Growing From Struggle with Alex Shannon
What is it like to be a Sales Representative for Xcellent ATL? Alex Shannon can tell you a thing or two.
Born and raised in McDonough, GA, Shannon knew that he would find himself in a role like this from an early age. “I’ve always been passionate about connecting with others,” says Shannon, “I wasn’t expecting to join a business based on merit, but once upon a time, I was approached by someone, who is now my coworker, while I was cutting grass in my neighborhood. He told me about the business and the path to success waiting for me if I just took a chance. I’ve always seen myself in a suit since I was seven years old, and I dreamt of becoming a professional businessman.”
At just nineteen, Alex Shannon is one of the most self-aware young leaders in the game. “I am constantly reprogramming myself and my subconscious,” says Shannon, “since I was fourteen years old, I knew that I could continue developing myself and growing as long as I looked inward.” A life-long psychology enthusiast, Shannon is always searching for ways to grow, never standing complacent. Mental strength comes from many places, and for Alex Shannon, it is equal parts psychological self-evaluation and competition. “I am a very competitive person,” says Shannon, “I love being pushed to be better. I played a lot of basketball in high school and ran track.”
“My favorite thing about this industry is the variety,” says Shannon, “there are so many different areas that I can put my focus on to develop and reach upper management. Everyone on the Xcellent ATL team has the same mindset. We treat this like a lifestyle, not a job. This career path doesn’t end at 6 pm, at least not if you want to be successful. I think I was truly created for business, and it feels natural for me to take positions of leadership.”
During COVID-19, businesses have been forced to get creative. Here at Xcellent ATL, we’ve shifted our mindset to see the silver linings. With more time isolated, people seek human connection more than ever, and this business runs on human connection. “I have connected with so many people virtually during this time,” says Shannon, “I have met many like-minded and goal-driven people that push me towards greater success.” It is refreshing to look to the silver linings of a time like this, and leaders like Alex Shannon understand that more than most.
Personal struggle is by no means a precursor to success, but when it comes to cultivating a mindset, it undoubtedly plays a part. Alex Shannon’s history is laden with personal growth due to his experience as an adopted child. “As an adopted child, my subconscious mind formed differently at a young age,” says Shannon, “for a long time, I saw that as a setback, but I’ve learned how to mold my subconscious and use my struggle to my benefit.” Alex Shannon’s history involves a lack of stability, remembering those years as ‘different parents every week’ until the age of eight. That experience hasn’t stopped him. He’s learned to find self-love and value within himself despite his past, and has become an inspiring leader who actively improves the lives of everyone around him; in the Xcellent ATL office and beyond.
