The Best Me I Can Be

I had a great trip this week. I traveled with the VP and CEO of my company. The VP has become my mentor over the years, and I can only aspire to be close to as great as my CEO. The CEO traveled from England for my presentation. He's a very hands-on CEO. He takes his job very seriously and is truly passionate about his work. He's kind and fair, and he makes sure everyone's voice is heard.

Over a couple of pints (the Brit had Guiness, the Yank had Yuengling), I told my CEO how much I admired both him and the Director of Marketing. The DM is absolutely brilliant. He can see a product and know immediately if it will work. He's formulated amazing marketing strategies, and he's always on the top of his game. Andrew, my CEO, told me that Mark, the DM, went to school to be a teacher, went on to become a car salesman, and stumbled upon product marketing by chance by age 27. He can't be far past 40 now, and heads Marketing and Product Development for an international company operating in 8 countries.

I asked him how I get to that caliber. I've got a great start- 25 and in charge of all of the wallpaper that is sold in the US, several national accounts, product development, etc. He recommended a book to me: Good to Great by Jim Collins.
I've read the first chapter, and it seems like an interesting book. It tracks several companies and they found unique identifiers that made those companies go from good to great. It's not really a self-help book as an objective view of what characteristics are needed in companies to create a successful environment. I see alot of the principles being applied in my company. He's practicing what he preaches.

I also bought Fast Company magazine. Fast Company sets the agenda, charting the evolution of business through a unique focus on the most creative individuals sparking change in the marketplace. By uncovering best and "next" practices, the magazine helps a new breed of leader work smarter and more effectively. Fast Company empowers innovators to challenge convention and create the future of business.

I think I might get an annual subscription for this one. It's really interesting and highly relevant for me. One of the designers we work with, Marcel Wanders, was recently on the cover discussing how Creative people are so important in business.

I also picked up the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, Editor of Fortune Magazine. I have no idea if it'll be any good, but it sounded like something I could wrap my head around. I've always been one to pound myself into the ground to achieve what I want. Just ask my college swim coach. I just about died each practice, but I was there. Hopefully this book gives me some insight into the most efficent way to go about the head-pounding.

So I have a meeting with the VP next week. I'm going to talk to him about the next steps I need to take to progress in my career. I really love the company I work for, so I hope there's a place for me to move up, preferably in the US. The CEO also suggested that I re-take my personality test so we can see my strengths and weaknesses. I'll let you know how the books are. I'm hoping to finish the first one this weekend.