Lucky # 17

17 years ago I walked into 305 South Congress as a full-time employee at what was then, a CMG property. I had interned my senior year of college in the marketing and events department and fell in love with the smell of the ink and presses, the sound of the paper running through late at night printing the special sections I sold into, and most importantly, the work and the teams I was a small part of.

From intern, to sales assistant, to sales executive, to sales leader and now VP of sales in Austin, I have learned so much at every step of my career here, and have enjoyed the many sides, roles and responsbilities that I have been given throughout my career. I have always felt like the luckiest person in the room to have the opportunities I am afforded, at every level.

If I could go back to April 14, 2005 and give my 22 year old self some advice, here is what I would say:

• Slow down. Soak it up. The days are long, but the years are so short and you are going to have some many great opportunities along the way- enjoy the ride.

• Don't sweat the small stuff- we are not curing cancer. I know you will think that that ad that didn't run is the end of your world, or that business you lost will be the end of you- or that teammate that left is irreplacable. Calm down- let it roll- you will be fine.
• Being a leader is so much more rewarding than being an individual contributor- you will shock the hell out of yourself as a type 3 competitor to find that your individual success is a distant second to watching the people around you that you support have massive success. That one shocked most I think- including myself. Leadership is hard work, but so rewarding.
• Be humble- you don't know everything, and in fact, you will get much better, much quicker if you learn to say "I don't know, teach me", and then LEARN from others.

• NOTHING, and I mean nothing, is your success alone- learn to say THANK You and SHOUT OUT LOUDLY, the people around you that lift you to success- nothing bothers me more now than seeing anyone take all the credit for their success - it is NEVER just YOU. SAY thank you to the people who help make you a success.
• Quit dying your hair blonde- you look ridiculous.

To Gannett and LOCALiQ, thank you for giving me the best opportunity to continue to grow and develop- I know that in another 17 years this list of learnings will double. (and my gray hairs will too :) )