Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart and the executive at the top of the Fortune 500, began his career at the bottom of the ladder. Despite facing rejection from top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, McMillon joined Walmart in 1984 with a job unloading trailers in a warehouse. He even rear-ended his boss’s car on his first day, as he shared in a recent commencement address at the University of Arkansas.
However, McMillon persisted and climbed the ranks during his 33-year tenure at Walmart to become the CEO of the largest company on the Fortune 500 list. He credits three key learnings for his success and maintaining a work-life balance.
The first lesson from McMillon is to live in the moment, even as a high-powered executive overseeing a multi-billion-dollar corporation. Despite once dreaming of entrepreneurship and product invention, he learned that life doesn’t always follow our plans, but it moves quickly. Balancing planning for the future with enjoying the present is crucial, he advised.
Choosing a career that aligns with your passions is essential, according to McMillon. He mentioned his father’s dissatisfaction with his career as a dentist, underscoring the importance of finding a job that doesn’t feel like work. By following your passions, you can eventually find your “happy place.”
Lastly, McMillon emphasized the importance of trusting and believing in people, regardless of cultural differences. He urged individuals to focus on shared motivations, such as wanting better opportunities for future generations, being loved and accepted, and making a difference in the world. Encouraging positive interactions, showing grace, forgiveness, and assuming positive intent when connecting with others were highlighted as valuable practices by McMillon.