The Fortune 500 Insider Network is an online community where top executives from the Fortune 500 share ideas and offer leadership advice with Fortune’s global audience. Beth Brady, CMO of The Principal Financial Group, has answered this question: Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self about career development?
Beth Brady, CMO of Principal Financial
(Photo courtesy of Jon Wright/J&K Creative!)
First, find your passion kid. Then, figure out how to make money pursuing it.
Remember when you were younger and adults would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I usually answered with occupations I thought were cool and fascinating, like an archaeologist, doctor, astronaut, and even a movie or rock star. But, as I grew up, reality set in. I began to base my aspirations on what interested me, not on what sounded cool. My focus shifted to understanding my passions and then figuring out how to make a living while pursuing them.
Ultimately, I knew I wanted a career that combined a variety of my passions: world travel, helping companies build world-class brands, and connecting products with people. Of course, I didn’t start out working in all three areas. I had to work toward them. So during my career I sought out opportunities to build my skill sets so I could better pursue the things I loved to do. That led me to where I am today—the chief marketing officer of a global Fortune 300 organization. Having a wide range of experiences under my career belt serves me well each day…
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BONUS INSPIRING ADVICE FROM THE LATE STEVE JOBS
ON USING YOUR PASSIONS TO IMPACT THE WORLD
ON TAKING CHANCES AND FAILURE
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