Become a Lifelong Learner
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Hello beautiful people!
I have an important question for you. The answer may change your life!
Think of the last major challenge you faced at work...
It could be a new position, a new boss, a new project, or a brand new company...
How did you respond to that challenge?
Did you succeed with flying colors? Or did you fall flat on your face?
And if you fell, did you get back up? Did you try again? Did you learn from your mistakes?
That's the theme of this week's newsletter: Using the challenges in our lives to become lifelong learners.
Here's a little story to show you what I mean:g
? One Big Thing: Become a lifelong learner
In 1993, I was a District Manager for the Gap running the Chicago Northwest area. I was on a career path to be a Regional Manager and then a Zone Vice President or more. I was content. Comfortable.
Then my life turned upside down!
One day, we received a visit from the CEO of Gap, Mickey Drexler. I had a chance to drive Mickey around the city during his trip. We got along well and I did my best to impress.
A week later, my boss called me: "Mickey thinks you are a merchant."
Merchants?were the mythical mavens of culture who worked at Gap's HQ in San Francisco. They decided what was "cool" for a generation of teens and young adults.
Mickey wanted me to fly out and interview for the role. For a little gay boy from Toledo, how could I say no to a free trip to SF???
Six weeks later, I had backed up my things in Chicago, bought a convertible, and moved into the Castro.
What could possibly go wrong?
In short, everything!
I went from feeling like a confident and focused field executive with a defined career path to being a trainee overnight. I felt stupid... like the slowest reader and learner in a classroom. This was not a familiar feeling.
To compensate, I brought work home at night and rehearsed presentations obsessively.
Slowly but surely, I found my footing.
Then something amazing happened... I realized I LOVED my job.
More importantly, I loved the growth process and learning new skills. From that moment on, I've tackled every challenge as a learning opportunity.
As you seek your next career leap, don't be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not learning and growing.
Embrace new experiences. Stay constantly curious. Then watch your career and life bloom!
?? Leader Spotlight: Carrick Moon
"May we leave our corner of the world better than we found it."
Carrick Moon is the co-founder and former president of the?Queer Student Union (QSU) at Indiana University .
Carrick grew up in Georgetown, Kentucky where his mom is a local attorney, and his dad is a construction worker and small business owner.
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At 19, while attending IU, Carrick came out as a transgender man. This experience sparked a life-long interest in advocacy and leadership. As a senior, he received the?Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award ?for his "proven leadership on campus both inside and outside of the classroom." He was also a pedagogical research fellow with the?Kovener program ?where he explored how best to make College classrooms inclusive spaces where all students, regardless of their identity or background.
Today, Carrick works for?Protect Democracy ?and sits on the board of?Queer Kentucky , a nonprofit that amplifies and empowers the stories of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians across the state.
I'm honored to have worked with Carrick during his time at IU. It's leaders like him who give me hope for our future!
You can email Carrick at?[email protected] ?and connect with him on?LinkedIn .
?? What I'm Loving
Last week I traveled to New York City to record the audio version of?All Pride, No Ego!?As a Broadway baby, I couldn't visit NYC without taking in a few shows.
"Good Night, Oscar," by Sean Hayes is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I highly recommend everyone see it. Mr. Hayes deserves every accolade and award he has received for his efforts.
As a bonus, the lovely Debra Messing was in the audience!
? What's Worth Fighting For
50 years ago, being queer was officially deemed "not a mental disorder." Today, we're still fighting for our rights to be our authentic selves.
?? Jimisms: Simple Ideas. Real Impact.
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
— Lester Bangs from?Almost Famous
?? Have you heard an inspiring or thought-provoking quote recently? Reply and share! I'd love to hear it.
??? ?? Pre-Order?All Pride, No Ego,?coming out August 15!
Last thing... All Pride No Ego is officially part of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce!
I'm honored to be a member of this incredible organization.
Until next time! ????????
Jim
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