Banking on a taste for sweets

Q&A | Irene Rosenfeld

How would you summarize your leadership philosophy?

I always focus on two aspects - servant leadership and the Golden Rule.

Employees today do not want command-and-control leadership. They want leaders who they can learn from and who can help them get their jobs done.

The Golden Rule is one of the simplest and most prescriptive management philosophies that I know. Show others the respect, dignity and candor you would want them to show to you.

What advice do you have for people coming into the workplace today?

Whatever you do, you have to make a difference. An organization or a business has to be better for your being there. Be prepared to take risks, to stand out from the crowd. Seek out mentors that you can speak to openly and honestly. And last but not least, practice the Golden Rule - show others the respect, dignity and candor you'd want them to show to you.

Do you have any specific advice for women?

"Make a difference" and "take risks" are the two best pieces of advice that I provide to anyone who aspires to leadership.

But I will add another piece of advice that is particularly important for women: "Ask for what you want." Girls are not socialized to toot their own horns. But you have got to realize that bosses are not mind readers. Speak up and let people know what you have done and what you want.

What's your favorite book?

The Game of Work by Charles Coonradt.

What is your favorite quote?

"If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got."

What is the best advice that you can give people?

Be yourself, not a persona. Bring your whole self to work.

How do you manage to stay energetic despite your busy schedule?

I always make time for exercise. It helps keep me in shape, but more than that, it is a good way to stay energetic and to reduce stress when traveling across so many time-zones.

How do you spend your weekends?

My family has always been my safe harbor, no matter how busy my schedule is. I like to spend my weekends with my husband and two adult daughters. I also take time to relax. I play the piano, and if the weather is nice, I like to bike or rollerblade around the neighborhood.