The Holcombe file
Tony Holcombe
president and CEO
Syniverse Technologies Inc.
Born: Carrollton, Ga.
Education: History degree from Georgia State University
First job: I started stringing barbed wire on my grandparents’ farm when I was 14 or 15 years old. Being out there stringing barbed wire in the hot Georgia sun convinced me at a pretty early age that I wanted to go to college.
What is the best business lesson you’ve learned?
The purpose of business is to create a customer. There is nothing more important than that for a business.
What traits or skills are essential for a business leader?
Think strategically and understand the markets of your customers. Your job is to lead the organization to different levels, which means you have to love the organization and meet the needs of your customers and shareholders.
What universal truth have you learned about leadership?
You need to get focused on the ethics and integrity of the people you hire, and you need to set that example yourself. Be honest and forthcoming, and let people know well in advance if something is going to happen. And if you mess something up, work to satisfy any customers that were affected.
What is your definition of success?
Do we retain employees, and keep our shareholders and customers happy? If you do that, you’ve satisfied everyone involved in your business.
