John Esposito, President and Chief Executive Officer Bacardi USA, Inc.

Today, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Mr. John Esposito, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi USA, Inc. He told me that he was very intrigued by my goal of speaking to different “C-Level” executives to help graduating college students nationwide. Mr. Esposito has had a very thriving and admirable career in the spirits and wine industry, and gave me some enlightening advice to pass on:

On answering the question, “What has made you successful in your career?”

Mr. Esposito said, “The answer depends on what you describe as success. For me, first and foremost, I love what I do. The beverage alcohol business is exciting and works across a wide spectrum of consumers. Enjoying what you do in business has a lot to do with performance and ultimate success. The second reason for success is to be lucky enough to work with people who take an interest in you and are willing to share insights in order to help you grow. I had this along the way in my career.” He was very persistent that I urge to readers that it is always important to learn. Mr. Esposito said that many of the graduates that are coming to work for Bacardi are coming from great schools where they are constantly told how “good and smart” they are, but it doesn’t matter how smart you are as long as you remain observant. “There are always things you can learn, sometimes not from people you might expect to learn from.” Something he said that stuck with me is that, “Sometimes you learn what not to do… but you still learn. Pick a person that you see as a leader and try and understand what is it about them that makes you want to follow. Don’t be afraid to copy good habits.”

What advice would you give graduating seniors?

Learning is what he also stresses for this question. “Your first couple of jobs are all about learning. Keep an open mind, learn the business you are in and ask questions.” He advices students that there are two areas that he believes will make rookies stand out. “One is the ability to write coherently and be able to be concise when asked for a report. The other is the ability to present your ideas and arguments orally well.” Going along with that idea, my favorite statement of the interview was, “Great ideas need people to make them work and if you cannot express your ideas in a way others can understand and act upon then they are destined to remain only an idea.” He finishes the question by saying, “You can separate yourself from the pack by being able to write and speak well. Take a presentation course, no matter what your major is, it will help you.”

Answering, “Was there a turning point in your career that made you who you are today?”

He describes a moment of defeat that turned into triumph, “I was head of sales for a company that had three different divisions and consolidated into one division. I wasn’t selected for the job and it made me take stock of who I was and what I wanted. Bottom line is it does not always go your way, but if you are honest with yourself about what you need to change to get there, setbacks do not have to be devastating.” Although he admits it took him a few days to get it back together.

The last and final question, “What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?”

I found his response to be very motivating and something that college students can relate to. “Actually my first job was the summer (after) I graduated. I got married the next week and I was a lifeguard and bartender. Both jobs gave me insight into people and how to motivate them. That has been with me my entire career. Leading people is a skill that can be acquired if you are patient enough to observe and select what works for you.”

Mr. Esposito, thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I appreciate your honest advice and kind words. Best luck in all your future endeavors.

David Petratis, President and CEO of Quanex

Throughout my college career, I have been fortunate enough to meet some extraordinary and successful people and David Petratis is one. He is my sorority sister and great friend Natalie’s father. Whether coming to Purdue for a football game with his family or hosting a group of our friends at his home in Houston, I can tell why he is so successful. Besides being very hardworking and dedicated to his career, Mr. Petratis is an extremely gracious and driven individual. He recently took the time to answer some questions for my blog and has some valuable advice.

What has made you successful in your career?

“Success in my career has been driven by the desire for continual learning. Shortly after graduation from college I was told by a senior leader that my college education would be stale in two years. The challenge was to continually sharpen my edges through executive education in my chosen field. From that point I took classes, read books, and seized every opportunity my company provided to enhance my skills. Next, after several years in business, I completed my MBA. Another factor in my success is my willingness to relocate where opportunities for growth existed. It would have been easy to stay close to home; I took the road less travelled. My family and I have now lived in seven states and I have visited 41 countries. The experience to see different areas of the United States and develop a global view has been important in my success.”
Mr. Petratis received his BA in Industrial Management at the University of Northern Iowa and his MBA at Pepperdine University.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?

“My advice would be to experience the world while you are young. Take risks early; it is much easier to rebound and set new direction in your 20s than it is in your 50s. Some of the most successful people that I know took entrepreneurial risks in their 20s and 30s and it paid off. Understand where the world will be five to ten years from now and plot a course to get there. This is where opportunity lies.”

Was there a turning point in your career that made you who you are today?

“The turning point in my career was the spring of 1993. I was given the opportunity to become a leader in an underperforming business. If I was successful in the turnaround of the company, I would be named President. The challenge meant moving my family from South Carolina to California and fixing a business that was on the edge of bankruptcy. Sight unseen (I never was able to visit the business), I took the challenge and was successful. It was high risk, but the rewards were great.”

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?

“I was a rare breed that worked while I attended college. This experience opened doors for me in the electrical industry and my first job upon graduation. My first job after graduation was a first-line manufacturing supervisor at Square D Company. On day one, I had 72 direct reports and the responsibility of the highest volume production line in the company. The experience of working with people, communicating, motivating, and solving problems, has been relevant to my entire working career.”

Thank you so much, Mr. Petratis! Your advice is extremely beneficial and I greatly appreciate your help.

Brenda Sexton, Founder and President, Chicago Link Productions

After serving four years as the head of the Illinois Film Office, Brenda created Chicago Link Productions (CLP) in 2007. The mission of CLP is to connect people in business, media, politics and the arts through compelling events in the areas of film, fashion and wellness.

In April 2003, Brenda was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to head the Illinois Film Office. Brenda tripled revenues from a rock bottom of $25 million to $77 million in her first full year in office. Revenues continue to soar—2008 had the highest revenues ever for the state, a record $150 million. Projects she brought into Illinois included: Batman Begins, The Weather Man, Ice Harvest, The Break Up, the TV series Prison Break, Wanted, The Dark Knight, Grace Is Gone and many others.

Brenda credits much of this success to the high-profile reunion events she hosted in LA.

Brenda recently was awarded a “Thumbs Up” from Roger Ebert for her support of film, the Lawyers For the Creative Arts in Chicago selected Brenda as their award recipient for outstanding supporter of the arts for 2005 and the Chicago Tribune chose Brenda as a Chicagoan of the Year for 2005. In 2007 the Mayor of Chicago awarded Brenda a City Resolution acknowledging her contribution to reinvigorating Chicago’s film and television industry.

Brenda was named a Crain’s 40 under 40, is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and has numerous volunteer and charitable affiliations. She received her MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management in 1980 with honors. Her undergraduate studies were in Japan, France and at University of Denver.

Brenda is very busy planning another reunion event in Los Angeles, but took the time to answer my questions, "What has made you successful and what advice would you give this year's graduating seniors?" She responded:

I think what has made me successful in my career is perseverance and determination. If you don’t give up I think you are 90% likely to achieve your goals—and of course, if you do give up you’re 100% likely not to achieve your goals!

I think successful people in general have great people skills that come from having a good attitude and from having worked and lived in a variety of environments.

I would recommend to a graduating senior that they create a great experience for themselves, whether it’s the Peace Corp or working in a paying job that really interests them. They should be free and creative and be willing to try something adventurous. Now is the easiest time in your life to do that and it will serve you in your years ahead.

I had a difficult time finding a job out of college, so I ended up going to France and doing volunteer work for a year in exchange for room and board. I was broke and completely supporting myself on my very meager savings, but I didn’t care so much about not having any money. I had such amazing experiences there. It was probably the richest year of my life. Not only did I learn to speak French fluently, but I was even a vegetarian cook in a Maharishi Mahesh Yogi chateau in rural France. When I came back to the States I decided to go to graduate school for International Business. Luckily I got a scholarship!

I think a turning point for me was when I graduated business school I was set on getting into the exciting, creative world of advertising. I landed a great job at Ogilvy and Mather in New York as an account executive and was all set to soar to glorious heights. Well, after two weeks I knew that I was not meant to spend my life as an account executive. I struggled through one, very long, very unhappy year, pretty miserable in my job everyday. I quit after 12 months and bought a book called “What Color Is Your Parachute” which is still available today. It is a workbook to help you decide what type of work you are best suited for. I religiously went through that book, made my lists of what I liked and didn’t like and it lead me directly to a perfect job for me. I became a commercial real estate broker. It doesn’t sound exciting, but it was and it was perfect for me. I negotiated large real estate transactions around the country for major blue chip corporations. I had lots of freedom, it was very creative and strategic, and it was very lucrative. I was able to retire at 40! Since then I have been in the truly creative and exciting world of film and television, and event producing, which I am loving.

Life is a journey. I didn’t expect to end up working on glamorous movie premieres and producing a TV special, and a big Hollywood event, which is what I am doing right now. And who knows what is next—it is all a very exciting and rewarding adventure.

This summer I was fortunate enough to attend Brenda's "Julie & Julia" event, and it was phenomenal! She has such a hard working attitude and kind heart; it’s hard not to gravitate towards her. Thank you so much Brenda for helping me with this project, I really appreciate it!

Laura Schwartz Interview

This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to meet Laura Schwartz and from the minute I met her I knew exactly why she was successful. Her smile, confidence and positive attitude light up a room. She is the epitome of why I wanted to start this blog. Before my internship at NBC, I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet and work with such successful and powerful businessmen and women. I am so thankful for the experience I had and I want college students nationwide to also benefit from these thriving executives.

Yesterday, I once again had the opportunity to speak with Laura Schwartz. Even though she is incredibly busy finishing her new book, “The Networking Power of Social Events,©” she made time to answer the questions for my blog. Her positive and determined attitude is contagious and her story is uplifting. The first question I asked her was, “What has made you successful in your career?” Without hesitation she said, “My work ethic and passion because I work for the things that I believe in.” She continued on to tell me that she only works on projects that she fully believes in whether it be a non-profit organization, community services, or political campaigns. Even through the phone I could tell how passionate and proud she was of her projects. She told me that working with people who share the same beliefs and determination for a project made the whole job worthwhile. Growing up, her parents had a love for photography but not until her dad was forced to relocate or lose his job did they have a chance to make their dream become a reality. The Schwartz’s started from scratch and now own a very successful photography business. Throughout the years Ms. Schwartz took on responsibilities in the shop; starting by stamping envelopes, then answering phones and making appointments. Ms. Schwartz said, “Their work ethic is a huge reason why they became successful, they are my inspiration.” As we continued talking about the question she then said something that has been in my mind ever since the interview, “My job is not 9 to 5 it’s 24/7 and that’s how it will be for you as well. You are an ambassador for yourself whether it is at your office, a birthday party, basketball game or happy hour. Always give 110% for yourself and for your client.”

My next question was, “What advice would you give to graduating seniors?” She answered quickly and honestly, “There’s great power in practical experience. It doesn’t matter if you are summa cum laude of your class, if you don’t have any experience I would rather take someone with a C-average.” Working for the White House, she has had the opportunity to interview hundreds of college students. She advises everyone to take initiative in their career, intern every semester you can outside of class, join clubs, sports, Greek life, and volunteer whenever you get the chance. It says a lot about someone who takes the initiative to volunteer or intern and practice what you will be doing after graduation. Having some experience in a career really benefits you and the person you will eventually be working for.

Ms. Schwartz explained to me how she started by answering phones but quickly was promoted because of her hard work and dedication. She proved herself by volunteering and working 14-15 hour days. She worked her way up the ladder of success with commitment, experience and hard work. After working as the former Special Assistant to the President and The White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, she was able to travel the world with President Clinton once again working in on a campaign that she is very passionate about. She now owns her own company, White House Strategies, and is working very hard on her book coming out in December. Her advice and success story is an inspiration to all. Thank you Laura!