Mars chief reveals his secrets to leadership success: Slow down, learn from failures, embrace feedback
Anton Vincent, the president of Mars Wrigley North America, reflects on his career with a clear message for young leaders: slow down, embrace feedback, and invest in understanding your personal strengths.
In a wide-ranging interview about his career for Fortune‘s new “Champion Mindset” series, Vincent, who has been at Mars for five years and leads Mars Wrigley North America and the Global Ice Cream business, 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 he 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 supported significant changes and global initiatives, including the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued commitment to sustainability.
“We’ve been able to connect what we know we have to do as a corporate entity with our purpose,” he said. “It’s about weaving that into our business operations, so we’re not just delivering financial results, but we’re also making a positive impact.”
Learning from failure
Another key lesson Vincent has learned over his career is the value of failure.
“People often talk about their successes, but I’ve learned the most from my failures,” he explained. “When things go wrong, I look for what I could have done differently. That reflection is crucial because in some areas, like innovation, you fail more than you succeed. But that doesn’t mean you stop trying.”
This approach to failure, Vincent noted, has evolved as he’s matured in his career. “When I was a younger leader, failure frustrated me. I had set a plan, and I expected it to work. Now, I see failure as a tremendous learning opportunity.”
Personal habits for success
Vincent’s daily routine reflects his focus on self-discipline and preparation. “I’m an early riser. 4:30 to 5 a.m.! I start my day by feeding my intellectual needs—reading and absorbing information,” he said. “Once my day starts, it’s no longer mine. It’s my calendar’s day. So, I make sure I take care of my needs—intellectual and physical—before I step into the office.”
This routine, Vincent believes, allows him to stay focused and fully present for his team. “Leaders need to be available to their teams and external partners. For me, taking care of myself first ensures I can do that,” he said.
Redefining success
As his career has progressed, Vincent’s definition of success has evolved.
“When I was younger, success was about titles and material accomplishments,” he said. “But now, it’s about impact. How am I affecting individuals, organizations, and communities? That’s what matters to me now.”
For Vincent, this long-term view of success aligns with Mars’ corporate mission to create a better world through its business practices. “We have a massive global economic model, but it’s built to do good in the world,” he said. “That’s where I believe the real measure of success lies.”
As he continues to lead one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, Vincent’s focus remains on leadership that balances business results with making a positive impact.
“This is a long game,” he concluded. “And to play it well, you need to take care of yourself—physically, mentally, and spiritually. That’s the foundation for everything else.”
“Champion Mindset” is a new Fortune series aiming to explore the strategies and mindsets that propel elite athletes and executives to excellence, both on the field and in the boardroom.
