Tarik Johnson

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

TJ: I’m a big bowler. I decided to start because I wanted something to keep me competitive. I also played college football, but didn’t continue after graduation.

I grew up playing sports my entire life, so I always look for ways to stay active and connected. Bowling also helps me build camaraderie outside of work. There I’ve met friends, mentors and people who share that same drive.

Tell us about your journey from sports to your early career in finance, and how those experiences shaped your approach to work and led you to join GLAS?

TJ: My experience as the football team captain taught me how to lead in a way that made others feel comfortable seeking guidance from me. That same dynamic exists in my role at GLAS, people naturally come to me for advice and clarity.

Whether it’s teammates on the field or colleagues on the TMG team, I’ve learned how to listen, provide direction, and create an environment where others feel supported

Can you walk us through a day in your role and the routines that help you stay on top of things?

TJ: A lot of my day is spent coordinating, there is a heavy emphasis on communication.

Emails take up most of my day; I try to keep my inbox at zero so I don’t miss anything. I also get on calls quite often with legal attorneys and read, negotiate, and discuss field documents.

Then there’s more communication on the back end with support groups and the client services team, making sure they’re prepared for deal closings and kept up to speed with timelines.

A good portion of my day is also spent on transactional tasks, making sure folders are up to date, checklists are complete, and tasks are complete.

One thing about me is I really like to make sure that all the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

TJ: The biggest thing I enjoy is reading the credit agreements.

In my previous work, I typically would just get a finalised credit agreement and just work off that. Here at GLAS, I have the ability to read and negotiate these credit agreements, working hand in hand with legal.

It allows me to grow, not only in my work but in my personal life as well, by having a better understanding of legal and finance terms. As I got more familiar with loans and how they work, I was able to successfully refinance some of my own debt. That real-life application is something that I find extremely interesting.

How would you describe the culture of GLAS?

TJ: When I joined GLAS USA, there were maybe a dozen of us at the time, so it was very small, but the culture didn’t feel that way. Everybody was very personable and likeable.

There’s strong support from overseas, something that is certainly felt within the US office, considering we’re thousands of miles away.

Its global footprint is exciting professionally. There are offices across the US, Europe, Asia, and the company allows people to take opportunities to work abroad. That exposure and the chance to connect with colleagues across continents is really unique and makes GLAS an interesting place to grow.

How has GLAS supported your professional development, and what opportunities or resources have helped you grow in your role?

TJ: The people.

Of course, we have plenty resources for growth, like training materials and platforms, but it’s really the people who know their stuff that make the difference.

When I first got here, it was all about getting me up to speed, and I had a wealth of knowledge pouring in from all kinds of people. At larger companies, you often don’t get that kind of face time with managers and senior leadership, so having that guidance and personability was invaluable.

What do you do to maintain work-life balance?

TJ: There have certainly been times when I’m juggling emails, phone calls, or an urgent client request while already working on something pressing.

I make it a point to step away and clear my head, whether that’s bowling a few times a week, taking that hour lunch to recharge, or walking my dog when I’m working from home.

At the same time, I make sure to get my work done during the day. I find that’s the key way to have a successful work-life balance.

What’s next for you in your career at GLAS?

TJ: Since joining the workforce in 2020, my career has progressed naturally from an operations role to product development, and now to reading and negotiating documents.

Looking ahead, my next steps in the 5 to 10 years to come is being in a sales-focused role, whether relationship management or business development. As I continue to learn the products and deepen my understanding of financial services, moving into a sales role feels like a natural progression.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey at GLAS or in finance?

TJ: One of the biggest things is to build a strong foundation early on. Most new joiners don’t necessarily have a financial services background, so it helps to understand general concepts whether it be loans, bonds, or whatever area you’re working in.

Beyond that, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a wrong question, and that’s how you learn.

One of my football coaches instilled into me to always show up to meetings or training sessions with a pen and pad; I would jot down key points and questions. I still do this today, it gives me something to reference and encourages me to dig deeper. That way, I can be self-sufficient and keep learning as I go.

What would you tell someone thinking about joining GLAS?

TJ: I’d definitely highlight the small-office culture and the opportunities that come with it.

Being in a smaller setup means you get more individualised time, especially with senior management, so it’s a great opportunity to extend your network and knowledge intake.

Beyond that, our US offices, like Jersey City, are great places to work and connect with people locally.

Overall, the culture and the chance to develop your skills are what I’d emphasise to anyone considering GLAS.