In his second week as SVP and director of worldwide public affairs and communications of The Coca-Cola Co., Tom Mattia made his first presentation to the board of directors in Atlanta in what he thought was a "nice blue suit." But when he got back home to change for a flight, he noticed he was wearing black pants with his blue blazer.

Mattia says the situation sums up the fast, sometimes hectic pace he's faced since assuming his new position ...