Early Edge – The Hidden Power of Taking Roles Nobody Wants

In this episode of The Early Edge, Jay and Jeff sit down with manufacturing executive John Ooms to unpack one of the most overlooked career advantages: taking on the roles no one else wants. John shares how the “less desirable” jobs early in his career actually gave him more responsibility, more visibility, and more growth than he expected. While he felt underexposed, he was ultimately overdeveloped—and those experiences built the foundation for every leadership role that followed. This episode is a masterclass in mindset, perseverance, and seeing value in every opportunity—even the ones that don’t look ideal on paper.