Timothy K. Flanagan
GrafTech International Ltd.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, University of Dayton
Favorite Quote: “Work hard, laugh a lot and always remember friends and family.”
Most Important Leadership Quality: Beyond personal integrity, I think that it is critical that one understands the difference between influence and authority. While authority may give you the right to lead, influence will allow you to be an effective leader.
Proudest Moment: Watching my kids grow up, graduating from high school and now pursuing the next chapters of life in college. To see the people they are becoming continues to amaze me.
My Very First Job and What I Learned From It: Mowing lawns. Understanding customer expectations is key. Some people really care about straight lines.
Hobby/Passion: Shooting sporting clays; it’s like golf with a shotgun, but it’s 100 times better than looking for a golf ball in the woods.
If I Were a Character from a TV Show or Movie, I’d Be: MacGyver (the original version) — secret agent combined with an uncanny ability to get himself into and out of any situation with the use of a Swiss Army knife.