FedEx: Career Progression— Advice For Advancement

As the highest-ranking African American women executives at FedEx, Gina Adams and Gloria Boyland are role models to many. Here, both share the best advice they’ve received during their rise to the top.

GINA ADAMS

Corporate Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs I’ve been fortunate to spend most of my career at a company that values its employees and recognizes the importance of diversity. Consequently, I’ve enjoyed a success at FedEx that has been personally rewarding and delightfully challenging. We’ve got a lot more to do, and I look forward to being part of that growth and innovation. That said, I often think about—and share—some of what I’ve learned over the years from others:

• Don’t believe your own hype.

• Recognize the dignity in all work.

• Be willing to ask questions and collaborate.

• Build a legacy of helping and promoting others.

• Keep your word—and never, ever treat anyone poorly.

GLORIA BOYLAND

Corporate Vice President, Operations and Service Support I am fortunate to have received lots of excellent, life-directing advice from family, friends, sponsors and mentors. If I must, I would select the following: “Sometimes it is better to be liked than to be good.” I always remember this advice because it sets the stage for having a positive impact on those at home, at work and in the community. That “win” you have which leaves the other person or team with the feeling that they’d prefer not to interact with you again is actually a “loss.” For women, it is important to note that being “likable” does not mean we can’t be powerful, strong, vocal and assertive. It just means that, as with everyone, being a positive actor is the best path to long-term success.