Why did you start working at such a young age?
I wanted to generate income and to learn something new. There aren't a lot of opportunities to get a regular paycheck at that age other than raking leaves or delivering newspapers (which I also did). I realized what a great opportunity it would be to learn how to play golf while making money.


How was your job different than you thought it would be?
I thought I'd show up, carry a bag, and collect a paycheck-that was it. But after watching professional people interact on the course, absorbing interesting conversations, seeing how business deals were done, how friendships were made, I realized the expectations of me as a caddy in that process were more than "meets the eye." They weren't out there just to hit a ball, there was something deeper going on there. The course was a place to form and develop relationships and alliances-to do business and favors for each other. That realization allowed me to gain a greater awareness of how business decisions are made and how important relationships can be in life.

That first impression has stuck with me-that there is much more to doing a job well than just the actual tasks of the job. Learning to deal with people and understanding the expectations of your customers and supervisors were more important than carrying the bag. A successful caddy also has to communicate and connect with golfers to establish the credibility that will get them promoted or get bigger tips.


What important lessons or skills that you learned in your first job have helped you most in succeeding?
My role as a caddy was more than carrying a bag. My customers needed me to be efficient and to show ethics and integrity since I was around sensitive business information. If they succeeded on the course that day I could in turn be a more loyal caddy to them, they'd choose me over other caddies, and give me bigger tips. My ability to see that was the vital link to my customers.


Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first? How do you use those skills in your position today?
There is a "greater picture" to every job than the actual job description. There are lessons to be learned around you that don't necessarily fall into your assigned duties but will give you a broader perspective of the richer experience of working, and the knowledge to do your job better. A first job sharpens skills that are required later in life-no matter what kind of work you end up doing.


Have you seen how lacking those first job skills had negative effects on others?
Those who approach their job(s) superficially and just do required tasks will limit their growth and learning potential. You have to look beyond what's required and recognize that it takes empathy and understanding of your superiors' expectations to succeed.
 
I was a Senate Page in Michigan , and most of the other Pages never realized what they could learn there. They came from privileged families and did it to please family members, not to reap the benefits of what they were exposed to. It was a lost opportunity for them. I fully absorbed what I could about parliamentary procedure, bipartisanship, coalition building, and how to respect and represent the voice of constituents. The difference was that I took the initiative to grasp knowledge of a learning environment that was right there for the taking while the others just did what was required of them.


What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
My parents, grandparents and the mentors I had as a young person instilled a strong sense of work ethic. They taught me the value of doing a great job every time, and reiterated what would set me apart from others was striving to always do my best. I believe having a mentor at a young age is crucial to developing a strong foundation for the future. At the core, education and knowledge are the keys to having a successful life.


What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Have a dream and chase it. Plan what you want your life to be like as an adult. Pursue something greater than what's in front of you for the moment-find an interest that's beyond what you're doing today that you can work towards.

Develop a core value system with a strong base of character. Your values and beliefs define who you are and allow you to navigate various circles of people and situations. Internalizing them allows you to be true to yourself-to know who you are and what you're capable of. Being true to yourself is a powerful thing. It enables you to do the things you want to do with clarity and conviction.
 
Step back and be inspired by the bigger picture. If you have some level of passion and perspective you will invariably be smarter and more efficient and ultimately more successful. Entrepreneurs are passionate people. They are driven to do something big and important-you don't have to be running a multi-billion dollar company to apply that passion to your own job. It's the same dynamic on a different scale.
 
You have to develop self-discipline. Put time and energy into your work and set up a clear-cut career plan that allows flexibility to adapt along the way. Some get demoralized or turned off when they fail along the way. They need to understand that more often than not they will learn from negative experiences more than positive ones, and that success is largely determined by how well one adapts to change. Only doing things one way, or doing only what you're good at and what you know rather than looking beyond that and adapting will hold you back from reaching your full potential. Change is opportunity!
 

What do you want young people to know about your industry?
Everyone at FedEx plays a role in its success, as with any company. For example, FedEx couriers have a greater calling than picking up a package in a building, they are ambassadors. Our customers' business rides on their success. Their efficiency is vital to every customer we serve. The contents of that package can be critical to saving a life, getting a factory up and running, saving costs, or even making a customer happy with our services. Knowing this inspires them to look beyond the mechanics of their job and get the greater perspective of where they fit into the process.


What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
Making a difference in the reputation of the company and how we're perceived by perspective employees, investors, the public, media, shareholders, and customers. I love working for a company that makes a difference in the world by improving standards of living and overall quality of life worldwide. FedEx helps small and large businesses succeed and we've changed what's possible for them-turning possibilities into realities. It makes me proud to be part of this organization of smart and passionate people that span the globe. I work with people who are respectful of each other, and who strive every day to do the absolute best they can do. Our passion for excellence and for the customer is what makes me want to come to work every day.