Mars president reveals his secrets to leadership success: Slow down, learn from failures, embrace feedback

In a wide-ranging interview about his career for Fortune’s new “Champion Mindset” series, Vincent, who has led the North American division of the confectionery and pet care giant for five years, shared insights from his leadership journey and emphasized the importance of evolving as a leader over time.

“If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to slow down,” Vincent said. “Like many people early in their careers, I was always chasing the next thing, pushing to meet self-imposed timelines. But over time, I’ve learned that you need to let the game come to you rather than always chasing it.”

Early struggles with criticism

Vincent, who has spent over two decades in leadership roles at major consumer companies, including 15 years at General Mills, underscored the value of constructive feedback in shaping a career.

Early on, he admits, he struggled with criticism. “When I first started receiving feedback, I took it personally,” he said. “I didn’t see it as a developmental conversation but rather as a sign that I wasn’t liked or respected. But when you understand feedback as an investment in your growth, it elevates you.”

He also highlighted the importance of self-awareness in leadership, noting that discovering what makes you “special” is crucial for long-term success.

“I had confidence, skills, and capabilities, but I didn’t fully understand my unique strengths until later in my career,” Vincent said. “If I had done that earlier, I could have leveraged them more effectively.”

Leadership through accountability and curiosity

Vincent’s leadership philosophy is centered on high accountability and curiosity, and credits his high school days as an athlete for this mindset.

“I learned early on [playing football] that everyone has to do their job. That sense of personal accountability has been foundational for me,” he said. “Curiosity is equally important because the world is changing at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. You have to be constantly learning to stay relevant.”

During his tenure at Mars, Vincent has overseen significant changes, including the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its…