(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - Recently I joined AMD – Advanced Micro Devices – as director of Corporate Responsibility.  Given that I worked for almost 12 years at our much larger and better funded competitor Intel, you might ask…”why did I join AMD?”

To be sure, there are many factors that go into a life-changing career decision – the position, the location, the team, the programs… but perhaps the most interesting in this context is the cultural element. 

When I began to consider AMD, I did some basic research.  This is a company that just a short time ago was on a lot of “likely to go under” lists…kind of scary when you are thinking about signing up.  But I dug a little deeper and found that at the very same moment, AMD was also on the list of the 100 most sustainable companies as well as the list of the 100 best corporate citizens…an interesting dichotomy. 

More than 40 years ago the company’s iconic founder, Jerry Sanders, set the tone with these words: “People first: products and profits will follow.”  This began a long history of community engagement, environmental responsibility and giving.  For example, AMD established a policy to give back 1% of pre-tax profits before Ben and Jerry’s scooped their first ice cream cone. 

But it is about more than just being a good citizen. Although I am still in my first 40 days as I write this, the culture here has debunked the prevailing myth that the tech industry is brutal and cold. Without exception, the people are warm, welcoming and talented. Collaboration is welcome and people make and meet commitments. 

Perhaps the most exciting element is the high level of optimism.  It is palpable and somewhat infectious.  After some of the most challenging times and biggest changes in the company’s history, we have the right team, right strategy and – most importantly – the right values to innovate our way to new heights.

That old saw: “nice guys finish last” definitely does not apply in this case.  AMD is focused and poised.

So, I consider myself very fortunate.  I have joined a program with a great legacy, within a caring culture and with leaders charting a winning path forward.  Mapping out the next steps for AMD’s Corporate Responsibility strategy is an honor…and a lot of fun.  

Tim Mohin is Director, Corporate Responsibility at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links sites and no endorsement is implied.