Category: Life Choices

Career, Golf, Life Choices, Moving Forward

Playing Thru Failing

Your chair at the table is waiting for you!

Whether you are just learning something new, or a seasoned veteran in your career, a new hobby, or completely pivoting your life choices, or how you approach “where you want to go next”, there are some simple premises that remain steadfast.

My actual golf bag

I started to learn Golf this year, I love it! I love the process, I love practicing driving the floater balls into the lake or range, I love putting and chipping areas, and getting even a half hour of practice in any day of the week that I can. In golf, my driving, isn’t that great – YET. But, my short game is actually wayyy better than anyone expected it to be (I’m not bragging, I have practiced a lot). I love to practice both driving, and “the short game” though. I actually have a lesson later today. With my “new” used Callaway Rogue clubs. I keep practicing BOTH areas which have very different approaches. The key is the consistency of practicing both areas, and sticking with it, even if I’m hitting a Callaway, Titleist, or my new favorite Taylormade’s Kalea ball well on any given day, even if the day before I was doing very well, the next day I may not (and usually don’t) do as well.

This is true in ALL areas of life, career, athletics of any kind. I play softball with a team. For the first time in years I’m playing again (re-learning some things), and I’m also learning pickleball (I used to play tennis regularly, so pickleball has been quite intuitive). I also swim, and run regularly, and have now done tough mudders. I have I found a great affinity for mudders because the premise is everyone helping everyone get through the obstacles together. I love the diversity of each sport, the skill set is different for each and every one of them. I employ this thinking when it comes to my work life, and career.

I’ve been fortunate to have had a truly varied work life. I’ve taken jobs that I knew would be a stretch for my skill set, where there was a lot to learn, and did them. How? Practice, reading, being curious, asking questions even before I accepted the job. That also lets the new employer know that you wish to grow and learn, and move forward, and that you are forward thinking.

The point is I had to be willing to fail too. If I kept trying, I could be “wrong”, but I didn’t necessarily “fail”. But I did “fail”, I took big swings, and sometimes I got a yes, and many times I got a “no”, but I kept going. I didn’t see it as a game, it was my life career, there was definitely a strategy.

Where did I start? I listed everything that I’d be happy to do, also what I wouldn’t be happy doing, and most importantly what would I be ecstatic to do. Then, within that, I listed things that I could already knew, what would be a challenge, and even further, what I didn’t think was even possible for me to do. It’s a tough list. Then I listed the WHY I had these beliefs. I then wrote beside that negative list, a positive list of how I could achieve what I thought to be impossible. The amazing thing was that breaking it down into these categories and the solutions to get where I wanted to be made it seem at least possible.

After much introspection came self awareness, looking at time, level of effort, how my life would change, how it would change my family’s life, I came to a much smaller list. I took the impossible list and broke each section down even more into chunks to begin. Just starting the list was the hardest part. It’s like going to the gym to workout sometimes, you don’t want to go, but when you get there you’re good to go, and revved up. It’s true. I began researching, and reading everything I could. Took every free webinar I could on what I wanted to learn, paid for others when I was ready, and suddenly I found myself suggesting things to my bosses. Again, not all winners, but I was putting myself out there.

If you don’t try and fail then you’re not reaching high enough. I built a time based formula, let’s say 6 months to a year. 10% would be things that I knew I could succeed at instantly, 20% I knew I could succeed at with a specific amount of research and effort (whether hands on or not), the next 20% I wasn’t sure if I could succeed in 6 months, but knew I could within a year, the final 50% were super stretch goals that I knew without great time and effort that I probably wouldn’t succeed at at all in a year. You know what? I found that with the time based goal schedule, a set plan for time and effort, I could reasonably do while still giving my family their much deserved attention, I succeeded at about 98%.

Career goals were actually easier to attain than my physical goals. I’m not a scratch golfer – yet 🙂 but I’m working on it. I’ve done the tough mudders, half marathons, triathlons, bike-a-thons, and finished them all, but I didn’t finish “as quickly” as I wanted, but I finished. The point has been each time I’ve progressed. Athletically I’ve always been active. I got hurt earlier in this year, I recovered in about 4 or so weeks, and started out slowly to rebuild. Then, I needed surgery. It turned out to be far more extensive than the x-ray had shown, but 6 weeks later I was allowed to begin just walking again. The area “weeped” for weeks, I kept a bandage on it, I even went to the pool and just did a couple of very slow laps. In no time I was back at it.

Then, a few months ago, I was jumping out of the way of someone walking their dogs, I hopped into the street and rolled my ankle. Ok, that was annoying, I walked it off, so I thought. It felt ok, I iced, I put a wrap on it, and a few days later I went off in the early morning to play softball.

At bat

All was ok in the world for that moment. Then, I hit the ball, and ran hard to first base, there was a soft spot/hole and my right foot happened to hit it, I popped forward and double hopped on my left foot, getting to first base – I was safe! My right ankle was a bit angry at me, but ok, so I thought. The next batter made the last out of the inning, so I went to get my glove, and went into the field.

I played 2 more innings, but didn’t get up to bat again. I came in from making a play, and as I was walking in, my ankle had spoken. “You’re done”, and as I walked in – limping now, I said out loud “I’m done scratch me from the line-up”. I didn’t fail here, I listened to my body. I iced it for the remainder of the game from the dugout. I went home and iced it a lot more, put the Futuro ankle brace on it, had an ice-boot in the freezer (life saver), ok, I think it’ll be ok. Not so much.

Futuro Brace

The next day, I couldn’t walk on it without a brace at all. I luckily made an appointment with a orthopedist immediately, and he took an X-Ray. I had broken this ankle in August 2018, I have a plate and 6 screws in it. Luckily all were in place, all the screws were in place, it was all soft tissue damage, and my posterior tibial tendon was “angry”.

The doctor told me I needed a walking boot for 6 weeks at least. “Ugh Really?” Really?? And not just the shorty one, one that went up to my knee (to immobilize all of the muscles surrounding my ankle), I could get one there or order one on Amazon. Since getting a walking boot through the doctor would cost about 6x more than ordering a really good one from Amazon, I ordered through them, and it was delivered, I kid you not the next morning before 10am for no extra charge. The Aircast Airselect Walker boot (yes all the way up to my knee) became my new best friend. It truly did its job beautifully.

I went to softball games just to cheer, I went to the gym to do upper body work, I went to the pool (took it off and left it by the steps), and gently walked in the pool, I couldn’t full out swim, but when I did swim, I just dragged my legs. I did “cast” yoga, anything that I could do I did. 6 weeks did not go by quickly.

Then I was able to start wrapping my ankle again, so I walked around the house with just the wrap and good foot support. I finally went for a short walk for a couple weeks. I felt good, but I also ordered the Aryse IFAST Ankle Stabilizer Brace ankle support to fit IN a sneaker or shoe, and then they also have one that fits on the outside of my softball cleats the Aryse XFAST Exo Brace. Amazing, it’s all laced up and Ready To Go.

I’ve been playing softball, running and now swimming again (with the Nvorliy Ankle Brace for Swimming), no awkward kicks, and I’m still icing afterward, but I’m back in business. It sounds like a lot, but to restart and keep my ankle safe going forward, all necessary, and once it became routine, like anything else, it has become second nature, and I’m enjoying all my activities once again.

Again, I stress consistency, tenacity, taking decided chances, but also listening to your body, and stopping when you need to. Your body will tell you one way or the other. Listen to your body.

This does not just apply to sports, this applies to your work-life, and all life choices. If you give yourself the tools you need to do anything in life, you can accomplish it. Aside from reading, I watch YouTube videos for many things relating to my work (getting my CompTia Network+ certification), SMPTE2110 / AES67 Certifications, to golf tips. It all applies.

Never stop being curious, never stop trying. Put tasks into smaller attainable chunks, and build on that each day or week, whatever your schedule may be. Write is down. Write down your victories. Write down your failures, and what you’ve learned from them, and what you could do differently next time. Just keep trying until you get your win. No matter how big or little, just take it one step at a time, you are where you are at right now, just keep moving forward.

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

You got the job offer, now what? 9 Questions to ask BEFORE you accept an offer.

You finely honed your resume and cover-letters to the jobs you really wanted. You made it through the recruiter interview (whether in-house or independent). You also met with your potential new colleagues, the boss, and the boss’s boss. Whew!

After all that, they made you an offer of employment. Now what? You might just think to jump right in, do the onboarding paperwork, and you’ll find out everything you need to know later, right? Not so fast, you can’t make an informed decision without asking the proper questions of the recruiter or HR manager.

1) Health plan: Is there a waiting period before it is available to me? Are there different plan levels? What is the employee contribution (full contribution or a percentage of the plan premium or a set amount)? I assume any employee contribution would be on a pre tax basis.

2) Dental & Vision: Same questions. Is there a waiting period? Are there different levels? What is the employee contribution? Full contribution or a percentage of the plan?

3)  Is Pet Insurance offered? If so, at what cost?

4) I understand it’s a 40 hr work week. Is there overtime? How is overtime paid ? After 8 or 10 hours, is that straight time, time and a half, or double time after a certain amount of hours have been reached? Also, how long is the contract for (if going through an outside hiring agency)? 12 months to convert contract – or extend. Will this position convert?

5) Is there a retirement plan? A 401K ? If so, is there a company match up to a certain percent? What is the waiting period to join the plan ? What is the vesting schedule for any company contribution if any?

6) How many vacation days are offered per year? How many sick & personal days are allotted? What holidays are offered?

7) Working on holidays (which I personally love working). How is that compensated (i.e. Payback day(s), regular pay, 1.5 pay, 2x pay, or something else)?

8) Personal growth: Is there reimbursement for courses for skills to enhance training for the growing skillset?

9) Commuting, tolls, parking reimbursement to defray the cost. Is there a commuter plan (if you’re not working remotely)? Is there Transit checks, or Wageworks? If there is a plan, how much is that every month? Do you offer a pre-tax transit plan if the employee has a contribution they must make?

We all have to think beyond the initial offer to really see what the full compensation would be. It varies wildly from company to company. So, do Post offer research questions, before you sign anything. It is merely outlining everything for you so you can make an informed decision.

Good Luck!

Life Choices

Speaking Up and Finding Your Voice

Throughout my career, I’ve made some decided pivots. Each one came “at a price”. Taking a step back to move forward. Less money, no money. I had taken, volunteer positions, worked on a contingency, and other times just worked for free.

Some might see that as weak, I saw it as hands-on free training. But, also had to remember that I was being watched and judged while doing the free work. I did get hired for the job(s), moved up moved forward, made mistakes, recovered, until I didn’t.

One day after a few year stretch at a certain position (having a long history 26 yrs with the alphabet company), I decided after being told to wait, I could wait no more. It came out all wrong. I had won a personal technical Emmy, and now everyone wanted my slot, including the middle manager. What everyone didn’t realize was they had to be willing to wake up early, show up everyday – early. And, of course be able to focus, and troubleshoot any situation that arose prior to air.

They’d actually have to pick up the phone, troubleshoot a Bgan, LiveU, TVU, and anything in between, send a signal out with a map to a weather person’s cell iPad or tablet. Do pre-recordings “look live” with naming conventions jic the live shot itself went south, do live “light” updates for central, mountain, and pacific updates for stories. They needed to be willing to help a “regular” person on zoom set-up their shot for lighting and sound. All of it. As well as technically produce 227 affiliate live shots per shift.

I had a new smart, but not good manager, and I asked for a small percentage raise 3 years after I started. I was told “it’s not not right time, ask in about 6 months”. I did – I didn’t get it. I came in early worked late, would’ve stood on my head to make a live shot work. Worked with all of their affiliates, literally never missed a live shot. Aaaand, I got a second “no”. 5 months later I asked why ? They gave me no reason. I kept working with the same passion for excellence, reading all I could to continually implement and suggest improvements.

One morning, a newer but experienced gentlemen colleague was given a raise. I immediately went to my senior manager at the time, and inquired. The response was another “it’s not the right time”. What else did I have to do? I had to give up my early morning shift because the mid- manager wanted it, I was put on weekend evening with 2 other women. They put us all together on the same day/ overlapping shifts. It was insulting being cast to the side.

I finally decided to say something. It took 26 years (4.5 yrs in that office), I wasn’t going to be sold the same “bill of goods”. But, I was angry, and it came out as anger to my senior manager, and the director. I was suspended for a month – literally for speaking the truth. I was absolutely silent for 26 years, tired of being taken advantage of, and now suspended. Ok, I took that too. But what I didn’t know, they were against me now.

HR had no idea. They put me on a 4p-12a shift back to back with a 6a-2p shift. Back to back. I showed up early as usually and did it, I was sleepy, I did not fall asleep, but comments were being made behind my back. Other “things” were wrong. No one appreciated at the time about speaking up for equitable rights.

Speaking out wasn’t easy, but it was right to stand up for myself, even though I’ve never worked there again. I’ve applied to other areas. I dunno why, habit of being treated badly ? I had been with them for 26 years, yes 26 years. It was a crazy end of career there. I simply wanted to be treated fairly, and I got exactly opposite of that. The managers had HR fooled in every way, they feigned true concern, and HR ate it up.

I’ve moved on successfully in spite of this. Was I right? Some. Was I wrong? Some. But the comeback after a month’s suspension was a complete farce. I turned my badge into HR, and just stayed silent, until now. I was taught, not everyone is happy for my success, there was now a target on my back.

I’m more than enough, and so are you, keep letting yourself know that too each day. You are beautiful, and special, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We are equal! And even if someone doesn’t want it hear it, speak up for yourself when it’s warranted.

Charity and Giving, Employment, Giving Back, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

Going Big…Comic Relief

Radio City Music Hall, NYC. Bill Crystal, Robin William, Whoopi Goldberg (when she swore she’d never wear anything but a pantsuit) hosted, and teems of other A list actors and entertainers, including Jason Alexander, Tom Arnold, Roseanne Barr, Bob Einstein, En Vogue, George Foreman, Babcat Goldthwait (he cut his hair off on-stage), Robert Klein, LL Cool J, Dennis Miller, Mary Tyler Moore, as well as other less known actors looking to get their name out there too. Louie Anderson, Jim Carey, and Allan Blye were the main writers and cast too – what a time! What an experience!

I did NOT name the actor I was assigned to above. And by assigned to I mean, ensure that he made it to the green room and staging area for his scheduled portion of the show. He had just done a movie with Robin Williams, and was and is with a very A list Actress, that I adore. She was incredibly down to earth, and remains so today. The actor was not “well” known yet, but held himself well, I could see he was not “always” sure of himself though. I wouldn’t be either going out on that stage to make conversational jokes. But it was certainly a go-to event to see and be-seen at, and I was grateful to just be a part of it (unpaid) all, even a minute one as a production assistant. I have kept up with it over the years, and contributed to many causes over the years.

The hosts were with mostly solitary with their kluge behind the scenes, but exploded with energy on the stage, it was truly something to witness, especially Robin Williams. I was literally standing next to them all at different points in the program.

Later, I heard my actor’s name called in the line-up, and I made sure he was in place for his bit on-stage. All went on-time, and he returned to the same place, so I didn’t even have to run over to the other side of the stage, which was not just running in a hallway behind the stage, it was very convoluted back then. I took him to the press area where he stood for pictures and statements, he then joined his significant other, and off they went. I was able to watch the remainder of the program from the opulent green room, then we broke it all down and went home.

The breakdown again taking just a fraction of the time that it took to set it all up, test all the equipment from lavs, hand mics, wired mics, confidence monitors, audio, lights, blocking, cameras, resetting for the next artist on the different colored tape markings on the stage (blocking), all of was a great training ground. It was a group of fabulous people leading the way to success! Set yourself up for success, and it will follow.

I hold everyone on the crew in high esteem to this day, and mourn the loss of all who have passed. A great memory I cherish to this day.

Thank you Universe!

Charity and Giving, Giving Back, Life Choices, Moving Forward

The Michael J. Fox Effect

No one knows the amazing effect a simple act of kindness can have. It is why I try to pay it forward all the time.

I was very sick as a young teenager. I was in the ICU, and pediatric ward more than I can even remember. I couldn’t walk most of the time, my eyes were so blurry I couldn’t see, the days ran into each other I was there so long. But there are a few things I do remember…….

I was in the pediatric ICU with an underweight baby I was allowed to feed. The nurses watched me, I loved doing it, and I could be in bed and contributing to something at least. We really weren’t sure if I was going to make it then, I did not know that at the time. They were trying to cure my very advanced Lyme Disease back then with penicillin and the course of treatment only had a 25% cure rate, but they also knew that I couldn’t infect anyone else either. So, if I could stand and walk, they let me, I even did the stairs if I felt up to it. Not many kids in the ICU could walk, or breathe on their own at all.

There was also young boy, Michael, he had a severe brain tumor, and Michael J. Fox was his “Make A Wish” guardian. Young Michael was not going to last very long. Everyday MJF called young Michael and they spoke on the speaker phone, I asked if I was allowed to say “hello”, and of course they let me. The very next day packages arrived. A few for young Michael and one hand delivered to me, by MJF himself – a Teddy Bear that I still have today.

I truly do not know if he already suspected that he had Parkinson’s disease, but I will say that he was and is generous in spirit and his time he gives to others, I cannot gush enough about him.

There was also a young doctor, who came a couple of Sunday’s on his day off to play the guitar for all of us. He played happy songs that we all knew, it certainly raised our spirits. About 8 months and thousands of tests and LPs (spinal taps) later, I finally was able to leave the hospital. I was weak, I was behind on schoolwork, even though teachers came in with lesson plans, they let a lot go, they pointed to answers for verbal tests (when I could see). Everyone played a part in helping me get better, and I did get better. Not only did I walk again, I danced in Performing Arts HS again, it was the greatest and worst time of my life.

Update on young Michael. He lived, and still lives, and is a brilliant brain surgeon. It’s an incredible story of courage and grit. It propels me to move forward and do better each day. I may not be a brain surgeon, but I know I can help people.

Be kind, be generous with your time, show up, helping someone also helps YOU, also know asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you stronger and self aware.

I can never repay the kindness that all the doctors, nurses, aides, and physical therapists, and their assistants, teachers, my parents, my siblings, and friends but, I can pay it forward to the next person, and I endeavor to do that everyday.

Thank you Michael J. Fox for all of you kindness and giving even through all of your trials and tribulations. The world is better because you’re in it.

Gratefully yours to eternity and back,

Nicole Gabriel

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Shot in the Dark… Monday Night Football, Dallas Cowbows @ Philadelphia Eagles, my first MNF game

After a full summer of PGA Tour Golf, Horse Racing, Auto Racing, and Bowling, so many events I don’t think I could list all of them. It was time to head back to the University for my second year. It was also the start of Football season, a whole new sport that I hadn’t worked on – YET. It was the first in-season game the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles @ Veterans Stadium.

I finished my last class on Friday at 2pm, I had already packed my car, and was Ready To Go. I now had a Chevy Cavalier that my brother fixed up for me to drive. So, off I went from Northern NJ, to Pennsylvania just a few hours to drive. My first football game, the cabling was basically set, but the skill set for Football, is vastly different than for Golf, Horse & Auto Racing. But, what I did know, and always brought with me was the willingness to learn and grow from each experience and to build upon each one. The Field Production and Technical Managers were more than willing to show anyone with the curiosity to learn what they knew too. It was an amazing time in life. The possibilities were endless, as long as I was open to them. That remains true today too.

“Our intention creates our reality.”
– Wayne Dyer

I had made a Co-Op for my major out of this freelance job, and I was also getting paid to do it (I was “promoted”, and now made $75/day instead of just $50/day), Incredible opportunity. To ensure I didn’t miss many classes I was able to make all of my classes start on Tuesday and run to Friday.

I got to Veteran’s stadium a few hours later, parked in the designated area, and checked in with my PM. They were working with the blimp guy at the time, so I listened and took notes just to understand what he needed and when. Old school style still, pen and small notepad. Ok, we printed out the crew schedule, I posted it, made sure everyone knew their call times, made sure everyone had turned in their paperwork to onboard, and we were set to go. It was late, so off to a nearby hotel we went. Simple digs, but comfortable, but also no other young women were working the event so I was alone. I didn’t go to the gym that night, I went to sleep!

The next 2 days, I was raring to go, I got to the site early and opened up the production trucks and got everything ready for the PMs and TMs. Because, if I was on-time, I was already late! We spent the day planning and setting up telecom, and other technical aspects of the broadcast. We gave updates to the SVPs that were going to come to the game, ensured that we had badges for all, and knew exactly where they would be seated. I know that doesn’t sound exciting, but I thought it was because I wanted to not just a good job, I wanted to do a great job. I enlarged travel directions to fax to all the execs, and received confirmation that they had gotten them. I think we’re set.

Monday, here it is – game day. Later than expected, I was asked to go pick up some other supplies that the blimp guy had asked for at the last minute. It was getting dark out, but – No Problem. They usually sent us out in pairs, but everyone else was busy, so I was told to take one of the rental cars, pick up the gear at a local store, and come right back. Again, no problem. I called the store, they had the items ready, so off I went. But, I made a wrong turn, I had no idea where I was, and it wasn’t good.

There were abandoned cars, and heaps of garbage everywhere, I kept driving thinking I’d get to a street on my printed map. I didn’t. Suddenly there were 2 cars that blew passed me on each side, I slowed down to nearly a stop.

“Whew”, I stopped at the top of the block, that was crazy! I’m not done… At the end of the block there were a few cars facing each other and suddenly the men jumped out of the cars, pulled out guns, and started to shoot at each other! I saw the whole thing. I saw people get shot! It was like a movie, almost not real, except it was, and again I saw the whole thing! I didn’t know what to do. I put the rental car in reverse to back up, and went down a side street shaking, terrified, discombobulated, numb, those were real people, that was real…..

Finally, I saw a police car and drove straight to it. I rambled nonsensically on and on and on to the officers about what I saw, not even sure what it was that went on, and even though I wasn’t sure of the name of the street it all happened on.

I knew nothing. Ok, I knew the color of the cars and makes and models since I used to be a “helper” to my brother when he fixed cars, but other than that, I couldn’t give a good description of the people involved, it all happened very quickly. They took my statement, and where I was staying, I even gave them the pay-phone for my dorm floor if they needed to reach me after I went back to NJ.

Shakily, I asked the officers how to get to the store I was looking for, it wasn’t far, I picked up the supplies and returned to the production area dazed, worn-out, and still shaking a bit, but I DID feel safe with the crew. I never went out alone again btw. Focusing on work, and getting everything ready helped after a minor break, everything was done.

The PM had me sit with him for the remainder of the game, someone else would take the execs to their seats. We broke down in 3 hours what it took 3 days to build up, which always amazed me, and I decided to goto the hotel, check out right away and go back to the University. I didn’t want to be alone in the hotel room, I wanted to be back at school as soon as possible. Not my greatest idea, I was tired, still stunned, and then I had to walk to the dorm from the far dark parking lot alone at 6am. I got back safe and sound, my roommate was asleep, I quietly took a shower and tried to sleep.

Now what? I didn’t know, thoughts were racing through my mind, they undermined my confidence, it was shot (no pun intended) for the moment. But this too shall pass, won’t it? “Should I continue this life?”, “this was a fluke”, “what just happened”, “should I tell me parents?”, “should I tell anyone?” The sound of the live gunfire still perfectly resonated in my mind. Those men are probably dead – OMG!

I never did hear from the Philadelphia police, I DID tell my parents, I DID go on to do the entire season of MNF. I left school every Friday (even the following Friday after the shooting) after my 2pm class ended, whether I drove or hopped on a plane, I’d get to the site, set-up, break-down, go back to the University and made most of my classes. I continued to study on the plane – no matter what.

Lessons Learned: Don’t let fear stop you ever. Fear doesn’t stop death, it stops life. Face Everything And Recover, it does get better. The memory is still here as I am writing this – it’s palpable even now, but I know I have the tools to handle it. Friends, family, therapists, there’s no shame in admitting you need it. It is what it is. Not to be cliché, but I cannot change the past, nor was anything my fault, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Keep moving forward No Matter What.

That was the first time I ever saw anyone get shot, but it wasn’t the last.

Employment, Financial, Life Choices, Mentoring, Technology

The Nabisco Dinah Shore Golf Tournament

The 5th Green at Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CA

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.“
– Albert Einstein

If you read my post on “How it all started: My First Unpaid Production Runner Experience in Sports Broadcasting”, this is my first paid job for sports broadcasting. I was directly asked “Do you want to do golf”? Of course I did! But, I had no real idea what that really meant yet, but there was travel and adventure ahead! I kept in touch with the Senior Production Manager at the alphabet company via a pay phone for the entire floor in my dorm, not easy when my peers would tie it up for hours talking to family, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. I didn’t have email yet, no in-room phone, much less a cell phone (brick) yet. I called between classes during business hours to check in about every week. Most of the time I was leaving voicemails because I didn’t realize at that time that the SPM would be traveling to remote sites, and not at his desk most of the time. So I just kept checking in. Hmmmm, maybe I’ve been forgotten already. I didn’t even hear back from the more junior PM.

Then finally one afternoon, someone picked up the phone. The secretary to the Sports team, she put me through to the junior PM (who is now the VP of Operations at a Giant Baseball network). We spoke for a few minutes setting up a plan of action, and what was expected of me, and how I could plan to “make this work”. I was booked to fly to California to the Nabisco Dinah Shore Golf Tournament during my spring break. I would miss some classes because of it, so I approached all my professors and let them know I wouldn’t be in class the days after spring break and why. All where just fine with it, except for my chemistry teacher since one was a lab day. I made it up though. So, off I went, excited, nervous, what do I pack? OK, a White collared shirt and khakis, no jeans. Pens, paper, and an old school personal handwritten phone book with my family, friend’s, and now business contacts information in it.

My first time on an airplane. A friend drove me to the airport, Trembling with enthusiasm I checked in, checked my bag, I was going to be there for 12 days after all not really knowing most of the 60 person crew. Hours later I landed in California, right on time. As instructed, I picked up a rental car that was set aside for me, and off I went to check into the hotel. Wow! What a beautiful place sunny, warm, expansive, then I looked up at the nearby mountains and there was snow, yes snow on their caps, it was unreal. I got to stay in a five star hotel in Indian Wells, CA! I shared the suite with 4 other young women production assistants. There were 2 beds, a roll-away bed, and a sleeper sofa. Hmmm, that’s 4, since the hotel only allowed 1 roll-away bed, and I was the newest member of this crew, so I just put the cushions from the sleeper sofa on the floor and slept there. I did just that every night, and even when I was a more senior member of the crew in the coming years, I still slept on the sofa cushions on the floor. All was set, we all unpacked and went to the work site.

What a beautiful worksite it was in Rancho Mirage, CA. I GET to “work” here for almost 2 weeks, this is a dream I thought. And, it was.

We took care of the golf carts, helped the tech managers track equipment and cabling, learned more about wiring from some of the Tech Managers, and then the tech records folks came in to onboard the crew and track hours. My first paid Sports Broadcasting job, I was paid $50/day and worked about 16 hours a day, no overtime but I didn’t care. It wasn’t hard work, I started to learn the union rules, and was told to make sure I knew about meal breaks, what was required for them, and to ensure every piece of the contract was fulfilled. The SPM left that to me, and luckily the junior PM was the same one from the NYC marathon so I knew how they operated, at least a little bit by then. I poured over the rules, showed up early, stayed late to ensure all the rules were followed including driving back to 2 other hotels to make sure the crew schedules were posted in-time for the next day.

Socializing. I didn’t go out with the crew of other production assistants after work, they were all a couple years older than me, they went to the bar, I went to the luxurious hotel gym. They did that every night, and so did I. I wasn’t old enough to drink legally, and I didn’t wish to either, but that didn’t win me any friends with some of the staff.

A few days into prepping the event, one of the young female production assistants accused me of stealing her favorite T-Shirts. She went to the SPM and JPM with her accusation. She made sure I was in the production truck when the accusation was announced, I had no idea what she was talking about. But, by this time, I had already proven myself to both managers, and both began to laugh at the statements being made against me. They both said “You don’t know who you’re talking about, she wouldn’t even take a pencil off-site”. Absolutely true.

Later that evening after we all returned to the hotel. The young woman who accused me of stealing from her found her favorite T-Shirt in a drawer she forgot she used. She never actually apologized, but we were on ok terms again. I let the whole thing go knowing I did nothing wrong, and also knowing holding onto that kind of grudge would never create a fluid working environment. I never even worried about the accusation, because I knew I didn’t do anything wrong. So, instead of insisting on an apology, and knowing I was “in the right”, I decided to be happy instead. I didn’t need to be right, I knew I was, the bosses knew I was, and all was well in my first dream Golf-tastic job.

Yes, $50/day wasn’t much but, they paid my airfare, car rental, we had gas cards, they fed us meals, we were trusted with petty cash, turning in receipts and change, charging the golf carts, making hundreds of copies (sorry trees), and then making sure all the union rules were followed so work would start and continue on-time throughout the day.

We had one day off during the event, so we went to the pool, ate free apples from the spa, and went to the gym. I was finally really hanging out with all the other production assistants, yes All of them including my accuser, and we had a great, fun, and relaxing day together. It was back to work as usual the next day, but no matter what we had that day together. Thank you Universe!

When it was tournament time we faxed directions to the Execs coming, greeted them at the airport, and made sure everything they needed was in-place when they arrived, and it was. We got to the final day and wrapped, bringing in thousands of yards of tri-ax cable, packed up trailers, then we all departed the next day. “Until the next one, see you soon” was heard over and over again. It was an amazing experience with an amazing group of people. I had already learned so much, and I was thirsty for more. More was to come in many other golf and a multitude of other sporting events which I will share in future posts.

I returned to the University, studying all they way back on the plane so I could make up that chemistry lab, which I got a 98 on, so all was well in the world. I told my broadcasting professors about the experience, and low and behold I made a co-op out of it. By graduation I had gotten paid to work in the industry I wanted to work in and gained 16 credits as well for the experience and writing it all up in a few papers. A win-win!

So, anyone looking to break into broadcasting, I say go for it! Be persistent but not stalker, don’t give up on your dream. Be curious, honest, humble, and willing to take on tasks outside of your “job description”. To this day, I will still be the first one in, last one out, sweep the floor, and take out the garbage whenever I need to, I will never be so “big” that something is below me.

What’s next Football…

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring

How it all started: My First Unpaid Production Runner Experience in Sports Broadcasting

The New York City Marathon 1989

I am writing with the hope the coming articles will help someone trying to “break-through” in Broadcasting.

Many many years ago I was a Broadcasting major. I was lucky enough to have a young professor at the University that had an “in” at an alphabet company. They needed 30 production runners (a position below production assistant) for the New York City Marathon. So, 20+ of the students in the broadcasting department were picked based on their grade point averages and interest to work the event for no money, just the experience. It was late October, and most of us packed as many people we could into their cars, (I didn’t have one at that time) and went into New York City together. Just 16.8 miles away for this exciting unpaid adventure (again we were there for the experience). We were also told that no one will be hired from this experience, so go in to get the experience, and No expectation of future work. I jumped at the opportunity.

Ok, since the Marathon was in very early November, I’d miss all the Halloween parties, and dressing up, I didn’t care, I knew one day that I’d be working for this company. In fact, when I was 7 years old I pointed out when the theme music, and colors for a certain show’s openings changed. My Mom was astounded that I noticed that, but at the tender age of 7 I said, “I’m going to work there someday”, and I did for 26 years. More on that in another post.

We were all told it’ll take a few long 12-16 hour days to set up, and a very long night / early morning to wrap and tear down. All true. The last runner did end up finishing at 9:37p event night, all broadcasters had gone by then except for a camera crew from the local station to catch the final runner finishing.

Originally, I was assigned to the finish line with some other production runners. I had been to the city many times for Broadway shows and auditions, but I had never driven IN the city prior to this experience, so they thought it was best to give me a “feet on the ground job”, there wasn’t much to do at first except watch them construct the metal framework for the finish line, press boxes, and other tents. Tavern on the Green was there, it was all very exciting to encounter at 18 almost 19 years of age, although I can imagine that participating in any event such as this would be exciting for anyone involved.

The push-to-talk walkie radio was passed to me while the other runners explored Central Park, and went to go eat. There was quite a bit of chatter on the radio, goofing around etc (we were young adults with anonymity with walkie talkies!), I did not participate, I stayed silent until I heard, “finish line” what’s going on over there?”. I thought it was someone joking around as they had been all day, so I answered somewhat sarcastically, “watching the construction team building the press box, and everyone else is eating the catering”. Well, the direct answer to that was, “hand your walkie to another team member, come back to the office and I’ll send you out for supplies, or have you answer the phones.” Uh-oh, I felt I was in a bit of trouble, but I did exactly that, I handed off the walkie talkie, and nervously ran back to office as fast as I could, it was only a few blocks away. By the time I reached the production office, there was only one person in the huge conference room that we were utilizing as Production Central. Someone else was sent to get supplies, so I was tasked with answering the phone. “Whew”, again, I had never driven (yet) in the city so I was relieved.

At the end of a very long table sat a young man. He was wearing a faded wrinkled light blue polo shirt, dirty ripped jeans, and sneakers. He was fuming at his new laptop, and furiously tapping numbers on a large calculator next to the laptop. I asked him if he needed help. He said he was “trying to make some numbers work”. I told him I could help with a simple formula, he didn’t believe me. I said “move over” not knowing who he was yet. I typed in a simple sum formula based on his inputs, and said “there you go”. He looked at the numbers and the total, then began to type furiously on his calculator again. He exclaimed “that’s right!”. I responded “of course it is, and if you need to change any of the numbers in that column of cells the total number at the bottom would reflect the change, no recalculating of the entire sheet”. He of course tested this, and was happily in disbelief, maybe it was relief.

I then learned he was the senior production manager for the entire New York City Marathon for the network. Luckily I didn’t know that beforehand because I more than likely wouldn’t have been so “bold” as to say “move over” to him. He looked up at me and said, “Do you want to do Golf?”. I was elated, and responded “YES” immediately without knowing any other details at the time, just a resounding “YES”. Back to the Marathon for now though.

Some non- New York based production runners were given rental cars (that we shared ) to get to and from the office, run errands for the event, to drive the production managers and coordinators around to meetings, and one very early morning to make sure the Blue Goose (a jib) was delivered to a specific place in Harlem, NY at 4am. I was tasked with ensuring the Blue Goose was delivered to the correct location. No problem, the excitement of knowing this had me up all night anyway. Note: This was before GPS, so I had it all printed out from Mapquest, I was terrified, but up for the challenge. After all was in place, I got lost going back to the office that day, and all I could hear on the other end of the landline phone was laughing. I had to call from a pay phone stall in Harlem at 6am, that a drunk man was passed out in (I was shaking). I flagged down a police car, and they were able to set me in the right direction to get back to the office. It’s was terrifying then, but hilarious now.

The next few days was more of the same, until it was show day. That year, they had me at the start line, it was windy, cold, there was no place to get warm, but I didn’t care, the palpable energy carried us all through. The first smaller specific groups started, the handicap group, then the professionals who were competing, then the humongous general population group final starting gun shot went off. The entire bridge and surrounding earth shook with such force, one would’ve thought it was an earthquake. It was mystifying. My walkie screeching with chatter, I heard, “get back to the Production phase truck parked just outside of Central Park now”. I had learned the route I needed to take, so again, I handed off the walkie talkie, jumped into the car and did just that, I got to the production phase truck.

Inside there were screens in the front, and rows of people, and the senior production manager was in one of the seats. I nervously nodded to him, so he flagged me over to the seat next to his. “Answer the phones, find out who it’s for, who it is, what they need, and let them know”. Ok, I knew what to do. For a few more hours, I was in this space of all men and just me. They were rowdy, cursed like I had never heard before, fought with each other, and finished the broadcast. At the end, I thought that these men were going to kill each other. I had never in my life seen a show of such dramatic passion like that before, I was silent except for answering the phone and shouting out a person’s name letting them know a call was for them, who it was, and why they needed them of course. At the end of the broadcast, all these men stood up, here it is I thought, they’re going to punch each other out, but NO. They jovially said “great show”, and shook hands. “Let’s go get a drink”, and they all walked out laughing. I didn’t understand how they could scream, yell, curse at each other unabashedly, and stomp on the mobile unit floor, then walk out talking civilly together, much less going out to get drinks. But, that’s what happened. I stayed behind to clean up, then returned to the main office to help finish wrapping the event. I was exciting and confounding, but I knew, I was hooked and wanted to do it again, and again and again, and again.

And that’s truly my first event ever in sports.

Charity and Giving, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring

The Journey Begins

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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“They” say it’s not the destination it’s the journey that matters. My journey has started and stopped so many times, it’s time to not just jump, but leap in, All-In. No shortcuts, taking one step, one minute, one day at a time to climb the mountain that is life. Step by step, one by one, after each 30 days of going through the journey of pivoting, I will write about the journey, and how far I’ve come. The good, the bad, the great, and the ugly, it will all be shared. Please share your triumphs, and tribulations, and your solutions to get through and make a bad situation better. We are striving for positive solutions for even the worst situation.

Today is day one all over again 11.26.22. Let’s do it together. You will never be alone. Chime in, agree, disagree, voice your opinion – respectfully. I want to hear and see it all. It’s time to create the life I want, and YOU can be on this journey with me. My hope is to inspire others to take that first step forward. Always forward, never back.

Come with me friends, feel free to email me, I’ve shared that information, or just leave a comment, I will respond. I have 33 years of Broadcast Television, Production, Operations, Producer, Writer, Engineer, and Technical Production Assistant experience. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I haven’t always liked where I landed, and if you don’t you don’t have to stay stuck, you can pivot too, I will help show you how.

Join Me Friends on this Journey to Fullfillment, Happiness, Freedom, Balance, Food, Friends, (yes Work too), Pitfalls, Set-backs, Taking Risks, Victories, and Dumpster fires (it will happen), it’s all apart of life.

You can only fail if you do not try. And if you try and fail, get up and try again a different way, there’s always another path, we just have to unearth it. Learn from your failures, celebrate your successes.

We’ll do it together. #BetterTogether #Pivot #Career #Health #Wealth #Technology #Food #Friends #Family