Trey White, 37
Vice president, controller and chief accounting officer, BlueCross BlueShield of TN
Who’s your favorite “Game of Thrones” character?
While it may be a shock, I’ve never seen one “Game of Thrones” episode. With a 9-month-old at home and a daily schedule that has me up before 5 a.m. and to bed around 9 p.m., I don’t find much time to fit in television shows.
Which GOT character do you think you would be?
Having not seen GOT, it’s impossible to select a character. However, I’d hope there is a character that is the one everyone wants to know and be friends with, who brings light and life to all. If there is such a character, that’s who I’d select. My assumption is that is not the case, given what I’ve heard about the show.
Who would you have put on the Iron Throne?
Ouch – an iron throne? Sounds incredibly uncomfortable. Is this a throne that someone of royalty sits on? If so, I’d put the individual that created the Iron Throne on it, make him realize how uncomfortable such a throne would be! Perhaps that would inspire that individual to create something with cushioning.
Last book you read and/or show you binge-watched?
The last book I read was John Maxwell’s “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions.” This book focuses on several questions that good leaders should be asking of their superiors, their peers, subordinates, and more. I’ve quickly become a big fan of John Maxwell and have just started his newest book, “Leadershift.”
If you ruled the world (or Chattanooga), what would you change?
If I ruled Chattanooga, I’d first want to understand the challenges around infrastructure and what causes the necessary construction projects to take so incredibly long. I’d also like to understand better how to continue to grow as a city like we have seen in recent years, yet maintain the small-town vibe that makes Chattanooga so special.
Who would be on your advisory council?
First, I’d pick my wife, Annie, because she is the most social person I’ve ever known and can develop a positive relationship with everyone she meets. She also is my sounding board in life and reminds me regularly to be cautious with the delivery of my messages. She also reminds me to have fun more often than I would by my inherent nature.
Is ruler a position you’d even want?
Personally, I don’t care for the term “ruler” and prefer the term “leader.” To me, the term “ruler” insinuates that this person is leading a group of people by force based on his/her personal preference. However, a leader guides others and strives to bring out the best in the team or group of people he/she is leading – and generally does so by example.
What drives you professionally and/or personally?
The safety, security and well-being of my family is always my top driving force in what I do on a daily basis. Every morning that I wake, I make a decision to do what’s best for my wife, my son, my friends, my colleagues and the 3.5 million members that we serve at BCBS of TN.
What’s one thing you’d really like to accomplish? Has that goal changed over the years?
When I was in college, I’d always hoped to one day be a corporate controller or CFO at a large organization. I’m very blessed that I was given this opportunity to be the controller at BCBS of TN at the age of 32. Every day, I work to affirm the executive leadership at BCBS of TN that this decision was a good one.