Fenway

In today's fast-paced media landscape, crafting an op-ed that resonates with readers is no easy feat. But according to the experts at Fenway, there's a proven approach to maximize your chances of success. In a new Q&A, Fenway CEO Ben Krauss shares the key elements that set top-notch op-eds apart, from grabbing readers with a timely story to crafting a call-to-action that feels real and tangible. He also offers a fascinating insider's perspective on Fenway's recent discussions with Quiller to leverage generative AI in the op-ed writing process. Check out the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gGjFMBmN

How do you go from mailroom intern to chief speechwriter for the president of the United States...by the age of 32?! Cody Keenan shared the lessons of his remarkable journey with our class at American University... --Relax. “I meet a lot of young people who are worried they’ll make a mistake when choosing their first job,” Cody said. “But your first job [his was a mailroom intern for Sen. Ted Kennedy] doesn’t dictate your entire career.” --“Say yes to everything.” After the mailroom, Cody said yes to answering phones and yes to typing memos. In return, the office said yes to giving Cody more responsibility—promoting him to legislative aide with his own portfolio. --Take a chance…on yourself. One day, a fellow staffer asked Cody, “have you ever written a speech?” He hadn’t. But he took a swing. Soon, he was writing speeches that Sen. Kennedy was delivering on the Senate floor. --Listen. One student asked Cody how he brings so much empathy to his speeches. His answer: “I start by listening.” At the White House, he sought out fellow staffers who were Black, LGBQT or military veterans and let their experiences and perspectives shape the speech. --“Don’t be a jerk.” (Nothing to add here. It's just good advice—maybe the best advice—whatever field you’re in!) --Focus on your purpose, not your title. Cody shared President Obama’s wise advice: “Worry less about what you want to be, and think more about what you want to do.” To which Cody added: “You may want to be a chief of staff in an organization. You may or may not get there. But focus on what you want to do—for example, helping children—and you’ll always have an impact.” --Everybody struggles. With our class—and in his book Grace—Cody spoke honestly about his own self-doubts. Even though he’d reached the pinnacle of his profession as a White House speechwriter, he still doubted whether he was up to the job. He overworked himself and ended up in the hospital with hypertension, he wrote, “desperate to prove I was worthy of the post.” How did he get through it? --"Surround yourself with good people." One of the best people Cody surrounded himself with was Kristen Bartoloni (AU Class of 2008!)—a White House fact-checker who he later married. “Stop being so hard on yourself,” she told him once. “The only person who thinks you’ll fail is you. I’m proud of you.” Pretty good advice—for work and life! Here's hoping you surround yourself with good people who are proud of you too. Cody’s inspiring book Grace is available here: https://lnkd.in/eGjvZ4Bs Thank you, Cody, from Griffin Batt, Victoria B., Montague Chevallier, Katherine Chittenden, Siena Cooney, Aidan D., Ria Dutta, Chandler Eby, Ella Gianino, Jack Guidi, Samantha Hessel, Andrew LaBerge, Zach Lovejoy, Brandon McCauley, Lindy Murphy, Michael Picchi, Cecelia Rhodes, Lillian Ross, Marco Sánchez, Maximilian Sandefer, Tommy Schupp, Ethan Terezakis, Alyssa Toppi, Riley Valashinas, Payton Ziegler