I recently had the privilege to interview Dee Dee Myers, the first female White House press secretary. She's currently on tour to promote her latest endeavor as the empowerment ambassador for a new Jones New York women's empowerment campaign. This is a woman who believes that you can do anything, and her passion for helping other women (and men) is evident in how she describes the role of women in the 21st Century workplace today. Part of the “Empowering Your Confidence” movement depicts … [Read more...]
From College to Career: How did I get here?
Recently, I came across the video below, which features a commencement speech delivered by Apple Founder Steve Jobs to a graduating class at Stanford University in 2005. The theme of his speech, "Stay hungry, stay foolish," was especially intriguing and I certainly wanted to find out more. So as I watched, I also jotted down a few notes. I'm kind-of a sucker for really good commencement speeches. Truth be told, I can hardly remember what remarks Smokey Robinson gave when he stood before my … [Read more...]
Are you prepared for opportunity?
A lot of people wonder why opportunities don't come knocking at their door. They feel as if they've been dealt an unlucky set of cards or that life's just unfair. Some believe that outsiders simply fail to see their worth or talent, and therefore are bypassed opportunities. While those scenarios could certainly be the case. More often than not we -- ourselves -- are the reason why chances at success fall short of landing in our path. If you've ever wondered why it seems you never get a … [Read more...]
Are You Getting in the Way of Your Success?
Several years ago, I moved from my small hometown in Georgia where I grew up to Los Angeles after high school graduation with the hopes of pursuing an acting career. But after attending acting classes for one academic year, I decided to try college once again and then enrolled into a two-year institution in Culver City, Calif. It was a tough road. I was completely on my own, without the financial help of my parents, making ends meet by working at a popular L.A. shopping mall. Despite that, … [Read more...]
Courage Soup for the Chicken Soul
Did you know that chickens populate this earth more than any other type of bird, clocking in at 24 billion in the world as of 2003? It’s no wonder then that so many of us humans resemble the domesticated foul when it comes to cowardliness in our careers and in pursuing our life dreams. Did you also know that domestic chickens are incapable of long-distance flight? Chickens will sometimes fly to explore their surroundings, but usually do so only to flee perceived danger. As a high schooler, … [Read more...]
Find Inspiration to Live Your Dream Career, Take Hold Opportunities & Watch Project Runway
I love watching the television show Project Runway, which airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on the Lifetime Network. It’s a reality-based show about individuals from virtually all walks of life who are living out their dreams and competing to become a famed, nationally recognized fashion designer. “Either you’re in, or you’re out” is the show’s motto, regularly spoken as fact by Project Runway host, supermodel Heidi Klum. Despite the fact that contestants could possibly kill their careers simply by … [Read more...]
“Failure Isn’t a Set-Back, It’s a Step Up.” Plus, Famous Quotes to Live By
Don’t you just love great quotes? They’re motivational, thought-provoking, and often wise words to store in your brain for those rainy, discouraging days. I created the title quote myself after scourging the Internet for famous quotes to share with you all today. Do quotes encourage you too? What quotes have inspired you to: Take Chances? Rise above the level of mediocrity? Tap into self-belief? Muster courage? Demolish all excuses? Dream again? As I started to think about … [Read more...]
What’s Your Attitude? Is it Contagious? Or Does it Repel?
Are you a movie buff? Or are you a sucker for a good action film or chick flick? My favorite types of movies are those based on real-life events. And although I realize Hollywood fictionalizes some aspect of the true story to enhance the film, I always get chills during the part of the movie when the protagonist experiences sudden revelation or insight. One of my favorite scenes that serves as an example of this, is in the movie Remember The Titans. In case you haven’t seen it, Titans … [Read more...]
Are You Driving Your Destiny? Or Is Something (Or Someone) Else?
Growing up in Southwest Georgia, my family primarily used a riding lawnmower to cut the grass. Our yard was pretty large, and although my older brothers had at times mowed the lawn with a push mower, it was an obvious relief when they were old enough to use the riding version. As I grew older, my dad also allowed me to drive it in order to cut the grass. It was actually pretty fun and I enjoyed navigating up and down the yard, and maneuvering through bushes and underneath low tree … [Read more...]
How to Upgrade Your Image & Gain More Respect (And Opportunities!)
First, I’d like to start today’s post by saying “thank you” to all the folks who’ve supported the blog since its inception about a week ago. And to those who’ve recently joined the Career Pioneer bandwagon, you’re in for a great ride. I realize in today’s cluttered world, you have many other sites vying for your attention, so your stopping by to visit and considering the blog a sensible resource is greatly appreciated. Your continued and overwhelming support will not be forgotten. You can … [Read more...]