A Recipe for Staying Energized Over the Long Haul

Being named this year to Ragan Communications and PR Daily’s Hall of Fame prompted a bit of introspection regarding how I have managed to retain my enthusiasm for communications into what is now my fifth (!) decade in the business. A few thoughts:  

1. Surround yourself with people who inspire—and push—you. I was incredibly fortunate to be taken under the wing of none other than advertising legend Jay Chiat early in my career. His “good enough is never good enough” ethos is still imprinted on my DNA, and I credit Jay and my other early mentors with creating standards I still aim to live by. My advice: Don’t settle for cheerleaders or a comfort squad. Seek out people who will challenge and embolden you. Yes, you want people who will have your back—but that hand on the small of your back should engage in a firm push once in a while.  
2. Bring people on the journey with you. I have been described more than once as a “collector” of people. (Honestly, I may be moving into hoarding territory.) There is so much more joy in building a career that also nurtures and advances the careers of others. Case in point: My Ragan / PR Daily award was presented to me by a longtime friend and colleague, Jody Sunna, who left the agency world to join me in my new venture in Switzerland several years ago. As proud as I was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, I may have been even more verklempt to see her honored with a Trailblazer award.  I have never considered myself a networker. I’m a relationship builder. And I will always derive more satisfaction from helping people along on their journeys than in whatever I achieve in mine. Don’t let people you like and value slip away. Make it a point to stay connected, even when you no longer have a direct professional link. That’s what gives a lengthy career richness and meaning—and keeps you engaged.   
3. Stay hungry. My appetite for the new—whether a trend, an idea, or a person—is insatiable. I always want to know more. That’s why I spent so many hours during the COVID lockdowns working toward my master’s at Johns Hopkins. I was older—by decades—than most of my classmates, but being surrounded by younger people in another field entirely (political science) was part of the draw. To me, a hunger for learning and stretching comes naturally. If it’s less organic for you, take the time to do a self-assessment and figure out what gaps you want to fill. What do you want to understand—or do—better? Then make it so. It’s our job as communicators to make people think, aspire, and feel. How can we do that effectively if we’re not excited about what we’re “selling”?  

It’s been quite a journey—no doubt about that. I can genuinely say that I wouldn’t have wanted to make many different choices. The bruises I’ve collected along the way have made the triumphs all the sweeter. I’m a fan of the younger generation’s tendency to move between jobs and careers. I would urge them, though, not to miss out on building the enduring connections that are the most valuable component of our time spent in this world.   

Go forth and conquer—but while you’re conquering, don’t forget to connect.