Michael Polk, former CEO of Newell Brands, has become a prominent figure in the business world, known for his unconventional approach to career development and leadership. As a first-generation American with roots in Austria, Polk’s journey to the top of major corporations like Newell Brands is a testament to his adaptability and growth-oriented mindset.
Polk’s educational background is impressive, boasting degrees from Cornell University (1982) and an MBA from Harvard Business School (1987). However, it’s his unique perspective on career progression that sets him apart in the corporate landscape.
During his tenure from 2011 to 2019, Polk served as President and CEO of Newell Brands, navigating the company through what he described as “chaotic movements and unprecedented volatility.” Under his leadership, Newell Brands experienced significant growth, with the company expanding by 75% and more than tripling its dividend.
But Polk’s success story isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. In a revealing speech at Cornell in March 2016, he shared insights that challenge conventional wisdom about career planning and success.
Ditch the Plan: Polk’s Counterintuitive Career Advice
One of Polk’s most striking pieces of advice is to “ditch the plan.” Despite his ambitious nature during his college years, Polk admits he didn’t have a defined post-graduation strategy. His entry into the consumer goods industry was, as he puts it, “quite unintentional,” sparked by an offer from Procter & Gamble to work in a paper mill in northeast Pennsylvania.
This seemingly random decision turned out to be a pivotal moment in Polk’s career. He describes his experience in the factory as “one of the most formative in my career,” teaching him valuable lessons about self-awareness, interdependence, and the importance of respecting various roles within a business system.
Polk’s takeaway from this experience forms the core of his career philosophy: “Try not to chart a career path — put yourself in positions to learn and grow.” He advocates for thinking horizontally rather than vertically in career development, focusing on building a toolkit of skills that will enable future success in leadership roles.
Leveraging Youth as a Career Advantage
Another key aspect of Polk’s career advice revolves around the power of youth in the workplace. While inexperience is often seen as a disadvantage, Polk encourages young professionals to view their age as an asset. He believes that younger employees can offer valuable next-generation insights to established executives, creating unique networking opportunities.
Polk cautions against the common trap of chasing titles early in one’s career. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of skill development and networking. In his view, these elements are more likely to pay off in the long run than pursuing prestigious titles prematurely.
The Power of Performance and Continuous Learning
While acknowledging the doors opened by his Harvard MBA, Polk maintains that performance and results are ultimately what matter most in career progression. He encourages aspiring leaders to “get out there and get going,” focusing on building a track record of performance and continuously acquiring new skills.
This philosophy is evident in Polk’s own career trajectory, which includes successful tenures at major companies like Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Unilever, and, of course, Newell Brands. At each step, Polk prioritized learning and growth, viewing each role as an opportunity to become a stronger executive and person.
Beyond Newell Brands: Polk’s Ongoing Impact
Since his time at Newell Brands, Polk has transitioned into consulting work, where he continues to share his insights on leadership and growth. His impact extends beyond his corporate achievements, as evidenced by his Project Rise initiative at Implus.
Polk’s journey from a first-generation American to a respected business leader and mentor exemplifies the power of a growth mindset. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders, demonstrating that success isn’t just about following a predetermined path, but about remaining open to opportunities for learning and development at every stage of one’s career.
As the business world continues to evolve, Michael Polk’s insights offer valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern career development. His tenure at Newell Brands and beyond serves as a testament to the enduring power of adaptability, continuous learning, and a growth-oriented approach to leadership.
Published by: Martin De Juan
