Lessons from a CEO

Today, I had the privilege of listening to Ann Moore, Chairman and CEO of Time Inc. She spoke in front of all the summer interns, a bunch of idealistic and ambitious hopefuls.

I like her a lot. She is very smart, but very down to earth. She does not try to be high-faluting, her intelligence and sharpness just shone through. I want to be like her someday - perhaps not in the same industry or level, but I would make her one of my (many) role models in career decision-making.

She talked about the current state of the company in a very entertaining way. The powerpoint presentation had more visuals than words, which appealed to us all. Her silly banters were quite witty. For example, she quizzed us on which InStyle Magazine cover sold more copies: Queen Latifah or Gwyneth Paltrow? The room murmured "Gwyneth" in sync. But then, she said " Na-ah! Gwyneth may be a hollywood princess, but Queen Latifah is the Queen!"

I took down plenty of notes and would like to share what I took away from her after that one valuable hour.

a) Do not torture yourself with a job you hate. If you don't like numbers, don't go to a bank. If you hate people, don't get into sales.

b) I've been to Superbowls, the Oscars, you name it! I didn't look too crazy on our 25th anniversary reunion. - (After finishing b-school in Harvard 29 years ago, her classmates were "horrified" and thought she was crazy to get a job in Time Inc. She was offered lower pay, despite getting 13 other more generous offers.)

c) Be patient. Don't be afraid of career jogs. Fill out your dance card. I am now at the top of the pyramid, but I didn't go straight right away. I zigzagged all over the place! And I did for 25 years!

d) Not everyday is a picnic, but that happens anywhere.

e) You all have an obligation to train your replacement. - (On succession planning)

f) Plan long-term. 25 years go by in a blink.

There was also something off-the-record about her experience with the First Lady on board Air Force One. But I'll save that for next time! :)