Robert Meyer discusses his very first job, what he learned from it, who his biggest mentor is, and more.
Robert Meyer
Title: President and CEO
Company: Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Describe your very first job and what you learned from it.
I was a laborer in a forge shop in Toledo, Ohio, making leaf springs for trucks. The major lesson I learned from this job was the value of a college education. While the money was good, the work was very hard and dirty, and most importantly, the 50+ old guy next to me was making the same wages.
Describe your first job in your industry.
Medicare auditor for Blue Cross of Northwest Ohio. I learned early the complexity and nuances of Medicare reimbursement and its impact on hospital operations.
What were your salaries?
The forge shop was $7.50 an hour. Blue Cross was $12,000 annually.
Who is your biggest mentor?
My father, who gave me my work values and respect for integrity and honesty in dealing with people.
What advice would you give to a person entering your industry?
Take the time to learn all aspects of the business. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
I would love to be a business school professor preparing our next generation of leaders to be successful.
Robert Meyer
