Success in business isn’t just about leading your team today—it’s about building your career for tomorrow.
Early in his career at IBM, a mentor gave Mark McClain advice that has guided him ever since: spend 90% of your time doing your job exceptionally well and 10% intentionally building your career. Neglect either side, and you risk becoming the networker no one trusts or the workhorse no one promotes.
Today, as founder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies, Mark applies that principle to lead one of the most respected companies in the identity security industry—recently named to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list. His approach to leadership is also shaped by his years as captain of his high school basketball and baseball teams, where he learned that great leaders set the pace, keep the team focused, and put others in a position to succeed.
In this episode, you will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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