Most Important Skills for a Vice President Global Workplace and Infrastructure at Applied Materials
Mike, a Vice President at Applied Materials, emphasizes the importance of talent development and recruitment, along with strong "business acumen" and financial skills, in his role. Further, the ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultures, maintain an open mind while also assertively projecting ideas, are crucial for success in a fast-paced technology environment where "things may change."
Leadership, Global Business, Finance, Cross-cultural Communication, Adaptability
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mike DeMuro
Vice President, Global Workplace and Infrastructure
Applied Materials
University of Southern California
MBA, Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Economics, Finance
Real Estate, Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Video Highlights
1. Talent recruitment and development
2. Business acumen and financial skills
3. Communication, cultural awareness, and open-mindedness
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
My job specifically is very important because I run the entire organization. It's crucial that I can recruit and develop the best talent for our company.
I spend a lot of time assessing our organization, looking at our current team, and figuring out how to develop them for greater success. I also focus on recruiting top talent who may not currently work with us, to join as we grow.
Key skills include business acumen and the ability to evaluate investments from a business perspective. My finance degree continues to be valuable, so finance skills are essential.
More broadly, the people on our team need the ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Being succinct and clear is important, not just in this role but in many others.
Cultural awareness is also a vital skill. We work with people from Israel, Asia, China, India, and all around the US. There are many cultural nuances you must be sensitive to.
Not everyone communicates or behaves the same way. You need to be comfortable interacting with diverse individuals and understand how to work together so everyone feels comfortable and can be their best self. This is a skill developed over time through experience.
Finally, you need to have your own ideas and be willing to share them, but also be open-minded. Technology companies move very fast, and things are constantly changing. You cannot be rigid in your thinking.
You need to have an opinion and convey it, but also be open to the fact that things may change or others may have better ideas. You must be willing to hear and embrace those perspectives. With these skills, you can be very successful.