John Lamkin is VP of Growth Strategy at Cygnal, where he helps connect marketing, communications, and business development to real revenue outcomes. With more than 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and nonprofits, he has built a career around clarifying positioning, sharpening messaging, and creating scalable approaches to growth. He believes the best ideas are only as good as their execution, and he’s most energized when helping teams close that gap.
My first job was being a neighborhood entrepreneur — lemonade stands, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, whatever the season called for. I learned early that you could earn money by providing solutions for people, and that lesson has stayed with me. Business, at its core, is still about creating value, serving people well, and building trust over time.
I’m musical. I’ve spent a lot of time as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, and it’s always been one of the ways I process life and creativity. There’s something about making music that keeps the rest of me grounded.
Be a treasure hunter for the unique talent in every person. Everyone carries dignity, depth, and a gift that can serve the greater good. When you learn to look for that in people, and call it out, you don’t just build stronger relationships. You help create stronger teams, stronger communities, and better outcomes.