Significant Career Lesson from a Founder and CEO at Mustard and Moxie
Anna's significant career lesson is the importance of embracing change; "things are not just going to go how you think they're gonna go, ever," a realization that led to a career shift from film to marketing, even involving a stint as a waitress to maintain flexibility while pursuing freelance projects. This adaptability, demonstrated by leaving a field they initially loved and returning to a service industry job, ultimately led to unexpected and positive career outcomes.
Career Pivoting, Adaptability, Resilience, Entrepreneurship, Humility
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Anna Boudinot
Founder & CEO
Mustard & Moxie
New York University, 2000
UCLA Anderson MBA
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Scholarship Recipient, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Embracing Change: Anna emphasizes the importance of adaptability and openness to change throughout one's career. She highlights that career paths are rarely linear and that being comfortable with pivoting is crucial for success.
2. Humility and Flexibility: Anna's willingness to return to waiting tables while pursuing freelance marketing projects demonstrates the value of humility and maintaining flexibility. She showcases how a seemingly less glamorous job provided financial stability and the freedom to pursue her passions.
3. Following Your Limits: Anna's experience leaving the film industry when she realized it wasn't the right fit for her is a valuable lesson for students. It highlights the importance of recognizing your limits and not being afraid to make difficult career changes, even if it means stepping outside of your initial plans.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Things change all the time. When I was an undergrad, I was studying film and television production in New York City. What a dream.
I was walking around wearing all black, holding a film camera in my hands, shooting black and white films. I would've never imagined that I would get where I am today. But I'm really happy, and I needed to be open to constant change. I needed to accept that in some cases, change was the best thing for me to do.
I needed to be comfortable walking away from the film industry when I realized I didn't like it, and I have no regrets about that. I don't ever wish, "If only I'd hung in there for another year." I knew what my limit was, and I was like, "This is it. I gotta find something else."
I had the humility to go back to waiting tables when I was in my mid-thirties. I was the most unhappy waitress you'll ever meet. I should not have been working with customers at that point because I was like, "Why am I here? Why am I here?"
Looking back, I was there because I needed money and a super flexible schedule. I only worked about four days a week and was making enough money to support myself. I had the flexibility to give my shift away to a coworker when I got a freelance project in the marketing world, allowing me to focus on my marketing stuff. That was invaluable.
I've learned that things are not just going to go how you think they're going to go, ever. And that's scary. I know that's really scary for young people to think about, especially when you're graduating from college and you're like, "Okay, the rest of my life is starting now."
I'm sorry to say that the rest of your life is constantly changing and evolving. Even when you get to my age, which is 45, things come your way and you have to decide, "You know what, it's time for a change," and that's okay. That's okay.
It leads you in directions you never imagined you would go. And in my experience, it's been awesome.