Intern to CEO

As you complete your summer internship, you might not be thinking about becoming a CEO, but it's crucial to start developing a CEO mindset. Adopting this mindset opens up various possibilities, such as getting ahead in your career, starting a business, and even becoming a CEO.
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Are you alarmed by the onslaught of headlines about artificial intelligence (AI)  taking over jobs as shown below:

India now has AI news anchors. I tuned in and within the first 5 minutes, it's clear that news presenters are in serious trouble. 
ChatGPT took their jobs. Now they walk dogs and fix air conditioners.IBM could replace 7,800 jobs with artificial intelligence, CEO saysChatGPT creator says AI advocates are fooling themselves if they think the technology is only going to be good for workers: 'Jobs are definitely going to go away'

However, amidst these advancements, one thing is certain – there will always be a demand for individuals with a CEO mindset. Conversely, those who adopt a "worker bee" mindset (i.e. performing the same tasks in the same way each day) will be vulnerable to AI.

To safeguard against such vulnerabilities, you must get AI insurance by cultivating a CEO mindset, starting with your current job as an intern. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

So, how do you develop a CEO mindset?

Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of HP, provides valuable insights into developing a CEO mindset in this podcast  "Learning Leader by Ryan Hawk" titled "Episode #307: Carly Fiorina – Why You Should Run Towards The Fire" and in her book, "Find Your Way: Unleash Your Power and Highest Potential."

She emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, regardless of your current job. Even when she was a secretary, she committed to working hard and excelling in whatever tasks she was assigned.

For young people who might not feel fully engaged in their current job, Carly advises that it doesn't have to be the perfect job. Instead, doing a good job allows you to learn about yourself and those around you. Opportunities will arise, and you should fearlessly embrace them.
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Carly Fiorina's exceptional approach involved actively solving problems and collaborating with others to improve the situation. This CEO mindset garnered attention and led to more opportunities for her.

Based on Carly Fiorina's advice, here are essential steps to follow at your current job:

• Don't assume you know everything; ask a lot of questions to thoroughly understand problems.
• Focus on problem-solving rather than fixating on promotions.
• Collaborate with colleagues to unlock their potential.
• Seize opportunities that come your way.
• Hard work gets noticed, so advance in your career through dedication and effort.

To unlock your CEO mindset during your current internship, consider the following questions:

• Do you understand the problem at hand?
• Have you identified the root cause of the problem?
• Does the company have a solution, and is it effective?
• Can you propose an alternative, better solution?
• Are you collaborating with others to solve the problem?
• Have you shared your alternative solutions with colleagues?

Remember to document your thought process and findings. The path to fostering a CEO mindset begins with your internship and continues throughout your career.

Key points to keep in mind while you are working as an intern:

• Ask questions to gain a thorough understanding of a problem you are working on.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues to foster trust and collaboration.
• Be prepared to work hard and make an impression, even if it means staying late.
• Identify potential references who can advocate for you in future job applications.
• Summarize your work in a report and create a presentation to showcase your achievements.
• Acknowledge and credit your boss and team for their contributions.
• Share your report and presentation with key leaders in the company to increase visibility.
• Write an article on LinkedIn to promote the company and highlight its successes.
• Develop your message and the value you bring to potential employers after graduation.

CEOs get to the top because they have solved a lot of big problems that got them noticed and were entrusted with more responsibilities.  You don’t need a title to think, act and speak like a CEO.  You can easily learn by reading and observing.  

• Read business newspapers and magazines such as Barrons, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management, etc. 
• Watch how CEOs think, act and communicate on YouTube, CNBC or Bloomberg News. 
• Watch your own CEO and see how he thinks, acts and speaks.
• Pretend if you are a CEO. How would you communicate an idea? Practice every day.

By following this blueprint, you can lay the foundation to develop your CEO mindset. Remember, it all starts with your internship and continues throughout your journey to the top – and remaining there.

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I guide people succeed when they want to win, such as getting a good job, advancing in career or winning a sales deal.
I wrote a practical, no-nonsense book on winning titled Winning Speech Moments: How to Achieve Your Objective with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere. 

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                   Time is Money, Communication is Wealth

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