A conversation with David Steward, who speaks at Webster April 4
By Benjamin Akande
For the St. Louis American
Benjamin Akande, dean of the School of Business and Technology at Webster University, will host David Steward, chairman/founder of World Wide Technology, on Wednesday, April 4 in the Sunnen Lounge inside the University Center from 7-8 p.m. The event is free, but RSVP at www.webster.edu/speakers or (314) 968-5986.
Akande sat down with Steward in advance of his talk to discuss the future of his company and of St. Louis.
Akande: How do you go from success to significance?
Steward: A company’s ability to change, be flexible (turn on a dime), be creative and entrepreneurial are critical components to success, no matter what size. Smaller companies must look beyond the misconception that the “big boys” have the market. Companies must change and adapt quickly to out-space areas that are perceived as locked markets, using technology as a competitive edge.
Akande: What is new with World Wide Technologies?
Steward: Successful upgrade of our business – a total reengineering (150 people over 18 months).
Akande: What is coming up in your future?
Steward: The goal is to grow this business into a $20 billion company. No one believed that we would be a $2 billion company; we currently are a $5 billion company. This is attributed to the incredible team of people I have the honor and pleasure of working with. In our culture, our employees put their personal preferences aside and do what is in the best interest of the business. We attract and recruit the very best talent locally and nationally (and worldwide), and we put the right people in the right slots.
Akande: What future trends do you see in your business and the industry in general?
Steward: The best supply chain wins at the end of the day, it does not matter what market you are in. Place more value in customer relationships.
Akande: What changes do you see in store for St. Louis?
Steward: This city needs to be a player/competitor in the global marketplace. The future of St. Louis depends on its ability to be open to change and its ability to be an international city. The old caste system will not work today.
Akande: What would you like to see?
Steward: Charles Darwin said it best: It is not the smartest or the strongest that makes difference, it is the one that is most adaptable to change. Attract the best talent in the marketplace. Our growth is attributed to an incredible team that is working together putting personal goals aside to work toward the long-term success of this business. It’s about the attitude; people will usually walk and talk what they believe. You must think outside the box in reference to 5, 10, 20 years in the future, not the past.
Akande: What role has faith played in your success?
Steward: Faith goes beyond the circumstances. Who would have ever expected that World Wide Technologies would be owned by a color of person from Clinton, Missouri? There is nothing else to rely on but faith. At WWT, there is a community of individuals who work hard together and for the best interest of the whole company and not just one individual.