In case you are not aware, Mr. Scot Safon is Executive Vice President, CNN Worldwide/General Manager, HLN (Headline News), where he is responsible for the management of the HLN television network. Not only is he a distinguished business leader locally and globally, but he is renowned for being a dynamic, engaging, spellbinding speaker, and he did not disappoint!
Recently, Mr. Safon spoke at the 2012 AMA Collegiate Conference, and both his persona and presentation were captivating! He shared the remarkable story of his career path, which started with a dream of creating movie posters! Through the twists and turns, Mr. Safon stayed true to himself, his goals, his passion and just went for it - one wild opportunity after another! No one, not even the Long Island Native himself, could ever have imagined that the pursuit of his passions and his curiosity for life would lead him towards an illustrious career at a news network in Atlanta, GA!
As he wove the unusual story of how his career unfolded for the attendees, here is the advice he shared:
Know How To Write.
Whether it's technical, persuasive or trade writings, know how to write. Be concise and well-rounded. Familiarize yourself with all sorts of media and be able to decipher what is appropriate for each specific medium. Consider your audience and know how to communicate effectively. Know when to use industry lingo and when to "just talk."
Be Curious!
Listen to everyone and anyone's career story. You will learn many things from many people in many stations of life. Accept you don't know everything! The path can be weird, scary and unpredictable, and you may be asked to do things you don't want to do. You will not be handed your dream leadership role right away, and these experiences may be stepping stones in your career path. See them with a curious mind, and learn all that you can.
Stay a Student.
Don't be afraid or intimidated to learn new things. Always take stock of yourself and consider what you may have learned from your past as you look towards your future. Enjoy being a member of a team as much as you like being, or want to be, a leader. You can learn from sitting on both sides of the table. Ask questions, and be both enthusiastic and open to where your journey may take you.
Know What You're Talking About.
When you feel passionately, consider "why do I like or dislike this?" When you see something that works, ask yourself "why is this successful?" Have an opinion and be able to articulate it. Even if your idea is "off," it's best to at least have an idea. Voice that well-formed, passionate opinion and engage!
Bring Your Passion to Your Profession!
Whether your passion is serving others, or you're energized by an outside activity, like yoga (Scot's passion), let it waft into your professional life. Find a job that fufills your passion, or find a passion that propels you through every day. Passion is key!
DREAM B*I*G!
If you think you know what you want to do, DO IT! You can work in whatever you want to! But, again, know what you're talking about; have intensive and extensive knowledge of that industry, company, or role. Then GO! If you can dream it, you can do it!
Be True to Yourself!
Know what motivates you and know where you want to go. Pursue your goals and be comfortable saying no to an opportunity if it just doesn't feel "right." Be true to who you are and who you want to become!
As you forge ahead to carve out your own career to serve as a dynamic, enthusiastic, ebullient leader, consider these words from the wise. Be authentic, curious and open to possibility! Then just GO! There's nothing stopping you!
Showing posts with label passion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label passion. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Do You Have What It Takes? You Will!
We've talked about the mentor program, which I have had the good fortune of experiencing. (Tip: Get a Mentor! Your life will never be the same!)
This specific mentor program, as you know, involves early morning meetings on a monthly basis where the mentors and the protégés (that's me) exchange ideas and get glimpses into relatively unfamiliar facets of the world. We hear about the lives of leaders on a global scale, and even Russian, Venezuelan, Chinese, and German ex-pats' tales of life abroad (which can be a real hoot or slightly terrifying!). And, let's just say this about that : Thank goodness they provide gallons of coffee because trying to function intelligently so early in the morning (7:30AM) is no picnic!
Now, to our topic of the day... Our most recent discussion crossed into What It Takes To Be A Good Global Leader.
Here are the main take-aways from that discussion that you can apply whether you're leadership role is in your personal life, your "All-American" organization, or your MNC looking to capture market share in every country across the Atlantic and beyond...
Adapt to Change and Uncertainty
On a global scale, we're talking cultural, political and currency risk, but every day, you face uncertainty. Your only option (well, the best option, at least) is to just go with it. Adapt the best you can, do the best you can, and move on. The key is just adapting. (Not sure if you've heard this, but - sadly - the world won't change to fit your needs. We are the ones who have to bend. Don't break, just bend. Life will be easier, and in business, you'll get a lot farther.)
Stay Healthy!
I cannot stress this one enough! Take care of yourself! Traveling alone can wear you out! (Planes? Hello, germs! Jet lag? Yikes!) Pair that with the demands of functioning in our fast paced world, managing stress (that stuff can kill you!) and just overall trying to be the best that you can be, and it's no wonder your health can get a little wonky.
Be sure to bring your running shoes, your yoga mat, your goggles and flippers, whatever, with you when you travel. Finding that balance between working the room and working out is invaluable because if you don't take care of your body, where will you live? There's only one of you! Take care of yourself!
Practice Diplomacy.
Realize you are a representative of your country, of your organization, of your family, etc. Recognize the differences in people's cultures and upbringings. Engage and communicate with others with humility and respect. Be curious instead of judgmental. (PS. That's not just a good business decision, but a good life decision.)
Use Your Time Effectively.
Be prepared. Pre-plan. Be clear about your objectives and keep them in mind as your guide. Don't lose sight of your goal, and do the brain work early so you can be efficient. You will always have time limits and other constraints. By being prepared, you'll not only be calmer, but more confident and better equipped to deal with those constraints and any other curve balls that come your way! (Cue Inevitable Uncertainties!)
Have Passion!
Holy moly, have I heard this as I slog my way through this job-search gig!
Here's the gist: If you are not passionate about what you're doing, get your tail outta there! Make a change immediately if not sooner! Buck up, cowboy! You're not where you should be! And your happiness in this short adventure we call life should not be on hiatus for a paycheck!
And on that note, consider this: Where you think you should be and where you really are meant to be may not look exactly the same, nor even look like what you thought. So, be flexible and adapt (ah, there it is again!) to unforeseen opportunities that come your way, particularly those that are outside a rigid definition of the "right" company or industry. Practice being open. In the words of Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go! (But, before you go hightailing it, also be sure to Plan Effectively. Don't go jumping into any River Rapids without a Paddle! Follow your heart, but take your brain with you!)
. . .
I think we can all incorporate these ideas and practices into our lives, global leaders or not. Remarkably, you impact those around you more than you think. You are a leader in your own life, and you can set an example that will inspire and motivate others. Think of it like a ripple effect. You really can be the change you want to see in the world on your way to becoming the leader you dream of being!
This specific mentor program, as you know, involves early morning meetings on a monthly basis where the mentors and the protégés (that's me) exchange ideas and get glimpses into relatively unfamiliar facets of the world. We hear about the lives of leaders on a global scale, and even Russian, Venezuelan, Chinese, and German ex-pats' tales of life abroad (which can be a real hoot or slightly terrifying!). And, let's just say this about that : Thank goodness they provide gallons of coffee because trying to function intelligently so early in the morning (7:30AM) is no picnic!
Now, to our topic of the day... Our most recent discussion crossed into What It Takes To Be A Good Global Leader.
Here are the main take-aways from that discussion that you can apply whether you're leadership role is in your personal life, your "All-American" organization, or your MNC looking to capture market share in every country across the Atlantic and beyond...
Adapt to Change and Uncertainty
On a global scale, we're talking cultural, political and currency risk, but every day, you face uncertainty. Your only option (well, the best option, at least) is to just go with it. Adapt the best you can, do the best you can, and move on. The key is just adapting. (Not sure if you've heard this, but - sadly - the world won't change to fit your needs. We are the ones who have to bend. Don't break, just bend. Life will be easier, and in business, you'll get a lot farther.)
Stay Healthy!
I cannot stress this one enough! Take care of yourself! Traveling alone can wear you out! (Planes? Hello, germs! Jet lag? Yikes!) Pair that with the demands of functioning in our fast paced world, managing stress (that stuff can kill you!) and just overall trying to be the best that you can be, and it's no wonder your health can get a little wonky.
Be sure to bring your running shoes, your yoga mat, your goggles and flippers, whatever, with you when you travel. Finding that balance between working the room and working out is invaluable because if you don't take care of your body, where will you live? There's only one of you! Take care of yourself!
Practice Diplomacy.
Realize you are a representative of your country, of your organization, of your family, etc. Recognize the differences in people's cultures and upbringings. Engage and communicate with others with humility and respect. Be curious instead of judgmental. (PS. That's not just a good business decision, but a good life decision.)
Use Your Time Effectively.
Be prepared. Pre-plan. Be clear about your objectives and keep them in mind as your guide. Don't lose sight of your goal, and do the brain work early so you can be efficient. You will always have time limits and other constraints. By being prepared, you'll not only be calmer, but more confident and better equipped to deal with those constraints and any other curve balls that come your way! (Cue Inevitable Uncertainties!)
Have Passion!
Holy moly, have I heard this as I slog my way through this job-search gig!
Here's the gist: If you are not passionate about what you're doing, get your tail outta there! Make a change immediately if not sooner! Buck up, cowboy! You're not where you should be! And your happiness in this short adventure we call life should not be on hiatus for a paycheck!
And on that note, consider this: Where you think you should be and where you really are meant to be may not look exactly the same, nor even look like what you thought. So, be flexible and adapt (ah, there it is again!) to unforeseen opportunities that come your way, particularly those that are outside a rigid definition of the "right" company or industry. Practice being open. In the words of Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go! (But, before you go hightailing it, also be sure to Plan Effectively. Don't go jumping into any River Rapids without a Paddle! Follow your heart, but take your brain with you!)
. . .
I think we can all incorporate these ideas and practices into our lives, global leaders or not. Remarkably, you impact those around you more than you think. You are a leader in your own life, and you can set an example that will inspire and motivate others. Think of it like a ripple effect. You really can be the change you want to see in the world on your way to becoming the leader you dream of being!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Everyone's Going Global
Everyone's doing it, and it's hitting home.
"Globalization" and "Going Global" are words we hear all the time and for good reason. Not only are we a global economy, but the web we weave of relationships - both personal and professional - now transcends borders and barriers. We no longer need to "phone home" to hear (or see) what's going on with those who matter to us. Landline conference calls are passé. With the internet and other technology, information exchange transpires in mere seconds!
Hello, World Financial Crisis.
We are a global community with a globalized economy. It seems so obviously, doesn't it? Yet, everyday, we are reminded just how intimately our worlds collide!
For example, last week, I read an editorial written by Thomas Friedman, the same author as our beloved Lexus and Olive Tree text from MBA 8000. And guess where I found this column... Not the Wall Street Journal, nor the New York Times nor The Economist. (well, it might be there, too, but that's not where I read it.) It was in the AJC!
Can you believe it? I couldn't. Who knew the local paper would feature someone who is not only a world-renowned economist, but someone I could recognize... (It's a miracle, you have no idea! I can barely recognize some celebrities, let alone world leaders in politics or academia. Rest assured, I am terribly embarrassed as I write this.)
Well, after reading Mr. Friedman's editorial, it occurred to me... This globalization thing is not just in large American cities, or hubs for big businesses or even in emerging markets or even a theory in a Business School classroom. Its everywhere.
Then and there, I realized I need to be more familiar with what's going on in the world - both my world and the real world.
So, after a little more reading and a few detours on Wikipedia and Google, I discovered I have a little bit of a passion for this Globalization In My Own Backyard project I took on. For instance, I am fascinated by the financial plague that has hit two countries with life styles and cultures I've romanticized for years (hint: Opa & vino), and I am intrigued by both the positive and negative impacts of Westernization on the health and well-being of developing nations. Now, obviously, I have not yet grasped the whole shebang of side effects regarding foreign bankruptcy and currency fluctuations, nor have I developed an air-tight argument against the exports of GMO's because of their contribution to disease in Africa... but I did realize that I actually cared about these things.
Here's the deal: You may not give two hoots about Italy's financial future and its impact on France or about Ethiopian healthcare. That's ok. But you should give a hoot (or two) about what is going on outside of your day-to-day life and in your Glocalized world. So, I gently urge you to find the topics, the countries, or the companies that impassion you, and then feed that hunger for knowledge.
Who knows, it could make you a star-student in your International Marketing class, or help you decide on your next career move or inspire you to roll up your sleeves and run for President. You never know!
The thing is, we are the next leaders, and the world is constantly changing, and, no, we can't know everything. But, it's the stuff that we care to know, the stuff that enlivens us to keep learning and impassions us to keep going that will help us be the change we want to see in the world when we finally get out there.
*If you want a jumping off point for your own Globalization In My Own Backyard, visit GlobalAtlanta.com to see how globalization rocks our world here at home.
"Globalization" and "Going Global" are words we hear all the time and for good reason. Not only are we a global economy, but the web we weave of relationships - both personal and professional - now transcends borders and barriers. We no longer need to "phone home" to hear (or see) what's going on with those who matter to us. Landline conference calls are passé. With the internet and other technology, information exchange transpires in mere seconds!
Hello, World Financial Crisis.
We are a global community with a globalized economy. It seems so obviously, doesn't it? Yet, everyday, we are reminded just how intimately our worlds collide!
For example, last week, I read an editorial written by Thomas Friedman, the same author as our beloved Lexus and Olive Tree text from MBA 8000. And guess where I found this column... Not the Wall Street Journal, nor the New York Times nor The Economist. (well, it might be there, too, but that's not where I read it.) It was in the AJC!
Can you believe it? I couldn't. Who knew the local paper would feature someone who is not only a world-renowned economist, but someone I could recognize... (It's a miracle, you have no idea! I can barely recognize some celebrities, let alone world leaders in politics or academia. Rest assured, I am terribly embarrassed as I write this.)
Well, after reading Mr. Friedman's editorial, it occurred to me... This globalization thing is not just in large American cities, or hubs for big businesses or even in emerging markets or even a theory in a Business School classroom. Its everywhere.
Then and there, I realized I need to be more familiar with what's going on in the world - both my world and the real world.
So, after a little more reading and a few detours on Wikipedia and Google, I discovered I have a little bit of a passion for this Globalization In My Own Backyard project I took on. For instance, I am fascinated by the financial plague that has hit two countries with life styles and cultures I've romanticized for years (hint: Opa & vino), and I am intrigued by both the positive and negative impacts of Westernization on the health and well-being of developing nations. Now, obviously, I have not yet grasped the whole shebang of side effects regarding foreign bankruptcy and currency fluctuations, nor have I developed an air-tight argument against the exports of GMO's because of their contribution to disease in Africa... but I did realize that I actually cared about these things.
Here's the deal: You may not give two hoots about Italy's financial future and its impact on France or about Ethiopian healthcare. That's ok. But you should give a hoot (or two) about what is going on outside of your day-to-day life and in your Glocalized world. So, I gently urge you to find the topics, the countries, or the companies that impassion you, and then feed that hunger for knowledge.
Who knows, it could make you a star-student in your International Marketing class, or help you decide on your next career move or inspire you to roll up your sleeves and run for President. You never know!
The thing is, we are the next leaders, and the world is constantly changing, and, no, we can't know everything. But, it's the stuff that we care to know, the stuff that enlivens us to keep learning and impassions us to keep going that will help us be the change we want to see in the world when we finally get out there.
*If you want a jumping off point for your own Globalization In My Own Backyard, visit GlobalAtlanta.com to see how globalization rocks our world here at home.
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