Irvine, CA (PRWEB) June 05, 2012
On Friday, June 1, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce presented the Legends & Leaders luncheon with featured guest, Michael Mussallem of Edwards Lifesciences. The interview was conducted in an informal question and answer format in front of an intimate audience of 75 attendees.
Albert Napoli, Senior Government Affairs Representative with the SoCal Metropolitan Water District interviewed Michael M. Mussallem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Edwards Lifesciences. Mussallem is a groundbreaker in heart medical device technology at Edwards Lifesciences, such as heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring. These technologies help save lives for those with structural heart disease. Mussallem has been Chief Executive Officer since 2000. He received a bachelors degree in chemical engineering and an honorary doctorate degree from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana.
During his interview, Mussallem shared stories from his childhood, his first job, life lessons in business and discussed the importance of being a good corporate citizen, being involved, and giving back to the community. Notably, Mussallem mentioned his first job as a manager in an Indiana steel factory where he managed 16 women. His advice, you have to ask and not tell. Among his words of wisdom, he reminded the audience, Dont try to always do things yourself, instead engage the talents of others. Interestingly, his team at Edwards Lifesciences also celebrates their failures because it shows that the team had the courage to at least try a path, even though it was wrong. You cant treat the courage to try as a punishment.
When asked about the Irvine community, Mussallem said, We are proud to be a part of the Irvine community and commend the Irvine Chamber of Commerce for providing an environment for local professionals to network and share ideas.
Each quarter, the Legends and Leaders event invites Irvine business leaders to share their experiences in a luncheon setting. The luncheon was held at Andreis Conscious Cuisine and Cocktails in Irvine and graciously sponsored by Exsilio Solutions, Hoag, and Larson Lighting and Audio.
For photos from this Legends & Leaders event, please visit the Irvine Chambers Facebook page at facebook.com/irvinechamber.
About the Irvine Chamber of Commerce
The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential Chambers in Orange County representing hundreds of local businesses. The ICCs mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information. The ICC is one of only 250 Chambers in the U.S. who meet the requirements for accreditation by the U.S. Chamber. For more information, please call (949) 660-9112 or visit http://www.irvinechamber.com.