#427: SPOTLIGHT: Robin Johnson

#427: Robin Johnson

May 13, 2025

A Backbeat of Community

Question for Robin: 

What is one significant and lousy decision you made that accidentally resulted in some positive indirect outcomes?
 

Robin's Response: 

I had been at my first job for about 6 years. A lot of my favorite co-workers had left, and I was itching for something new. A former colleague got me an interview for a role working closely with the CEO at his new employer.  During the interview my gut was telling me something was off, but it appeared to be a choice role on paper.  As a struggling people pleaser who didn’t want to disappoint my friend, my mid-20s self said yes when my gut was telling me no. 

One month in, I knew I had made the wrong choice.  However, convinced I couldn’t have a short job on my resume, I doubled down on my bad decision and decided to stick it out for at least a while. It turned out the CEO and a couple other executives were embezzling from the company. Everything went from bad to worse quite quickly – anyone working with the CEO and executive team was let go, including me. I was devastated and embarrassed. I knew something hadn’t been quite right but had gaslighted myself into staying. 

With some age and hindsight, I can now see that the experience taught me to not only pay attention to my gut but to also be more intentional about who I want in my personal and professional life. It also ignited my curiosity around company cultures and leadership, which has certainly influenced my current role in sustainability & stewardship.