These executives have all been able to maximize their professional potential because of a strong understanding of the various aspects of corporate culture, mission and identity. Here are their tips on getting in synch with your organization and finding your place within the company.
Cheryl Monroe
Vice President, Supplier Diversity/Vendor Development, Macy’s East
On Understanding the Organization’s Vision
“We understand that as a huge retailer, 30 percent of our [revenue] is in the multicultural community and we certainly are not willing to sit back and let that pass us by. When you’re in for the long haul and you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, you have to understand your company — where it’s been, where it’s going [and] the values of the company. Make sure that you stay in the loop and are a positive person. You’re a champion and an ambassador for the company.”
Derica Rice
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eli Lilly and Co.
On Balancing Success and a Sense of Purpose
“Everything that I do is geared towards us [being] in the best position to improve patient outcome. I’m [also] responsible for our balance sheet, which is how we manage investments across the firm. I do what I do because [at Lilly] I’m able to meet both my professional and my personal aspirations in one opportunity. My grandmother used to tell me ‘If you could help one person in your life, you’ve reaped the riches of the world.’ In some cases, I’m able to help thousands — if not millions — and that gives me great gratification.”
Ed Welburn
Vice President, Global Design, General Motors
On Staying Connected and Motivating Others
“Working with designers all over the planet means that I’m on my BlackBerry until 11 p.m. and back on at four in the morning. Every project is a little different, I work very broad in the beginning, [I] start with a wide bandwidth of ideas and [then streamline]. I get the most pleasure out of this whole global team. I love designs, I love creativity, and as good as the work is we’ve done, the best is yet to come.”
Sheryl Sellaway
Executive Director of Public Relations, Verizon Wireless
On Growing Professionally
“Take your time and get to really know your craft. Sharpen your tools, and have the willingness to learn from others. Learn as much as you can, [and] if you’re going to be a communications professional, stay on top of what’s going on in the world. Be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I have a responsibility for public relations, so I take on the task of managing media relations, community affairs and employee communications. You have to focus on leadership and what that means. It’s not reading one particular book or video — it’s doing a variety of things.”
Greg Hawkins
Senior Vice President, Community Partners, Arby’s Restaurant Group
On Perseverance
“I think we all have obstacles in life, but I think those who succeed, [have the] ability and willingness to fight through that and get to the goal. We all have challenges, including what we have [had] in the past, but also in the future. [We must] fight through that, work around that, come up with other solutions and alternatives — and at the same time stay committed to and true to [our] ultimate goals.”
