Michael Jeans

President & CEO, Growth Opps

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in Spanish 

What Success Looks Like to Me: I believe success is inclusive of the journey and is not necessarily the target. The target for me is excellence; it is not achieved randomly and requires dedicated, continuous improvement. It requires intense, sincere preparation and intentionality, as well as a wisdom that allows one to adapt when obstacles arise. Once excellence becomes a habit, success is the byproduct rather than the target.

What I Look for in a Leader: Great leaders look around a few corners ahead and see what is coming before most others. They have prepared for what is next and work diligently to help others prepare. Great leaders are trusted, and they do all they can to maintain that trust.

Favorite Quote: “Company culture is not merely the words on a wall. It’s how employees feel on a Sunday night.”

An Important Lesson I Learned: It is not who is your champion and by your side when the sun is shining bright upon you. It is who leans in when the clouds come — better still when the storm approaches.