Roy's career is anything but traditional. He describes himself as a product of adaptability, crediting mentors who believed in him before he learned to believe in himself. His extensive resume includes serving as President of an Inc. 500 company and CEO of a publicly traded firm that was ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in its category. Throughout his journey, he has worked with dynamic founders and entrepreneurs who are "really changing the world." Our conversation with Roy was a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and the mindset required to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.

The Intersection of Sustainability, AI, and Innovation

Roy is currently focused on the sustainable energy sector, working as the Chief Operating Officer for Hudson Sustainable, a company dedicated to making a significant impact on how people choose to live. He mentioned a groundbreaking project involving the Paulownia tree, a hardwood with the potential to offset carbon globally. Roy emphasized that while developed nations have an "emotional and philosophical obligation" to contribute to a sustainable future, every country must do the best it can with the resources it has.

We also discussed the impact of technology, specifically AI and large data centers, on sustainability. Roy shared a historical perspective, reminding us of the skepticism that met the personal computer and the copier. He sees a similar dynamic with AI, which he views as a powerful tool, not a toy. Drawing a parallel to the movie Wall-E, he warned against becoming overly reliant on technology. Instead, he advocates using AI as a coach to gain new perspectives and insights, believing that those who leverage it will prosper, while those who are victimized by it will suffer.

The PRO Mentality: Persistency, Resourcefulness, and Optimism

When asked about the future of business, Roy championed the importance of resourcefulness over resources. He noted that today's tools and technology allow young entrepreneurs to achieve revenue levels that were once unimaginable. He quoted Tony Robbins, "resources aren't as important as resourcefulness," and reinforced that success comes from a willingness to learn and adapt.

This philosophy is at the core of his upcoming book, The Entrepreneur's Toolbox. In it, he outlines a key tool for success: the PRO mentality.

• P is for Persistency: The discipline to keep going, which he describes as "grit."
• R is for Resourcefulness: The application of your available resources (people, time, money) to find creative solutions.
• O is for Optimism: The belief that things will work out, driven by a sense of gratitude.

According to Roy, these three qualities are the keys to building a successful business and a fulfilling life.

Leadership in an "Either/Or" World

Roy offered a powerful framework for navigating uncertainty and leadership challenges. He introduced the concept of "polarity responding," explaining that in business and life, we often default to an "either/or" mentality. He challenged this by proposing a "yes, and" approach. By adopting this mindset, we can reframe every obstacle as a potential opportunity. This "opportunistic entrepreneurship," as he calls it, is about identifying problems and filling them with solutions, or spotting opportunities and pursuing them with "gusto and vigor."

When looking for a new leadership position, Roy applies a set of principles to ensure he can make a meaningful contribution. He looks for organizations that are:

• Doing good: The business's goal is more than just making money.
• Optimistic: The culture embraces a positive outlook.
• Visionary: The founder or leader is focused on long-term impact.

He also applies his own "Six R's" tool to every aspect of a company, from its core Role to its ultimate Rewards, to ensure everyone understands their purpose and contribution.

The Six C's and One Piece of Advice

Roy teased a few of his other tools, including the "Six E's" for embracing and executing new ideas: Embrace, Educate, Enhance, Excite, Empower, and Execute. He emphasized the importance of listening to learn, not just to respond, as a fundamental rule of communication and leadership.

When asked for one piece of advice that changed his perspective, he provided a simple yet profound framework for success: Be clear on what you are trying to do, understand why you are trying to do it, know how to do it, identify who is doing it with you, and set a clear deadline for when it needs to be done. By answering these five questions, he believes you can simplify your path and achieve your goals with greater ease.