1. Your Manheim Auction is the stock exchange of the automobile business. Have your online auction sales continued to grow as anticipated?

Cox entered the auto auction business in 1968 by purchasing its namesake company, the Manheim Auto Auction, in Manheim, PA. With 135 worldwide locations Manheim is now the world's leading provider of automotive services to commercial sellers and automobile dealers. In addition to auction, Manheim offers a full array of services, including reconditioning, certification, title management, managed remarketing, repossession, end-of-lease-term management, retail inspection, and vehicle transportation. We have also had great success with AutoTrader.com. ATC is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information website. They have more than 3 million vehicle listings and attract over 12 million qualified buyers each month.

2. With Manheim, you have gotten dealers to move from a traditionally face-to-face exchange to a digital one. Do you anticipate Cox attempting to replicate this success in your consumer businesses?

Research tells us that 79% of US households are online, and 84% have mobile phones. This is a remarkable statistic and underscores the dramatic change in consumer preferences and expectations. We think there is great opportunity for us to leverage our products to take advantage of growing consumer preferences toward digital communities. We have had some successes and we expect more to come. Consumers in all generations are adopting technology, but younger consumers are harnessing technology to enhance the way they communicate, learn, buy, entertain, get services, and spend their time. We are also working very hard to figure out how to best meet this particular set of consumer needs.

3. Our research tells us that you are a big believer in carefully "managing" one's own career. Do you actively mentor subordinates who may wish to replicate your business achievements?

I strongly believe that you must be proactive in your own development. You need to map out where you want to take your career; accurately assess your skill gaps; develop a plan to address those gaps; and proactively look for opportunities that move you closer to your goals. Identifying mentors to provide advice along the way is a great strategy. Every successful person - and I define successful very broadly - will tell you that they had mentors to help them. I have personally had many mentors and I have mentored many people.

4. You are at the C-Level in one of the premier companies in the US. What advice can you give the young person who is now where you were 20 years ago?

Many people would say "work hard." But I believe there is more to it than just hard work. Working hard is a prerequisite and it gets you to the table. I think you should like what you are doing; if you don't like what you are doing then you should find something else to do. Twenty years will go by fast! Additionally, there are 5 attributes that I think can differentiate you in any job: loyalty, personal integrity, optimism, capacity to anticipate, and drive. Personifying these attributes will set you a part and get you noticed as a leader.

5. How has your financial services experience benefited you in your career at Cox?

I joined Cox Enterprises in 2002. Prior to Cox, I spent nearly 14 years in financial services and insurance industries. The critical skills required for any CIO job are ability to communicate effectively, understanding business processes and operations, relationship building, and strategic planning. I brought a broad and strong business and technology background to Cox. I had M&A experience both domestic and international, I had handled large project rollouts, supported diverse businesses, and managed large IT shops. I felt my skills really complemented Cox. Cox offered me the opportunity to learn the dynamics of a different industry. It is a great company and I am glad to be able to contribute to its growth.