Embrace the Unknown: Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Every career has defining moments—those pivotal experiences that shape the trajectory of our journey. For me, it started with a phone call that led to unexpected challenges, profound growth, and lessons that continue to guide me today.

Here’s the story of how stepping into the unknown changed my career—and the three leadership lessons I learned along the way.

The Call That Changed Everything

Years ago, while working at Grainger, I received a call from a recruiter about a technical sales position at a plumbing manufacturer. I had no technical sales experience and barely understood the role, but curiosity led me to say yes.

Little did I know, that decision would spark a career-defining transformation.

Building Success From the Ground Up

From day one, I faced an exciting challenge: there was no technical sales infrastructure. My task was to build one from scratch.

• Research: I immersed myself in understanding the market and competition.
• Strategy: I created a multi-year plan, setting clear goals and a strong opportunity pipeline.
• Execution: With my boss Randy’s trust, I turned a vision into reality.

The role wasn’t just about selling—it was about pioneering a new approach for the company.

Navigating the Unknown

The stakes grew higher when I discovered the products I’d be selling were still in development. Working closely with product managers, I helped refine these products while preparing to bring them to market.

Once the products launched, my real journey began:

• Educating the Industry: Presenting to engineers, architects, and associations across North America.
• Building Partnerships: Establishing trust as an industry expert with key stakeholders.
• Creating the “Three Pillars” Pipeline: This became the backbone of our strategy, driving significant revenue growth.

In just 18 months, I was promoted to a leadership role, tasked with building a team and operating like a business within the business—a true entrepreneurial adventure.

Three Lessons That Shaped My Career

Looking back, these five years taught me three pivotal lessons:

1. Leadership Starts with Trust: Randy’s belief in my ability empowered me to lead with confidence. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership.
2. Success Requires Strategy: Achieving results means setting clear goals and following a thoughtful plan.
3. Accountability Drives Results: A robust opportunity pipeline combined with regular accountability fosters growth and progress.

The Impact of Mentorship

Randy’s mentorship was instrumental in my journey. His support built my confidence and helped me thrive. His trust taught me that empowering others to lead is one of the greatest gifts a leader can give.

Your Next Bold Step

If my story has taught me anything, it’s this: Growth comes from embracing the unknown. By taking risks, planning strategically, and leaning on trusted mentors, we can unlock extraordinary opportunities.

Here are three takeaways to guide your own journey:

• Trust in yourself and those around you.
• Plan for success, but stay adaptable.
• Build strong pipelines and foster accountability.

These principles can transform challenges into achievements.

Here’s to taking bold steps and conquering new horizons!

To your success,

Chris Atwell

Peak Performance Sales and Mindset Coach