Sometimes, the most incredible career journeys are the ones that are never planned. Russell Black, a Senior Manager of People Operations at EchoStar, is a perfect example. His story begins with a summer job and culminates in a senior leadership role, all within the same company. Russell's journey proves that at EchoStar, with a willingness to learn and the courage to embrace opportunity, anything is possible.
What This Means for Your Career
Russell's incredible story is a powerful testament to EchoStar's culture. He attributes his success to the continuous support and coaching he received from great leaders and his own commitment to continuous learning. His leadership philosophy is guided by empathy, accountability, integrity and positivity, and is best summed up by his favorite piece of advice: "Just learn how to get things done." He encourages everyone to take on challenges and to embrace the opportunity to make things happen.
"The people that really achieve and succeed. They're the ones that just go get things done regardless of what it is. I've always approached it from a standpoint of, I'm going to take it on and I'm going to do my best to achieve it."
— Russell Black, Senior Manager, People Operations
Finding a Calling & Accelerated Success
Russell’s career at EchoStar began in 2006 as a field technician. At 18, he saw the opportunity as a temporary summer job. Yet, as the summer came and went, Russell found himself enjoying the work and, with new responsibilities, realized he wanted to continue growing with EchoStar. After being transferred to a new location, he realized the opportunity at hand and shifted his focus to becoming a peer leader for his team.
Shortly after this transition, EchoStar launched its Smart Home Services initiative. For Russell, this was his favorite part of the job. He loved talking to people, finding solutions for their homes and selling new solutions. His passion and newfound drive led to immediate success, as he received recognition as one of the top 12 technicians in the nation for sales. This accomplishment opened doors to exciting opportunities, including a trip to Denver to film a video on Smart Home Services and attending Team Summit in Orlando.
His leadership took notice, encouraging Russell to apply for a Field Service Manager (FSM) role. Though he was unsure if he was ready, he was excited about the possibility and was ultimately selected. In this new people-leader role, Russell leaned into EchoStar’s robust professional development resources. He utilized the tuition reimbursement program to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, participated in numerous learning and development sessions, and actively sought out coaching from his leaders and peers. His team flourished, and his commitment extended beyond his role as he became deeply involved with company-related volunteering opportunities, which later earned him the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.
Expanded Leadership & Pivoting Into HR
After seven years as an FSM, Russell set his sights on the Operations Manager role, a natural next step for a site leader. He went through the entire interview process, only to have the role unexpectedly paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this setback proved to be a new beginning. The senior HR manager who had interviewed him called with an intriguing proposition to join the HR team.
Russell had never considered a career in HR, but with his degree in psychology and a proven ability to build strong relationships, the opportunity felt right. Once again receiving encouragement from leadership, he applied and was selected for the HR Business Partner role where he helped implement significant process and technology improvements. Most recently, he was promoted to the Senior Manager, People Operations role. In his role on the People Operations Team, Russell and his fellow team members measure performance and productivity, helping shift some of the ways that we work and support our frontline team members, while also driving process improvements related to changes in procedures and technology. The common thread throughout his entire journey is that every role was an opportunity presented to him by a leader who believed in his potential.
Your Next Steps
Russell's advice to candidates is a testament to his growth at EchoStar. “I grew up here at EchoStar,” he shares. “I am a better person today than when I started, and I credit much of that to the leaders who coached and developed me but also to the hard work and dedication I have given to the organization.” His path was not planned, but by being open to new opportunities and willing to work hard, he built a long-lasting and impactful career. For ambitious individuals looking to build a career, Russell’s journey is proof that at EchoStar, your path can take you further than you have ever imagined.
"I love sharing my story because my life has truly changed here at EchoStar. I grew up here at EchoStar. I am a better person today than when I started, and I credit much of that to the leaders who coached and developed me."
— Russell Black, Senior Manager, People Operations
