Sometimes the best advice comes from people who have been there. For both junior and seasoned healthcare managers, receiving free advice from a top corporate executive could be money in the bank in terms of their career. Asking a friend or family member for advice if they haven’t “lived it” means all they’re doing is sharing an opinion. But advice from a C-suite executive is valuable precisely because they’ve made it to the top of the ladder. While most of us never get the chance to learn from the advice of people who have really been where we’re trying to go, U.S. News & World Report shared some counsel from some of the top career executives in their fields. Here’s what they had to say for themselves.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market, which was recently purchased by Amazon, bills itself as “America’s Healthiest Market.” Whole Foods has a unique target audience; people who are seeking organic and natural foods delivered with the highest standards for health in mind. Walter Robb, the co-CEO of Whole Foods has a piece of advice for job seekers, sharing a tip he got from his mom years ago. She said, “Have the courage to go and do what you believe.” With Whole Food profits soaring above $12 billion” the advice seems to be working.
The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the U.S. is on a mission to protect and defend the welfare of animals. The current CEO, Wayne Pacelle, has been promoting that mission for the past nine years. His best career advice is to concentrate on a few big things to make an impact, instead of spreading yourself too thin.
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Cool motorcycle club Harley-Davidson is continuing their mission to promote this unique form of transportation as an American symbol of individualism and freedom. CEO Keith Wandell has a simple bit of advice for the aspiring ladder climber. The U.S. News & World Report article quoted Wandell as suggesting, “Just stay true to your values and principles.”
C-SPAN
As one of the nation’s largest and most well-respected news organizations in the county, C-SPAN, focuses their attention on Washington, showing televised coverage of our nation’s elected leaders. Susan Swain and Rob Kennedy are co-CEOs of C-SPAN, and they have some helpful advice for career seekers. They suggest talking less and listening more, while always being aware of the make-up of your audience.
Dairy Queen
Who doesn’t love Dairy Queen? DQ has been feeding America’s sweet tooth for 75 years. The brand inevitably brings up visions of summer fun. The career advice from CEO John Gainor is just as lighthearted. He told U.S. News & World Report, “I think it’s very important that you don’t want work to be work.” Well said!
Royal Caribbean International
Another company that knows a little something about food – and travel – is Royal Caribbean. The company has been a leader in the cruise line industry for 46 years. The company website says they sail 23 cruise ships across 288 destinations in 77 countries. The corporate captain of this cruise ship company is Adam Goldstein. His best career advice is to focus on job stability, find a professional home, and stay there long-term.
For more career advice, start the conversation with a UHC Solutions talent executive.
