Top CEOs Emphasize Personal Touch and Passion in Career Advice

Two prominent CEOs, Mary Barra of General Motors and Doug McMillon of Walmart, recently shared insights into their leadership styles and career philosophies, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and finding fulfilling work.

Mary Barra, CEO of the $75 billion automaker General Motors, personally responds to every letter she receives, according to Fortune. Despite the demands of her position and the availability of AI-powered tools, Barra maintains the practice of writing back with pen and paper. "I get letters from customers when their odometer turns over to 200, 300, 400," Barra said at the New York Times DealBook Summit in December. The letters range from Chevrolet drivers sharing their cars' nicknames to schoolchildren expressing concerns about their families' futures following plant closures. Barra believes it's important to respond to each one, whether positive or negative.

Meanwhile, Doug McMillon, Walmart's retiring CEO, offered career advice to Gen Z, drawing from his own four-decade journey at the $938 billion retail corporation. McMillon, who began his career in a warehouse role, advises young professionals to excel in their current positions, pursue careers they enjoy, and practice compassion, according to multiple news sources. He emphasizes that dedication and finding fulfilling work are crucial for long-term success. McMillon's advice reflects his own career trajectory, rising through the ranks at Walmart to become its CEO.