Overcoming fear of failure: How career risks will help you grow

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Chan with a Plan, Max speaks with Frank O’Connell, author of Jump First Think Fast. In this conversation, Frank discusses his extensive career with major companies like Reebok, and HBO, how to evaluate risk along your career journey, and build yourself into a confident expert.

QUOTES

• “In trading cards. We had all of the athletic NBA, NFL all of their licenses, and everybody said, this is the athletic trading card business. The kids said, no, you're in the business of connecting heroes and their fans.” – Frank O’Connell
• “In today's environment, you better be very agile. We used to develop a strategic plan. We'd review it once a year. You now need to view it every three months. And if things don't work, you've got to be agile and willing to make major changes quickly.” – Frank O’Connell
• “I would say almost all my major moves to other companies or promotions came through someone who I did develop a very personal relationship with and who knew me very, very well.” - Frank O’Connell

 

TIMESTAMPS

• [01:12] Frank’s journey
• [03:50] Pivoting into a new industry
• [08:27] Evaluating career move risks
• [14:59] Testing and reevaluating new tactics to grow
• [16:38] Building relationships
• [18:49] Becoming the expert and job hopping
• [20:13] Building your personal brand
• [22:39] What Frank looks for in a job candidate
• [26:31] Valuable skills to develop
• [29:09] How do you establish confidence?
• [31:07] Encouragement when you think you have made a mistake
• [33:19] Learning from Frank’s mistakes
• [34:46] Finding your passions and showcase your full self
• [35:49] Valuable takeaways from Frank’s book
• [39:44] Frank’s big challenge
• [40:55] Advice on relationships and careers

 

RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS

• Frank O’Connell on Social Media:
  • LinkedIn
  • Jump First Think Fast
• Chan With A Plan
• Max Chan on Social Media