We’re excited to share that Axon’s EVP of Operations, Josh Goldman, has been selected as a member of the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2021 40 under 40 class. Josh's selection to this esteemed class was based on his demonstration of strong, dynamic leadership and work shaping the Phoenix Valley into a better place to work and live.

Josh is a highly respected leader and mentor at Axon. When the pandemic struck, he led Axon’s COVID-19 response plan focused on safety and growth, including joining forces to support our One Million Masks Initiative which committed over $1.7 million for personal protective equipment for first responders facing severe PPE shortages. Over 100 employees joined forces to hand pack and ship more than 1 million masks to 7,000+ agencies across all 50 states and 5+ countries. Josh not only maintained Axon’s business operations, but propelled the business forward during a time when so many other companies struggled due to the pandemic. And importantly, he doesn’t take credit for this; he attributes his successes to his team.

Josh believes a solid framework for company success begins with bringing the right people on board and empowering them with the tools necessary to succeed. He believes the best leaders ask questions, listen to understand what resources are needed and rely on their teams to guide them. He places an emphasis on empowering his people, and as a veteran, Josh actively mentors other vets—both here at Axon and externally.

We’re proud of all Josh has accomplished, and are excited to see him continue to develop and grow. Please join us in celebrating this moment with Josh!

Q&A With Josh Goldman:

What brought you to Axon?
After serving in the military, I was drawn to Axon’s mission to protect life. I am passionate about this mission and our vision to ensure everyone gets home safe. I want to help make a positive difference in the world and leave it a better place for my daughter, and at Axon, I know we are actually making an impact.

What’s your leadership style?
I am a firm believer in leading from the front. As leaders, our job is to establish the framework and vision for the company, then find the right people to bring on board. But it doesn’t end there. We need to empower and provide them with the right tools they need to succeed - whether that’s mentorship, being a sounding board or encouraging them to take risks. At Axon we are doing incredible things. We have a big vision and to succeed we are taking moon shots. With that comes a high bar of talent and making sure that leadership is not only supporting the operations, visions and metrics of the company, but also making sure teams have the freedom to take the lead.

What are you most excited about right now?
I am really excited about international expansion. With the technology strides that Axon has taken in the U.S., we’ve shown the world what our products can do. We are focusing on breaking down barriers with transparency and the tough conversations that need to be had, and we continue to give public safety around the world different ways and tools to deal with critical situations so that they can de-escalate safety and effectively.

Can you tell us about a powerful moment in your life that helped shape where you are today?
While in the Marine Corps, I served two deployment tours and was no stranger to seeing the daily hardships and struggles that war and conflict brought upon those around me. While on tour in Africa, we were stationed in a difficult part of the country that was struggling due to constant conflict and economic suffering. One day, we met a town elder, who although surrounded by hardship and chaps, had the most positive and inspiring attitude that I still think about to this day. It’s a constant reminder of the power of the human spirit; that although a situation may seem insurmountably difficult, with the right attitude and perspective you can change the world and those around you.

What organizations in Arizona are you involved in and passionate about?
As a veteran, I mentor other transitioning veterans both within Axon as well as within the community as a part of several USMC charities and organizations. I’ve participated in Arizona’s “Vet Talks,” similar to TED Talks, which feature presentations from military professionals who have transitioned into civilian life in partnership with several AZ companies. I also give my time to basset hound animal rescue organizations.

What advice you would give your 18-year-old self?
First, to slow down and get the most out of life’s journey, don’t be in such a rush to get to the finish line - it doesn’t exist. Second, to chase the right experiences to round out your skillset and never lose sight of the people you lead and those on your team, as they are the ones that matter most.

About Josh:

Josh joined Axon as VP of Operations in 2017 and leads supply chain, quality, manufacturing, global facilities, and international operations. Prior to Axon, Josh was a managing partner at Logistics Delivered, as well as VP of Operations at Ruan Transportation Management Systems, where he excelled in strategic enterprise-wide leadership and managed P&L/business development for operations across the continental U.S. Josh began his career as a Marine Corps Logistics/Supply Officer serving two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado and an M.B.A. from the University of Redlands with advanced study at the University of Cambridge Institute of Economic and Political Studies in the U.K.

To learn more about joining Axon’s team, visit: www.axon.com/careers