OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAMCURRENT CLASS
Julius Cox
Pilot Company
EVP & Chief People Officer
Hometown: Houston, TX
What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
1) Realize the opportunity to serve as a corporate headquarters for companies looking for their employees to live and work in a growing city with great people and have a better quality of life; 2) Improved infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing city ; 3) Create a clear vision and plan for investing in education and housing for all.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
The welcoming people, the weather, the ease of living herfe, the access to the great outdoors, the proximity and access to other cities and communities (by roadway or air travel).
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
1) Realize the opportunity to attract other companies; 2) Improved infrastructure to meet the demands of population growth; 3) Create a clear vision and srategy for investing in education and housing for all; 4) Business leaders and government coming together to attract new businesses/restaurants.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
An early morning run in my neighborhood. Seeing the sun rise with the Knoxville landscape in the distance reminded me how blessed I am to have found this city and this stage of my life.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
I am currently reading the Power of Moments
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Be willing to take on things/opportunities where success isn't guaranteed. A mentor at my first job out of grad school said this to me as I was considering leaving the company. I had two job offers and her words convinced me to pursue the one that had the greatest personal risk and career upside. It served as a foundation and spring board from my career.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Other than invest in that crazy thing called Apple I would say enjoy the journey/don't miss the litttle moments that really matter. I was in a rush to get to college and thriough college to start earning money. And that "I do matter".