As we navigate through unprecedented times in business, we often look to leadership for advice, guidance, and support. At NextGen, our leadership team has been leading the way for employees, clients, and communities. We transitioned to working from home in March and have been moving forward ever since, with a focus on staying connected and fostering collaboration in our company. This month, I interviewed our leadership team individually to see how they were adjusting to this new normal and what positive things they see on the horizon for NextGen.

Today, we start with our Senior Vice President, Jonathan Langley. Jonathan joined NextGen in San Diego in 2014. He began as NextGen’s Head of Recruitment, then in 2016 became Vice President of Recruiting. He stepped into the role of Senior Vice President in 2019 and then assumed full responsibility of NextGen this year.

1. How did you adjust to working from home?

Overall, it was pretty easy for me. I was fortunate to have a spare room to set up my home office in, and it didn’t take too much to set it up. Luckily, I had an old printer and scanner that I bought ink for to get it up and running. Eventually, I’ll set up the station for 2 screens and I’m waiting for a stand-up desk so that I can alternate between sitting and standing, then I’ll be good to go!

The most challenging part is feeling disconnected from the team. I’m new to this role, and since I was asked to step into this position there has been a lot of change in the world and growth in the company. It’s hard not being able to see the team in person. We are navigating what to do next with our different office locations, knowing that how we used to work may be forever changed. We are certain that we will continue moving forward, steady and with the safety of our employees as the focus.

2. What are some things you have done to stay entertained while staying at home?

Not having to commute to and from work has given me more time to do things at home, like working in my vegetable garden. My son, Noah, and I are in the process of building a duck habitat to go next to our chickens. We are going to get ducklings and chicks to raise. And it has been nice to not have to travel as much – this is the longest I haven’t traveled since before my son was born 11 years ago. I’ve been able to play games with the kids, spend time outside with them, and I am fortunate to have this added family time.

3. What is the biggest difference you have seen in your daily routine?

I have had more time to work. Using the time I would have been commuting, I can get more done during the day. But I used to walk a mile every day to get out of the office and I haven’t been doing that as much. Maybe with the company fitness challenge, I’ll start that again.

4. What are some positive things that have happened for you personally since the current restrictions began?

Definitely having more family time and vegetable time has been a positive. I’m also reading more than before, usually during the time I would have been in the car. I just read The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek; I made myself read for 30 minutes every day.

5. What are some silver linings that you feel will come from this for NextGen?

Flexibility. The team is focused and has been demonstrating success working remotely. Before this, there was reluctance around the idea of working remotely. But if we continue to demonstrate success now, it will allow us to implement changes that will enable greater flexibility moving forward.

Another silver lining was the NG team pulling together for our “Care for a C.U.R.E” Facebook Live event. We wouldn’t have done something like that without COVID and it was such a success. Now that we know that we can do something like that, we can build on that. It was really worthwhile and positive.

6. What is one thing you want NextGen employees and/or the community to know?

That we are one team, and we are here for them. We will do our best to help them or connect them to resources that can help them.

Key Takeaways

The key takeaways from speaking with Jonathan are that flexibility is possible, provided that the hard work is still put in. Sometimes unexpected events can bring a team together in new ways to achieve greatness and make an impact. And finally, that NextGen is moving forward and adapting to change as needed. Although things have been ever-changing this year, one thing that isn’t changing is the support that our Leadership Team provides, and the forward progress that we, as a company, will continue to make.

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been an interesting year, but there are positives that will come from this as we navigate through it. Jonathan is invested in NextGen and excited for the growth and opportunities that await us in the future.

Be sure to follow us for more interviews with the rest of our Leadership Team at NextGen! All of our interviews will be posted to our News page, and we hope you will read along as we continue our interviews with the NextGen Leadership Team!

Bio:

Sarah Janich is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at NextGen. She joined the team in March 2020 and has been recruiting internal talent as well as assisting with marketing blogs and campaigns. Sarah has been recruiting in the staffing industry for two years, and recently earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from UCSD Extension. Be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn for the latest news and internal openings at NextGen!