That started happening in my first quarter at Kellogg, from learning how to thoughtfully manage change to how to best motivate people. I also get to explore different leadership options before actually using them on the job.
As an athlete, I’ve played team sports all my life. I understand that there’s a time to lead and a time to follow. Kellogg’s emphasis on working in teams was a huge part of the reason for coming here. Working together with my teammates, my strengths complement theirs, and the solutions click faster.
I’m always excited to hear what my peers have to say and to learn from what they know. They’re investment bankers, marketing experts and engineers. Some are fluent in five or six languages. Many are managers with entire departments reporting to them. I can learn a lot from them, and at the same time have the confidence to challenge them with my ideas.
The power of the Kellogg network also opened up another opportunity for me — to get to know my company’s CEO, who’s a Kellogg alum. Previously, I wouldn’t have been able to put myself out there to meet with him.