August M
A short video from a major corporate leader has struck a nerve online, drawing attention for its blunt message rather than polished motivation. The comments quickly spread, prompting wider debate about responsibility, loyalty and career expectations.
What resonated most was not the setting or the platform, but the warning that many professionals prefer not to hear.
According to Ziarre.com, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, 57, recently shared a video on Instagram that went viral after he introduced his advice by cautioning that it might “hurt your feelings.” His core message was simple and direct.
“Remember, no one cares about your career more than you do,” Kempczinski said.
No safety net
Kempczinski challenged the belief that career progress is guided by someone else behind the scenes. He said the idea that a senior figure will ensure the right opportunities come along can be comforting, but unreliable.
“The idea that there’s someone out there who’s looking out for you, who’s going to make sure you get that opportunity, who’s going to put you in the right position — it’s great if it happens,” he said. “But you have to make it happen yourself.”
The comments echoed advice that has circulated in business circles for years, reports Ziarre.com.
Own your path
Business Insider founder Henry Blodget has long argued that employees must take full ownership of their professional direction. Writing in 2023, he said many people enter the workforce assuming that success and satisfaction are someone else’s responsibility.
Blodget explained that early in life, school systems and junior roles often provide clear milestones and mentors whose job is to guide progress. Over time, he argued, that structure fades and the burden shifts entirely to the individual.
When that transition is misunderstood, careers can stall.
Staying organized
In another video, Kempczinski offered a more practical tip, stressing the importance of organization. He said keeping his email inbox, computer and workspace tidy helps him manage his time and focus.
“Staying organized is one way I manage to stay focused,” he said.
Taken together, the advice points to a clear theme. As Business Insider noted, managing a career increasingly means managing yourself — because no one else will do it for you.
Sources: Ziarre.com, Business Insider
