FEATURE
“Robertet’s commitment to doing good for the planet and its
people – it’s at our core – makes working for the company all the
more satisfying.” Further, Bob finds that because sustainability
is a tremendously innovative and evolving space, it also provides
a steady stream of learning opportunities.
Mentoring Bob
“I was fortunate to have really great mentors.”
A noticeable pattern throughout Bob’s life is his passion for
people and understanding them. Bob shared with us that he still
has a mentor – a professor he met while taking courses at the
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business – who
has authored several books including one on leadership that
Bob has read with keen focus. Their mentorship and friendship
has now lasted at least 20 years. “You’re never too old to have
a mentor.”
Learning as a Family
“My wife and children have helped me learn more
about myself.”
Like being a successful student or career professional, being
a good husband and father also requires focus and learning. I
learned from my father’s example that hard work was never an
option. Hopefully I’ve passed this on to my children and today,
the perseverance that I see in them is remarkable. My wife
did an amazing job raising them, as every family conversation
starts with “Dad, you weren’t home when this happened,
but…”. From this experience Bob values and promotes work
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life balance in his organization. He says, it is probably because
he didn’t have it in the beginning. “You can’t buy back time;
allocate it wisely.”
“I was put on this planet to be a grandfather”
The joy on Bob’s face is undeniable as he talks about his family
and his two grandchildren, Penelope and Liam. Not a minute
into talking about them, Bob pulls out his phone and delights us
with some of the most darling kid photos. “There is so much I
am learning when I see the world again through the eyes of my
children and grandchildren.” Bob savors every moment with his
grandchildren. “It’s like experiencing my passion for learning
all over again.”
Calculated and Compassionate
“If I could go back, I would study or take classes in psychology to
learn about understanding people“ Whether it was understanding
people in France in the University, China or co-workers, Bob
has a heart for people. “Over the years, I’ve learned how
fulfilling it is to help people; understanding them, learning
about their issues, which allows me to better help them.”
Bob’s passion for helping people led to his passion for road
biking. It started with his daughter’s diagnosis of Crohn’s Dis-
ease. He discovered a fundraiser that involved biking and met
many people affected by this disease. This motivated Bob to
support his daughter and educate others. Today, he continues to
bike for multiple causes and recreationally.