My Brush With Corporate Fame

Back in the early 1980s, I was employed as a young public opinion analyst for the renowned survey firm of Cambridge Survey Research/Cambridge Reports, Inc. One of the syndicated products of the firm was a 1,500-member, in-person survey conducted nationally each quarter. The survey covered a wide range of topics, including: politics, economics, energy, and consumer confidence. Several large corporations subscribed to the survey—including its extensive written analysis—for a hefty fee (at least it seemed hefty in the 80s).

Many of the larger subscribers would request personal data presentations by principals of our company. One of these was Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler was headed up by its legendary CEO Lee Iacocca. Iacocca was previously president of Ford Motor Company, where he was responsible for the development of several iconic American cars—most notably the Ford Mustang. His tenure at Chrysler was marked by an incredible financial turnaround—helped in part by a 1979 federal loan guarantee. 

In 1981, I was tapped to do the personal data presentation to Iacocca and the Chrysler Board of Directors. One of our partners was originally scheduled to be there, but was unable to make it. So, as a 29-year-old analyst, I headed to Detroit with celluloid transparencies in hand. I knew of Iacocca and his reputation for flying into fits of rage—while chomping down on an ever-present cigar. To put it mildly, I was nervous. 

I waited outside the Chrysler boardroom for my scheduled 10AM presentation. Ten o’clock came and went—as did 11AM, 12PM and 1PM. At around 2:30PM, the board meeting started to break-up, with people streaming out of the room. Then, Iacocca himself strolled over to me, shook my hand and said, “I’m sorry, kid. Our meeting went a little long and we just don’t have time for your presentation. I’m sure it was brilliant.” He smiled and walked away. So, all of my angst was for naught. But I did get to meet a celebrated American CEO and live to tell the story.