Who are you, and what do you do?
I have a salesperson’s personality, the mind of a data-driven marketer, and the ability to be technically dangerous. I recently left the full-time corporate world as a Demand Generation/Growth Marketer to focus on consulting. I am currently working for three startups as a Growth and Marketing Consultant. On the side, I help people take the next steps in their careers, build confidence, and build a personal brand. I recently started the podcast—You With Adam B.
What has been one insight or lesson that has been most helpful in your career?
That nobody knows what they are doing. The difference between the people you hear about and look at as ‘successful’ and the ones you don’t, is that the former takes the next step despite uncertainty. Once I learned that things fell into place.
What has been your favorite mistake? A mistake that in retrospect led to a great lesson and progress.
Staying in situations that were against my core values and that bred a toxic environment. In this case, it was a bad boss, like the ones you hear about on TV. I learned that no matter a position, a bad person is a bad person and bad advice is bad advice. I learned my worth, took a step away, and decided to be my unconditional and unapologetic self after that. Things only went uphill from there.
Project forward ten years. How will your industry or field be fundamentally different then? What opportunities do you see?
Things can change with the drop of a hat. Right now, people are seeking a sense of community and want to feel like they are human. In 10 years, B2B is going to be much more human in terms of messaging processes. Sales and Marketing will progress to be looked at as ONE function. Millennials, who by this time will be in leadership roles, are going to be hesitant about AI. They’ll want a more human connection across the board. That’ll change with Gen Z and beyond.
What are some bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
A bad recommendation I hear is that you have to be specialized. There are situations where generalists are needed. Learn as much as you can about what you’re interested in. Once you find your niche, then specialize. Be a Swiss Army knife that has an incredibly sharp blade.
In the last two years, what have you become better at saying no to?
Giving my time and brain to people who are not going to take action. It is important to conserve your energy and give your time to those who will use and appreciate it.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Steven Hanselman. Read one page a day. It’s a daily reminder that whatever is going on in your world right now is nothing compared to what you can accomplish once you gain a full understanding of who you are.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
– If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it.
– Success can only be determined by you.
– The only time you have failed is when you don’t get up when you fall. If you haven’t fallen or have never felt like you’ve failed, then you’re not challenging yourself.
– Take advice as more of a guideline than an actuality, especially if it starts with “ To be successful, you have to….”
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“Focus on what you can control.”