Harris & Associates Inc. has had just two chief executives in its 36 years, and the departure, in 2010, of a designated heir apparent didn't help the California professional service firm in changing out its aging leaders. So, knowing it faced a tough market and tougher decisions ahead, the firm agreed to a new direction. "We couldn't just give lip service for succession planning," says outgoing President and CEO Guy Erickson. "Because of the economy, it was time to change the way we were doing business. It was time for a new wind to blow."
The change hit the firm with hurricane force. After an extensive search, Harris took the advice of its board consultants to bring in an outsider who was neither a professional engineer nor allowed to use the men's room. Lisa V. Larrabee—degreed in geology and a seasoned but not well-known industry manager—was initially referred to as "the chick," admits one company manager. Now, when referring to Larrabee and the corporate and cultural changes she has implemented, staffers use the phrase "breath of fresh air."