It’s a new year (hello 2018!) and with that comes reflection and honesty about where we measured up and where we fell short in the last 12 months. It’s no surprise, then, that the start of a new year is often one of the most likely times for transition and resolution.
This could come in a variety of ways – transitioning to another industry, learning a skill, starting a job at a new company, vying for a promotion within your current company, or starting your own endeavor. Whatever it may be, the pressure of success can feel daunting.
Trust me – I’m right there with you. This fall I stepped into a new role with CS Advising, a career coaching firm, as a consultant for content strategy.
Desiring to build up my skill set in this area, I reached out to Jon Youshaei, a self-proclaimed “storyteller,” whom I had previously connected with back in 2015 and have been a fan of ever since. He graciously invited to host me at YouTube’s San Bruno offices for lunch. After greeting me in the lobby, wearing a button down plaid shirt and jeans, he assured me I came on a good day as the cafeteria was serving brisket and poke bowls. (I agreed!)
Jon and I are the same age, and his level of success at this stage in our careers is truly inspiring. He has been named as a top marketer by Inc Magazine, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and his high school commencement speech has been ranked among NPR’s top commencement speeches. Currently working for YouTube as Head of Creator Product Marketing, he is a contributing writer for Time Magazine and Forbes, all the while creating a thriving cartoon series, Every Vowel, that could be likened to the “Dilbert” of our generation.
When I asked what he attributes to his success, he responded with the following:
1. Go against the status quo. Jon told me about how he will often look around at what the majority of other people are doing, and then work hard to find a way to be unique, to do something they aren’t doing, to stand out. In one of his recent posts, Jon says that there is more to career success and satisfaction than a job title or prestigious company name. He has embodied for our generation the idea that we forge our own paths, we don’t have to do what others expect of us. In fact, we should do far more than what is expected of us, to go for what inspires us, and reach for what we can passionately pursue, not just settle for.
2. Be incredibly prepared. In our age of fast-moving technology, it can be easy to feel like we are too busy, or always trying to catch up. But Jon stressed the importance of preparation for opportunity. He doesn’t wing it, instead he capitalizes on every chance he can. Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Don’t miss your chance when it comes. Be prepared to take it on.
3. Consistency is key. How do you want to grow over the next 12 months? Whether it’s developing a new skill set, building a brand, or creating a new habit, staying consistent is crucial. The ability to keep doing something despite experiencing failure is what transforms an amateur into a professional. We must keep working at our craft, honing our skills, and investing in relationships. Success takes consistent effort. “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.” – Anthony Robbins.
I would add one more factor to Jon’s success – He is an incredible connector. If you follow him on any social media platforms, you can see his constant interaction and support of his network. He even created an Every Vowel Facebook group to engage with those who follow his series.
I walked into that lunch knowing I wanted his insight and advice on content, community engagement, and branding – all areas in which he has excelled. But what I walked away with was even better. I sat across the table with someone who has earned many accolades, and yet he made time for me. He asked genuine, thoughtful questions to understand what I was trying to accomplish. Jon is as sincere as he is creative. And I am deeply grateful for what he taught me. Thank you, Jon, for your friendship, your time, and your example.
Join me in following Jon’s advice in 2018 – Engage with and support your network, do things others aren’t doing, stay consistent, and be prepared for all that 2018 will bring your way. Good luck!
Kylie Moore
P.S. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know your goals for 2018! I’d love to cheer you on.
