Doug Johnson has been working in the executive search business for over 20 years focused on building sales and marketing teams for his software clients.

PERSONAL STORY

In my career, I have completed over 600 search assignments for companies around the world. Away from work, I am a single dad with two kids. The three of us enjoy travel and made the summit of Kilimanjaro two years ago.

Q: What would you like to see your team accomplish in 2019?

The goal for my team is to continue to build strong client relationships, delivering an experience for both our clients and candidates that exceeds expectations. If we do that well, everything takes care of itself.

Q: Who is your role model or hero?


My first boss in the search business, Anna Lee Pearson. She was incredibly difficult to work with and for - she was tough and unforgiving in her management style but I learned more from her than I ever realized.

Q: What is your favorite book?

You Just Don't Understand by Deborah Tannen is my current fav.

Q: Do you use any specific method or system to run daily operations?

We break out day in two separate pieces; one focused on client development and the other on fulfillment.  

Q: Why did you choose your present industry at this time?

The software industry is like the universe...always expanding.  

Q: What is the best/worst moment you can remember in your career?

The worst moment occurred over two days - I had four deals (with signed offer letters) fall through and lost over $100,000 in revenue. The best moment...there have been a ton but perhaps my favorite was a recent client thanking me for helping him in his career (he sold his company and made over $10M).

Q: Looking back - if you could advise a younger version of yourself to do something different - what would it be?

Focus and specialize more. Yes, it might seem boring but it would also make your network and your life easier to manage.  It would probably also allow you to make more money as well.

Connect with Doug on LInkedIn