The Next Chapter... Madonna Lady Gaga and Me!

When the ad agency I worked for reorganized, I got the news my position was one of its casualties. The obvious question was, “What’s next?” The answer, however, wasn’t obvious and, it took time to get it right. That was 10 years ago.

I immediately began networking with EVERYONE I knew. Good contacts, interesting conversations, and even some leads resulted. I looked for opportunities online and had a fairly good response rate. But, there were unexpected hurdles. Something changed. My “wisdom and experience” (a euphemism) were recognized but not valued.

To counter that, a colleague suggested a new twist on how I played up my skillset. No longer was I the corporate communications strategist, with many years of experience. I was a “ghostwriter in disguise” and it was a great way to overcome the “wisdom” and “experience” hurdles.

Hmm. Isn’t that what Madonna and Lady Gaga (and countless other artists) had done throughout their careers? They took their music and art form in completely different (and sometimes surprising) directions—exploring new sounds, new moves and new ideas.

Madonna’s “material girl” morphed many times over the years. Her 2004 “Reinvention Tour” was a huge success. (Dare I say… her latest effort in 2023, not so much.)? Lady Gaga’s performance in “A Star is Born” revealed her acting talents. She has been quiet of late, perhaps something else is afoot.

So I became the “Ghostwriter in Disguise” and landed a job with a multi-billion dollar data-driven corporation. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the spot wasn’t quite right. While I was “working,” I was miserable.

Now What?? Like Madonna and Lady Gaga—do it again!

In 2016, I went back to school for an MBA. I wasn’t sure where it would lead. Yet, an MBA would give me a new credential, new knowledge., and something I always wished I had. My hope was the degree, combined with that wisdom and experience I spoke of would qualify me to teach at the college level. It did! After receiving my MBA, I became a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Business at Mercy University (then Mercy College) —another reinvention realized.

It was a fabulous experience. As a student, I saw first-hand how Millennials think, work and respond to challenges. As a professor, students and faculty alike appreciated my past experiences and perspectives.? Life was good.

Things Change. Just when I was getting my professor groove on, I received an inquiry out of the blue from a friend who had a friend looking for a communications expert at a prestigious New York banking institution. “Did I know of anyone, or would I, be interested,” she asked. The job spec was a big “ask” for someone with the desired background and experience level (about 6-8 years), and I struggled to identify potential candidates. People in my advertising circle were used to a fast-paced, creative environment and likely sought something more Google-ish.

Then I thought, “What about me?” I was a newly minted MBA and Professor—I thrive in corporate environments. I worked in financial services for years. It was worth a shot. The MBA/college lecturer/communications combo seemed to be the perfect reinvention mix.? I landed the job in January of 2018 and I couldn’t have been happier.

Post Script - Feb. 29, 2024

It’s been six years since I landed that job. And, today, I decided to move on. ?The technical term is “retire,” but there's so much more that I want to do!

While the pages of this chapter are yet to be written, the lessons of reinvention from Madonna and Lady Gaga that served me well for so many years, will be again in play. Family, traveling, and giving back are certain to be among the subheads.

These past six years -- and the few decades before them -- have given me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. My work took me to every corner of the world—from the south of France (13 times!) and Europe, to South America and Mexico, and to Asia and Australia. The people I met, and the knowledge I gained, as we forged ahead with sometimes wild ideas, other times practical counsel, and most times, results that mattered, make me smile.

There are many colleagues (and friends) to thank for their trust, support and guidance, along the way. I look forward to staying connected and hearing stories of their continuing success.

Except for career reinvention, I have little in common with Madonna or Lady Gaga but their lessons remain valuable—never stop learning, discovering and reaching for your dreams.

Today, I can’t wait to see how the reinvention will play out this time.

Onward…

[Editorial Note:? A version of this story was originally publishing on Leaning Out, January 19, 2019.]