Jason Foodman, a CEO and entrepreneur with global operating experience, is currently a Strategic Advisor for Oxzeon.com and Leaf.page. In a recent article, he shared some moments from his career where he was told no but found a way to break through that artificial wall. He believes that with the right attitude and strategies, rejections and challenges can fuel determination and propel one forward in their career.
One example Foodman shared is when he applied for a job and had an initial interview with a contracted screener who seemed to have very little understanding of the position or the company. Despite receiving a rejection email, Foodman did not take no for an answer. He researched and connected with the actual hiring manager, which ultimately led to an offer. This experience taught him the value of direct engagement in a world that is becoming increasingly automated.
Foodman also shared a story of trying to connect with the CEO of a company through one of their investors. When the investor told him there was no chance of meeting the CEO, Foodman saw it as a challenge and managed to schedule a video call with the CEO a week later. This experience taught him that sometimes, going directly to the top can yield results when working through proper channels fails.
In another example, Foodman recounted a time when he wanted to sell a company he had started to a potential buyer who showed no interest. In a bold move, he disrupted the CEO’s day by setting up a booth across theirs at a trade show and hiring a famous comedian to draw crowds. This unconventional approach ultimately led to the acquisition of his company by the CEO. The lesson learned here is that sometimes, disrupting the norm and thinking outside the box can be necessary to get noticed and achieve success.
Foodman concludes by emphasizing the importance of not accepting no for an answer in the face of roadblocks, naysayers, and artificial walls in business and life. He believes that driving forward, getting creative, improvising as needed, and refusing to give up in the face of adversity are crucial traits of successful leaders. Foodman’s experiences serve as inspirational and illustrative examples of how determination and perseverance can lead to breakthroughs and achievements in one’s career.
