Editor's Note:
Welcome to the “10 Candid Career Questions” series, introducing you to the PPP professionals who do the deals, analyze the data, and strategize on the next big thing. Each of them followed a different path into PPP practice, and this series offers an inside look at their backgrounds, motivations, and choices. Each blogger receives the same 15 questions and answers 10 or more that tell their PPP career story candidly and without jargon. We believe you’ll be as surprised and inspired as we were. 
1. What was your first job?
My first job was as a journalist.
2. What was/is your best job?
My best job is what I try to do every day.
3. What does your family think you do all day at work?
My family members think I spend all day at work writing.
4. What do you really do all day at work?
I really spend all day at work communicating.
5. What do you wish you did all day at work?
I wish I spent all day at work thinking.
6. If some days at the office you feel like Sisyphus, and other days you feel like Midas, what character from literature or history do you identify with the rest of the time?
Some days at the office I feel like Sisyphus, occasionally I feel like Midas, but most of the time I feel like Google.
7. What did you think "PPP" stood for before you entered the field?
Before I entered this field, I thought "PPP" stood for a Naughty by Nature typo.
8. What is your go-to industry website?
My go-to industry website is Infrastructure Journal.
9. What did you learn from the book that made the biggest impact on you professionally?
The book that has made the biggest impact on me professionally taught me not to be complacent, or take myself too seriously.
10. What shocks you about your own career advice to young professionals?
When I give advice to young professionals, I’m shocked to hear myself say “Own your role, build strong relationships, and be patient.”
11. What is the most rewarding thing you’ve ever experienced in the course of PPP practice?
The most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced in the course of PPP practice is seeing infrastructure projects that truly make people’s lives better.
12. What is the most surprising thing you’ve ever experienced in the course of PPP practice?
The most surprising thing I’ve ever experienced in the course of PPP practice is working with so many great people all over the world.
13. What do you refuse to compromise on professionally?
I’ve learned never to compromise professionally on quality or integrity.
14. In what ways do you think the PPPs will look different in 10 years?
I think the PPP area I work in will look different in 10 years because the nature of infrastructure is that it evolves as society changes.
Read posts by John at the PPP blog.
Follow John @JohnKjorstad.
Read previous posts of “10 Candid Career Questions”.
To contribute your PPP career story, email abuckholtz@ifc.org.
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