Source: Fortune
Summary
FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam landed his first job at the company in 1991 by taking his roommate’s abandoned interview. Subramaniam, who had just completed his MBA, was struggling to find a job during the recession. He called the recruiter back and asked if he could interview instead, which led to a three-decade climb to the top of the company. Subramaniam credits his success to repeatedly saying yes to new opportunities and taking on increasingly larger international assignments.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Raj Subramaniam’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities. He went from an entry-level associate to CEO in three decades, with a series of promotions and relocations. Subramaniam’s willingness to take on new challenges and learn from them has been key to his success. He advises aspiring CEOs to truly understand what it takes to lead a company, including the stress and sacrifice that comes with it.
As Subramaniam’s career accelerated, so did FedEx’s performance. Since he took the reins in 2022, the company’s shares have shot up 102%, outperforming the S&P 500 by 28 points. His cost-cutting strategies have saved the company $2 billion, double its target. Subramaniam’s leadership has helped revolutionize FedEx, revamping its operating strategy and growing its e-commerce business.
Author: Evan Null
