This article first appeared in the UConn Business magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Summer 2009)
“Creativity is in our DNA at Walmart,” noted Bill Simon ’81, ’88 MBA, a distinguished UConn School of Business alum. Simon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart US., and his colleague, Hank Mullany, President of Wal-Mart Northeast, were addressing questions from Full-Time MBA students at a forum about organizational transformation on Tuesday, April 21st.
After the forum, they opened the floor to a question and answer session regarding career management, a topic of particular importance to students in this economic climate. The forum held at UConn was focused on the organizational transformation that Walmart Executives Address Organizational Transformation and Careers with MBA Students Walmart has undergone in the past few years and career advancement.
Mr. Simon started with a quote from Walmart CEO, Lee Scott, “To stay out in front of change, we must make unique contributions to the community.” Walmart does this through a strong strategy around climate, waste and products. Stores are becoming more energy efficient through solar power and renewable energy, creating zero waste and selling products that sustain resources and the environment. This is a two-fold effort: it gives Walmart a great image, but it also saves the company millions of dollars a year. Smaller packing allows the company to save waste and lowers the cost of operation. Aerodynamic trucks save 32 million gallons of fuel each year.
Walmart’s corporate motto “Save Money. Live Better.” follows this notion. Mr. Simon is proud to be a Walmart employee; he believes that Walmart’s position as an established leader in the retail segment is driven by its ability to save consumers money and provide them with fast and friendly stores. Simon also noted that Walmart is adept at executing new ideas by staying on the cutting edge; he’s never experienced a company that does it better.
In the career session, Simon and Mullany spoke to MBA students about the skills and traits that are needed to excel in today’s business world. Students should leave their MBA program with a willingness to work hard. Mullany notes that having a “fire in your belly” that will fuel work ethic is among one of the most important skills. In addition, strong communication, leadership and analytical skills will contribute to success in the business world.
Today’s business world is competitive and Mr. Simon and Mr. Mullany reminded all students to be proactive, not reactive. A new employee can make a difference early on and has the opportunity to shine when first starting a new job. In order to be successful in finding the right job, Mr. Simon reminded all students not to take a job simply because the pay seems right. He asked the students to always remember three basic principles: ask yourself what you get from the position, what you give to the position/company and what is in it for you. Mr. Mullany followed with stressing the importance of having a vision of what you want out of a career. The skills Mr. Simon learned at UConn helped to prepare him for his career trajectory.
Mr. Simon is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WalMart US. He is responsible for the retailer’s U.S. operations, covering more than 3,600 stores, logistics, asset protection, transportation and store innovation. The Walmart U.S. retail units include Discount stores, Supercenters, Marketsides and Neighborhood Markets. He was promoted to his current position in 2007. Mr. Simon was previously EVP of Professional Services and New Business Development where he managed Pharmacy, Optical, Tire and Lube Express, Photo, and Connection Centers. Mr. Simon also led the team that created and launched Walmart’s $4 generic prescription program.
