I've been through a couple of mergers - they're not that fun. And it's easy to lose your focus on this grandiose mission you established for yourself as an independent company.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
A merger is hard to pull off under any circumstances. It's harder when everybody is against you.
You're doing a major merger, you got to hope you didn't get it wrong. That's the view of any CEO.
From my point of view, what I really like, what I think is really terrific about my work, is that the company's had the opportunity to train literally thousands and thousands of brand new franchisees to successfully run their very first business.
I've always found a way to make my way, and now I've had the fortune of being hired by a great company - Chrysler Corporation - one of the original Big Three.
My goal in coming to General Motors was to help restore profitability, build a strong market position and position this iconic company for success. We are clearly on that path.
I think every acquisition is unique and different. The best strategy is to listen to the founders and follow their lead.
I've got stuff about airline mergers, which just shows that my stand-up is getting more insane by the minute.
The Ford Motor Company has always been part of my life, and I continue to draw a lot of energy from this wonderful and exciting business.
Every single time you make a merger, somebody is losing his identity. And saying something different is just rubbish.
When you've got a great business going, you go open another and take the risk of losing the whole thing. It's fun!