Significant Career Lesson From A Head Of Growth At 3DNS
Max emphasizes the importance of "standing up for what is right" in the workplace, even when facing power dynamics or difficult superiors, and highlights that coupling this with hard work and viewing a job as "paid education" ultimately garners respect and enables professional growth. By advocating for oneself and customers while consistently delivering high-quality work, Max's experiences illustrate a path to influence and positive impact within a company.
Workplace Ethics, Career Growth, Leadership, Standing Up For Your Values, Importance of Hard Work
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Max Ronquillo
Head of Growth
3DNS
UC Berkeley
Economics, Political Science, American Studies
Technology
Business Strategy
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult, is crucial. This includes advocating for yourself, your work, and your customers, even if it means challenging those in positions of power.
2. Combining hard work with a positive attitude is key to earning respect in the workplace. Even when facing challenges, maintaining a strong work ethic and a positive demeanor can influence how others perceive and value your contributions.
3. Viewing your job as paid education can shift your perspective and enhance your learning and growth. Approaching your work with a mindset of continuous learning can lead to greater job satisfaction and skill development.
Transcript
What's one lesson you've learned that's proven significant in your career?
That's another interesting question. There are probably many lessons learned from jobs.
Ultimately, working for people is difficult because of ego. You don't want to upset anyone, but I will stand up for what is right when it's appropriate.
That's the one big lesson I've taken from all my jobs. Unfortunately, people find power, even in small ways, and want to abuse it.
It's unfortunate there's a manager versus employee structure. But if you're a hard worker and show up with a smile, adding energy to the team, it's important to stand up when things aren't right.
On a few occasions, I've had to stand up for my work at my tech recruiting company. My manager would try to box me in, but I would do very well, even having hundred-thousand-dollar months.
They would nitpick, and I would say, "No, I'm actually doing well." You have to stand up for yourself if you're doing good work.
You also have to stand up for your customers. If customers are upset and your CEO doesn't care, you have to make them care. After all, they have the equity in the company, not you.
Even if they don't budge, that's okay. At least you know you did your part. You'll still go to work the next day and work harder than everyone else.
You'll do it with a smile, and they will ultimately respect you for stating your point and then showing up to work hard. You have to back yourself, but back yourself with hard work.
The two lessons are: always work hard no matter what, and stand up for the truth. They will respect you either way and eventually start listening.
It takes time to develop this, but it all comes back to your attitude. If you look at your job as paid education, that's probably the ultimate lesson.
If you view your job as paid education, you'll have a good time, learn skills, and garner respect. You'll earn respect if you do those things.