About Bob Wood

Originally from Arkansas with stops in Tennessee, Maryland and Alabama, my career in higher education and corporate America has afforded me the opportunity to practice leadership in a number of environments. My philosophy is based on a continual pursuit of excellence believing that how you do anything is how you do everything. I believe that successful leadership must have three continual areas of focus—the personal and corporate growth of every member of the team, the growth in participation and collaboration by all members of the team, and the continued growth in respect for and trust of all members of the organization.

I am a frequent contributor to media outlets such as Forbes, Fortune, U.S. New World Report, Spiegel Business (Germany), CNBC.com, and Yahoo.com. I recently appeared on NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist Sunday Focus and was interviewed on the BBC’s Business Matters. I am also a frequent contributor to MoneyGeek.com and WalletHub.com.

I am currently a Professor of Finance in the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama where I was also served as dean for seven years. I was named the Beta Gamma Sigma National Dean of the Year in 2020 and oversaw several large projects creating programming, adding a major in supply chain and logistics, and converting the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree to a PhD program. Prior to my work at the University of South Alabama, I served as dean of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University for four years where I received the Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Dean Award and led the redesign of the student entrepreneurship competition, growing the prize money from $5,000 to over $50,000 per year. I also created The Shore Hatchery, a privately-funded entrepreneurship competition open to residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

During my career, I have worked closely with the regional corporate and governmental
entities to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new relationships. I represented the University of South Alabama as a member of the Paris Air Show delegation. While dean, the Mitchell College cosponsored a Family Business seminar with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. I am active member in a number of community and professional organizations holding leadership positions in many of them.

When not working, I have a number of things that occupy my time. I am a dedicated early morning walker, a yard work enjoyer, an avid reader, a piano player, and a Jimmy Buffett fan.

What’s in a name?
Where did the name Gaines come from? Nine consecutive generations of my family have proudly carried the name Gaines. An unbroken line traces from our earliest documented family member, Cornelius Gaines of Prince William County, Virginia during Revolutionary War times to the newest member of the lineage, Kathryn Gaines. Our family members–farmers, soldiers, and merchants share a continued focus on love for family and respect for others.

What We’re About
It’s a fact that “good” leaders and the majority of teams function at around two-thirds of their true capacity. Although this level will keep a company in business, the move to realize optimal potential requires intentional and continuous effort. Our interactive seminars provide the tools and actions that will help you and your team realize their potential.

What We Believe
We believe that all individuals grow through an increasing belief in their self worth and the self-worth of others.  Similarly, teams grow through an increasing respect for individual team members and an appreciation of the value added by each of the individuals.  It follows that trust is earned by the organization through the demonstrated respect of the individual’s worth and value to the group.

What We Do
We enable individuals and teams to lead themselves and others through a combination of empowering teaching and coaching services. Our programs benefit individuals, teams, and organizations that believe that excellence requires continual effort and a willingness and desire to change. Our consulting expertise includes leadership coaching, team building, strategic planning, and professional mentorship.