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Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Company: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from industrial engineering at the University of Michigan to Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy showcases a dynamic path filled with diverse experiences at General Electric, McMaster-Carr, Mattel, and Trademark USA. This professional's role involves aligning teams, leveraging data-driven insights for impactful decision-making, and navigating the complexities of a fast-paced industry.
Key skills highlighted include strong communication, robust analytical abilities, and effective stakeholder management.
The work is described as challenging and constantly evolving, requiring adaptability and a focus on building relationships.
Entry-level opportunities exist in frontline sales or through strong analytical backgrounds in fields like engineering or business.
A key lesson learned emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the complexities of others' lives for successful collaboration.
The interview reveals the importance of networking, both in college and throughout a career, for achieving success in the dynamic beverage industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Blake Britten
Head of Strategic Planning
Monster Energy Company
University of Michigan, 2006
UCLA Anderson, MBA
Engineering - Industrial
Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Company
Blake's career journey, beginning with an industrial engineering degree from the University of Michigan and diverse internships, showcases a willingness to pivot and learn. After roles at General Electric, McMaster-Carr, and in consulting, a move to corporate strategy at Mattel and then Trademark USA, followed by a transition to Monster Energy, highlights the evolution of their expertise from operations and supply chain to commercial strategy and now head of strategic planning—a path Blake describes as "a pretty unique path."
Main Responsibilities of a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy
As Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, Blake's role centers on aligning disparate teams towards shared goals, fostering a "multiplier effect" through collaborative effort and tactical support. This involves both facilitating daily operations with data-driven insights and providing executive leadership with the crucial information needed for impactful decision-making, ensuring "they are armed with the right information."
A Day In The Life Of A Head Of Strategic Planning At Monster Energy Company
A Head of Strategic Planning's day at Monster Energy varies greatly depending on the "strategic life cycle," balancing long-term (three-to-five-year) trajectories with the cyclical annual business planning process. The professional prioritizes "deep thinking" first thing in the morning, after a dedicated 15 minutes for learning, then tackles more mechanical tasks later in the day to maximize productivity and proactively manage interruptions.
Most Important Skills for a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Company
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, emphasizes three key skills: strong communication to ensure a shared organizational vision ("create that multiplier effect"), robust analytical abilities honed from consulting experience ("taking that more hypothesis-driven approach"), and effective stakeholder management by understanding individual goals and connecting them to the broader organizational strategy. These skills, Blake suggests, are crucial for distilling complex concepts into actionable plans across all levels of the company.
Favorite Parts of Being a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Company
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, enjoys the dynamic nature of the role, stating that "the work in between is very different" depending on the strategic plan's phase. This constant challenge and opportunity for continuous learning perfectly suits Blake's career preferences.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Company
Blake's biggest challenge as Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy is navigating the evolving data landscape, specifically "getting that confidence in the data" across an organization used to more instinctual decision-making. This involves simultaneously improving data analysis capabilities and effectively managing diverse stakeholders to ensure buy-in and alignment on strategic goals, overcoming the hurdle that "they can smile and nod...and then do whatever they want to do."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Beverage Industry As A Head Of Strategic Planning
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, enjoys the beverage industry's "highly dynamic" nature and rapid innovation, describing it as "one of the coolest industries" due to the constant evolution of consumer expectations and the ease of launching and scaling new products. The fast-paced environment and continuous need for strategic adaptation are key aspects that appeal to their business background.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Beverage Industry, According To Monster Energy Head Of Strategic Planning
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, highlights the importance of relationship-building in the beverage industry, stating that "it's not what you know, it's who you know." Success requires individuals who "enjoy building relationships," whether interacting with store owners or executives, to secure brand presence and priority within the competitive beverage market.
What A Monster Energy Head Of Strategic Planning Wishes They Had Known Entering The Role
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, wishes someone had prepared them for the inherent challenges of influencing others and the resulting emotional complexities; the feeling of "a huge sense of pride in ownership" can clash with the reality of others taking credit for ideas, a dynamic likened to coaching a sports team where the players receive the glory.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Strategic Planners at Monster Energy
Monster Energy offers entry-level frontline sales positions as a common route to advancement, with many leaders having started in such roles and working their way up, as Blake's boss did, "starting on a Coca-Cola truck." Alternatively, a strong analytical background from undergraduate degrees in engineering, accounting, economics, or business can provide a pathway to strategic planning roles, although Blake's own path was less typical, emphasizing the value of operational experience before moving into strategy.
Significant Career Lesson From A Head Of Strategic Planning At Monster Energy
Blake, Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy, emphasizes the importance of empathy in navigating career challenges, stating that "life is complicated" and people "can be having a really bad day." This daily lesson in appreciating the complexities of others' lives has proven invaluable for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration within the workplace.
College Experiences That Helped a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Succeed
Blake's undergraduate experience at the University of Michigan, particularly joining a fraternity, fostered "a new level of confidence" and improved communication skills, which became key strengths in their career. This experience highlights the importance of networking and building relationships alongside academic pursuits, emphasizing that "it's not just all about what you know, it's who you know."
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