C-Suite: Michael Newcity

Fast fact: Newcity has worked for ArcBest Corp. for nearly three decades. He is also president of ArcBest Technologies, which provides IT services to different clients within ArcBest and its subsidiaries.

What do you think is most important in creating a positive culture? Connecting smart and capable people to a compelling vision and clear strategy, and then supporting them any way you can in their roles.

What is the best business advice you have ever received or given? “Generalization is the death of art [and innovation or anything else worthwhile].” This came from a high school theater teacher, and it stuck with me.

What is the most used app on your phone? If not including the phone app, it would be a tie between Audible and Spotify.

What’s the most recent book you read or the most recent on-demand series you’ve watched? On-demand series: “Light & Magic,” a 2022 documentary series that recounts the history of the motion picture visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) from its founding in 1975 to its key role in the development of visual effects in filmmaking. Book: “Every Good Endeavor” by Timothy Keller.

If you had $1 million to give, what would you support? I prefer giving to anything that tackles the causes of education and injustice, especially in the poorest communities of the world. Locally, I love The CALL, and globally, World Vision, both of which support children and families in crisis.

Which supporting skills do you think are most important when it comes to leadership? Empathy. Listening. A lot of listening.

If you could change one thing about your leadership style, what would it be and why? I could always use a bit more patience. I like getting results quickly.

What is one thing you would change about your company if you could today? That’s a tough question. The hold music? I love the trajectory ArcBest is on in solving critical and tough logistics challenges for its customers.