McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski delivered stark career advice in a new Instagram video, telling followers that no one will care about their career as much as they do, a message he acknowledged “may hurt your feelings.” The executive urged Americans to stop waiting for opportunities and to take full ownership of their professional development. His comments draw a line between personal responsibility and today’s workplace expectations.
Kempczinski posted the video on his Instagram account of nearly 50,000 followers under the title “Tough Love with the McDonald’s CEO.” In it, he stressed that individuals cannot rely on others to open doors for them or to guide their career paths. He said that while outside help can occasionally occur, self-initiative remains essential to success in a competitive job market.
“The advice I would give is: remember, nobody cares about your career as much as you do,” Kempczinski said. He added that professionals must make opportunities happen for themselves rather than expect mentors or employers to do that work for them. His message resonated with some viewers who praised the honest advice on personal accountability.
Kempczinski became CEO of McDonald’s in November 2019 and also serves as president and chairman of the global fast-food giant. He has decades of experience in corporate leadership, including roles at PepsiCo and Kraft Foods before joining McDonald’s. His leadership tenure has included navigating the company through economic challenges and changing consumer preferences.
The video is part of Kempczinski’s growing social media engagement, where he posts content on career growth, tackling imposter syndrome, and insights from his business experience. Observers note that this type of straightforward messaging aligns with broad workforce discussions about self-reliance, resilience, and the realities of modern employment.
Kempczinski’s comments arrive at a time when many workers, particularly younger generations, face evolving workplace expectations, shifting job loyalties, and debates over who should take responsibility for career momentum. In a culture where instant feedback and external validation are common, his blunt message emphasizes a return to individual initiative and accountability.
