Todd Unger
Chief Experience Officer, SVP Marketing and Member Experience
American Medical Association
Todd Unger
What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?
Who is your business hero and why?
Over-delivering with three:
–Lawrence (Larry) Culp, a business school classmate who’s led Daniher Corp and currently GE. I had a chance to interview him for our B-School reunion and was so impressed with his perspective. I should have spent more time with him in school!
–Jeff Jones, President and CEO of H & R Block. We started out as Account Executives at Leo Burnett, and it’s been amazing to watch him lead digital transformation at HRB.
–Scott Galloway, co-host of Pivot and host of Prof G podcast. He’s the person I’d most like to have to dinner. I wish I could be as spontaneously smart, witty and observant as he is.
What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?
Honestly, there are a couple of times I’ve been too cavalier about my career choices, and it’s set me back. But without those mistakes, I might not be where I am today. In general, I’ve learned to be much more patient, maintain perspective, and to persevere in the face of short-term obstacles.
What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. I am moved to tears by acts of courage and heroism. I mean, I wept at the end of Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks. I find the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition, called the Corp of Discovery, to be almost inconceivable in terms of human endurance.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?
It’s really putting into the action the concepts of my upcoming book, The 10-Second Customer Journey–seamlessly integrating marketing, product, commerce and service to increase the impact of the AMA. This means developing stronger partnerships across the organisation and being zealous about innovation and learning.
