Humble Beginnings
The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.
Humble Beginnings
V2X' Jo Ann Bjornson Finds Her Passion for People After Self Guidance, Life Pivots & Hard Work
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," Jo Ann Bjornson, chief human resources officer at V2X, joins us to discuss her upbringing in a 900-square-foot house in a low-income suburb of the greater Washington, D.C., area. The daughter of an immigrant and U.S. military veteran, Bjornson connects her experiences to her sense of independence, work ethic and passion for supporting the military.
Bjornson's path wasn't always clear, either. She had to navigate many complex parts of her academic life by herself ⏤ as neither of her parents went to college ⏤ and strongly pivoted after experiencing an impactful academic failure. She'd soon find her passion for people, and ultimately, HR, allowing that passion to guide her career forward.
Today, Bjornson reflects on the meaningful influence her parents had on her, her love for her current workforce, the importance of supporting underprivileged students, and how all of these experiences shape the way she leads at work and at home as a mother.