Cameron Johnson

Background

About Cameron Johnson

I grew up wanting to be a fighter pilot. Going to air shows and visiting the naval base were highlights. The noise, the speed, the risk, the individualism and responsibility, just so exhilarating. I selected subjects at school to follow this path. I studied hard. So, when it came time to apply and then test for the air force, I found out that I was colour blind. The news was devastating, one of those moments in life where you say well what do I do now. I spent a lot of time with my dad growing up, being his "chainman" on surveying jobs, learning about mathematics, learning how to approach and deal with people. I was the mentee, so, I became a surveyor. It was a comfortable space, very technical, supported by clear rules that allowed for evidential interpretation and self-expression but most importantly, problem solving. I liked it. Seeing your first survey plan registered and in the public system was a triumph, it said what you did was valued. The fire to solve problems was well and truly burning. Problems bring challenges, I love challenges, they are earned knowledge through experiences. A challenge teaches you about yourself and those around you. I like to take challenges head on, the more you do, the more you learn. I started to look further afield by doing more study, working as an urban planner, building business management and business development muscle, project management, masterplanning and infrastructure delivery. Lots of challenges and amazing knowledge! I took the leap to property and realised that I have found what I was looking for. The challenges have been often and at times steep. Property has all the technical parts like planning, approvals, contracts, feasibility and legal, skills that I picked quickly due to my background. It’s the other parts, gained through experience, such as strategy; financial transactions; debt and equity raising; stakeholder management; interpersonal leadership; team building; customer analysis and identification; consumer sentiment; and sales and marketing, that are now a part of me and what I am great at. I have become big on purpose, it’s a self-identifier, it charts the way. I have realised that my purpose is to bring joy to people’s lives and to be of service. Right now, seeing that key turn in a new home, or business and recognising that my team and I have added value to someone else or their organisation is truly rewarding. We are always learning! So, there is still much to do and accomplish.