Tradition and Changing Careers: A Reflection

Two years ago, I took a picture of my mom’s cherry jam cooking in the sun and shared thoughts about patience, hard work, and how careers are changing. This year, I took the same picture and thought about what’s different and what’s the same.

For the original post, visit: Volkan Yorulmaz: Mom’s Sun-cooked Sour Cherry Jam vs. Career

My mom’s cherry jam is almost perfect again, showing the lasting value of tradition and patience. Like before, it needs more sun and time. The process is the same: bring it in at night to keep it dry, and let the sun do its job. It reminds us that some things are worth the wait and the work.

But our work lives keep changing fast. The straight, predictable careers we were told to follow are becoming outdated. Technology and industry changes have sped up in the last two years.

While making jam still needs time, work, and a few ingredients, building a career doesn’t. In a world where industries change overnight and jobs quickly become outdated, being able to adapt and keep learning is very important. As someone recognized as a top learner, I can attest to the value of lifelong learning.

Being recognized as the top learner in Finance Fundamental means a lot for me!

Looking at my mom’s unchanged jam recipe and the ever-changing recipe for career success, I see the need to balance tradition with innovation. We should value the patience and hard work of old practices, but also be ready for new opportunities and learning.

Here’s to the sweet success of both good jam and a good career, each needing their own mix of time, work, and adaptability. A well-managed career path involves an individual development plan and regular performance review meetings with your supervisor to reach your career objectives. So, if you haven't done yet, it is time to create/update your individual development plan and have a performance review meeting.

Career development is like making cherry jam under the sun. It’s a slow and steady process, where each ray of knowledge ripens your skills, just as the sun ripens the cherries. Over time, these skills are collected and condensed into a sweet jam of expertise, ready to spread on the bread of opportunities.

The Top of the Net Zero Leaders List: Philip Morris International

In the corporate world, sustainability has become a crucial aspect of business strategy, and Philip Morris International (PMI) has emerged as a leader in this arena. Recently topping Forbes’ Net Zero Leaders list, PMI’s journey to sustainability is a testament to its commitment to environmental responsibility and strategic foresight.

Sustainability as Strategic Imperative

PMI’s rise to the top of the Net Zero Leaders list is not just a reflection of its environmental efforts but also its understanding of sustainability as a strategic imperative. The company’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Jennifer Motles, emphasizes that sustainability is integral to PMI’s risk mitigation, resource optimization, and value creation. It’s clear that for PMI, sustainability is not an optional extra but a core component of its competitive advantage.

Transitioning to Smoke-Free Products

A significant part of PMI’s success story is its transition to smoke-free products, which include heated tobacco, chewing tobacco, oral nicotine items, and vapes. This shift not only represents a move towards healthier alternatives for consumers but also aligns with PMI’s goal to have more than two-thirds of its revenue from these alternative products by 2030. This strategic pivot is a clear indicator of PMI’s dedication to innovation and adaptability in a changing market landscape.

Achieving Carbon Neutrality

PMI is on track to achieve carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the upcoming year. This ambitious goal demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to reducing its direct environmental impact. For Scope 3 emissions, which encompass the entire value chain, PMI aims to reach net zero by 2040, showcasing a comprehensive commitment to sustainability that extends beyond its immediate operations.

Beyond Emissions: Forest Positive Initiatives

PMI’s sustainability efforts go beyond merely reducing emissions; the company is actively working towards becoming “forest positive.” This involves eliminating deforestation from its paper supply chain and investing in reforestation projects. These initiatives not only contribute to carbon credits but also preserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting PMI’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

The Business Case for Sustainability

PMI’s sustainability achievements underscore the business case for environmental responsibility. As consumer awareness and regulatory pressures increase, companies that prioritize sustainability are likely to see enhanced brand perception and long-term business benefits. PMI’s leadership in this area sets a benchmark for other corporations to follow, proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.

Conclusion: Leading by Example

Philip Morris International’s move to the top of the Net Zero Leaders list is a clear indication of its leadership in sustainability. The company’s comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility serves as an exemplar for others to follow. As the business landscape evolves, PMI’s success story offers valuable insights into the integration of sustainability into core business strategies, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in an ever-changing world.

For more about Net Zero Leaders: Meet 2024's Net Zero Leaders (forbes.com)