What the Résumés of Top CEOs Have in Common

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This makes perfect sense; it seems that the business world is always ahead of the curve of human trends. Fortunately for me I have a very diverse background of international work, even though I haven't even gotten my BSBA yet. Hopefully that will put me on the fast track for more responsibility when I finally enter the workplace.

Mike of VA 8:23PM May 14, 2011

Its imperative especially in 21st century that American Corporate culture, government and its Mentality needs to change and take 90-degree turn. To keep repeating example of 1% of the total executive work force in the American based Corporations and government .who are non whites has been and will continue to be a major stumbling block.
Its UN-deniable fact that even now, best qualified candidates (non whites) are over looked and less qualified whites are employed. To give examples of overseas non white executive staff is not based upon fairness its required by the local laws where a USA firm plan to setup its office. We must look within American structure which is still based on assumption that white employee will be more loyal, honest, trust worthy and what not versus non white. In fact its not true and it has proven over and over again.
Now, we live in a global village its about time to realize and correct past mistakes. Even at present you are not hired based upon qualifications, academic or work expertise but main criteria still remains ethnic n color identity.

Charles 9:53AM June 20, 2010

In the emerging Cleantech and in every "green economy" industry - "management, management, management" are the three most important criteria to any investment.
In this incredibly promising industry space, often cleantech firms are started by brilliant and passionate technologists. In terms of environmental and energy policy, there is so much at stake for the U.S. and every country; most talented CEO's and management teams are a most critical component to achieving a sustainable economy, commercialization and success.
Dawn E. Dzurilla
Founder & Managing Partner
Gaia Human Capital Consultants
www.gaiahumancapital.com

Dawn Dzurilla of FL 5:00PM June 02, 2010

I fully agree with what´s going on in terms of required experience for CEO´s.
I would also think it´s imperative that the No.1/VP HUman Resources executive for a global corporation to have international assignments experience.This is essential to understand the different cultures outside the U.S and be able to "think global in terms of HR values and fundamental strategic people policies and adapt implementation of same to local cultural ways of doing business"
This was my case at Levi Strauss& CO in the 80´s , after spending 7 years in Europe and Latinamerica.
Regards
Hernan Rey-Willis

Hernan Rey-Willis 9:00AM May 29, 2010

Large manufacturing companies in smaller economies have always been prone to export and to have operations overseas, think ABB, Volvo or Atlas Copco. Career tracks in such companies always involve overseas assignments, to give bosses a flavor of how things really work in a different culture; languages, work attitudes, compensation, motivation, planning, instruction, controls etc
In the US things are different, since so much of the economy is 1. domestic and 2. driven by consumer spending rather than B2B sales. This does not prevent some US companies (the likes of ExxonMobil or Freeport McMoRan) from operating very well globally.
The real challenge will be with service companies, where a business concept has to merge with a local culture. Some do it well, like the retailers Zara, H&M or the shining star IKEA, while other business models travel less well.
The task for executives in the future will be to find that balance between service model and execution. I really do not see how that can be done without in- country experience!

Per Ohstrom of AZ 12:43PM May 27, 2010

I totally agree with the importance of having a global mindset for any CEO in the current environment. Perhaps, the business programs and particular MBA program should look more like MBA in Global Management program like:
www.kean.edu/~globalmba
http://www.thunderbird.edu/
That required graduate among other things to have 2nd language proficiency and some assignment experience abroad before granting them a degree.
David Shani, Ph.D.
Director MBA/EMBA in Global Management

David Shani of NJ 8:09AM May 25, 2010

While I agree global experience is key, I'm shocked that a CEO was quoted as saying that overseas experience is a key to success. He then goes on to say that he worked in Mexico City. Last time I checked you can cross the border to Mexico - as it's attached to the U.S. Heck Mexicans come to the U.S. all the time - as a matter of fact the ease of crossing the borders is a huge public concern/debate.

MBW of MA 6:57AM May 25, 2010

Globalization is indeed required for CEO from every field!
Understanding different cultures is crucial for many to be aware. I have also focused on the research of comparison between west & east; it's interesting and fabulous to explore some subliminal diverse in the world!
What people generally take for granted is always the point that makes them different from another country. Only when we are immersed in another country, can we realize we cannot but adapt to it.
Losing ourselves is a typical feeling or sympton, and then choosing to keep ourselves, abandon our reality or to gain balance is waiting to be decided!
I manage in an international company, and get along with many people from different countries. It's great to have this experience! I learned from them as well. What makes me awake from my culture--Chinese--is starting from my study in the States! That's not bad to live in a different way, and after that I am more understanding my colleagues. Wider topics we can share with each other,
also fewer conflicts produced. It's like we are on the same boat.
It's interesting to write paper with them,too. Especially they ask me about some meanings of our antique culture--5000 years Chinese! They're also surprised to know many reasons for some customs or values! It's more like culture exchange.
After all, I help them to adapt to our environment , and benefit from helping! It's a win-win strategy, isn't it?

Ying Pan 11:26PM May 24, 2010

I've been approached by so many international students and those with multi-cultural backgrounds who are very concerned that their 'out-of-country' experience is not valuable. Thanks for adding to the the support I offer them - that experience is experience and skills are skills. It doesn't necessarily matter where or when you obtained the expertise, but more that you have it and can communicate why its important to the next employer.

Eric Hilden of CA 5:53PM May 24, 2010

Re: "So much of what's learned abroad concerns cultural differences. The trend toward international experience may signal how much companies now value employees who understand the differences."
And they probably also attended educational institutions that taught the value of becoming educated about numerous cultures, too, which is why students (both traditional and non-traditional aged) should aim to overlook small, regional institutions that can hinder them later on (unless regional work, only, is the ideal for that individual, of course).
Those institutions with an international reputation simply serve as better learning environments for those who wish, perhaps not necessarily to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but to at least educated at that same level, with an appreciation for the global economy and vast cultural differences.
One example is Asian culture versus Western culture.
Having attended a large research university, it was well noted that many many Asian students (and non-Asian as well, of course) were more serious about learning than they were about attending for the sole purpose of just getting the coursework done and on to how many shots they could guzzle down every weekend. That's the norm in Eastern cultures, where those students hold a very different view of what education means. In the West, it can depend on the culture of the institution, but at some, they are mostly known for sports and drinking. The experiences, and most importantly, the EXPECTATIONS of what is the "norm" if they expect to move forward in large, internationally known corporations (if they gain employment there), are quite different.
US News needs to keep a strong focus on schools with the best international reputations for excellence, because that is what the employer of today looks for. Those institutions become known for a different "type" of graduate, and the better employers know this.

Just a quick comment of IL 4:00PM May 21, 2010