Interview with John Ibsen

February 22, 2023
By
Yasmina Ibsen
Interviews

John is our Account Executive and the newest member of our team.

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?    

I grew up in several places, from Ohio to Illinois, from Texas to New Hampshire. My dad had several jobs in the corporate world. I went to Elementary School in Wichita Falls, Texas at Crockett Elementary (mostly), and went to Junior High School and High School at Exeter High School in Exeter, New Hampshire.

What sparked your interest in sales?

I’ve always been a people person and enjoy getting to know people and their stories. I have applied this to my sales role, where I can really try to help develop trust and understanding and help them resolve their business needs. It is really rewarding!

Did you have any specific role models? If so, who were they?

I don’t have anyone specific that I would consider a role model for me. However, I do admire leaders like Martin Luther King, Calvin Coolidge and Augustine. I also admire prolific writers like Tolstoy, Shelley, Dostoevky, Dumas, Defoe & Austen (of whom I’ve read many of their works).

What would you say to a young person considering a career in sales?

If you’re considering sales as a job, you really have to know how personalities work and how to best speak to their personality. If you want to be trustworthy, you have to listen to pain points of your customers and try to help them.

What is important to you personally? I.e.what things do you value most in life?

What is most important to me is family and friends and surrounding myself with people who are of high integrity that challenge me and help me grow into a better person.  

What are some of the challenges you have faced either in your career or personally that you feel have helped you become the successful person you are?  

Pain and disappointment have been excellent teachers, as well as people who abandon or cheat you. Winston Churchill said to a graduating class, “Never, never, never give up” and that is a great motto for me.

What do you enjoy about being part of the Studylog team?

I believe that Studylog is a truly incredible product that really is helping the world in medical research. I know that the team is committed to excellence and believes in the product, too, and are really a fun and highly talented group to work with!

What do you do for fun outside of work?

I love to go to good restaurants with friends, movies, traveling, reading and serving.