Take the Leap: How Stepping Into the Unknown Made Me a Better Leader

Every career has a turning point.

For me, it was a random phone call, unexpected, unplanned, and completely outside my comfort zone. That moment challenged everything I thought I knew about sales, leadership, and growth. Looking back now, it was the start of something bigger than just a new job. It was the start of becoming the kind of leader I never imagined I could be.

The Moment That Sparked It All

I was at Grainger when a recruiter reached out about a technical sales role in plumbing manufacturing. I didn’t have a technical background. I barely understood what the job involved. But something about it pulled me in. Curiosity said yes before fear could say no.

That “yes” led to one of the most defining chapters of my career.

Building From Zero

I walked into a role with no blueprint. No technical sales infrastructure. Just an idea and a lot of opportunity.

So I got to work:

• I dove deep into the market and studied the competition.

• I built a multi-year strategy with a clear roadmap and revenue goals.

• With my boss Randy’s full trust, I turned vision into execution.

It wasn’t just about selling. It was about creating something brand new for the company, and for myself.

Leading Through Uncertainty

The challenge grew when I realized the products I’d be selling didn’t even exist yet. They were still in development.

I partnered with product managers, helped shape the offerings, and geared up to launch. And once we hit the market, the real leadership test began:

• I educated industry experts from engineers to architects across North America.

• I built relationships that turned into strategic partnerships.

• I created the “Three Pillars” opportunity pipeline that fueled serious growth.

Eighteen months in, I was promoted and tasked with building a team and running it like a startup inside the company. It was equal parts leadership and entrepreneurship.

3 Lessons That Changed How I Lead

Over those five years, I didn’t just grow revenue, I grew as a leader. Here’s what that journey taught me:

1. Trust Creates Leaders
   Randy’s belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks, make big decisions, and lead boldly. That kind of trust changes everything.

2. Strategy Wins
   You can’t wing it and expect consistent results. Clear goals and a focused plan make growth sustainable.

3. Accountability Drives Performance
   A strong pipeline is only as good as the follow-through. Progress happens when we hold ourselves and our teams to a high standard.

Mentorship Matters

None of this would’ve happened without mentorship. Randy didn’t just manage, he empowered. He led with belief, and that belief helped me see something bigger in myself.

It’s a reminder: when we lead with trust, we don’t just grow businesses, we grow people.

What’s Your Next Leap?

If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s this: growth lives on the other side of uncertainty. When you embrace the unknown with courage, clarity, and accountability, you open the door to breakthroughs you never saw coming.

So here’s my challenge to you:

• Bet on yourself, and the people around you.

• Build a plan, but stay open to the pivot.

• Focus on progress, not perfection.

The unknown isn’t something to fear. It’s where your next big leap begins.

Here’s to leading with courage, and conquering what’s next.

—
Warm regards,
Chris Atwell
Peak Performance Sales & Mindset Coach
Mindset-Conquest