Gates Corporation’s Post

The Unexpected Promotion_ John, a diligent employee, received an unexpected promotion. CEO: "John, your dedication and teamwork impressed us. You're now our new Department Head." John: "Wow, thank you! But who will replace me?" CEO: "Your former intern, Alex. You trained him well." John realized his success wasn't just about personal achievement but also empowering others. Moral:_ Leadership is about growing others, not just yourself. #teamwork #leadershiplesson #productivity #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

As we celebrate #NationalInternDay, I'm reflecting on my recent energizing and enlightening conversation with Merck's 2024 intern class. Every summer, I look forward to meeting with these fresh, fearless, and forward-thinking future leaders – and this year's engagement was no exception. Our discussion sparked some key takeaways that can propel and power careers at any stage: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. You are the CEO of your career – develop a clear strategy and execute it with purpose and precision. Set ambitious yet achievable goals, and regularly reassess your progress. Be open to pivoting when necessary, but always stay true to your principles. Remember, a well-charted course allows for detours and discoveries while keeping you oriented towards your ultimate destination. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆'𝘀 𝗕𝗦). Balance transparency and diplomacy, tackling challenging conversations and pushing through discomfort with grace and grit. Don't shy away from voicing your ideas or concerns, even if they go against the grain. Cultivate the courage to respectfully challenge the status quo when needed. Your unique perspective is valuable – own it, articulate it, and use it to drive positive change. 𝟯. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. Too often, emerging leaders view activity as an end in and of itself. Instead, focus on impactful work that aligns with strategic goals. Cultivate the ability to prioritize effectively, delegate when appropriate, and say no to tasks that don't drive meaningful and tangible outcomes. True productivity is measured by results, not by hours logged. From rising stars to seasoned professionals, I'm confident that by embracing these principles and building strong relationships, we'll create lasting impact and drive positive change for ourselves, our companies and communities at large. And to our remarkable interns, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for bringing your authentic selves, positive energy, and curious minds to our work.

The Power of Career Lattices In 2007, I was nearing the end of my post-merger integration assignment in Germany when the Head of EMEA IT asked me to return to the Philippines for a temporary role: Interim Regional Director of IT Asia for six months. The Head of IT Asia was heading to Australia for a long-term assignment, and I was asked to fill the gap. As is often the case with these types of assignments, one of two things usually happens: 1) you complete the assignment and return to your previous role, or 2) the assignment becomes permanent, leading to the career progression you’ve been aiming for. I was hoping for the second option, thinking about my career ladder and wanting to move upward. My six-month assignment went well, and as it ended, I was eagerly looking for my next step. What came next, however, wasn’t what I had envisioned as the next rung on my ladder. I was offered a position in Mexico as a Process Analyst/Consultant at the company’s corporate headquarters. At that time, it didn’t feel like the upward career move I was hoping for. But then, my mentor-manager gave me some advice that changed my perspective. He said, “Think of where you are now as the minor leagues. We’re bringing you to the majors here at corporate. You might start on the bench, but you’ll be in the big leagues.” That advice convinced me to take a leap of faith. That move to Mexico was a pivotal moment—it eventually led me to the U.S., into a new industry in consumer packaged goods, and ultimately, to becoming a Chief Information Officer. I learned one important lesson: careers aren’t ladders—they’re lattices. Sometimes the most valuable experiences come from stepping sideways, not upwards. The journey is not just about climbing up; it’s about moving across, learning, and growing in all directions. What happens when that vertical path isn’t what you want? When your skills or interests shift? The truth is, most careers, especially in technology, are far from linear. We need flexibility, the opportunity to move laterally, to take on different challenges, and to develop new perspectives. That’s the lattice! I’m excited to join our third MAG IT LEAD PACK cohort in Vancouver next week for a week-long tech leadership boot camp. Based on the success of previous years, I’m confident it will be an incredible learning experience, being surrounded by a talented group of IT leaders at Mark Anthony. I’ll be kicking off with a perspective on how to achieve career fulfillment in technology by understanding and navigating different career journeys: (a) Career Movement: Lattice vs. Ladder, (b) Career Tracks: Technical or Leadership, and (c) Career Development: Skills and Competencies. In a world that’s evolving as quickly as ours—especially with advancements like AI—the most successful leaders will be those who embrace the lattice approach, blend technical expertise with leadership, and commit to lifelong learning. MAG IT LEAD PACK 2024, here we go! #tech #leadership

🎉 Congratulations to our EU Business School students interviewed by Cartier, EY, and Apple this week! 🎉 We are incredibly proud of your achievements and career development. Here are some takeaways to remember: 👍 A good job is about alignment with company culture, goals, team, and management, not just big brands. 📈 The job search is a growth process. Each rejection is an opportunity to find a better fit. 💫 Stay flexible; high expectations aren’t always met as imagined. Keep inspiring others with your success! 🤩 #EUBusinessSchool #CareerSuccess #ProudMoment #FutureLeaders #CareerGrowth #JobSearchTips

Today marks a significant milestone for me—one year since I embarked on my professional journey. It feels like just yesterday when I stepped into the office for the first time, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirled within me. The transition from being a new colleague to a confident professional was both exhilarating and challenging, often pushing me out of my comfort zone. In the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to spend 8 enriching months at my previous company, where I developed valuable skills and forged meaningful relationships. The collaborative spirit and supportive environment fostered a culture of continuous learning, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. Each challenge I faced was not merely an obstacle but a stepping stone toward improvement. Now, as I reflect on my 5 months in my current role, I continue to embrace change and adapt to new challenges. This journey has taught me that every experience—good or bad—holds invaluable lessons that contribute to our development. It’s a reminder that while we may not always know the outcomes, we can always glean insights from our experiences. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to both organizations. Each has played a crucial role in shaping my career. Although I’m excited about the future, I can’t help but miss my incredible teammates from my previous company. Your support, encouragement, and camaraderie made my time there truly memorable, and I cherish the bonds we created. As I look ahead, I’m eager to tackle new challenges, continue growing, and make an impact in my current role. Here’s to embracing change, seizing opportunities, and always striving for excellence! #WorkAnniversary #GrowthJourney #NewBeginnings #Teamwork #ContinuousLearning

Business leaders, I’m interested in your perspective. What are some areas where you’ve seen interns grow the most (or need to) in executive communication and presentations? Please comment below!

Ever dreamed of reaching the top? . . I started as an intern, eager and hopeful. My first day was a whirlwind of new faces and tasks. I made countless mistakes, felt overwhelmed. But I never gave up, always pushed forward. Every challenge was a lesson. Every setback, an opportunity to grow. I learned from mentors, observed their ways. Worked late nights, went the extra mile. Years passed, and my efforts paid off. I moved from intern to junior, then mid-level. Each promotion was a step closer to my dream. I faced new challenges, embraced each one. I learned the importance of patience. The value of hard work, the power of resilience. Collaboration was key, teamwork essential. I built relationships, earned trust. Finally, I reached the senior executive role. It wasn’t easy, but every step was worth it. The journey taught me humility and strength. I learned to lead with empathy and vision. So, dear reader, What steps will you take to climb your ladder? #CareerGrowth #CorporateJourney #HardWorkPaysOff #FromInternToExec #Leadership #Perseverance #Teamwork #SuccessStory

Ever felt like your career could use a turbo boost? We have a NEW EVENT CONCEPT to support you on your career journey 🚀 We've helped dozens of participants find new jobs, break into product, and rethink their careers through our events. But we knew we could do even better. That's why I'm thrilled to announce the very first Product Weekend Career Accelerator! 📍 Join us in Lisbon from October 16th to 18th at the brand new Galp offices for 3 days of: - Practical workshops - Group mentoring - Networking with industry pros Whether you're looking for a new role, trying to break into Product Management, or exploring different career paths, this is the perfect opportunity to level up. Don't miss out on this chance to kickstart or boost your career! 🙌 #productmanagement #new #networking #careeraccelerator #productdevelopment

🌟 Embracing the Journey: Recognizing the Dynamics of Careers 🌟 I dedicate this small post to all the people that I have worked with and so many stories that we have built together.    One of the most profound realizations in career journeys is that only some enter their professional lives with the same purpose or duration. Like the ebb and flow of the tides, people come into our careers for varying reasons and durations. As we navigate through our professional landscapes, it's essential to understand and appreciate these dynamics. 🌊 Some come for a season: These individuals cross our paths momentarily, perhaps to offer a fresh perspective, specific expertise, or temporary support. While their time with us may be fleeting, the impact they leave can be significant. Whether it's a short-term collaborator, an intern, or a consultant, their contributions can spark innovation and growth, leaving an indelible mark on our journey. 🔍 Some come for a reason: These individuals enter our professional sphere with a clear purpose or objective. They may be mentors guiding us through challenges, partners collaborating on projects, or competitors pushing us to strive for excellence. Regardless of their role, their presence catalyzes our development, prompting us to evolve and adapt to new circumstances. 🤝 Some come for a lifetime, And then there are those rare individuals who become lifelong companions on our career voyage. They are the mentors who shape our professional identities, the colleagues who become friends, and the leaders who inspire us to reach greater heights. Their impact transcends professional boundaries, influencing not only our careers but also our personal growth and fulfillment. As we navigate our professional journeys, it's important to cherish the diverse individuals we encounter along the way. Whether they're with us for a season, a reason, or a lifetime, each person contributes to our story in their own unique way, enriching our experiences and shaping our path. Let's embrace the lessons they offer, celebrate the connections we make, and continue to chart a course toward growth and success. Together, we can reach for the stars! 🚀 #CareerJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmbraceDiversity 🚀 #changingpaths #embracingnewroles

Huge honour to have a fireside conversation with Neil Davis - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NonStop) GM EMEA and Latin America. My key insights and takeaways: ·       Neil sees his job is to free up his team's time so they can do what is important - on helping customers and customers, customers. ·       Being honest and real with people matters, to create a thriving culture. ·       When recruiting and building teams, getting the balance between a level of expertise and maturity within a team, combined with benefiting from using an intern system. ·       Giving new hires exposure to broad customer base is a pragmatic solution that has given a strong return on investment. ·       Navigation around large complex businesses is a vital skill and a combination of being curious and having informal/liquid networks. Companies are constantly reorganizing, people changing roles, so to get things done we have to be able to tap into our internal networks, not just the hard structure. ·       Neil content with the decisions he has made to manage his career and life. That content outlook is rare in my experience.