How was your first job different than you thought it would be?
There was a lot of personal responsibility for patient care decisions.

What important lessons or skills did you learn in your first job that have been instrumental in your success?
1) Doing things the easy way means people can die
2) "On-Time" means 15 minutes early

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first?
1) "Easy way" choices bring bad consequences
2) I still arrive 15 minutes early, and as a result I am more prepared than those who arrive on time

Is there a specific event in your first job that you learned something you still use today?
After three months on the job, the Head Nurse told me about the 15 minute rule. She was courteous, but firm. She helped me understand the importance of preparation.

What obstacles that you faced had the greatest impact on your career path?
I had no money or family support for college, I had to work my own way through.

What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
My dad taught me from age 6 to take responsibility for the outcome, not only for my own actions.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Take personal responsibility for the success of your employer. You will advance faster than you can believe.

What is the most valuable advice you have for young adults who want to pursue their own business plan?
I started a manufacturing company in 1975 and sold it in 1995. An important lesson I learned was to identify your customers, by name, before you start.

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
The opportunity to shape public policy for the benefit of American consumers.