At Metro EDGE, we know true mentors are hard to come by these days and that our members are eager to learn what it takes to be successful. Words of Wisdom is a new series featuring some of Sacramento's brightest CEOs, executives and leaders sharing their advice with the region’s young professionals. Flip your brain over to sponge mode and soak this up.
Kevin Walsh
President/General Manager, CBS13/CW31
Email: kwaslh@kmaxtv.com
What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:
We don’t do enough with our first few jobs. Usually, we’re just so focused on finding a job. Job skill sets are adaptable and can be applied in different ways. You shouldn’t be forced into different scenarios or directions based what you studied. Don’t just settle for the first option that comes by. Take the opportunity that makes it easier to be in that occupation.
Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
Yes. (On finding a good mentor)…Find someone in the field you are interested in. You don’t have to go to the top person or who you perceive to be most successful. Find the person that’s been on the job the longest – not 3 years but 10 to 15 to 20 years. They have the depth and the breadth of experience you want. They’ve been through it all.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
You have to have a common understanding with the people in your life on what your job is and what it entails. You have to clearly define and separate you personal life from your professional. For example, you don’t want become too close to the people that report to you. If you have a business to run - there’s a business ethic and a work ethic.
Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
It really depends on what you need most. My recommendation is to build on the things you need to work on. Find books that motivate and help you improve yourself. Chose the one thing that you know for a fact you need to work on. When you do that, you become a better person and that might become one of your strengths for you later in your career.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
Set expectations for yourself and do not listen to people who say you can’t. Have a strong work ethic. Don’t think that you are deserving of something, earn it. Balance your personal and business life. The right occupation is the occupation you believe is right for you. If it’s always been a dream of yours, try it. If it doesn’t work, at least you know.
