When I’m working on C-level and Director searches I frequently get asked by candidates “Am I too old for this role?”
I always respond, “You have tons of experience and wisdom, why would that be a disadvantage?”
I went to see Sheryl Crow perform last week. I’ve been a big fan of hers since she released her first album Tuesday Night Music Club in 1993. She’s 62 years old now, and rocked the stadium filled with over 60,000 people.
I will be 62 on my next birthday and made a commitment in my 40s that I would never become a dinosaur. I promised myself I would stay relevant by keeping up with industry trends, learning new skills and keeping a pulse on what the next generation needs.
This October I will present at 8 New Associate Orientations in Delaware, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. Not only do I love sharing my wisdom with these newly minted attorneys, I also love learning from them! By listening to them, I learn more about their needs and perspectives and that helps me to stay relevant. They are the future, and I need to understand what’s important to them to be of service for as long as I choose.
As for industry trends, the state of the industry surveys we’ve been conducting for 20+ years show me what is happening in terms of new jobs and salaries. Capturing and reporting the market changes that occur over time keeps me immersed in our field and a trusted source for key intelligence.
As for new skills, I’m always taking a class on something new. Right now I’m learning how to use AI to create images for our training programs.
Learning and growing enables us to have more to contribute. The more we have to contribute, the more job security we will have!
Will you join me in my “Never Become a Dinosaur Club” and instead, embrace the mindset of being ageless and limitless?