Phillip Holloman found his way to the top of his profession, but getting there required a leap from his comfort zone.

After graduating from UC with a degree in civil engineering in '78, Holloman took a position with Procter & Gamble, where he had co-oped as a student. "I was very fortunate to start my career in such a large company," he recalls. "There were a lot of places you could go in P&G, and it taught me at a relatively young age to keep my options open. I was also lucky to have the co-op experience under my belt -- it really helped to set myself apart from everyone else who was hoping to get hired."

Holloman made the most of his opportunity in the years that followed as a project manager at P&G, then at a number of other companies that held close working relationships with key P&G products. Over time, he gained additional responsibilities in the engineering and design divisions for a number of iconic brands, starting with disposable diapers.

Determined to make his new role successful, Holloman began handling seven distribution centers and two underperforming production planning groups. In just a few years, he was able to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction, turning around a combined annual loss of $7 million to a $2 million yearly profit.

His willingness to take on a role that was in the company's best interest, even if not in his personal career plan, propelled Holloman to vice president of global supply chain organization in 2006. Just a few years later, he was named president and chief operating officer, overseeing the company's various business units in uniforms and apparel, as well as logistics, document destruction and promotional products.

"Diversity takes many forms -- not just gender and race, but ideas, cultures and opinions, too," Holloman says. "By working to bring everyone on board, our company benefits substantially while we create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. I'm proud to have continued a tradition that in a way started at UC when I helped found our chapter of the Society of Black Engineers more than 30 years ago.

"I'm also extremely grateful for the education and opportunities I received at UC. I know it's been a big part of my success, and I hope my story can show today's students that almost anything can happen if they are willing to keep their options open and work hard. It may seem cliche, but I'm living proof that it can and does pay off."