He Shaped My Career

Happy Tuesday and Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Do you ever have those moments?when it really hits you how much someone has impacted you?

A few weeks ago I was talking to a close friend that I worked with for 4 years at 1 company and 2 more years at another. He was my boss and had a huge impact on my career and growth.

So this week with it being Thanksgiving, this week's Newsletter is about how one person shaped me to not only have the career I do but how in turn he helped me be a better leader.?

Who is this mystery person... his name is Cameron Jensen

What Cam Taught Me: Lessons That Last

• He valued my voice: Cam never just handed me instructions. He’d ask, “What do you think?” This made me feel in charge and respected my way of doing things. He knew I responded better when I felt like it was me making the decisions so he took this approach... it worked really well for both of us. :)?
• A clear roadmap: With Cam, I always knew what I needed to do to move up in my career. I started as an Account Executive. I knew exactly what results were needed to be the coveted "Team Lead". The moment I hit it, I was promoted. There was no ambiguity about what it took to be promoted. It was empowering and helped me grow faster.?
• Opportunities to shine: He trusted me to take on big projects—I headed up the transition from the CRM we had to Salesforce. Then for the following couple of years, owned Salesforce. I didn't have any experience in this but trusted me to do it and own it.?
• Recognition: Cam knew exactly when to offer words of encouragement. I’ll never forget the call he made just to say he appreciated my hard work. It’s a moment that’s stayed with me. Because of this, I try to do this for others too. In sales, your efforts aren't always rewarded in the moment you are working hard.?
• Accountability: Expectations were always clear with Cam. He made sure I knew what was needed from me, and that kind of clarity made all the difference. I learned the power of accountability. Not big brother to make sure I'm working but the focus on what mattered to get the results needed.?
• Mutual respect: Trust wasn't just given; it was built and shared. Cam’s leadership was never about him—it was about us, growing together as a team. I can't say enough about this and the power it gave me and others who worked with him. When Cam said something, we could take it to the bank.?
• Focus: He had a knack for shielding us from the less pleasant aspects of office life, allowing us to concentrate on what we did best. Sometimes we want to vent to our team and all it does is distract us from what really needs to be done in sales. Cam taught this lesson of the power of keeping the drama away from the sales team.?

Those?6 years I worked with Cam have shaped me beyond anything else. What I learned?from him and attempted to be like him has made me into the successful leader that I am. His leadership was a partnership that brought out the best in me—and in all of us.

So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to think about how far we have come and the leaders in our lives who have helped us grow.?

Happy Thanksgiving!?

Kim

PS... thanks Cameron Jensen !!!