Leadership Greater Topeka | Nicholas Jefferson
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
How have you evolved and grown during your career?
I have evolved in my career by completely changing careers. I started as a civil engineer doing various aspects of design work and construction project management for two different consulting firms. After about seven years I took a leap and went to law school at Washburn University, which is how I ended up in Topeka. I have been a civil litigation attorney for the last 11 years, initially in private practice, and the last seven years for the City of Topeka. I have also had the opportunity over the last year to work part time for the City in a civil engineering capacity again, by helping with some construction project management part-time. It has been very interesting, and while I love my current job as a litigation attorney, it has been fun to flex that engineering muscle again.
What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey?
If you find yourself consistently dreading Sunday evenings, it might be time to move on to something else. You are not doing anyone any favors by staying in a position that no longer works for you. That might mean a new job or a completely new career, but if you need to make a leap, make it. Life is too short.
What do you collect?
Musical instruments. I am up to 4 acoustic guitars, 6 electrics, 3 mandolins, 2 basses, and countless miscellaneous instruments strewn about my basement. Music is a large part of my life and has been for years.
What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
Curious. I am always trying new hobbies and trying to learn new things. My wife says I say, "Oh that's interesting..." even when things are not interesting. Well, at least not to anyone else.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You might not get where you want to be right away, but you will get there eventually, or you might end up somewhere even better.
What are your core values?
My core values are honesty, integrity, rationality, and respect for the individual.
What are your strengths?
I believe I am very good at researching and writing, probably because it is a key function of my job, and I practice both nearly every day. I also feel like I am good at taking emotion out of conflict and trying to see mutually beneficial solutions to problems. Again, my job as a litigation attorney is adversarial in nature and puts me in some type of conflict as a matter of course. Without the ability to navigate that world calmly and objectively, one could find themselves mentally exhausted, and probably not very productive.
What should one never take for granted?
Family and health, and probably in that order.
What’s the last series you binge-watched?
I am currently on my third run through of "The Wire".
What would we see you doing on a weekend?
Playing with my kids or, as my wife calls it, "puttering" around the house.
What book are you reading now? Why?
I just finished The Plantagenets by Dan Jones, which was great. I am considering re-reading The Art of War because I got a new version for Christmas which has some added commentary and analysis, and I haven't read it since undergrad.
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