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During a recent fireside chat with University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., Frank Martire �Ӱ�ԭ��77 MBA reflected on his decades-long career and the lessons he has learned. With students, faculty, and staff filling the room, Martire offered advice on adapting to today�Ӱ�ԭ��s workforce, finding purpose in one�Ӱ�ԭ��s work, and the importance of accountability.

�Ӱ�ԭ��I think it�Ӱ�ԭ��s the most challenging time ever to enter the workforce,�Ӱ�ԭ�� Martire said. �Ӱ�ԭ��But if I�Ӱ�ԭ��m being honest, I wish I was starting now because there are so many opportunities.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Martire emphasized that the complexities of today�Ӱ�ԭ��s job market�Ӱ�ԭ��from societal and political shifts to advancements in technology�Ӱ�ԭ��present unique challenges, but also unparalleled potential for growth. His advice to students was simple yet profound: seize every opportunity.

�Ӱ�ԭ��You have to embrace complexity,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he urged. �Ӱ�ԭ��When a difficult task comes up, be the person who steps forward and says, �Ӱ�ԭ��I�Ӱ�ԭ��ll do it.�Ӱ�ԭ�� That willingness to lead sets you apart.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Pursue what truly drives you�Ӱ�ԭ��

Martire�Ӱ�ԭ��s career trajectory was guided by the principle �Ӱ�ԭ��follow your passion, not the paycheck.�Ӱ�ԭ�� He recounted pivotal moments where he chose paths that aligned with his values and interests, even if they didn�Ӱ�ԭ��t offer immediate financial rewards.

�Ӱ�ԭ��If you love what you do, you�Ӱ�ԭ��ll never work a day in your life,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��The financial side will take care of itself when you pursue what truly drives you.�Ӱ�ԭ��

As Frank emphasized that finding joy in your work is essential, President Frederiksen echoed the sentiment, adding, "I completely agree. You're going to spend a lot of your life working, so you must love what you do. That passion provides a professional advantage."

He acknowledged the sacrifices required to achieve professional goals, sharing personal anecdotes about balancing his career ambitions with family life. �Ӱ�ԭ��It�Ӱ�ԭ��s a collective effort,�Ӱ�ԭ�� Martire said, reflecting on his partnership with his wife. �Ӱ�ԭ��You make choices together as a family to create a better life.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Despite the pressures of leadership, Martire stressed the importance of maintaining integrity. �Ӱ�ԭ��When faced with tough decisions, always do the right thing. You don�Ӱ�ԭ��t need someone to tell you what that is�Ӱ�ԭ��you know it in your heart.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Don�Ӱ�ԭ��t confuse effort with results�Ӱ�ԭ��

Martire said a defining moment in his career came early on, during a failed merger project. His manager�Ӱ�ԭ��s response to the situation taught him a lesson he carries to this day: accountability is non-negotiable.

�Ӱ�ԭ��I gave him all the reasons I could think of as to why it didn�Ӱ�ԭ��t work,�Ӱ�ԭ�� Martire recalled. �Ӱ�ԭ��And he said to me, �Ӱ�ԭ��Don�Ӱ�ԭ��t confuse effort with results.�Ӱ�ԭ�� It was a tough pill to swallow, but it changed the way I approached challenges from then on.�Ӱ�ԭ��

He encouraged students to take ownership of their actions and outcomes, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. �Ӱ�ԭ��You have to accept accountability,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��That�Ӱ�ԭ��s how you earn respect and build trust as a leader.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Staying true to your principles is what defines success�Ӱ�ԭ��

Martire closed the discussion by addressing the ethical complexities of modern business. As someone who has navigated high-stakes decisions, he reminded the audience to stay grounded in their values.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Your compass should always point North,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��In a world full of distractions and pressures, staying true to your principles is what defines success.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Reflecting on his time as a student at the University of New Haven, Martire expressed gratitude for the foundation it provided him. �Ӱ�ԭ��The University shaped who I am today,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��It gave me the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose.�Ӱ�ԭ��

With the room buzzing with energy, Martire left the audience with one final piece of advice: �Ӱ�ԭ��Take the initiative, embrace the challenges, and never stop striving to make an impact.�Ӱ�ԭ��