Qualities shared by the truly successful: They care, listen and live by high ethical standards

Phil Francis is executive chairman of PetSmart, Inc. — the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. Before coming to PetSmart as president and CEO in 1998, Francis was president and chief executive officer of Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc., a subsidiary of J. Sainsbury plc. Recently he was the guest speaker at one of the W. P. Carey School's Executive Luncheons, a series of events designed to bring the corporate leaders to an audience of undergraduate students. Before his talk, Francis met with Josh Bowman, a junior majoring in marketing and the executive director of the luncheon series. Speaking from experience gained during a long career, Francis addressed the character qualities that underpin a successful life. You don't have to be a student facing graduation to benefit from his ideas.

Phil Francis is executive chairman of PetSmart, Inc. — the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. Before coming to PetSmart as president and CEO in 1998, Francis was president and chief executive officer of Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc., a subsidiary of J. Sainsbury plc. Recently he was the guest speaker at one of the W. P. Carey School's Executive Luncheons, a series of events designed to bring the corporate leaders to an audience of undergraduate students.

Before his talk, Francis met with Josh Bowman, a junior majoring in marketing and the executive director of the luncheon series. Speaking from experience gained during a long career, Francis about the character qualities that underpin a successful life. You don't have to be a student facing graduation to benefit from his ideas.