Mike Sturm

About Mike Sturm

My career has been, and continues to be centered around 3 things: sharp tools, interesting problems, and creating value asymmetry.I love to dig into difficult (seemingly intractable) problems, and find (or create) and use the best tools to both solve them and prevent similar problems in the future. I lean toward systems-based thinking and process-based action. But I also enjoy the decidedly UN-systematic world of personal relationships and communication (which is how I ended up in sales).Over the course of my working life, my ethos has evolved into a focus on value asymmetry. This means I aim both to provide value to others before asking for it in return, and to provide at least a bit more in value than I ask for in return. I\'ve found this approach to be both the ethical way to work, but also contributive to the best medium and long term ROI.I\'m also hopelessly infatuated with personal productivity. I love discussing the methods, tools, and literature about it-as well as how it integrates into self-improvement as a whole. I continue to write extensively about the topic, and make it a part of my approach to both service and leadership.

Experience

1. Strategic Sales Leader

   Field Fastener

   Dec 2021 — Present

   I work closely with large customers to develop, execute, and manage long-term and collaborative strategies for growth. I also serve as a coach, mentor, and helper to a team of salespeople whose focus is on finding and onboarding customers whose vision and values fit in with Field\'s unique approach.

Education

• Northern Illinois University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Philosophy

  2001 — 2005

• Northern Illinois University

  Master of Arts - MA, Philosophy

  2006 — 2010