In this powerful conversation, host John R. Miles interviews Giles Stewart, a former Fortune 50 IT executive who transformed massive organizations at companies like Dell and Lowe’s through bold leadership, culture-building, and empowerment.
Now thriving in retirement, Giles shares his remarkable journey of rediscovering passion and purpose after stepping away from corporate life—finding unexpected drive through indoor rowing, blogging, and embracing a new chapter full of meaning and vitality.
Whether you’re navigating career transitions, seeking deeper fulfillment, or wondering “What’s next after retirement?”, this episode offers practical wisdom on reigniting your spark and living with intention.
From Crisis to Command Center: Giles Stewart’s Leadership at Lowe’s
Giles Stewart first connected with host John R. Miles when the two joined forces to help Lowe’s rebound from what was then the most devastating cybersecurity attack in retail history. You’ll hear the gripping details of how John, Giles, and the entire IT team rallied together—working around the clock in true collaborative spirit—to design and launch a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art command center that restored operations and set a new standard for crisis response.
This segment delivers powerful, actionable lessons in execution under pressure, in true team empowerment, and in building a bold, long-term vision that turns chaos into lasting strength.
In 2013, Giles took his expertise to Dell, an iconic tech giant where the pace and culture felt worlds apart from Lowe’s more structured environment. Hear how Dell’s rapid growth through major acquisitions transformed it from a hardware powerhouse into a full-spectrum software and services leader—and how Giles navigated that dynamic shift to drive impact.
Whether you’re a leader facing high-stakes challenges, building resilient teams, or simply inspired by stories of turning adversity into advantage, these insights from Giles Stewart will fuel your own growth and purpose.
While at Dell from 2013 onward, Giles witnessed and helped drive the company’s explosive growth through aggressive acquisitions, transforming it from a hardware giant into a software and services powerhouse. You’ll gain insider insights into the real-world acquisition playbook big organizations use, including proven strategies for bridging cultural clashes and successfully assimilating teams during rapid integration.
Craving greater personal impact in a more intimate setting, Giles transitioned to Acelity, a smaller organization where he inherited a team in total disarray—low morale, fractured identity, and poor performance. Discover how he rebuilt it from the ground up with a refreshingly honest, no-BS leadership style that fostered ownership, accountability, and a powerful new team identity.
After retiring in 2018, Giles once again confronted the challenge of rediscovering his drive—this time outside the corporate world. He found an unexpected spark through indoor rowing, which not only reignited his passion but also transformed his daily life: better sleep, healthier eating habits, and the launch of his personal blog (giles-stewart.com), where he shares reflections on resilience, goals, and overcoming resistance.
This full-circle journey is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, chase purpose, and thrive—whether in the boardroom or on the rowing machine.
Questions That I Ask Giles Stewart During This Show
- Could you share your experience at Lowe’s and how you helped deal with the largest cybersecurity hack in the history of the retail industry?
- What were some of the cultural differences between Lowe’s and Dell?
- Why did you decide to leave Dell to work for Acelity?
- How did you turn around the reputation of your team at Acelity?
- What is your advice for smaller companies that are being acquired by a larger company?
- After retirement, what was the key turning point that re-ignited your fire?
What You Will Learn In This Show About Finding Purpose in Retirement
- Opening up the acquisition’s playbook
- Understanding the cultural differences that exist between large organizations
- Finding a hobby that aligns with your interests
- How to shed stress and cultivate mindfulness
Quotes About Finding Purpose in Retirement
“When we talk about acquisitions, people see dollar signs flying around. But at the end of the day, it is the people and culture that are left ahead”.
“We create a cultural change within the whole department by helping the team create identities for themselves”.
“I was looking for an opportunity where I would be empowered and have the ability to make to make changes”.
Follow Giles Stewart Here:
https://www.instagram.com/stewdaddyg/
Website: https://giles-stewart.com/
https://linktr.ee/GilesStewart
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