Saundra Pelletier, on Embracing ‘Organized Chaos’; New York Times, 2/8/14

Adam Bryant, Corner Office, New York Times; This interview with Saundra Pelletier, chief executive of WomanCare Global, a nonprofit provider of health care products, was conducted and condensed by Adam Bryant. Ms. Pelletier is also C.E.O. of Evofem Inc., a biotechnology company; Saundra Pelletier, on Embracing ‘Organized Chaos’ :

"What career advice would you offer new college graduates?

This might be unpopular. But it’s O.K. to play it safe. I think we get very caught up these days in the idea of following your heart and your dreams and don’t settle for less. But thinking you can bring your wildest dreams to life without paying dues is “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.” It’s great that you want to start an organic farm in Guatemala. It’s wonderful to have those aspirations, and it’s great to deliberately work toward whatever it is you want. But there’s value in pragmatism.

It’s O.K. to be safe out of the gate, to start building a foundation to get where you eventually want to be. Don’t worry that it doesn’t make your heart sing. Don’t worry that you don’t get up every day and think, “Wow.” You’ve got to learn things and make mistakes and pay your dues and do different jobs. Sometimes those steppingstones teach us the best lessons. I’m not trying to squash anyone’s dreams. The point is that you have to be practical and reasonable. I think more kids need to hear that."