This person changed my life

 

When I graduated from University with an English degree in the early 2000s, I wanted one thing: 

A job.

Fresh out of school and with limited experience, I went on countless interviews. And got an equal number of “no thank-yous.”

The experience was disheartening to say the least. Time and again I applied for jobs, wrote immaculate cover letters, rehearsed meticulously before interviews, and hoped desperately that *this time* would be the one. 

Somehow, they all ended the same way: rejection. 😢

Two full years went by. During that time, I didn’t just go on fruitless interviews — I freelanced (picking up some valuable skills in advertising and journalism, as it happened), I temp-ed, and I worked in book stores. But what I really wanted more than anything else was a full time job. 

And to this day I am so grateful I didn’t get one of those entry level little jobs!

Because what did happen was So. Much. Better. 

Someone finally took a chance on me. He hired me, he mentored me, and he gave me a ton of responsibility and opportunities to learn on the job. The experience allowed me to leapfrog in my career, and provided me with a strong foundation in storytelling, marketing, and communications on which to build. 

That person was Michel Neray. 

And, good news, today he is on the podcast with me. In our conversation we explore some of the key concepts Michel taught me — concepts which remain sooo timeless and relevant for anyone who wants to write, speak, sell, or market themselves effectively.

We also discuss mentorship, giving and getting feedback, how to talk about what you do for a living, and what really makes an impactful story.

Interestingly enough, one of my most life-changing moments working for Michel was a situation that unexpectedly taught us BOTH so much. 

It changed the way we approach storytelling and remains pivotal for both of us. (We recount it in detail while on the podcast.)

Podcast aside, please use this story as a reminder of your potential to change someone else’s life. 

You never know the impact you could have – just by showing up, teaching what you know, being curious, and by telling your own story.

To emphasize that last point, I’ll leave you a final comment. I volunteer as a mentor in an alumni mentorship program, and the coordinator recently told me this: 

We always remember the people in our lives that stuck by us, led with empathy and showed us an abundance of patience with our learning curve and growth.

I couldn’t agree more. So keep going. Keep doing what you do, keep writing, and keep sharing your thoughts and ideas in the way that only you can.

Meanwhile, if you want to get better at communications, thought leadership, sales, or marketing – listen to this episode, available on my website, Spotify, Apple podcasts, Google, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen. Michel is a total pro, and I promise you’ll come away with useful nuggets from our conversation.