Corp America February 2017

CORP AMERICA / FEBRUARY 2017 9 , Frombeing a law enforcement officer based in California to being awarded ‘The Business Elite - CEO of the Year – Texas’ - William J. Clough, Esq explains to Corporate America his achievements and his contributions to the success of technology company CUI Global, Inc. The Electro -Mechanical Frontier CUI Global, Inc. is a publicly-traded company dedicated to maximising shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative companies, products and technologies. We specialise in the development, commercialisation and distribution of new and innovative electro-mechanical and natural gas products. Just a couple of examples of what we provide include Orbital Gas Systems’ advanced GasPT2 analyser platform which targets the energy sector and also CUI’s digital power platform which serves the networking and telecom sectors. These are just two examples that showcase our diverse portfolio of industry-leading technologies touching many markets. Because we are a publicly-traded company, shareholders can participate in the opportunities, revenues, and profits generated by the technologies, products and market channels of CUI Global and its subsidiaries. However, and most importantly, we have a commitment to conduct business with a high level of integrity, respect and philanthropic dedication. This then allows our organisation to make a significant difference in the lives of its customers, employees, investors and the global community. As Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel, my role is to handle the day-to-day operation of our international facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. I also develop and implement the corporate vision, mergers and acquisitions strategy, product development, marketing and legal matters which can arise from operations. This is just a snapshot as to what I do at CUI Global. I never thought I would become a CEO. My time at CUI Global started as an investor in 2006. I invested quite substantial money into the company and I originally came into the company as General Counsel, primarily to protect my investment. I assumed the role of Acting CEO in late 2007. I subsequently orchestrated the targeted acquisition of our electro- mechanical division, CUI Inc., and I was appointed President & CEO in conjunction with that acquisition. I began my career as a law enforcement officer in California and I remained in that career for 16 years. During my time in law enforcement, I served as a Municipal Police Officer in California, a Command Officer (Division Commander) in Hawaii and I spent two-years as a U.S Federal Air Marshall flying in Southern Europe and the Middle- East. I had many varied roles whilst working in law-enforcement. These included being a SWAT Team Leader, an Undercover Narcotics Officer, a Robbery- Rape-Homicide Investigator, a Patrol Supervisor and a K-9 Handler amongst others. After gaining a large and varied experience in this profession, I changed professions in the mid-80’s. Having graduated with honours from the University of San Francisco, I got accepted into the University of California, Hasting College of the Law in 1987. I graduated from Hastings, cum laude, in 1990, passed the California BAR and opened my own California law firm with offices in the San Francisco-Bay area, Los Angeles and Honolulu. Whilst I was a California trial attorney for a busy 17 years, I argued cases at all levels, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. As a litigation attorney, I was also responsible for multiple jury verdicts, including several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. This varied background was extremely useful and prepared me for my position at CUI Global. Most particularly, my experience in law enforcement makes me a strong believer in the ‘team approach’ to management and operations. I try to bring the same principles to my company and management team I used to motivate the highly specialised SWAT officers in the field. These principles were crucial, especially in situations which involved high stress and often life or death situations. I have found that these motivational techniques are just as effective at CUI Global as they were in managing these small, specialized tactical teams. The pillars of trust, loyalty, respect, shared objectives, communication and team cohesiveness all work just as well in the business environment. I try to employ all of these on a daily basis here at CUI Global. Of course, I have had to face challenges whilst in my present and past positions. I have learned to adapt quickly when it comes to reacting to both unexpected and expected information and occurrences. It goes without saying that I have overcome many adverse situations in both of my past careers. However, my biggest challenge at CUI Global was “Most particularly, my experience in law enforcement makes me a strong believer in the ‘team approach’ to management and operations.”