EO Global Board Spotlight

Louis “Sweet Lou” Licata
EO Cleveland, EO Director
EO leader since 2005

What are some things currently on your bucket list?
LL: At ABC Sapporo, I will eliminate one item at the lower-end of my list: curling! I will learn to curl as an activity. But higher up on the list is to learn another language— probably Mandarin.

If you could start a new business in any industry other than your own, which one would it be, and why?
LL: Actually, I’m starting a new business now with two other EO members in the four- to five-star hotel industry. So looking forward, I’m hoping my next business will be in the golf industry. My brother is a non-tour professional golfer, and we have often discussed a junior’s golf school in Asia.

Do you have an interesting hobby that may surprise people?
LL: I compete in thoroughbred-horse-racing competitions as a handicapper. I’ve been to the national championship five out of the past seven years. I’m the only contestant to finish in the top five twice!

What was the last book you read, and why did you start reading it?
LL: I don’t count business books because I read those all the time, and I rarely read the whole book. I also don’t count books I start but don’t finish, which happens often. The last book I read that was a life-changer was The Power of Kabbalah, by Yehuda Berg. I’ve studied Kabbalah for 12 years, and this book changed my life.

What’s the best way to get to know you … over coffee, dinner or drinks?
LL: All three. Dinner with scotch and an excellent Tuscan red wine, and cappuccino to get me home.

Jody Dharmawan
EO Indonesia, EO Director
EO leader since 1997

What’s the first website you visit every morning?
JD: None. I am old school!

What is your proudest moment in business so far? In life?
JD: In business, rebuilding my business after bankruptcy … and I’m still an EO member! In life, my three beautiful children.

What one piece of advice or adage motivates you?
JD: ‘Never lose hope … but don’t count on it either.’

If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why?
JD: The ability to really listen; not just to the word, but to the real meaning behind it. The more I am able to listen, the more I know. The more I know, the better equipped I am.

If there was a book written about your entrepreneurial journey so far, what would it be titled?
JD: My Entrepreneurial Journey So Far...

What do you want your legacy to be in business and life?
JD: My mission in life is to contribute toward the betterment of mankind through empowerment. I would like to transform and transcend lives that I have touched. In business, I would like to see the entity that I have built provide opportunities for stakeholders to prosper and make a contribution to society.

In each issue of Octane, we are highlighting members of EO’s Global Board of Directors, all of whom play an integral role in EO’s success.