What a Managing Director at SHIFT Communications Wishes They Knew Before Communications Career
Alan, a Managing Director at SHIFT Communications, learned the importance of pausing before speaking and emulating the calm demeanor of mentors throughout the career. The approach involves considering "what would they do in this particular situation," drawing lessons from past experiences with strong leaders to inform current decision-making.
Leadership, Mentorship, Communication, Problem-Solving, Emotional Intelligence
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alan Dunton
Managing Director
SHIFT Communications
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
NA
Creative Writing, Journalism
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals in the industry.
2. The value of observing and emulating the behavior and approaches of successful leaders to navigate challenging situations.
3. The ability to remain calm and composed while problem-solving is a crucial skill for career success
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I've been fortunate to work with many excellent people throughout my career in this business. I consider all of my past bosses to be mentors.
I still maintain relationships with the majority of them, even from previous firms and past experiences. This allows me to replicate how they approach situations.
I think about what they would do in a particular scenario. I consider if they would remain calm or react differently. My goal is to find the best way to solve any given issue.
Again, I've been very lucky to have worked with many great individuals over the years. I try to learn from each of them and apply those lessons to my current job. I feel fortunate in that respect.