What advice would you give to a student who wanted to follow in your footsteps
I recommend three things. First, build strong analytical problem solving skills. Your ability to convince the professional world that you are "smart" and "high potential" will be closely linked to how well you think and communicate with "structure". Read Ken Ohmae`s book "The Mind of the Strategist", try to get some experience in strategy consulting (or at least learn the frameworks that consulting firms use to structure business problems. Second, lead at least one initiative on campus or in the community that drives meaningful, quantifiable impact. This will be key to your leadership story and will develop yourself as a leader. Make sure you leave college with at least 10 meaningful relationships with people who you are confident can help you achieve your short and long term goals. These should be other students, professors, alums, etc.
What PROFESSIONAL experience(s) had the greatest developmental impact you?
Moving from NBA Latin America to lead the NBA`s operations in Japan was an incredibly valuable experience because it took me as far away as I could possibly get from my comfort zone into a business environment that I had to learn from scratch. This experience was extremely challenging and but it gave me confidence that if I could succeed there, then I certainly had what it took to build my own venture as well.
What is the best piece of advice you have every received?
As you demonstrate that you are competent and can get things done, it becomes all about the relationships. It is not who you know, but instead it is who knows you well and thinks highly enough that they will go to bat for you.
What advice would you give to an experienced professional (5-10 years work experience)
looking to transition into a career in you
field
Focus on finding an organization whose leaders and culture fit what you are seeking. No matter how much you identify with an organization`s mission, you must connect with the people who will most influence your experience and believe you be at your best in their culture.
List favorite personal or professional development resources (e.g. books, periodical,
websites)
Book
- "The Mind of the Strategist" by Kenichi Ohmae