It’s that time of year again when we put out an all-points bulletin to solicit nominations for ENX Magazine’s annual Difference Maker issue. The roster of 50-plus industry professionals, selected by their peers, will be profiled in the May issue of our publication.
Those honored represent every walk of professional life, from CEOs and presidents to managers and receptionists. Their station is less important than the contributions they make to their businesses, customers, partners and other affiliated stakeholders. They demonstrate a penchant for going beyond what’s expected of their position, thus reflecting positively on all with whom they associate.
Nominate a Difference Maker today!
Difference Makers is truly a recognition program as opposed to a competition. Even more importantly, it is you—the reader—who shines the light on these individuals.
As always, we have but two rules: you cannot nominate yourself, and individuals who were honored in 2022 are ineligible for inclusion this year. You can check out our 2022 honorees here. While you’re at it, take 10 minutes to nominate that special stalwart who has left an impression on you.
It’s been said that people are like onions, and the more that you get to know them, the more layers you peel back and the greater insight you have into what makes them tick. As the person who compiles these biographies each year, I am fortunate to gain a deeper perspective into these special individuals beyond what can be gleaned from a LinkedIn profile. Sometimes, I’ll learn fun facts about what they do away from the office—hobbies, passions, sports allegiances, charitable activities, and favorite vacation haunts.
Every so often, however, there’s a tale that takes my breath away and remains forever memorable. Some Difference Maker journeys are unlikely and unfathomable, heroic and traumatic, and bizarre and circuitous. But these experiences shape the people that they become. I won’t rehash them here; I’ll provide a brief synopsis and links to the original newsletter articles of two truly remarkable individuals.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a friendlier, more affable fellow than Chris Johnson. The senior director of channel sales (central region) for Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America has spent 20 years engaging clients and partners with witty repartee and interesting stories. But a deeper dive unearths an American soldier and hero who embarked on multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Truth be known, Johnson had grown a bit bored and wanted a challenge that could put his leadership skills to work. It took two articles to do him justice. Check them out here and here.
What would be the opposite of being born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth? While you mull that over, I’ll just say Maegan Lujan embodies rising from the ashes. Homeless as a teenager, Lujan left the foster care system behind and built a life of purpose and value. A budding author, activist for disadvantaged youth and brimming with industry recognitions, Lujan is currently the director, solutions and services for Toshiba America Business Solutions. Her accomplishments are impressive even for people who are privileged, and when you factor in her humble beginnings, they’re downright amazing. Read more here.
Don’t use these two as a measuring stick for nominations, but rather let them serve as a shining example of how we all can strive to attain our better selves. I, for one, cannot wait to relate our remarkable 2023 Difference Makers. It is the people that make our industry a special corner of the business universe.
