Mary Dillon, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald's

I can honestly say that this blog has taught me more than any college course ever could. I have had the opportunity to speak with several “C-Level” executives who have given me such valuable advice on my future endeavors based on what has made them so successful. Ms. Mary Dillon, the Global Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s, was no exception. Her bright and positive attitude combined with her humble advice proved that working for a company you believe in is a truly unbeatable experience. I am extremely grateful for our interview!

As McDonald's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Mary Dillon leads the company's worldwide marketing efforts and global brand strategy across 118 countries.

Her areas of focus include ongoing innovation in marketing planning and execution, brand evolution and creative strategy, children's well-being initiatives, global sports alliances and marketing talent development.

Since joining McDonald's in the fall of 2005, Dillon has prioritized the use of consumer-based insights and research to drive marketing strategy. Among her accomplishments, Dillon has increased marketing effectiveness through greater diversification of media mix and use of tools to improve return on marketing spend. In addition, she has directed innovative strategies in the area of children's well-being, including formation of the company's first Global Moms Advisory Panel. Dillon also oversees the holistic activation of the company's entertainment and sports properties and has played a lead role in McDonald's Olympic partnership initiatives.

Prior to joining McDonald's, Dillon was President of the Quaker Foods division of PepsiCo Corporation. She began her career in Marketing for Quaker Oats in 1984 and held positions of increasing responsibility across several food and beverage categories, including serving as the VP-Marketing for Gatorade.

A native of Chicago, Dillon earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Asian Studies at the University of Illinois. In 2006, she was named to the Wall Street Journal's "Top 50 Women to Watch" list and in 2008 was named one of Ad Age's "Marketing Power Players." She is on the Board of Directors of the Target Corporation and NorthShore University Health Care System.

Dillon and her husband Terry live with their four children in the Chicago suburbs.

We discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?

Ms. Dillon said, “I think for me, the things that have best helped me to achieve what I want is a combination of work ethic and personal ethic.” She further explained that she works very hard and is constantly looking for ways to build (McDonald’s) business. She encourages readers to explore why a company is doing with well or poorly, and learn from that. “What’s right for the business and also for the people”, is another statement that Ms. Dillon continues to live by. “I am lucky that I work for a company I adore. I feel good about working for this company.” She continued to say that McDonald’s is a global brand with strong values who cares about the community as well as their employees. We also discussed a topic that I believe many people, whether in the work force or in college, struggle with… a healthy balance. Ms. Dillon believes that it is extremely important to figure out how to maintain a balance between business and personal life and I completely agree. She explained that without a good balance it is hard to be successful in both aspects.

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

Even before graduation, Ms. Dillon found herself continually learning from her college, waitressing job. “I learned about people and how to treat them in a service environment.” She learned that it is “critical” to treat everyone you encounter in a respectful way. After graduation she continued her learning experiences with each position she held, taking what she learned and applying them to new positions. She believes that this is what helped her move rapidly up the ladder of success.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?

“Be aggressive, be yourself, distinguish yourself from others, and be confident yet humble.” She explained that in today’s environment is it tremendously important to work hard to differentiate yourself from others. Show a company what you can do for them, and why you would be the best person for that job.

Thank you so much, Ms. Dillon, for your kind words and encouraging advice. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you, best of luck with everything!

Troy Alstead, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer of Starbucks

It is executives like Mr. Troy Alstead that make this blog such a wonderful learning experience. The passion that he has for his career and company is inspiring, especially to college students entering the real world. I am extremely grateful for his positive attitude and beneficial advice. Our interview surprisingly made me look forward to graduation and working for a company where I can also be passionate about their mission statement and goals.

Troy Alstead was named executive vice president and chief financial officer in November 2008. In his position, Alstead is focused on the business and financial strategies, decisions, and execution that will deliver on Starbucks short and long term strategies.

Alstead joined Starbucks in January 1992 when it was a privately held company with just more than 100 stores. Over the years, he has held numerous roles in finance and general management for Starbucks, both domestic and international. Alstead was one of the original members of the Starbucks International team, contributing to the development of the international business from the beginning. In his role as senior vice president, International Finance and Business Development, Alstead was responsible for the financial leadership as well as strategic planning and business development for the international business.

Subsequently, he led the operations and development of the international business as senior vice president and senior lead for Starbucks Coffee International, and later led the company’s business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa as interim president of that regional business unit. Alstead recently held the position of chief operating officer, Starbucks Greater China.

Alstead moved from the international business to the position of senior vice president, Corporate Finance, responsible for accounting and financial reporting, corporate development, investor relations, business planning and analysis, finance systems, global tax, treasury, risk management, and partner and asset protection. He most recently served as senior vice president, Global Finance, responsible for the financial management, decision support, planning, and business development for Starbucks operating units in the United States and international markets.

Alstead graduated from the University of Washington in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance. Before joining the company, Alstead worked for several years in various finance, accounting, and auditing roles, domestically and internationally, for NCR Corporation and Egghead Software. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife, Connie, and their four children.

Mr. Alstead answered the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?
“A mentor in my life made it clear to me a long time ago that people are what matter most. Not whatever product the company sells, not how much money the company makes. Take care of people, and the rest becomes much easier. Embracing this fact, and working to grow and develop myself with that in mind, has been the single most important contributor to my success.”

“And importantly -- I found a place to work where I love the product, the people, and the impact we have on communities and on the world. Even on bad days, being able to do the work I want to do, in a place I feel good about, has made me want to continue to grow, develop, and help Starbucks be successful.”

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?
“Recognize that your learning does not end with graduation. I encourage you to approach each position you will hold, each project you will be part of, each working relationship you will have, as opportunities to learn and grow. Continue to be students throughout your career.”

Was there a turning point in your career that made you who you are today?
“There was not a single turning point for my career that I would point to, but rather a series of events and experiences that have shaped my growth and development over the years. Those events and experiences have always been driven by a leader I have worked with. One who pushed and challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, to stretch to uncomfortable places in terms of my own leadership style. One who quietly trusted me and gave me exposure and opportunities, before I was ready for them, then supported me to success. One who went out on a limb to advocate for me for a big role.”

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
“My first job out of school (with a BA, concentrating in finance) was an entry-level financial analyst position in a Fortune 500 company. The first several years of my career were various developmental finance roles – internal audit, financial planning & analysis, international accounting, special finance projects. These early roles, combined with a series of finance and general management positions over the years, have all contributed to preparing me for my current position as CFO.”

During our phone interview Mr. Alstead said, “When someone loves what they’re doing, they do it a whole lot better. That love is what gives me the energy and the drive.” It was such an inspiring interview and I am truly grateful for his time. Thank you so much, Mr. Alstead, it was a pleasure speaking with you!

Gerald Roper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

This morning I had another wonderful opportunity to speak with Mr. Gerald Roper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. I first met Mr. Roper over the summer, through my internship, and he proved to be a very kind and intelligent gentleman. He demonstrated that once again during our phone interview today. His achievement and experience over the years is admirable and his advice was both valuable and educational. We discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?
Mr. Roper answered, “I believe it has been a passion for work because I have enjoyed every position I’ve held.” He joked that in most cases it has been because he was the man in charge, but only at the staff level and he of course still had to answer to certain people. He also said, “You have to do work, so you might as well enjoy it and have some fun.” The main reason Mr. Roper has become successful in his career is because he has a passion for his work and the initiatives he is involved with. He enjoys changing the direction of companies and the city. He strongly advises students, “The day you get bored with your work, get out!”

What advice would you give graduating seniors?
For this question he really urged students to do the proper research, and I personally thought this was practical advice. “You have to do the research around the field you want to enter into. Get the research on the top ten companies in that field as well as the top five in the middle market of the field.” He explains that if you want to work for a particular company that you should understand their passion and mission statement. When you have completed the research, the interview “will be like talking to your best friend” because you already understand what the company stands for. He recommends during the interview, “Don’t ask for a job, but help them recognize how you can help that company grow. Have substance to bring to the table.” Mr. Roper explained that graduates are at the stage of life where chances should be taken; move to different locations but overall be confident in yourself. “Don’t give up on your degree. Look for a company that will also invest in your degree by sending you back for your MBA.” He also urged the importance of having strong a handshake, “It leaves a big impact on people when you can stick your hand out there and be confident.”

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
Mr. Roper’s first job out of college was for Sheraton Hotels working behind the desk, registering guests as they came into the hotel. He said, “This was all around customer service. To everyone checking in, I represented Sheraton Hotels.” He explained that the typical person at the front desk of a hotel wouldn’t start a conversation with the guests and he was determined to be different. “I asked how everyone was and ultimately got to know people, I liked the good conversation.” That is something he still proudly does to this day. Whether it be a taxi driver, someone walking down the street needing directions or a retail clerk, Mr. Roper starts out the conversation, “Hello, how are you today?”, instead of “How much are these socks?”. He explained that you never know who you are going to meet in life that you will meet again later on in life.

I greatly enjoyed our interview and want to sincerely thank you again, Mr. Roper!

Barry Judge, Chief Marketing Officer of Best Buy

Today I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Barry Judge, the Chief Marketing Officer of Best Buy. I know how busy he must be and I am extremely grateful for the time he set aside for my blog.

When asked the question, “What has made you successful in your career?” he had a short but direct answer. He said, “I think it’s a combination of luck, passion and drive to do a great job.” Mr. Judge then went on to explain that he has always been curious and interested in what’s new and different, this is especially important in a marketing position. He encouraged me, as well as college students nationwide, to keep trying new and exciting things and to never be bored with your work.

When explaining a turning point in his career that made him who he is today he explained that he went to college and immediately worked at an advertising agency. He then went back to business school and started at a package goods marketing firm, the “expected career path”. After deciding that package goods marketing wasn’t for him he decided to begin fresh with a new, start up company. He had several diverse experiences and was able to view the different sides of marketing.

The last question I asked Mr. Judge was, “What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?” His answer was immediate and a little shocking. He told me that he starting working for a small company doing marketing and was fired within six months. Mr. Judge explains that he believes it was because he had no training. He urges college students to not work for just “any company” but instead look around. Research companies that have great training programs and where you are able to work for people you respect. That is the company that you will benefit from.

Thank you so much Mr. Judge!