CEO Shares Lessons in Leadership, Opportunity, and Daring Mighty

Huntsman School of Business students packed Utah State University’s Russell/Wanless Performance Hall on October 28 to learn from Utah business leader Crystal Maggelet, CEO and chair of FJ Management Inc. An accomplished executive and award-winning leader, Maggelet brought more than business insight to the Huntsman Scholar Program’s fall forum. She shared life lessons and encouraged students to embrace opportunity, lead with integrity, and dare to step beyond their comfort zones.

Maggelet leads FJ Management Inc., a diversified, family-owned business with holdings that include Maverik, an 800-store convenience and travel-stop chain operating across 20 states; Big West Oil, a Salt Lake City-based petroleum refinery; TAB Bank; and Crystal Inn hotels. Under her leadership, the family business has expanded while maintaining strong commitments to integrity and giving back.

Early in her career, Maggelet and her husband built the Crystal Inn hotel chain while raising their four children. Following the tragic death of her father in an airplane accident in 2003, Maggelet stepped into a leadership role in the family business. In 2008, she became CEO of Flying J during one of the most challenging periods in the company’s history, successfully guiding it through bankruptcy and restructuring.

When asked how she managed the demands of a growing career and family, she offered a unique perspective on work-life balance. She says she recognized she can’t give all areas of her life equal attention every single day, but that she can over a lifetime. 

“For me, I wanted to have had a great family, a great career, and I wanted to give back to the community, and I can't do all three of those every day,” she said. “And so, when I look back and say I did all three of those really well, I know I didn’t do them on one day.” 

Throughout her presentation, Maggelet shared practical advice drawn from decades of experience. Key takeaways:

• Believe in yourself. Be confident in your abilities but remain humble. Believe you can accomplish things even when the path isn't clear.
• Work hard. Success doesn't come easily. The years spent building your education, work ethic, and professional reputation establish the foundation for your future.
• Watch for opportunities and be prepared to take them. Many of the defining moments in Maggelet's career weren't things she planned. They were opportunities that appeared unexpectedly, and she was willing to say yes.
• Keep your options open. Don't become so focused on one career destination that you miss other opportunities along the way.
• Build strong relationships. Treat people with honesty and respect, ask for feedback, and always leave professional relationships on good terms.
• Choose your life partner wisely. Discuss career goals, hopes, and dreams with the person you plan to share your life with. Make sure you understand and support each other's aspirations.
• Find what you're passionate about. Not everyone needs to become a CEO. Understand your strengths, discover what motivates you, and look for opportunities that align with those interests.
• Surround yourself with smart people. Trust the expertise of those around you and lead always with honesty and transparency. 
• Emerging leaders are proactive. Step forward, volunteer for challenging assignments and actively seek feedback rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you.

Following Maggelet’s presentation, student scholar and leader, Natalia Capote, led a discussion with her before opening a question-and-answer session with the audience. Students asked about navigating uncertainty, overcoming professional setbacks, and learning from influential leaders, including Warren Buffett. 

Maggelet’s candid responses offered an additional glimpse into the decisions and values that have shaped her career and the influence she’s had on thousands of employees. Her final thought encouraged students to remain curious and embrace lifelong learning. 

“A position of leadership is really a learning experience,” she said. “And I want to be a lifetime learner, and that desire has always pulled me through.”