In this special tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Bob Chapman, former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, following his recent passing. Bob shares the defining experiences that shaped his belief that “everybody matters,” from his upbringing in Ferguson to reconnecting with his father. This episode reflects his commitment to building people-first cultures and redefining what leadership should look like. Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on empathy, responsibility, and leading with care.

Bio: Bob Chapman was more than a business leader, author and speaker, he was a relentless optimist who dedicated his life to building a better world. He worked to redefine what it meant to be a leader in business, to further the understanding that it was an awesome responsibility because the way we lead impacts the way people live. He worked tirelessly to bring more caring to business and built the foundation for Barry-Wehmiller to champion new definitions for success in business: by demonstrating that economic growth and human vibrancy can exist in harmony.

Bob became CEO of a struggling Barry-Wehmiller in 1975 upon the death of his father, William Chapman. At the time, the company was a $20 million supplier of equipment for the brewing industry. As of 2025, when Bob handed the reigns of the business to his son Kyle Chapman, the current President and CEO, Barry-Wehmiller had become a $3.6 billion-plus global powerhouse with 12,000 team members and a portfolio spanning industrial and packaging automation, professional services, and life sciences technology.

Beyond his business acumen, in the late 1990s into the 2000s, Bob underwent a personal transformation that changed his thinking from that of traditional “management” to what would later be called Truly Human Leadership.

He then spent the last 15 years of his life sharing the lessons of his transformation by writing prolifically and speaking to audiences around the world.

Bob once answered a question of what he would want his eulogy to say with: “He genuinely cared for the people whose lives he had the privilege of touching.” He often said he would not go to his grave proud of the equipment built or services provided at Barry-Wehmiller but, instead, the people who built them.

Everyone in the Barry-Wehmiller family is proud to have been part of Bob’s span of care and our thoughts are with his beloved wife Cynthia and the entire Chapman family at this time.

Something Extra: “Understanding that everybody is someone's precious child.”

Guest Links:

• Barry-Wehmiller

• Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute

• Everybody Matters Podcast