CEOs of Minnesota's global stars
There are two entities that have made Minnesota famous around the world: Mayo Clinic and Cargill. Their CEOs spoke recently about two of our most important needs: health and food.
Providing care in a changing market
"While discussions about fiscal or financial sustainability and viability in health care are uncomfortable, these topics need to be considered so we can meet the needs of our patients," said Dr. John Noseworthy, a neurologist and president and CEO of Mayo Clinic. "This is the world in which Mayo Clinic thrives."
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Mayo was founded as a humanitarian, not for-profit organization to serve the health and well-being of humanity, Noseworthy said, and over 100 years later the company is still committed to the same values as its founders: "Compassion, respect, innovation, teamwork and healing."
During the Great Recession Mayo struggled to meet their goals of healing and innovation as studies began losing their investments. To turn things around Mayo turned inward, asking staff to re-examine workflow to make sure each step added value, he said.
Mayo survived, but continues to adapt as new health care laws come, and new bills are discussed.
He spoke March 22, 2017, at the Economic Club of Minnesota. The Q&A session that followed was moderated by Dave Lee of WCCO Radio.
Food and identity
Cargill's mission is to be a leader in feeding the world, in a safe and sustainable way, said David MacLennan, president and CEO of Cargill.
"I can't prove it, but it's probably safe to say that on any given day you will have consumed a product that Cargill was involved in the supply chain or manufactured one of the key ingredients," he said.
In the current market, food has become very personal. People have begun identifying themselves by the kind of foods they eat, and so, want to trust where their meals come from — and they don't trust so easily anymore.
"So the implications for Cargill is very clear," MacLennan said. The company has been striving to become more transparent while at the same time diversifying their products for changing tastes.
He spoke Feb. 3, 2017, at the University of St. Thomas.
To listen to their speeches, click the audio players above.
Further reading
• Feeding the world: Global food in a 'farm-to-table' world
• Business: CaringBridge CEO on keeping the customer first
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