Groundbreaking CEO Gives Intimate Presentation To Irvine Chamber

On Friday, June 1, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce presented the “Legends & Leaders” luncheon with featured guest, Michael Mussallem of Edwards Lifesciences. The interview was conducted in an informal question and answer format in front of an intimate audience of 75 attendees.

Albert Napoli, Senior Government Affairs Representative with the SoCal Metropolitan Water District interviewed Michael M. Mussallem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Edwards Lifesciences. Mussallem is a groundbreaker in heart medical device technology at Edwards Lifesciences, such as heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring. These technologies help save lives for those with structural heart disease. Mussallem has been Chief Executive Officer since 2000. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and an honorary doctorate degree from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana.

During his interview, Mussallem shared stories from his childhood, his first job, life lessons in business and discussed the importance of being a good corporate citizen, being involved, and giving back to the community. Notably, Mussallem mentioned his first job as a manager in an Indiana steel factory where he managed 16 women. His advice, “you have to ask and not tell.” Among his words of wisdom, he reminded the audience, “Don’t try to always do things yourself, instead engage the talents of others.” Interestingly, his team at Edwards Lifesciences also celebrates their failures because “it shows that the team had the courage to at least try a path, even though it was wrong. You can’t treat the courage to try as a punishment.”

When asked about the Irvine community, Mussallem said, “We are proud to be a part of the Irvine community and commend the Irvine Chamber of Commerce for providing an environment for local professionals to network and share ideas.”

Each quarter, the “Legends and Leaders” event invites Irvine business leaders to share their experiences in a luncheon setting. The luncheon was held at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine and Cocktails in Irvine and graciously sponsored by Exsilio Solutions, Hoag, and Larson Lighting and Audio.

For photos from this “Legends & Leaders” event, please visit the Irvine Chamber’s Facebook page at facebook.com/irvinechamber.