How We Grow

How did we get to the point where ketchup ads are now the battlegrounds of racial representation debates? Well, grab your fries 🍟, because this Heinz controversy serves up a whole lot more than condiments.

Let me start by saying that advertising isn’t easy—especially these days. I get it. Brands are in constant pursuit of that elusive viral hit, trying to stay relevant, "woke," and sell you something all at the same time. And people… well, people are in the constant pursuit of telling brands how they do them wrong… or are they? Dramatic face incoming.

Because, excuuuse me: did we solve world hunger, poverty, and climate change already?

Judging by the outrage over Heinz ads, it seems we’ve got plenty of time to nitpick every detail of every commercial.

Are we really drawing lines to 19th-century minstrel shows now?

Okay, let’s take a step back. Heinz—yes, the ketchup people—ran two ads, and in true 2024 fashion, they’ve been accused of everything from erasing Black fathers to evoking minstrel shows.

It begs the question: have we run out of real problems to solve?

The First Offense: The Wedding Ad

So, here’s the deal: Heinz put out an ad showing a newlywed interracial couple at a wedding, complete with the bride’s mother but no father in sight.

Cue the outrage—people were upset that this ad was erasing Black dads. There were heated comments, viral tweets, and social media posts, all because of a missing dad in a ketchup ad.

Now, don’t get me wrong—representation matters. But did we just solve world peace overnight? Because the energy put into dissecting this ad as some symbol of racial erasure feels a bit...over the top.

Are we really so hyper-focused on inclusion that we can’t even let a ketchup ad go without controversy?

Then Came The Ketchup Lips

Right when Heinz was probably thinking, “Phew, we dodged that one,” they roll out another ad.

This time, a Black man with exaggerated red lips covered in ketchup. It was just in tune with the upcoming Halloween and everyone thought they would have a good laugh.

But suddenly, people are making references to minstrel shows from the 1800s. Really?

This 1800s reference👇

I mean, who had so much time on their hands to dig up this one???

And, more importantly, in 2024, we’re still making historical leaps from a condiment ad to 19th-century racist performances?

Do we honestly believe Heinz, a company famous for its ketchup, is in the business of reviving offensive theatrical tropes from two centuries ago?

Looks like we do:

I’m not buying it.

This feels like we’re reaching—stretching so far that it’s hard to even connect the dots.

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Are We Losing Perspective?

In our collective quest for inclusion and diversity, are we losing perspective a bit? These issues are important—absolutely. But are we really solving racial injustices by going after every single ad that misses the mark?

Let’s break it down:

* Context matters. Not every mistake is an assault on diversity.

* Intent matters. If a company is genuinely trying to be inclusive, let’s not jump to the worst conclusions.

* Proportionality matters. Not every ad deserves to be picked apart like it’s a dissertation on social justice.

* Focus on real change. Are we creating more noise than solutions with these outrages?

* Keep the conversation productive. We can call out missteps without acting like every ad is a moral battleground.

Look, brands should do better, and they can. But dragging ketchup ads through the mud like this feels...excessive.

There are real issues to tackle—like improving representation in meaningful, impactful ways. But when we start nitpicking every detail, we risk missing the forest for the trees.

We’ve got serious problems in the world. And they won’t be solved by turning every commercial into a cultural war. Heinz didn’t get it right, but let’s keep our outrage for the things that truly deserve it.

So, is our focus in the right place, or are we just spinning in circles? What do you think?

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"I Quit My Executive Role After 15 Years... to Become an Artist."

Sounds crazy, right? It’s the classic midlife crisis move: abandon the corporate ladder for something *wild* and unpredictable. But here's the twist—it worked, and it transformed my life in ways I never saw coming.

For over 15 years, I was living the executive dream. Jet-setting across continents, managing high-stakes projects, and enjoying the perks of financial security. But deep down? I was *bored out of my mind*. Corporate life looked glossy on the outside, but inside, I was craving something more. I was done with climbing a ladder that just led to more stress and fewer meaningful moments.

So, one day, I did the unthinkable. I quit my cushy executive role. No backup plan, no “exit strategy”—just a raw desire to do something that felt *real*. Art was calling to me, and I jumped headfirst into it, despite having zero formal training. Trust me, people thought I’d lost it.

The Crazy Part? It Worked.

Fast forward five years, and here’s where I’m at now:

1. Featured in 107 Top Media in 3 Years:

I’ve been in Forbes, Inc., CEO Weekly, you name it. Not because I’m some marketing wizard, but because I have a story people actually care about.

That’s what they don’t tell you in those ‘build your brand’ courses—people connect with authenticity, not the polished version of you.

2. Forbes Marketing Council Group Leader:

Yep, I’m now leading a group of top marketing professionals. The funny thing? I didn’t get there by “networking the right way.” I got there by being unapologetically *me* and saying things nobody else was willing to say.

3. $1 Million in Brand Deals:

This one baffles me. I thought I left the corporate world behind, but now brands are knocking on *my* door. Not because I have the perfect pitch deck, but because I tell real stories that align with their values.

Authenticity sells, folks.

* Diversified Portfolio:

My income streams are all over the place—media features, online courses, speaking gigs, investments, board advising, newsletters, even art sales. It’s chaotic, but it works, and it lets me chase my passions without being tied down.

What I’ve Really Learned (It’s Not All Fluffy Advice)

Here’s the part where I get real. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and the lessons I learned aren’t the ones you'll find in a self-help book.

1. Your Past Is Your Secret Weapon, Not a Curse:

I used to think my corporate background was baggage I needed to shed. Wrong. It’s the very thing that gave me an edge. My corporate experience taught me about branding, marketing, and managing high-pressure situations. Don’t *erase* your past—use it to bulldoze a path forward.

2. Personal Branding? It’s Overrated Unless You’re Real.

Everyone’s saying, “Build your brand!” But here’s the deal: It’s not about curating a perfect image. It’s about being *real*—sharing your highs *and* lows. People can sniff out BS a mile away. Show up as you are, flaws and all. That’s what draws people in.

3. Diversifying Income Streams Is Non-Negotiable:

Look, relying on one income stream is risky. That 9-to-5 can vanish tomorrow. I’ve got seven different ways I make money now, and not one of them is stable on its own. But together? They’re solid. It’s the financial version of *don't put all your eggs in one basket*—except it’s true.

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4. Networking Is Bull If You’re Faking It:

“Join a mastermind group,” they said. “Connect with influencers.”

No.

Be intentional. Surround yourself with people who *actually* inspire you and challenge your thinking.

Forget schmoozing your way up; find people who add *real* value to your life.

5. Curiosity Is Your Best Weapon:

Don’t be a know-it-all. Stay curious. Trends change, and industries evolve. Keep learning, keep experimenting. That’s how you stay ahead—not by becoming a carbon copy of what’s already out there.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins—But Don’t Brag:

People love to post their highlight reel online. I get it; I’ve done it too. But learn to celebrate *quietly*. It’s for *you*, not for validation. The real flex is doing the work, not broadcasting it.

7. Trust the Messy Process:

The path to building a portfolio career isn’t a straight line. It’s a zigzag, a mess. It’s full of failures, awkward pivots, and some “what the hell am I doing?” moments. Embrace that. It’s where the growth happens.

8. Have Fun—Seriously:

Why do we make work such a grind?

Building a portfolio career is supposed to be liberating.

If it feels like just another corporate job, you’re doing it wrong.

Let it be fun. Explore. Experiment. Fail spectacularly. It’s your ride, enjoy it.

Ready to Break Free?

The portfolio career model isn’t a trend; it’s now.

And it’s not for everyone—it’s for the bold, the curious, the ones tired of coloring inside the lines. So, are you ready to redefine what a career can look like?

P.S. What’s the one thing holding you back from a portfolio career? Drop a comment. Let’s talk about the real stuff.

This post is part one of a 7 part deep dive into Portfolio Careers:

* Join the conversation on LinkedIn

* Upcoming posts:

* 1. "The Lie of Stability: Why Your 9-to-5 Isn't as Safe as You Think"

* Dive into the illusion of job security and why a portfolio career can be more stable.

* 2. "Personal Branding Is Broken: How to Stand Out Without Selling Your Soul"

* Break down the myths around personal branding and how to build a brand that’s truly *you*.

* 3. "Portfolio Careers Aren't Just for Creatives: How Anyone Can Build One"

* Give practical steps for different professions (engineers, marketers, etc.) to start a portfolio career.

* 4. "The Real Cost of Going Solo: What Nobody Tells You About Solopreneurship"

* Share the downsides, the loneliness, and how to overcome these challenges.

* 5. "Why You Shouldn't Quit Your Day Job (Yet): A Guide to Building Your Portfolio on the Side"

* A practical guide for those who want to start small and transition over time.

* 6. "14 Practical Ways to Diversify Your Portfolio Career (With Tools and Examples)"

How we grow is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwegrowtoday.substack.com/subscribe