Senior Executive Interview Interview Team: Debby Kinsley, Jamie Boone & Bob Dullea Senior Executive Interview Debby Kinsley Bob Dullea Jamie Boone

Wally Walker - Bio Former NBA player, played eight seasons in NBA- five with Seattle. Played on two championship teams. After basketball, earned MBA at Stanford. Became a Chartered Financial Analyst, worked for Goldman Sachs for seven years. In 1994, began work as Sonics General Manager. Engineered acquisition of Sonics in April 2001, bought in as part of new ownership group headed by Howard Schultz. Became President and CEO.

Sonics Culture Old Culture: Centralized command and emphasis on maximizing revenue. New Culture: Greater entrepreneurial spirit through organization. Decisions pushed down. Focus on reducing costs and increasing margins.

Sonics Culture Basketball Model: –Play to win every game. –Goal to make playoffs this year. –Rebuild while remaining competitive. –Keep Payton, but develop younger talent. –Future is in three years. Business Model: A sustainable business model is as important as a winning team. Cultural Model: Have to enjoy coming to work, and share excitement around organizational success. Basketball Personnel Decision Model: Input from all basketball operations team members=> consensus.

Leadership Style Emotional Resilience Develop a long-term plan, and stick to it, unless there is a substantive reason to change. Work with people you like and respect.

Leadership Style Hire Good People and let them take responsibility: Nate McMillan, Rich Cho, Rick Sund. Focus on mission of creating a great experience for all Sonics fans- fun and friendly. Players are assets. Casual and Friendly Style – came out to greet us, open collar, open attitude. Passion for organization, along with game.

Professional Challenges Zero sum game: as many losers as winners. Competition includes owners willing to throw away money. Media Management: People who have to write every day about the Sonics need to build drama. Must set correct expectations.

Personal Challenges Occupying a highly public position: He knows he will be personally criticized in public media. Not getting too caught up in the highs of winning or lows of losing. Keep sight on long term goals, not last night’s game. Maintaining work/life balance. Carve out time for family. Keep other interests including reading and board work.