Wisdom From the Executive Suite
Risk taking, sponsorship and adapting to change were among the topics of discussion in the Thursday morning General Session titled Wisdom from the Executive Suite. Moderated by Mel Parker, vice president and general manager of the North America Consumer and Small Office divisions of Dell, the session featured panelists Chris Calamari, head of U.S. pediatric marketing for the Nutrition Division of Abbott Labs; Maurice Coleman, senior vice president and senior client manager for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Commercial Real Estate Group; and Arlivia Gamble, a vice president agency with State Farm Insurance Companies. In Coleman’s view, "our ability to take calculated risks" is one of the most important qualities of today’s business leaders. He said that talent earned him a reputation as a problem solver and has been a major factor in his career development. "I take on the deals that other people think can’t get done," Coleman said. Calamari noted the indispensible role of sponsors – people within the organization where you work who can help you to advance your career – in successful leadership. "You can’t move ahead without a sponsor," he insisted. All three panelists stressed that a sponsors are distinct from mentors, who primarily serve the role of teachers who can help guide your development but are not necessarily in a position to promote you themselves. Responding to a question from the audience, the panel shared advice new leaders can succeed in implementing organizational change. Coleman, who has experienced nine mergers in his career, said: "Be nice. People are going to remember you and how you treated them." "Know how to read the politics of the workplace," offered Gamble. "Do twice as much listening as talking." |
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