Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports and author of 'Nobody Cares About Your Career,' shares valuable insights on embracing failure and resilience in career growth. She discusses viewing work as an apprenticeship, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-advocacy. Erika also highlights how social media shaped company culture and fosters a positive workplace environment. With a focus on developing a success-oriented mindset, she encourages professionals to actively seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Taking responsibility for one's career growth involves actively seeking opportunities and proactively engaging with your environment for personal advancement.
Establishing a 'life raft' through professional relationships and skill development prepares individuals to navigate career disruptions effectively.
Deep dives
The Value of Tough Love in Career Development
Career success is fundamentally about taking responsibility for one's own path, as emphasized in the discussion. The author stresses that individuals must not wait for external validation or assistance, but rather actively seek out opportunities and drive their own progress. This involves recognizing that complaints about workplace conditions often stem from a failure to engage constructively with one's environment. Even in challenging situations, individuals can find ways to contribute and learn, which ultimately leads to personal growth and better outcomes.
Work as an Apprenticeship
Work should be seen as a learning opportunity, akin to an apprenticeship where the goal is to absorb knowledge and skills. The speaker highlights that it's essential to take initiative in one's job to gain valuable experiences that will aid future career advancements. By viewing work as a chance to learn from both competent and less skilled colleagues alike, individuals can better prepare themselves for upcoming opportunities. This mindset encourages proactive engagement and a recognition that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles.
Understanding Company Expectations
A key insight is that individuals must have a clear grasp of their job responsibilities and what their organization expects of them. There is a tendency to become sidetracked by various tasks and distractions that do not align with one's role, detracting from overall productivity. By regularly assessing whether daily activities align with the company's goals, individuals can refocus their efforts and ensure their contributions are impactful. This proactive approach not only enhances personal accountability but also promotes greater alignment with organizational objectives.
Preparing for Uncertainty with a Life Raft
The concept of a 'life raft' is introduced as a crucial strategy for career resilience, emphasizing the importance of having a contingency plan in place. This involves maintaining professional relationships and developing skills that can be relied upon in times of career disruption, such as layoffs or other unforeseen challenges. Being prepared allows individuals to navigate transitions more smoothly and make informed decisions rather than acting out of desperation. Keeping these connections active and leveraging one's network can significantly ease the stress of potential career setbacks.
Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan joins the show to share insights from her new book "Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure Is Good, the Great Ones Play Hurt, and Other Hard Truths." She discusses the importance of embracing challenges and taking responsibility for your career growth.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.