I know that you have had a tremendous amount of success, but I was wondering what past failure has helped mold you to achieve success in today's complex world?
I have had many past failures, but the ability to learn from them and move on quickly has been a great help. When something isn’t working, the best thing you can do is make a decision, cut your losses and move forward. It’s not always easy, but if you know in your gut that something isn’t going to work out, you have to move on.
What is more important in the workforce: high performance or being liked by the team/organization?
High performance and team sense – both are extremely important. Probably high performance more so. But it's dangerous if it goes with an oversized ego.
Many veterans' age and experience prevents them from entering the media industry at junior levels. What areas of your industry do you feel military veterans can most quickly add value, capitalize on their unique experiences and take on leadership roles?
It’s true that people who enter into media at an early age have an advantage, but it depends on what you want to do in media: curiosity and the ability to express oneself is essential to journalism. Personality and entrepreneurship are important for sales. And a strong technical background is very useful for the digital age.
Being veterans in the civilian world, there can naturally be higher expectations of us. With that being said, what are some good habits a veteran should have to make him or her stand out, especially when newly hired?
Veterans generally stand out by their dedication to hard work and readiness to tackle difficult problems. They are by nature team players, because they understand how important collaboration is to accomplishing a mission.
Do you have any tips on how to become a strong negotiator?
I wish I did. I am not naturally a good negotiator, so I leave it to other people to do that for me. What I do know about good negotiators is that they are prepared to take acceptable risks, meaning they are also willing to walk away from a bad deal.
Where are the first places you go for news in the morning? How much of your information feed includes sources that offer opinions that run counter to your own?
I go to the Wall Street Journal for news and opinions, and the New York Post. And then to the New York Times for counter opinions. Further, I surround myself with people who are in no way “yes” men or women. And I try to spend time in places like Silicon Valley and Beijing, to educate myself and get to know young entrepreneurs.
I have been in the Navy for 26 years with a relatively clear career path knowing what was required to advance to the next rank. As I prepare to retire from active duty, I often wonder how advancement works in the corporate world. Is it mostly merit based or do office politics play a factor?
Ability and hard work almost always lead to advancement. But office politics should either be totally avoided or invisible. You can’t eliminate office politics but you try to create a meritocracy.
How clear was your career path when you entered your chosen profession? I think I made the right career decision because I love what I do. Do you follow what is practical in the current and future job market, or do you follow your gut?
People credit me with some grand plan, but they are wrong. It has just been ambition and curiosity joined with willingness to take risks, even difficult ones. I have always loved what I do, and have a passion for creative communication, whether it be in news or ideas. That has driven me throughout my life.
When making short-term decisions, how do you ensure they align with your long-term strategy?
Pretty much all of our decisions are taken with the long term in mind. Even when they sometimes lead to impatient shareholders!
I'm a veteran looking to transition into the media and tech industries. What advice would you give to someone trying to get started in a completely new direction?
Anyone with seven years coming out of the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant will find doors open. First decide what you would really love to do with the rest of your life. You must have developed many skills in the Navy- think about how those skills might translate, whether they be technical, organizational, or operational. You will bring to the table a key quality any media or tech company will value, which is the ability to work as part of a team.
What is the most influential book you've read?
The Bible! But I highly recommend Lincoln Unbound by Rich Lowry.
Integrity. A willingness to work hard. Curiosity about the world, not just their line of work. And a good sense of humor always helps.
I'm sure you have vast experience with military veterans in your businesses. One thing I have always been curious about is: how are we viewed? What are our perceived pros and cons that we can bring to the civilian workplace?
I think all veterans, particularly ones with long experience, are viewed with great respect in the workplace. At least that is the atmosphere at News Corp and 21st Century Fox. We not only respect the patriotism and sacrifices of those willing to serve our country, but feel those attributes are a valuable addition to our workplace.
