25 Years of Career - When did that happen?

Reflecting on the past October, I marked a significant milestone in my career – 25 years with Procter & Gamble. To put this into perspective, I've officially dedicated over half of my life to this incredible journey, surpassing the time spent living with my parents and even more than the years of my marriage. It's been a whirlwind, from vivid memories of my college graduation to those initial days at the office (I must admit, I didn't take any vacation days in between!).

This journey in consumer insights, a practice that is now a century old, led me to ponder why I've chosen to work for the same company in the same capacity for a quarter of a century. And why does it feel like time has flown by? My immediate response is one of gratitude for the experiences and learning opportunities I've been fortunate to accumulate.

I owe a deep sense of gratitude to my late father, who instilled in me lifelong lessons that shaped my approach to work and life. His wisdom, such as "Performance is the result of sustained effort," "Practice makes the master," “Take the time to think things through, mistakes happen when people try to cut corners and rush through” and "Be humble, listen, but be clear," still resonates profoundly.

I'm thankful for the mentors and coaches who pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Many career challenges felt uncomfortable initially, often triggering an initial response of uncertainty. But these challenges, whether transitioning between sectors or countries, ingrained in me the habit of continuous learning and a curiosity-driven approach to my work.

The bedrock of my enduring commitment lies in the alignment of company’s principles and values with my own. The company's culture and structure have provided a nurturing environment where friendships have thrived, and career moves have been seamlessly supported. I literally met my wife during a business meeting 23 years ago, and the company has been a constant pillar in both our professional journeys, creating a sense of home even when working in vastly different cultural landscapes.

Gratitude extends to the quality of senior leadership. The senior leaders I've had the pleasure to work with are not just exemplary in the office but true role models beyond. They've cared for us even when our professional paths diverged, offering valuable guidance and leaving indelible marks with simple yet powerful messages.

Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family – my kids who navigate dinner conversations filled with acronyms, adapting seamlessly to change with a learning mindset, and my unconditional wife who has made significant decisions to support me along this incredible journey.

As I celebrate this milestone, I can't help but encourage others to consider the rewarding journey that a large, established institution can offer. It's not just a workplace; it's a community that nurtures growth, embraces diversity, and values each individual's unique journey. I feel priviledged and thankful.