5 Keys to Unlocking the Career Path of Your Dreams

If I’ve learned anything in my career it’s that nothing ever “just happens.”

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the amalgamation of steps, decisions, connections, and opportunities that I myself have taken and have been given throughout my career that brought me to where I am today. And what I’ve come to realize in this reflection is that people—true connections and true community—are the key to creating a life that you love.?

So today, I’d like to share a little about my journey—reflecting on my steps to success and those who’ve helped me along the way.

1. Make the First Move

When I first came out, I knew where I lived was not in alignment with who I was. At that stage in my life, I yearned to go somewhere new and somewhere bigger. (More on that story in my recent blog here.)?

After some deliberation and discussions with friends, I settled on Chicago and moved to the city with no job, no apartment, and no real plan or idea of what my life might look like.

From the moment I arrived, I made a conscious effort to shake hands and introduce myself to as many people as possible. Always taking a mental note of how we met, where we met, etc. (Anyone who is ever trying to plant roots in a new city, I can’t recommend this approach enough.)

As tired as this phrase is, it really is about who you know, and I figured the more people I could meet, the better my chances were to find new friends and new opportunities. With that ideology and my personality in mind, as a young and eager (newly out) gay man in a new city, I didn’t take a single interaction I had for granted.?

You never know when you’re going to cross paths, run into someone, or when a mutually beneficial opportunity can come up.?

Who knows—it just might change your entire life.?

2. Associate with the Right People?

The first job I found was out of pure necessity as a sales associate for Akira Chicago, a popular Chicago boutique. Little did I know this seemingly random retail job would become the catalyst for the rest of my career.?

If you’ve ever been to an Akira, you know that it’s more than just clothing and accessories—it’s a curated environment with friendly, energetic people creating an experience. The brand just so happened to throw some of the best parties, too.?

It was here I met one of my first notable inspirational people—Jon Cotay, co-founder of Akira. Jon knew and understood how to build a brand and cultivate a creative, immersive lifestyle experience (spoiler alert: this proved to be much more impactful on my career than I realized at the time!)

As being social was part of the job description, I got to meet dozens of people every day—Chicago natives, creatives, and individuals of all career paths. This work environment allowed me to connect with folks I’m still connected with today.?

3. Put the Vibes Out There

As I was becoming more of a local and looking to elevate and grow into the next chapter of my career, I was unapologetically vocal about it.?

I voiced my desire for a new opportunity whenever I met or interacted with damn near anyone. And a new friend (and regular customer of Akira), Justin Natale, was no exception. Knowing my energy and immediate goals, Justin introduced me to Stephen Westman, managing director of the Hard Rock Hotel at the time. This introduction led me to a role I’ll never forget: Vibe Manager at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.

“Energy flows where your attention goes,” as they say. And landing a title like “Vibe Manager” could not have been more fitting.?

Sometimes the magic lies in not just who you know, but in the energy you exude in the process of making connections. Call it manifesting, call it networking, call it whatever you want, but no matter how it looks for you, don’t be shy about it.?

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

I had some phenomenal mentors that introduced me to their networks during my time at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.?

One person that I looked up to in many regards was my direct boss, Pete Zudyk. Pete was one of the first loud and proud successful gay creatives in my life, and he played a huge role in mentoring and coaching me in marketing and leadership—strengths that I exude today.

It was during my time at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago that I also met creatives who would carry me into my next chapter, DJ Megan Taylor and James and Michelle Gustin of Fig Media.

James and Michelle took me in and showed me the ropes when it came to video production and photography, and helped support me in my own passion project, The Almanac Mag. This was a key year in my life in which members of my own community saw potential in me and opened me up to new ideas, opportunities, and people.?

While I was learning from some of the best, my boss Pete introduced me to Molly Morter, a brilliant and badass creative who opened the door for me at Golin, a PR agency boasting globally recognized brands and award-winning work. With Molly’s introduction, I landed the open role of Creative Resource Manager and ultimately grew into a Creative Director position.

I spent nearly eight years at Golin—eight formidable years where I formed life-long friendships and learned creative and PR best practices from the best in the business.

My nearly eight years (and countless new connections) would have never been possible without all the connections and chapters of my journey that came before.?

5. Simply Be Yourself

By making it known that I wanted to grow my career in a certain direction, (for me, it was marketing and creative), I got exposure to opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise known about.?

The relationships that I intentionally forged, nurtured and genuinely appreciated opened new, exciting doors for me. And for these, I am eternally grateful.

In the late summer of 2021, SimplyBe. Agency, was hiring for a Director of Client Experience. DJ Megan Taylor, a connection from my Hard Rock Hotel days as we’ve learned, flagged my desire to expand in my career yet again to her good friend Jessica Zweig, the Founder and CEO of SimplyBe.

You never know who and what can help make things happen for you.?

Manifestation is an art and a science, and it really is a combination of:

• Who you know
• Putting yourself out there (unapologetically, no less)?
• The role models and mentors you surround yourself with
• And what you do with the opportunities that present themselves to you

Nothing gets me more lit up than when I forge new connections or reconnect with people from my past. And any chance I get, I pay it forward and connect folks I know will gain opportunities and expand from meeting each other.?

So I’m paying it forward to my Chicago community on June 1 at Simply Proud: a night celebrating LGBTQ+ leaders and lightworkers.?

Along with SimplyBe., my hope is to create a space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to forge new connections with each other and with our allies. I hope to play one small role or make one small contribution to someone finding the next step, the next job, the next open door on their journey.?

You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities lie ahead for you, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.?

I hope to see you on June 1st and I’d love to introduce you to some of my network ;)?