What has been your biggest takeaway since starting in your role? I was somewhat skeptical of mixing business and technology in our new business school but now I am a raging advocate. After meeting with CEOs in Waukesha County and assessing their 21st century needs, business and technology are a perfect combination. Several businesses in Waukesha County said they need technicians that fully understand and embrace their business strategies but more importantly, who can lead the effort. They want graduates that are well-rounded and cross-trained in all disciplines of their business. A good example is, at Carroll, we don’t graduate accountants, we graduate CFOs. What is something unique about you? I have lived or worked most of my business career outside the U.S. I have worked in 116 countries. I speak two languages fluently and I have basic proficiency in three others. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? Never judge a person by their title or their position in work or in life. Some of the smartest people I have known have come off shop floors or have never graduated from high school. Accordingly, they are incredibly driven to succeed. An education is a gift that should never be squandered or allowed to create an attitude of entitlement. It is a highly valuable skill set that can lead to immeasurable success but only if it is applied with vigor and drive. What is your personal key to success? This may sound counter-intuitive but take above average risk and don’t overthink and don’t overanalyze. Perfection is the enemy of success. If given an opportunity, take it. Speed leads to success but you must be prepared to pivot quickly from a losing decision or strategy because you’ll never get it 100 percent right. If you get it right, you win big! If you get it wrong and pivot quickly to an alternative path, you can still win, just maybe not as big. The vast majority of people do not have the fortitude to take this approach, which increases your odds. What’s the first job you ever had? I stocked shelves at Stein’s Walgreen Agency store on Main Street in Waukesha. I lied about my age (I was 15) to get the job and at the time you needed to be 16 to get a work permit. Marty paid me out of his own pocket until I was 16 and became legal! He didn’t know it, but he was my mentor and we became lifetime friends. What is your dream job? It’s cliché to say this but I am really enjoying my current position. I have been fortunate to have had a successful business career and I am using those same skills in my current position. Additionally, I hope to do some teaching in the Fall. I think it would be criminal to take 40 years of business knowledge and experience to your grave without passing at least some of it down to the next generation. What is your favorite pastime? I enjoy sports. I tried virtually every sport growing up. In addition to the traditional American sports, I actually became fairly proficient at both rugby and cricket during our time in Australia. I watch them all to this day. • TIM SULLIVAN Dean, School of Business, Carroll University EXECUTIVE PROFILE JANUARY 2024 MAGAZINE 23
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgzMDI=