Melaleuca founder and Ricks College alumnus Frank Vandersloot addressed Idaho State University students Thursday at Taylor Chapel.
The Business Management Association and Marketing Association hosted this unusual event.
Mr. Vandersloot is considered one of the most influential leaders in the state of Idaho. Mr. Melaleuca was named one of America's Best Midsize Employers in 2023 by Forbes Magazine, and Mr. Vandersloot has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. ing.
During his presentation, Mr. Vandersloot shared several life lessons based on his experience as a successful businessman, including personal advice on entrepreneurship, product innovation, leadership, and more.
What was most emphasized in the speech was the significance of testimony.
“I am a child of the living God. You are sons and daughters of the living God. That changes everything. When you understand that you are a son or daughter of God, We see that there is great value, and we should have that value for each other,” Vandersloot said. “Therefore you have power within you, because you are sons and daughters of God. This testimony is the most valuable thing you will ever have.”
Mr. Vandersloot continued with words of encouragement to the students in attendance.
“You can do anything. You can endure anything. You can rise to any challenge. You can choose to be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do. When I understood that, I ’s vision of his life changed, and his vision of himself changed,” Vandersloot said.
Vandersloot calls many of the events in his life “turning points,” including joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 16 and serving as a missionary in the Netherlands for two and a half years. I made everything up. Growing up with his family in northern Idaho was difficult financially.
“(If) there's one thing we can teach our children, it's not to spend money. If you want a bright future, don't live ahead now. Credit Don't live on cards. It will destroy your life. You want to be the one who receives the interest, not the one who pays me.t. You will end up paying double or triple. Wait until you can pay with cash. That's what my father taught me. ”
Business and Marketing students record their insights during presentations. Photo credit: Bailee Edwards-Kevin
Students scribbled notes as VanderSloot shared advice throughout the presentation. A student shares insights from his speech.
“I think it’s really cool that he focuses on how the gospel has impacted his life,” said Emily Crain, a third-year finance student. “I feel like a lot of people expect me to talk about my career.”, I think it's really cool that he focused most of his remarks on what he thought influenced his life, rather than how the Spirit or the Gospel impacted their lives. ”
Vandersloot also shared his beliefs about what it takes to be happy.
“I believe that the only way to be happy in life is to live within the boundaries of what you know to be right and wrong. You know what those boundaries are. I've learned The thing is, you can't be happy when someone lives outside the boundaries of good and evil. It's up to you to decide who you are,” Vandersloot said.
He also emphasized the importance of getting an education in the real world, not just a degree.
Quoting the Prophet Joseph Smith, Vandersloot said, “Teach them sound principles and let them govern themselves.”
VanderSloot added: “You can't do that without some life experience. Be the best employee you can be. Find out what your employer wants to do and try to help them do it, and you'll definitely be rewarded in the process.” I believe it will happen.”
The Business Management Association presented the award after Frank Vandersloot spoke. Photo credit: Bailee Edwards-Kevin
To conclude his speech, Vandersloot offered advice to students pursuing careers in business and marketing.
“We can't accomplish much on our own. If we have people following us, we can accomplish more,” Vandersloot said. “Be a people person. Be a student of what you do. Understand what you're doing. Learning is in the details. In business, it's always the details.” is important. It's not a big deal. It's a small thing. Do the small things well.”
Business Management Society President Kaiya Kissel and Vice President Jace Wheeler presented VanderSloot with the award and thanked him for his presentation on behalf of the society.
After his speech, Vandersloot served Domino's pizza to attendees outside the chapel.
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