Gibsonia Gazette

ACT TWO February 26, 2012

I have always loved what I did for a living having spent over thirty years in the broadcasting industry, my dream since I was fourteen years old.  Virtually everyday in that business was a blessing for me, because no matter what issues reared their “ugly” heads, I was still doing what I loved.

Roughly 10 years ago, that all changed.  I was fired for the first time in my career.  I had never considered doing anything that wasn’t broadcasting related and I was at a loss as to what to do next.  My lovely wife Noelle and I decided two things. First, we liked living in Pittsburgh and wanted to stay here, and second, we did not want to move our son for the fourth time in 7 years.  So a career change was in order.

I began networking to explore other professions.  The short story is that I started doing some executive coaching and soon learned about an organization known as TEC (now called VISTAGE http://www.vistage.com).  This organization is “dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of business leaders”.  They do this through monthly peer group meetings,  individual coaching, a robust website, and a first class speakers bureau.

In 2003 I decided to become a contractor for TEC (VISTAGE). I was accepted into their world class training program, and became a “group chair”.  I was now working with leaders of companies of all sizes and helping them to maximize their potential and maintain balance in their personal lives.  And I felt right at home!

The best part?  I really love what I do.  This is as rewarding a career as I could have imagined.  I am constantly challenged, always busy, learning all the time, working with great people, and I can do this as long as I am able and have the desire.  Helping leaders become better equipped to meet their challenges head on…what more could one ask?

There are those who would say I am “lucky” because I’ve had careers in two industries and I’ve loved them both.  As Thomas Jefferson said, “I am a great believer in luck, and the harder I work, the luckier I get.”  I believe my “luck” is based on the following formula: HW + A = Luck; Hard Work + Attitude = Luck.  So, yes, you can make your “luck”.

So, how is it that I went from working in an industry that I loved to working in a profession that I love even more?  Attitude has a lot to do with it.  If you believe in and have passion around what you do, or what you want to do, you’ll discover that love.  I don’t think it is any more complicated than that.  The formula is simple, HW + A = L.

If you are not passionate about what you are doing, then maybe it’s time to figure out what will instill passion in you, and then find a way to make it happen.  Many of our VISTAGE speakers emphasize that “Attitude is everything”!  So develop that positive attitude, make things happen, and start enjoying what you do.

For those who believe the cliche, “There are no second acts…”, there are.

Thanks to my wonderful editor, Noelle Hoguet-Singer.