Source: Fortune
Summary
J. Michael Prince, CEO of U.S. Polo Assn., shares his story of being rejected for a promotion at Converse in 2005, only to outwork everyone for six months to prove himself. He was eventually given the CFO role and went on to hold high-level positions at Nike, Guess, and U.S. Polo Assn. Prince attributes his success to his work ethic, respect for others, and positive energy. He advises Gen Z to take on challenges with a smile and maximize opportunities as they arise.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. J. Michael Prince’s accidental CFO role at Converse turned out to be the foot in the door of an industry he admits is notoriously hard to crack from the outside. He went on to hold high-level positions at Nike, Guess, and U.S. Polo Assn., overseeing 1,200 retail stores spanning 190 countries. Prince’s career advice to Gen Z is to take on challenges with a smile and maximize opportunities as they arise. “A great work ethic. Being respectful and considerate of others” is what made him stand out amongst his peers.
It’s a familiar story of proving oneself through hard work and determination. As Prince said, “When you’re in that position, it makes you want it that much more. It makes you work that much harder.” His story echoes the sentiments of other CEOs who attribute their success to simple, good old-fashioned hard work.
The announcement sounds familiar. Hard work and determination are the keys to success, according to CEOs like Prince, Kurt Geiger’s Neil Clifford, L’Oréal U.S. CHRO Stephanie Kramer, and Walmart’s Doug McMillon.
The strategy enters a familiar phase. Prince’s story is a reminder that opportunities can arise from unexpected places, and it’s up to individuals to seize them with hard work and determination.
He outworked everyone for six months straight to prove himself, and it paid off.
