‘Relief or regret’: The rule that guides Greg Brown’s biggest calls at Motorola Solutions

Greg Brown's journey from Motorola's CEO to Motorola Solutions' leader is marked by key career-defining moments that shaped his approach to business. In 2008, Brown became Motorola's CEO at a critical juncture when the company's cellphone business had been surpassed by Nokia and Samsung, and Apple's iPhone launch posed a significant threat. Realizing the company was heading towards bankruptcy, Brown made the strategic decision to spin off the mobility business in 2011, which laid the foundation for Motorola Solutions.

This separation almost didn't materialize. As the board debated whether to keep the company together and retain Brown, Brown confronted them with a "you're either with me or against me" ultimatum, forcing their hand. Later, in 2014, faced with pressure from activist investor ValueAct, the board considered selling the entire company.

Brown, who had already ruled out a sale, delivered a resolute response, stating that such a move would be "dumb" and threatening to resign if they persisted. His wife convinced him to stay, but the intense scrutiny from ValueAct and other investors marked his tenure as CEO.

Brown's tenure as CEO of Motorola Solutions has been defined by his ability to navigate intense scrutiny from activist and private equity investors, including Carl Icahn, ValueAct, and Silver Lake. He credits these experiences for making him a tougher, more strategic CEO. Brown emphasizes the importance of treating ideas, mistakes, and vulnerabilities with openness, encouraging candid communication within his organization.

By focusing on the right information, prioritizing performance management, and leveraging his experience with tough investors, Brown has transformed Motorola Solutions into a $75 billion valuation leader, known for its critical public-safety technologies.