Imagine this: You start working at a retail giant as a summer associate, and fast-forward a few years, you’re running the whole show! That’s exactly what Doug McMillon did at Walmart. The man took a massive company and made it even bigger.
What’s his secret? No, it’s not an underground business cult or a handshake deal with Jeff Bezos. It’s strategy, smart decision-making, and a few killer hacks you can use right now to level up your own hustle. Let’s break them down, one brilliant move at a time.
1. Obsess Over Customer Experience (Even If It Means Annoying Your Team)
Doug knew that Walmart’s success depended on making customers ridiculously happy. He didn’t just sit in a boardroom throwing around fancy words like “synergy.” He got on the ground, talked to customers, and made real changes.
The Takeaway: Talk to your customers obsessively. Find out what they want and overdeliver. Whether you’re selling products, services, or ideas, customer happiness is your golden ticket.
Try This Today: Use SurferSEO (available on Amazon) to analyze what customers actually search for. It’ll help you create content that sells like crazy!
2. Cut Costs Like a Ninja (But Never on Quality!)
When McMillon took over, he didn’t just slash prices, he slashed waste. He streamlined operations, optimized supply chains, and made Walmart an efficiency machine.
Lesson for You: Stop throwing money at problems. Automate tasks, eliminate fluff, and focus on what actually drives results.
Game-Changer: Invest in The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (Amazon link). It’s THE guide to cutting waste and scaling fast. Get it. Read it. Thank me later.
3. Embrace Tech Like Your Life Depends on It
Doug saw that e-commerce was taking over and made sure Walmart didn’t get left in the dust. He invested billions into digital transformation, making online shopping faster and smoother.
Your Move: Don’t be that person who refuses to upgrade. Learn automation, AI, and data analytics. Even a basic chatbot can skyrocket customer engagement!
Must-Have: A killer business laptop (Amazon has great deals). If your laptop is older than Game of Thrones Season 1, upgrade now.
4. Turn Competitors Into Teachers (Instead of Just Hating on Them)
Walmart didn’t try to destroy Amazon, it learned from it. McMillon studied how Amazon dominated online sales and adapted Walmart’s strategy accordingly.
Your Strategy: Don’t fear competition, study it. If your rival is killing it, figure out why and do it better.
Action Step: Follow your top 3 competitors on LinkedIn. Analyze their moves and tweak them for your own growth.
5. Take Risks Like a Boss (Calculated Ones, Of Course)
Doug didn’t play it safe. He pushed for same-day delivery, grocery pickup, and major acquisitions. Some bets failed, but the wins were worth it.
Your Turn: Playing it safe = staying small. Take bold, strategic risks. Launch that product, invest in that idea, and go for it.
Bonus Tip: Read “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown (on Amazon). It’ll teach you how to take fearless, smart risks in business and life.
Final Thought: Your Move, CEO-in-the-Making
Doug McMillon didn’t inherit a billion-dollar empire, he built one by making smart, bold moves. Now, it’s your turn.
Which hack will you try first? Drop a comment below and let’s talk business!
Ready to take action? Check out the recommended books and tools on Amazon and start your success journey today!