The Art of Self-Discipline: Learning from Debra Crew's Journey to Success

The Art of Self-Discipline: Learning from Debra Crew's Journey to Success

In our series of Impact Mentors, we study and extract coaching lessons from accomplished careerists.

‍

Debra Crew's story is an inspiring tale of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of self-discipline in achieving professional success. From her beginnings in the United States Army to her recent appointment as the first female CEO of Diageo, Crew has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to her goals. In this article, we will explore her career milestones and discuss self-discipline’s role in her journey.

Career Milestones:

▪︎ 1997: Officer in the United States Army

▪︎ 2000: Roles at Kraft Foods, Nestlé, and Mars

▪︎ 2010: President, Western Europe region at PepsiCo

▪︎ 2014: President and CEO of Reynolds American

▪︎ 2019: Joined Diageo as a non-executive director

▪︎ 2021: President, Diageo North America and Global Supply

▪︎ 2022: Chief Operating Officer at Diageo

▪︎ 2023: First female CEO of Diageo

The Power of Self-Discipline in Debra Crew's Journey

Throughout her career, Debra Crew has showcased a consistent pattern of self-discipline, significantly influencing her rise to leadership positions. Observing her journey, we can identify three main ways in which she has demonstrated this vital trait:

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Debra has consistently sought new skills and knowledge, undertaking various industry roles. This pursuit of continuous learning has allowed her to adapt and excel in each position, ultimately preparing her for the responsibilities of a CEO.

Focus on Long-Term Goals: Debra's dedication to long-term goals, such as becoming a CEO, has been evident in her career trajectory. She has remained focused on her objectives, making strategic career moves that align with her aspirations.

Consistent Drive for Excellence: Debra has displayed a relentless drive for excellence in her roles, resulting in impressive growth and performance. This commitment to excellence speaks to her self-discipline and the high standards she sets for herself and her teams.

Tip

Take five minutes each day to review your goals, assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and refocus your efforts. This brief reflection will help you stay aligned with your objectives and maintain the self-discipline needed to achieve your professional aspirations, just as Debra Crew has done throughout her remarkable career.

Action

1. Reviewing your goals: Begin by briefly revisiting your short-term and long-term professional goals. For instance, your short-term goal might be to improve your presentation skills, while your long-term goal could be to become a team leader within the next two years.
2. Assessing your progress: Evaluate your progress towards achieving your goals. In the case of improving presentation skills, consider whether you have attended relevant workshops, practised presenting in front of colleagues, or sought feedback on your performance.
3. Identifying areas to improve: Reflect on any challenges or obstacles you have encountered in pursuing your goals. For example, you might realise that you still struggle with managing your nerves during presentations or choose to create more engaging visuals.
4. Refocusing your efforts: Determine actionable steps you can take to address the areas you've identified for improvement. In the context of the example, you could join a public speaking club, research techniques for managing nerves, or dedicate time to learning about effective visual aids.

By engaging in this daily reflection process, you can focus on your goals, track your progress, and continually adapt your approach to overcome challenges and achieve success.

‍

‍