Red Team- Leadership Interviews
John Davis is the former CEO of American Saw and a Senior Trustee of the George and Irene Davis
Foundation. Grounded in the belief of hard work, family and philanthropy, Mr. Davis concentrates much
of his philanthropic and community efforts in the Pioneer Valley—specifically Springfield and the
surrounding areas.
Bob Pura, President of Greenfield Community College, views education as an opportunity for personal
transformation and democracy; through education you have access to pursue a more satisfying,
challenging life and be engaged in something you are passionate about. Mr. Pura is a firm believer in
establishing a work-life balance and maintaining relationships with family to be a better, more balanced,
leader.
As we interviewed Mr. Davis and Dr. Pura, we observed that they exhibited many of the Leadership
Competencies described by Seaman in Positive Leadership. The chart below notes our observations
based on our interviews with each man.
Leadership Competency
Authenticity
Purpose
Sponsorship
Resilience
Community Building
Reason
Gratitude
Dr. Pura
Mentioned authenticity as one
of his core values
Articulated that his motivation
to lead stemmed from a desire
to serve and contribute in a
meaningful way.
Advocating for greater access to
educational opportunities
through the community college
system
Has led GCC for many years
through various changes and
challenges. He also struggles
with a work/life balance, but
continues to attempt to find a
happy median nonetheless.
His role as President of a
community college makes him a
focal point of a community and
surrounding areas in which he
lives and works.
(if reason to lead) = he has a
desire to serve and contribute in
a meaningful way. Additionally,
he desires to follow his passions
and interests.
Did not see evidence of
Mr. Davis
Appeared to be authentic based
on interview team’s assessment
His purpose to lead stems from
his desire to see people “win”
(succeed).
Providing financial support for
issues and needs in the Greater
Springfield area.
Helped guide business by
utilizing Toyota principles of
LEAN management.
Inspired by a trip to Grand
Rapids, MI—Institute to Heal
Racism through the Chamber of
Commerce which he supports
and was instrumental in helping
bring to area.
He is motivated to lead because
wants to see others succeed.
Spoke of how fortunate he and
his family are financially and the
sense of duty/responsibility that
accompanies his fortune.
One commonality between both Mr. Davis and Mr. Pura is their focus on education and the
opportunities it provides for growth as well as a connection to the community and others. They have
both been influenced greatly by their families, specifically having immigrant parents who dedicated a lot
of their time and life to work. Their families left lasting impressions on their values and the ways they
shaped their careers. Mr. Davis credits his grandmother for his strong interest in philanthropy and
continued work with the Davis Foundation. Mr. Pura was keenly away of creating a work/life balance,
something that his father didn’t personally feel he achieved, and that Mr. Pura indicated a strong desire
to create for himself and encourage in future leaders.
One core difference between Mr. Pura and Mr. Davis was their self-identified motivation to lead. Mr.
Davis’s main motivation in work and leadership is winning, and seeing other people succeed while Bob is
motivated by a desire to serve and contribute to his community in a meaningful way. They also defined
diversity differently, Mr. Davis focusing on racial/ ethnic differences and Mr. Pura relating to diversity in
a broader sense of “fit”, views, and inclusion in the community. In speaking about fostering diversity,
Mr. Pura stated “assumptions about fit need to be confronted at all times.”
Another contrast the group identified was the way in which they define and participate in community.
Mr. Pura felt strongly that you must live and be an active daily participate in the community where you
lead to be your most effective. He guides the vision of GCC, and is prepared to represent his institution
at all times. Mr. Davis does not live in Springfield, and maintains a separation between his work with the
Davis Foundation in the community, and his personal life.
The lessons our group took away from our time with these men is the importance of listening to
everyone, at all levels in a work environment, in order to be in touch with the reality and pulse of the
institution. As a member of a team, it can be challenging to hear all voices equally and yet be efficient,
although it can also allow for more creative ideas or the refining of ideas. Moving forward, the group
will incorporate these lessons in our team activities, particularly in regards to balancing schedules and
time commitments through efficiency and organization to ensure participation of all group members.