Turning My Personality Into an Expertise Engine

If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s this: drop me into a mess, and I’ll come out with a map and a direction for everyone.

Maybe it was recently coming across Rogue Heroes. Those guys remind me of my earlier days as a senior producer, back when we were a scrappy, fearless group of female producing misfits trying to prove ourselves in a very mad men industry.

The stories of what we'd get away with back then...the sly nods and eye contact between each other and our fearless leader, Madison, who'd fight for the coolest, most badass briefs at these agencies. She'd hire us, then release her herd of ravenous makers & doers to elevate the portfolio into new PR space. "Do it however you want, but do it right and do it quick before some lifer feels threatened" was the unspoken rule. It was the only way to show an agency what they were capable of.

Eventually, those agencies got in their own way, and we'd move on to the next company with the right combo of desperate but talented creatives and a couple of group leads who needed that industry award. Often, we were the first department of our kind within the company, building something entirely new. It was exhilarating to push boundaries, show off potential, and watch the rest of the organization light up with inspiration.

But those wild days also taught me something else, lessons I didn’t even realize I was learning at the time. When you're constantly fighting to push boundaries, you're also learning where your own limits are. Back then, I felt invincible, like I could solve any problem and break through every barrier, but the truth is, even the most "so what, let's do it" teammates eventually hit roadblocks.

Early in my career, I struggled with what they call imposter syndrome now. I took on too much to prove my value, burned out, and hit barriers when I tried to change systems directly...telling everyone what was wrong and teach everyone what I knew and how to fix everything, everywhere. Turns out, not everyone wants to learn and not everything can be fixed. Some people fade out naturally, and others just don’t need to be in your orbit. Over time, I’ve learned to move forward and surround myself with people who inspire and challenge me.

But those years taught me something I didn’t see at the time. When you’re constantly fighting to push the work forward, you end up learning where your own limits are. I used to believe I could solve every problem with enough effort and clarity. But some systems resist change. Some people don’t want to be taught. Some places just aren’t ready. But some are and when you come across those groups, my fearlessness kicked in and I signed up.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to share what you know. Don’t hoard it. Don’t play games. Sharing your knowledge makes you better. It builds trust. It helps the people around you rise. It also sets a higher standard without saying a word.

Advocating for myself, speaking clearly about my value and my experience, has made me stronger. When I thrive, the people around me benefit too. Yes, you’ll always run into a few toxic folks who try to drain your energy or question your worth. Let them. They eventually burn themselves out, and you’ll be grateful not to be part of their story.

If you’re trying to turn your personality into a career engine, here’s what I’ve learned:

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Sometimes the job doesn’t fit, and that’s the lesson. Use the discomfort to figure out what actually feels right, then move on. Fast. Familiarity often leads to mediocrity.

Stop chasing the perfect job. Perfect doesn’t exist, and it certainly doesn’t grow. The best jobs are messy, unpredictable, and just scary enough to keep you sharp. If it’s too easy, it’s probably not stretching you.

Joy is not optional. No one’s going to hand you your dream gig. Find people who energize you. Fight for the work that lights you up. If you’re not having fun, something is off. This takes time. Be patient. But the stories you’ll collect along the way will be worth it.

Ask for help, but don’t be vague. People want to help when you show up with respect and curiosity. Be specific. “Pick your brain” is a pass. “How do you scope a complex brief with a lean team?” gets a real answer.

Drama doesn’t last. Some people will try to pull you into their chaos. They act out because your clarity makes them uncomfortable. Don’t get dragged down. Focus on thriving. Keep your head clear and your goals sharp.

I still love the chaos. I just meet it with more intention now. And when I see someone else trying to chart a path through the storm, I’ll hand them a compass and remind them they already know where to go.