Meat&Poultry -- April 2014 - IPPE-9

------RECAP--------------------------------

Pre-commencement
insights
PILGRIM'S BILL LOVETTE
INSPIRES THE NEXT CLASS
OF GRADUATES AT IPPE

good leader is authentic, trustworthy and a great listener.
Next, he explained that leaders must be "rhino skinned."
They must be persistent, persevere and be mentally tough.
"Be comfortable being uncomfortable," he said.
Having an insatiable appetite for learning is another
important attribute. "My goal is to learn something new
at my job every day," he explained. "I never want to stop

hirty-two years ago, Bill Lovette, president and CEO

learning."

of Greeley, Colo.-based Pilgrim's, attended what is now

Having a competitive-team mentality, the ability to con-

called the International Production & Processing Expo

vey magnetic energy and passion and living in the business

(IPPE). Back then, he was an eager college student try-

battlefield are also crucial for leaders, Lovette said. "I do

ing to get a job in the poultry industry. Lovette gave the

not enjoy sitting in an office behind a computer screen,"

keynote address to hundreds of college students attending

he explained. "I gotta' be around chickens."

USPOULTRY's College Student Career Program during
IPPE's three-day tradeshow in Atlanta.
The USPOULTRY College Student Career Program,
along with the International Student Career Program,

The final three attributes he outlined for the students
were: understanding the importance of communication,
having a marathon mentality and conveying ownership
and accountability.

gives companies an opportunity to interview top national

In closing he said, "It's important to grasp what's inter-

and international students for industry-related jobs and

nally relevant while also understanding what's externally

internships in one location, during a three-day period.

important. To be a good CEO, you have to seek new knowl-

The program involves 400-500 students from national

edge and know how to put that knowledge into use." +

and international universities.
During his address, titled "Transitioning from Academics to Industry", Lovette said, "I want to prove to you
that you've chosen the right industry." In order to do so,
Lovette shared information about the meat industry -
how much it has grown and where it's headed - as well
as facts about Pilgrim's and how the company is evolving.
He also imparted some knowledge to the college students
that he's gained from his many years in the industry- the
"10 attributes of a leader."
First, Lovette explained, leaders must have vision.
"They must have the ability to see beyond the obvious
and must understand the purpose, mission and strategy
of the company they are leading," he said.
The second attribute was what Lovette referred to as
"servanthood Ethos", which means understanding and liv-

"It's important
to grasp what's
internally relevant
while also
understanding
what's externally
important. To be
a good CEO, you
have to seek new
knowledge and
know how to put
that knowledge
into use."

ing by the "it's not about me" philosophy. He added that a
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Meat&Poultry -- April 2014

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