Company Description: Abbott Laboratories is a global, diversified healthcare company that employs 70,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Education: B.A., Yale University
J.D., Yale Law School
Department Size: 129
Immediate Prior Position: Corporate Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
1. How does participation in community activities help your career?
I suppose the participation helps my career. I have been involved in volunteer activities since the early part of my career. Abbott encourages its executives to be involved in the community through charitable, cultural, and professional groups. Since I came to Abbott and became general counsel, I have tended to increase my involvement. Yet, I think one must be careful not to get carried away and over extend oneself. One must balance outside activities with company responsibilities.
2. What is the best career advice you have ever received?
The essence of the best advice is rather simple: do your best in whatever you do. Pull the best out of yourself at all times.
3. How would you describe your management style?
I describe my style as open, non-hierarchical, and collegial. The senior staff of eight including me makes most vital decisions about salaries, stock options, headcount additions, and other major administrative matters. We all try to buy into decisions and reach agreements together. If consensus cannot be reached, I would, of course, make the decision.
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From the December 2001 issue of Diversity & The Bar®