What this CEO learned about business from detasseling corn for $1.50 an hour
I don’t consciously think about my first job when I meet with leaders in the electronics industry to talk about trade policy. But my young days in an Illinois cornfield will always shape how I view, and do, work. My hometown in western Illinois had maybe 10,000 people if Western Illinois University was in session. I grew up with a single mom and things were tight. If I wanted a little spending…
My early years in a small Illinois town taught me the importance of hard work. Detasseling corn for $1.50 an hour at age 11 instilled a deep appreciation for the value of labor. Every day, I and my friends forded the rows of towering corn, hand in hand, toiling under the relentless summer sun. Each tassel pulled was a step towards the larger goal of a successful harvest, mirroring the challenges we face in the electronics industry today.
Just as detasseling one plant at a time leads to a full field, tackling complex issues one by one can lead to meaningful progress. The cornfield also taught me that having fun is essential. Despite the grueling work, I found joy in sharing laughter and jokes with my friends, making the hours fly by. This same philosophy applies to our work at the Global Electronics Association.
We tackle formidable technical standards, but it's crucial to maintain a sense of fun and camaraderie. By breaking down daunting tasks into manageable steps and keeping the spirit light, we can overcome even the most arduous challenges.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
