Meet John Signo | Sr Project Manager & Servant Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Signo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Signofied LLC officially started in early 2021 but the core product (known as “Brand and Land”) started back in September 2014. The thought process behind starting it as an official business was to show the customers that the sessions are real and have had successes in various industries. We also partner with local and global PMI Chapters to help them generate additional customer base as well as funding for their other events.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Everyone’s career begins with excitement with an added dash of anxiety and nervousness. Into the unknown abyss we start our adventure with a lot of book knowledge and little experience. We find that one company willing to give us the opportunity to see what we can do. We never forget out first. This is where we make our first impression and start our people network which eventually helps propel us into the next opportunity. In my Junior and Senior years of High School and throughout college, I had various work experiences from janitorial to software development. Each position taught me a valuable lesson and a respect for the profession. Each had its challenges and to overcome those challenges, I used mentors and peers to help guide me. It wasn’t easy but eventually it did become easy because of the People Network that I established. along with a heavy dose of Determination.
Paying it forward, I mentor others as needed. I smile as I reminisce on the days that I encountered the same challenge and the dumb mistakes that made along the way. It’s these mistakes that make one Resilient. And it’s the resiliency that shines as you talk with others about your past experience.
When working with mentees, I use the mentality of “Teach a man to fish”. I don’t just give the answer to their challenge. I make them think of the possible answer and the positives and negatives of choosing one answer over the other. You won’t be there forever but if you can help teach them to think ahead = = that’s when they graduate.
My brand is simple: Servant Leadership. I firmly believe in this comment: “When you are blessed and fortunate, it is better to build a longer table than a taller fence”. I add these words at the end: “Welcome to my table. How can I help you?”. It’s all about H.O.P.E = Help One Person Everyday

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Given that we are still in a pandemic, the choices become limited but there are several exciting things about the city. West Village/Uptown are number one on the list. The endless possibilities of restaurants and boutiques on McKinney Avenue is sure to delight any of my visiting relatives and friends, Here are some notable ones:
1) Start the day (9am-ish) with a venti size “Medicine ball” at the Starbucks off Knox/Henderson
2) Lace up your walking/running shoes and hit the Katy Trail (starting at the Starbucks off Knox) and end near the American Airlines center. Take in the beautiful scenic ambiance that Katy Trail delivers.
3) On the way back, grab a seat at the Katy Trail Ice House and order their Breakfast Tacos – – for lunch. Or veer off the Katy Trail by taking the N Hall exit and head toward McKinney Ave. There you’ll find Primo’s MX. Definitely order the Ceviche and your favorite beverage. If your taste buds crave a more “American fare”, walk across and grab a unique burger from HopDoddy. Want more unique taco offerings? Walk northeast on McKinney and you’ll find Velvet Taco. For the not-too-adventurous eater, walk 1/2 mile the other direction and have your favorite at Chipotle.
4) After lunch, get back on the Katy Trail and enjoy the walk back to Starbucks.
5) For dinner, I highly suggest Taverna and ordering the “Katy Trail” (if you like pizza)
6) Toulouse (next to Taverna) is also a great choice along with Cafe Madrid (about 1-block south on Travis St)

Rinse and Repeat.

I can never get enough of the Katy Trail. Whether walking alone or with someone/others, it’s a great experience.

Depending on the person, here’s a few notable areas to eat and visit:

EAT:
A) Baboush (off McKinney Ave and CityPlace W Blvd)
B) Skinny Fats (directly across from Baboush)
C) Chuys (Knox and McKinney)
D) Fogo De Chao
E) Hakata Ramen (in Addison, TX)
F) Eataly (located in North Park mall)
G) Moxies
H) Fuel City Dallas (open 24hrs)
I) Concrete Cowboy (drinks)
J) Pie Emporium (great pies)

VISIT:
1) Ross Perot museum
2) Cathedral Guadalupe
3) Victory Park
4) Museum of Illusions
5) Bishop Arts District
6)
5)
2) Omni Hotel (great scenic view of Dallas)
3) Upside at Canopy (must-must be there at night for the great view of Dallas)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout definitely go to immediate and extended family, friends, and colleagues. Many names but in specific: Mei Lin, Luke Sharief, Katelyn Steele, Mohun Sundar, and the Almighty above who continues to give me guidance and strength to continue impacting peoples lives in a positive manner. Additional kudos goes to Harvey Coleman (author of “Empowering yourself: The Organizational Game Revealed”). My eyes were opened and career path more visible after attending his 4-day seminar. His PIE segment is phenomenal and applies to everyone. And finally, kudos to that anonymous person who coined: “When you are Blessed and Fortunate, it is better to build a longer table than a taller fence”. It continues to focus me on what my core business value is.

Instagram: johnsigno

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsigno

Twitter: @jsignotx

Image Credits
Volonda Harris Dionne Carrizales Soni Adesada