In today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Michael Yates, Senior Director of Innovations and Agricultural Strategy at Walmart.

At the age of 15, Michael got his first job as a prep cook and went on to work throughout his high school years. He believes this was crucial in developing the strong work ethic he has today.

After high school, he enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he quickly concluded that a career in Journalism wasn’t the path for him.  To help figure out what he was passionate about, he started a small business under the College Works program. 

This turned out to be the perfect opportunity to build his confidence as well as develop a broad set of business and soft skills.

Over time, he was also promoted to district manager at College Works. Since then, Michael has had an exciting career path in sales and business development, working in different countries. He worked at a chemical company, then moved to a construction company and afterward jumped into the renewable energy industry.

As LED technology started being implemented in indoor cultivation, it was a natural transition into the agriculture technology field, and that’s how he ended up working at Walmart!

Join Matt and Michael in this eye-opening discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• Michael’s unique definition of excellence and what his role as a Senior Director at Walmart is all about.

Resources:

Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

To learn more: College Works