Over 200 young professionals gathered at a leadership summit presented by Brandman University and hosted by Ed Linck. The conference featured session on ethics and entrepreneurship as well as panels on enhancing your career with your cause.
One of the highlights was a panel featuring Edwards LIfesciences executives including Keith Newberry, VP & Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Allison Curtis, Director of Corporate Strategy, Ken St Cyr, VP Global Supply Chain sharing their career journeys and tips for success. Moderator Marian Anderson, Director of Talent Management and Leadership Development, asked participants how they got noticed at the beginning of their career.
- Rise above everyday assignments and finish what you start
- Tackle challenging issues that solves problems for the organization
- Ask questions, challenge the system in a way that works within the company culture
- Find the intersection between what the company values, what you’re great at and what you love to do
Next she inquired, what advice would you give your younger self?
- Focus on building the team
- Develop leadership skills sooner
- Find an internal sponsor who can mentor and advocate for you
- Challenge the status quo
A few more pieces of career advice they offered:
- Understand the culture that exists in the organization you are working for
- Learn diplomacy skills
- Drive results
- Pick the company, not the job
- Find senior leaders willing to share knowledge and mentor you
Wonderful words of wisdom for us all.