"You are one conversation or one interaction away from something that can be incredible for you." - Alan Johnson, V.P. General Manager, CHI Nucor
Call center. Construction. Ski resort sales.
Alan Johnson's journey has definitely not been a straight line, though one theme held true at every point a long his path: people.
"What tethers me is being amongst people, helping people," Johnson says.
He also likes to help people build. "I love building things. I think there's something incredibly cool about helping someone realize their dream of building something."
So it's no surprise that Johnson found his way to a company like CHI Nucor, specializing in overhead doors.
From Missouri to Vermont, Colorado, Utah, and eventually Illinois, Johnson found a few keys to success that worked for him:
1. Networking
Early on a headhunter encouraged Johnson to write letters to form connections, not to ask for a job. Those connections opened doors and opportunities that Johnson didn't always expect.
2. Taking chances
Sometimes Johnson was given an opportunity that required moving away from his family, or moving his family once again. Or, the opportunity was in an industry he had never worked ini before.
3. People first
Johnson uses the names of the people who helped him along the way, not to name drop, but to illustrate how people have impacted him. As a leader, Johnson hopes to impact people in similar ways.
4. Values and common beliefs
Different companies have different value sets. It's important to find an employer whose values align with your own. For Johnson, CHI Nucor's values allow this "knucklehead from Missouri" to lead and grow.
What advice does Johnson have for those of us just beginning our journeys?
1. Speak up - When you find the right fit, your opinion will be valued
2. Listen - to feedback, to employees, to those who have gone before
3. Mentors - Listen to them. But also be willing to disagree or provide new options.
4. Humility - Be humble. Don't get caught up in your own success.
5 Remember, you're always one conversation away from something that can change your life.
6. Take risks - But sometimes, it's not as big of a risk as you are imagining. "I am an advocate of getting outside your comfort zone and moving."
In the end, Johnson encouraged us to keep pursuing our interests, and to really pay attention to the businesses in our communities.
"I'm always fascinated by the number of successful businesses in small communities across the country."
Thank you, Alan Johnson, for spending time with us sharing your story. Who knows... that conversation may have been "the one" that we one day look back on as one that changed us.
