Beth Hassett
Executive Director
WEAVE, Inc.
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What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:
1. The most important thing in a boss is that he/she invests in and has faith in you and allows you to grow and hone your skills. Find that leader and work for him/her.
2. Only do work for which you have a passion.
3. Be your authentic self—always, and from the beginning of your career. If you feel like you can’t be you, then go get another job.
Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
I did. She told me to never have more than one file open at a time—which I consider good advice practically and philosophically—focus on one thing, person, project, or challenge at a time and in the moment. Multi-tasking is overrated and ineffectual—although I do it all the time.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
On the one hand I really value my play time and down time. On the other hand, I choose positions in organizations about which I am very passionate so that passion bleeds into my personal life. For me, the very few times that I have held positions about which I was not passionate have compromised my overall wellbeing and satisfaction with life, so I prefer the tension of constantly working on my boundaries over being able to shut down 100% in my off time.
Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
For new managers—“What got you here, won’t get you there.”
For anyone—“The No Asseholes Rule”
Also—I am a big fan of understanding yourself and those you work with so I like StrengthsFinder2.0, anything to do with the Eneagram and, old school as it is, the Myers Briggs.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
Operate as if you have the most important and challenging job in the organization—and the whole world—even if it’s an $8/hour admin position. Do it with gusto and passion. Find ways to be more efficient and effective and impactful. It will pay-off in the long run. Also, learn to write. It will get you far and not being able to write can lose you jobs.
