Do yourself a big favor and take in the many, many gems that Harry Kraemer generously shares, not least of which is tapping into the power of self-reflection. Over a 23-year career at Baxter International, he went from finance whiz literally to Chairman & CEO.
The eldest of 5, Harry recalls moving every few years as his dad was a salesman and growing up “fairly religious.” His Uncle Francis was a priest, which was his first career choice (that didn’t exactly manifest). Harry shares the pivotal moment with his to-be father-in-law that set him on a trajectory he’d never imagined! Young Harry learned how silence can be a pretty good thing, such that for the past 4+ decades, he self-reflects for 15 minutes every single day. It’s made all the difference as he doesn’t suffer from “worry, fear, anxiety, pressure, and stress!”
Harry talks openly about how to be when things are going well, AND to consider the inevitability of when things go downhill. He’s all about “no surprises”. He walks the walk of truly valuing people and relationships and recollects fondly the opportunity to be constantly meeting people and learning from them in the 140 countries Baxter operated in. I’ve never known anyone to thrive as much in relating human to human!
Don’t be surprised how Harry’s people focus contributed to his ascent at Baxter (something he NEVER envisioned). And his values-based leadership made any “tough talks” less so! Hear how he embraced his privilege and responsibility to set an example of what a good person to his 55,000 team members.
You’ll be better for tuning into this refreshing conversation. Harry inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and very best selves!
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