Michael Polk, the current CEO of Implus LLC and former top executive at major consumer brands like Newell Brands, Kraft Foods, and Unilever, credits his remarkable 40+ year career to embracing a growth mindset. In a recent speech at his alma mater Cornell University, Polk shared insights into his leadership philosophy and the unconventional path that led him to his role at Implus.
Polk, a first-generation American whose family came from Austria during World War II, learned the value of hard work and independence at a young age. Armed with degrees from Cornell and Harvard Business School, he embarked on a career in consumer goods “quite unintentionally” with a job offer from Procter & Gamble.
“The experience in the factory was one of the most formative in my career,” Polk reflected on his time at P&G’s paper mill in Pennsylvania. “I learned a ton about myself, what I knew and what I did not know, how dependent I was going to be in my career on others’ support, and how necessary it was to respect all the different roles in a manufacturing/business system given the interdependencies.”
This early experience shaped Polk’s perspective on career planning. He believes detailed, multi-move career plans are overemphasized. “Don’t waste time or energy charting a multi-move career path — put yourself in positions to learn, grow and perform,” he advised. “In the beginning of my career, it was all about putting building blocks in place. With the benefit of time, my advice is to think about the toolkit skills and competencies that are going to enable you to be successful and lead an organization in the future.”
Polk also encouraged young professionals to leverage their fresh perspectives as an advantage, even if they lack extensive experience. “New ideas and thinking are the pathway to impact and influence,” he said. He believes investing in skills, thinking differently, bringing new ideas to the table, and building a track record of getting things done pay off better in the long run than chasing prestige and titles.
While his degrees from Cornell and Harvard Business School opened doors, Polk emphasized that a few years into one’s career, “no one will remember where you went to school and what you did when there.” He believes leadership skills, a track record of delivery, and the ability to engender followership matter most.
This growth-oriented approach has served Polk well throughout his distinguished career. He held top executive roles at Kraft Foods and Unilever before becoming CEO of Newell Brands in 2011, a position he held for eight years. He also served on the boards of Colgate Palmolive Company and Logitech International.
Since 2020, Michael Polk has brought his visionary leadership to Implus LLC as CEO, while also serving as an Advisory Director of private equity firm Berkshire Partners. “Each of these chapters of my career helped me grow as a leader, and I am a stronger executive and person for having had the experience,” Polk reflected.
As he leads Implus into the future, Michael Polk continues to exemplify the growth mindset that has defined his remarkable journey. His insights serve as valuable guidance for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark in the business world.
