CEO of $90 billion Waste Management Hauled Trash and Went to 1 a.m. Safety Briefings

At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive for the CEO of a massive waste management company to be literally hands-on with trash. But according to Jim Ringel, President and CEO of Waste Management, that's exactly what he did early in his career.

Ringel shared some fascinating anecdotes from his background during a recent interview. He explained how working alongside sanitation workers helped him appreciate the hard work and dedication required for this often-overlooked job. By seeing the daily grind firsthand, Ringel gained valuable insights that shaped his approach to leadership.

• He even attended 1 a.m. safety briefings with drivers, showing his commitment to their well-being and safety on the job.
• "It's not always just dollars and cents," he emphasized, highlighting the importance of balancing financial considerations with human concerns.

This kind of dedication is exactly what Ringel has brought to his role at Waste Management. With a company valuation of over $90 billion, it's clear that his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the industry.