Paul Salisbury is the CEO and co-founder of Dura Software Inc., a local software acquisition company that currently operates seven software companies that employ a combined 350 employees serving thousands of customers worldwide. Salisbury has had a career that consists of more than 25 years in the tech industry, where he has led teams for companies such as Rackspace, Dell, Ernst & Young Consulting, and Procter and Gamble. In his free time, Salisbury loves the Texas outdoors where you can find him on the golf course or at the lake with his wife Dori and two daughters, Jordan and Katherine.
What are the top three qualities of a great leader?
First and foremost great leaders must show, through their actions, passion and commitment to delivering great outcomes for their company and its people - people want to follow leaders who are wholeheartedly invested and committed to winning with them. Secondly, great leaders are good at articulating a clear vision for the business and creating an environment of honesty and transparency where people believe in the mission, trust what their leaders say/do, and know what is expected of them. Lastly, a great leader must be ready and willing and able to modify their plans and approach to meet the constantly changing needs of their industry. Change happens too quickly in today’s workplace and leaders that cannot help their companies adapt quickly and modify course, will get left behind.
What are some diversity, equity and inclusion programs you have implemented at your company?
Diversity is a top priority for Dura and we believe we have an obligation to be a leader in the software industry, which historically has not been known for being highly diverse. DEI efforts have been identified as one of our annual company goals while also being represented as a company core value to “Champion Diversity.” Over the past year, we have driven programs to create awareness and inclusion with efforts such as: Dura Dialogues, sessions that openly and honestly discuss diversity and social issues; Dura circles, which are specific employee resource groups; and lunch and learns where we have had cultural leaders share details about specific ethnic holidays such as Chinese New Year, Día de los Muertos and Veteran's Day, among others. We have also encouraged team members to embrace diversity through recognition and participation in celebrations and holidays including Pride Month, Black History Month and Juneteenth. We have much more work to do, but we are very passionate about making a difference.
The Essentials
Career: CEO and co-founder, Dura Software, 2018 - present; CEO, Moki, 2018-2019; various positions, including senior vice president customer experience and service delivery, Rackspace, 2008-2017; managing principle, Eastern U.S., Dell, 1998 - 2008; consulting senior manager, Ernst & Young, 1997-1999; control systems manager, Procter & Gamble, 1991-1995
Education: MBA, The University of Texas at Austin; B.S., chemical engineering, University of California Santa Barbara
