My CEO Life

Here is another question – i must be on a roll

What specific turning points (sudden or gradual) moved you significantly forward along your path moving up the corporate ladder towards becoming a CEO? Secondly, what was the first thing you did coming out of college or grad school that got you set on a path of success/progression? Or, were there initial obstacles that you had to deal with?

So the first question … first!!  The biggest turning point was taking a risk.  I saw an opportunity to run a company and i made a sales pitch to the board, had the incumbent sacked and took over running the business.  I made my own luck.  If i had not taken the risk and made a pitch to the board – the safety net would not have appeared and i would not be typing today.

As for the second question – the first thing i did after college was going into sales with IBM. This was a great start as i learned to sell – computers, myself, everything.  From this i was able to understand what makes a sales person tick — no sales, no revenues – therefore this is probably the most critical skill i learned.

I also did an MBA and went to work for McKinsey and co for 4.5 years … this is much better than an MBA.  Management consulting (for a short period of time) is a great lesson.  Too long and you just become so detached from the real world!!!

There you go … some more about me.

1. Pennies from Heaven

   Have you ever had on of those days when things go right and more importantly, something great just pops up and you cant say no. Well i had one of those days last week.  I was working away and received...

2. CEO Pay Packets – Are they Justified?

   I had a question from Stacey I am taking an online college course and my teacher has given us a discussion topic “Do you believe U.S. executives are overpaid?”  I was wondering if you could help me and tell me...

3. Great Comebacks – Recovering from Major Stuff Ups

   Have you ever had one of those days when nothing, i mean absolutely NOTHING, goes right. Well yesterday was one of those days. The day started with one of our rocket scientists confusing an “=” sign with a “>” sign...

4. Part 1 – How to Attract Excellent People

   I was recently asked the question “how do you attract and retail excellent employees?” This entry looks at the first part of the equation – attraction. Almost all businesses have the major issue of attracting new staff unless you are...

5. So what is My CEO Life all about?

   Welcome to the My CEO Life. Have you always wondered what it is like at the top but never really known for sure? Have you always walked around the office a little afraid of the boss? Have you always wondered...