Meet Mediocrity

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

Episode 10 of Season 4 is my season finale.  In this episode I review the themes that came across during this season, summarize them and wrap it all up.  One thing is clear, the way I built my career is NOT the only way to build a career.  There are many formulas and approaches.  The key is to listen, observe and consider which approaches work for each of us.  And, perhaps even more importantly, is to recognize that careers are not a series of successes and failures - they are a series of learning experiences. By seeing those experiences as they are - opportunities to learn, grow and improve - we give ourselves the greatest chance of enjoying long, fulfilling and... SUCCESSFUL careers!  

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

In Episode 9 of Season 4 I explore team building - how to motivate your team and build their skills.  Every good career is built on the backs of great team members. We simple cannot do it all ourselves.  That has been incredibly true in my career.  Yes, having mentors and coaches is important, but having teammates to help you carry the load is perhaps even more important!  That's why, at a very early stage in our careers, it makes good sense to nurture your teammates.  Identify their strengths and weaknesses, capitalize on their strengths and help fortify their weaknesses.  In this episode we explore some very simple tips for creating great teammates and great teams at work.

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

In Episode 8 of Season 4 I explore the art of carrying on conversations and networking in the business world.  Personally, I am perceived and am actually a social person who interacts very well with others. But even for me, I often dread business functions, conferences, meetings, lunches and dinners where I know I will need to be "switched on" with those I'm interacting with. In this episode I explore a few tricks and tips that have helped make those networking situations more manageable, productive and even FUN! 

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

In Episode 7 of Season 4 I explore business negotiations and dispute resolutions.  To me, there are a few very simple, yet incredibly important things to remember when faced with a negotiation or dispute.  First, both sides have different points of view on what the outcome should be.  Second, understand what the other side wants as deeply as possible allows you to understand what the acceptable range of outcomes could be for the other party.  Third, understand what you want the outcome to be so you can understand whether there is overlap between what you want and what they want.  Finally, have a discussion and do what YOU want to do.  You might be disappointed that there wasn't enough common ground to reach an agreement with the other party.  You might reach an agreement that isn't EXACTLY what you want.  But, ultimately, you control the situation when you understand their side, understand your side and take action that works for you.  Sounds so simple, but it's not.  Emotions and lack of empathy for the other party often get in the way.

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality. 

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

In Episode 6 of Season 4 I share my thoughts about business writing.  Admittedly, I am a rare combination of a college English major and a business person.  That makes me incredibly focused on making my business writing clear and articulate - and I'm quite picky about those who are less clear.  I'm even more of a stickler for people who use poor grammar or punctuation!  In this episode I explore tips and tricks for writing effective emails, memos and presentation materials.  I also share some tips and tricks left for us by Steve Jobs... that I still use today.

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”. I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

In Episode 5 of Season 4 I reflect on some of the best (and the very worst) presentations I have made - both to small groups and some very large groups.  In sharing some stories and some tips and tricks, I hope I can help those of you who HATE MAKING PRESENTATIONS (and I think that is the majority of people), fear presentations less and to make more effective presentations when you have to make them.  

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”.

Episode 4 of Season 4 explores "selling". Selling does not have to mean "used car selling".  In fact, I believe we are always selling in one manner or another.  Personally, I love selling and it has become the favorite part of my job. I believe selling (especially products and services) involves mastering the science of understanding your buyer.  Who are they? What makes them tick?  Not just professionally, but personally.  And, what can you say and do to get them to buy from you?  In fact, if you're really good, you can sell them exactly what they want to buy - you can even have them co-develop your solution and then buy "their solution" from you!  In this episode, I explore some selling experiences and discuss how you can apply certain selling principles to your life!

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”.

Episode 3 of Season 4 explores the concept of "it's not what you know, it's who you know."  Many people view this as a birthright.  If you a born into the right family or circumstance, then you know the people you need to know to be successful in your career.  True, but only to an extent.  Great business relationships are built over time, and if you take the time to build great business relationships, then the "who you know" is completely within your control.  In this episode, I explore the attributes of great business relationships and how to build them.

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast. The result is a ‘mini-season’ entitled “Career Learnings”.

Episode 2 is our Season 4 introduction episode where I tell a few stories about my various job searches - starting when graduating from university, continuing when I left my first job and even when the job search I went on at the same time I was hoping for a big promotion.  I hope and believe my job search experiences are relatable and have tidbits we can all learn from!

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.

After Season 3, I did a lot of reflection and took in a lot of feedback about how to approach Season 4 of the Meet Mediocrity podcast.  The result is a 'mini-season' entitled "Career Learnings".  I expect this season to be 8-10 episodes in length.

Episode 1 is our Season 4 introduction episode where I describe the background behind Season 4 and tell a few short stories about the start of my career, the lack of clarity I had early in my career, my career evolution and the things I wish I knew when I started my career!

My personal disclaimer: Stories and views are my own; and names and facts are altered to protect confidentiality.