In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks with John Addison, Chairman of Primerica Distribution, Co-CEO and Director, about leadership, dominating the financial services industry and living every day to the fullest.
DSN: You’ve been with Primerica for more than 30 years. What’s your personal goal for Primerica?
JA: To position this great company for the next 30 years. To make sure our cause and our business continue to dominate the financial services industry in the future.
DSN: If you could relive a period of time at Primerica, when would it be?
JA: Our battle for the IPO to get out of Citigroup. It was the most challenging time of my career, but because I knew the stakes it was when I felt the most “alive.”
DSN: What other direct selling company or leader do you admire most, and why?
 John Addison |
JA: I read Mary Kay Ash’s book and always admired her tenacity and what she overcame to build a great company.
DSN: Aside from Art Williams, who has had the most influence on your career, and how?
JA: My mother. She taught me how to deal with people from all walks of life. My mom could always make people feel great and inspire them. She was truly a special person, and I miss her every day of my life.
DSN: What’s on your bucket list?
JA: To get up every day and have fun. To live every day like it’s my last… because one day I will be correct.
DSN: In your presentation at VideoPlus University earlier this year, you advised attendees to “be a steward of your own life.” How do you do that in your life?
JA: I say always look for the positive. Life is very short. We all spend too much time worried about things that really don’t matter. Always remember life is a journey and an adventure. Enjoy the trip.
