Veteran business leader calls for resilience, adaptability, and written goals as keys to lasting achievement

TACOMA, WA / ACCESS Newswire / October 8, 2025 / Jonathan Kniss, a seasoned executive whose career has spanned aerospace, energy, and real estate, is encouraging professionals at every stage of their careers to rethink how they define success. With more than three decades of leadership experience, Kniss says the lessons he's learned-from being promoted eight times at Boeing to leading global expansion at Quest Integrated-point to one conclusion: success is less about titles and more about growth.

"Each promotion I earned at Boeing brought more responsibility, but it wasn't the title that mattered," Kniss said. "What mattered was whether the team advanced and whether I was growing through the challenge."

Jonathan Kniss points out that research backs this up. According to Gallup, only 21% of employees worldwide are engaged at work, and disengagement often stems from chasing roles that don't match skills or values. "You have to enjoy the work itself," he explained. "If you're doing something well that you care about, you can sustain the pressure. That's when real progress happens."

Drawing on experiences where projects seemed impossible until teams shifted strategy, Kniss also highlights adaptability as essential. "When someone says ‘it can't be done,' it usually means the old way won't work. Change the approach, and you'll often find a way forward."

Kniss advises simple, actionable habits: write goals down, keep perspective, and stay grounded. "Putting goals in writing locks them in time," he said.

Outside of work, Kniss serves as a certified pet therapy program at a children's hospital. "In business, we measure success in numbers. In the hospital, it's measured in smiles," he said. "Both are reminders that leadership is about people and impact."

Kniss encourages professionals to take stock of their own definitions of success. "Ask yourself: am I growing, or just chasing a title? Am I writing my goals down? Am I adapting when the old way no longer works?"

As workplaces evolve, he believes individuals have more power than they think to shape their own paths. "Success is not just where you end up," Kniss said. "It's how you get there, and who you bring along with you."

About Jonathan Kniss

Jonathan Kniss is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in the aviation and energy industries, where he has held several executive roles. Known for his people-focused leadership, he emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and continuous learning. Guided by faith and family, Jonathan believes success comes from lifting others and embracing challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. He also volunteers with his golden retriever, as a certified pet therapy team, at a local children's hospital.

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Jonathan Kniss
https://www.jonathanknissleader.com/
info@jonathanknissleader.com

SOURCE: Jonathan Kniss