrity with which its members operate; the Progress Energy people I worked with always demonstrated the highest levels integrity, and enjoyed the trust and confidence of others that comes from such integrity. Another hallmark is the way people within an organization treat each other; the support for diversity, inclusion, and good old-fashioned respect for others was evident in every interaction with employees of Progress.
I could continue my list of positives, but let me just say I have been one of the most fortunate people on this planet because I had the opportunity to work with you and to serve as your CEO. I think of you often, and I wish you the best whether you are a member of the new Duke or chose another route. There are several things worth remembering as you proceed about your business: safety first, every day, every task, every mile; customer service matters, and it matters a lot; respect for and inclusion of others matters, and it matters a lot; and integrity matters, and it matters most of all.
I know you’re with me on that.
You have my respect, my affection, but most of all my thanks for everything you have done.
Bill Johnson
Bill, my sincere appreciation to you for the way you led Progress Energy and the values of integrity, leadership and respect you both modeled and taught. Working with and for you was a true honor and privilege. I wish you success and happiness in your road ahead.
Bill
Bill, best wishes in the future. I agree with Ann Maynard Gray, the board of directors and Uncle Jim that Bill Johnson was just not a good fit for the New Duke Energy after the acquistion of Progress and our Duke culture. The proof is in the balance sheet and the legacy Progress culture.
I met Bill Johnson at a Diveristy class several years ago. I didn’t know who he was, I was just impressed with his gentle professional manner. The class we took was very intense and he never changed his demeanor – he was steady as they go. I talked to him one on one during the breaks as if we were friends for years. Later that year he made a plant visit and by happenstance our path crossed – he remembered my name – out of all the hundreds of people and one day meeting he remembered my name. I always felt he did right by the company, the people and board. I miss him and hope that the people in Progress work everyday honoring all he stood for and fight for what is right not always what is profitable.
Bill; those of us who have had the opportunity to work with you are, in fact, the lucky ones. From the time you and I involved ourselves with the Harris Site licensing through the last several years while I worked in the nuclear supply chain activities, I have never had any feeling other than admiration for the example that you provided to all of us. You have always displayed integrity throughout your time as CEO and before. I recall a presentation you provided to the Nuclear Leadership Meeting under Scotty Hinnant when you said you would like to clone the intensity and urgency of the nuclear team, but also the relationship building of those in other parts of the company. To me, this proposed balance was exemplified in your leadership style. I wish you only the best. Although sorry for what has happened subsequent to the merger, it is your legacy that will endure as an example to all of us no matter what the outcome of this current issue or role we play in the future. I personally thank you for your contribution to the company, but more importantly to our personal lives.
Bill Johnson is the kind of person who writes a large personal check to donate to charity in honor of an employee’s sick wife. We have the utmost respect for Mr. Johnson. Our family is grateful for the personal kindness he showed us. There aren’t many CEOs out there who would take the time to support a regular “non-management” employee. It just goes to show the kind of man he is. Progress has lost a great leader.
Bill,
Words will never express how much I adore (and will always adore) the Progress Energy family. More importantly, Progress Energy provided me with tools to grow, learn, encourage and inspire under one of the most talented female leaders of the organization (please tell her i said hello and i miss her). I am so proud, humbled and fortunate to start my career as a young female professional in the utility industry. But more importantly, to have the opportunity to learn and grow under some of the most talented female professionals in the industry.
Even though I am back in VA, is still follow the local news and was very upset to read an article recently, alluding to how women are regarded in the workplace at Progress Energy and honestly this is completely laughably. What I took away from the articles, personally, was that female executives and/or the Sr management team at Duke never actually had an opportunity to be coached, mentored or lead by the leadership team at Progress Energy. They certainly must have never meet my mentor – the most talented, courageous woman I know… Oh no, I cannot imagine that person has come face to face with my mentor.
You know, It has been almost five years since I left to move back to VA to be closer to my family (only a fool (or a mama’s girl) would have left that job otherwise) and I still hear her voice.. she doesn’t even know it, but she keeps pushing me to be the best I can be!
‘You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do.’
20+ years ago I met Bill Johnson – I was a teenager in an hourly job at the YMCA, and every weekend he would come in to work out and we would cross paths. Our conversations varied from sports, music, politics, business, cars and motorcycles, fitness, and family. Occasionally he would share a few words of wisdom – a recommendation of a good book, sage advice, and directional thoughts to consider – always solicited and never pushed.
As I grew up he tutored me on high school law classes, wrote college recommendation letters, provided perspective on graduate school, and later career advice. When I would return to Raleigh Bill would make time available for lunch or breakfast.
While my father and other family members were / are great role models, Bill being only 20 years older provided a refreshingly younger perspective to life. He was approachable, engaging and had the uncanny ability to see life in a very clear undistracted manner. He often spoke about the importance of kindness and thoughtfulness towards others
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Many other postings recalled how they had been impacted through some unanticipated display of kindness, consideration or thoughtfulness, and appreciated his unique ability to connect with every person regardless of their circumstances, role or level. In reading through so many of the postings above it was impressive to read how he impacted so many others, connected with so many others, and invested in the lives of so many others.
Bill’s leadership, integrity, and genuine interest in others have been refreshing to watch, and read about. His departing words at the Utilities Commission were touching. Bill thanks for being a good role model for me and so many others, we look forward to hearing what is next for you.