Alumni | Q&A with Shannon Bryan, MBA 1998- Senior Product Manager, Frito-Lay

The online BBSA website includes a special alumni feature section entitled "Where Are They Now?" This quarter, the BBSA is very proud to spotlight Shannon Bryan. Shannon graduated from the Ross School of Business in 1998. He is currently a senior product manager at Frito-Lay where he has worked for the past 4 1/2 years.

What is your fondest memory of the BBSA and of Ross?
It definitely was the welcome back to School BBQ of the BBSA. We gathered at the apartment clubhouse and just kicked it. I enjoyed seeing old friends after the summer and meeting the new incoming BBSA students. For Ross, I loved going and just sitting and learning from Dr. E in his office – definitely a highlight!

What distinguishes Ross graduates from those of other business schools?
A Ross graduate brings the rich learning and strategic thinking of a top business school combined with a great teamwork spirit. Ross graduates are well rounded in everything.

What are the rewards / challenges of your position?
The reward for me is that I have ownership for big brands that people know and love. I run them like I own them! The challenge is finding a good balance between long term strategic thinking and activity vs. short term demands that your business requires to deliver the expected results.

What is your long term career goal?
I would like to be the Senior Vice President/ President/ CEO of a Fortune 500 company, while maintaining a well-balanced family life.

Which is more important – having the perfect functional position or the perfect manager?
A perfect manager. There is no way to have a perfect job without a great manager. That’s the challenge in most corporate environments, managers come and go, so you have to make sure you join a company where you love the culture and respect the people.

What book would you recommend reading and why?
The First 90 Days. It’s a great business book that will help you no matter what level you are at. Each time you switch companies or even more to a new role in the same company you should read this. What you do over the first 90 days of any assignments sets your tone for success.

What is your favorite quote?
You miss 100% of the Shots you don’t take! Net takeaway for me…if you don't even try, there is no way to succeed. Take some risks.

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to spend time and play with my kids; watching them grown up (learn something new each time we are together), hanging out with my wife (she is my best friend), playing golf and taking vacations.