For Brian Cornell’s successor at Target, the path to the top didn’t begin in a corner office or business school classroom—it started as a summer internship two decades ago. The newly named incoming CEO of Target, one of America’s most iconic retailers, proves that humble beginnings and a willingness to learn can pave the way to corporate leadership. His advice for Gen Z? Embrace feedback—especially the tough kind—because it’s the key to growing fast.
From Intern to Industry Leader
Twenty years ago, the future Target chief joined the company as a summer intern, learning the fundamentals of retail operations, customer service, and teamwork. What began as a short-term opportunity turned into a long-term career rooted in curiosity, humility, and determination.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks by seeking out mentors, asking questions, and learning from constructive criticism. “Feedback is a gift,” he has said. “It’s how you get better, faster. The more open you are to hearing what you can improve, the further you’ll go.”
Now, as he prepares to take the reins of a $60 billion retail powerhouse, his journey stands as an inspiration to Gen Z professionals entering today’s competitive job market.
The Power of Listening and Learning
According to the incoming CEO, what separates good employees from great leaders is the ability to listen deeply and act on feedback. During his early years at Target, he learned that every comment—whether from a manager, a teammate, or a customer—was a chance to improve.
“Some people take feedback personally,” he explains, “but if you treat it as information, not judgment, it becomes a tool for growth.” This mindset allowed him to refine his leadership style, strengthen relationships, and make smarter business decisions.
For Gen Zers accustomed to fast-paced digital communication and instant results, he emphasizes the value of slowing down to absorb lessons from others. “Don’t rush success,” he says. “Build skills first, and the promotions will follow.”
Staying Curious in a Changing Retail World
Target’s incoming CEO believes curiosity has been one of his greatest assets. Retail, after all, is an industry that constantly evolves—driven by consumer trends, technology, and innovation. His journey from intern to executive has mirrored that transformation.
He encourages young professionals to ask questions relentlessly, seek feedback regularly, and explore parts of the business outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s spending time on the sales floor or shadowing teams in logistics and marketing, learning how the entire organization works can give employees a broader perspective and deeper appreciation for their roles.
“Every department is connected,” he notes. “Understanding how your work impacts others makes you a better teammate and future leader.”
Why Feedback Matters More Than Ever
In today’s world of hybrid work and remote collaboration, feedback can often get lost in the shuffle. Yet, according to the new Target chief, constructive feedback is more valuable than ever.
“You can’t grow in isolation,” he says. “You need people who will tell you the truth—who will challenge you, not just cheer for you.” He encourages Gen Z employees to actively seek out feedback instead of waiting for annual reviews, turning every project or meeting into a chance to learn something new.
By reframing criticism as coaching, he believes young professionals can build emotional resilience and confidence—qualities that define strong leaders.
A Lesson in Long-Term Thinking
The incoming CEO’s rise from intern to the top of Target’s leadership team didn’t happen overnight. It took two decades of dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve. For him, the journey itself is the real success story.
He advises Gen Zers to focus less on job titles and more on skill-building. “If you stay curious, open to feedback, and committed to learning, opportunities will find you,” he says. “Every experience—even the hard ones—teaches you something valuable.”
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
As Target prepares for its next chapter, the company’s leadership transition reflects more than just a change in title—it’s a reminder of how long-term commitment and personal growth still matter in an era of quick career jumps.
For Gen Z professionals dreaming of similar success, his message is simple yet powerful:
Be open to feedback. It’s your fastest path to improvement.
Stay curious. The best leaders never stop learning.
Think long-term. Patience and consistency will set you apart.
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