DeMaurice Smith, NFL Players Association Executive Director

It is such an incredible feeling to have an executive be so excited and honored to participate in my blog. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. DeMaurice Smith, the NFL Players Association’s Executive Director. From the beginning his outgoing and optimistic attitude was contagious; an absolute pleasure to speak with. Mr. Smith described to me his exhilarating but non-stop day to day schedule and I am extremely grateful that he made time to talk to me. We discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?
Mr. Smith answered, “I think I have always appreciated hard work and looking at barriers not to keep you down, but as something that can be overcome.” He went on to admit that there are some days where he doesn’t feel so successful. He then told me the inspiring story about his parents and how they are the definition of success. Mr. Smith’s father was drafted into the Marines right out of high school and when he returned from fighting in the Korean War he had to find a way to get a degree. His father then went to D.C. and earned his bachelors degree and went to work for the commerce department for forty years. Mr. Smith proudly explained how hard his parents both worked to put two children through college. He said that his parents did things he could never do and to him, that’s successful. He said he looks to his parents for motivation and I could tell how genuinely proud he was.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?
For this question Mr. Smith had two things, “First, do what you dig and if you don’t dig it, trust me don’t do it. Next, too many times people will try to steer you to what you should be doing instead of letting you figure out what your passion is and trying to excel at that.” Another word of advice he has was to never let anyone tell you no. “There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can never do that, especially your peers.” He explained that some people doubted that he would be the right person for his current position because he had never played or worked for any sort of football program previously. He took those odds and what it came down to was that the players figured out who was the best from them. He explained that there is not a day he doesn’t look to the past twenty years of his career and try use his past experiences to help benefit him today.

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
“I had two jobs, one at Jerry Sub Shop and the other at the department of labor.” He then went on to become a paralegal. Mr. Smith said that anytime you are in a service industry, whether you are making copies or sandwiches, you realize early on that no matter what you do it’s providing a service to someone. He gave me a negative example of working with young lawyers that were very, very good at school and graduated at the top of their class but feel that they are too good to get someone a copy. He explained that it’s a service and whether it was pushing subs or making copies, it’s really not philosophically different then what I do today. He explained that there is a not so glamorous side to what he does; taking red eye flights, only getting to lie down for 30 minutes, getting calls and text from players at two o’clock in the morning, working after he puts his kids to bed and before he gets to go to bed. “It’s a service; I am working for the people.” Mr. Smith also explained, and I could tell from all of his stories, that he truly loved his job and all of the people he represented. He encouraged me to find a career where I can continue learning and excel.

Mr. Smith’s positive attitude and great sense of humor made this interview one of my favorites. I am gracious for your time and am sincerely thankful!

John Douglas Miller, Chief Marketing Officer of the NBC Universal Television Group

After interning and learning the ropes at NBC Universal in Chicago over the summer, it was a great pleasure to get to speak with an Emmy winner and PROMAX Hall of Fame member, Mr. John Douglas Miller the Chief Marketing Officer of NBC Universal. He proved to me, once again, how optimistic and educational it can be working for such a successful and well known company. The encouragement and support that these executives have for graduates is overwhelming. Mr. Miller and I discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?
He said that the main two reasons he’s where he is today is because of both hard work and not being satisfied with “good enough”. My favorite part of the interview and a statement that I firmly believe leads to success was, “I’m always trying to look forward because the world doesn’t stop moving and neither should you.” You should enjoy what you do and do it well because doing something well has its rewards. At any job you’re at, look at what your next job might be and prepare for that position. Always continue learning.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?
Be persistent, be upbeat, and when you go in for a job be mindful that there are probably hundreds of other candidates that are just as qualified. Stand up, differentiate and sell yourself. Let the company know why you are the best choice versus anyone else. Be remembered.

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
Coming out of college, Mr. Miller said it took him awhile to lock onto a first job. He started working for WMAQ, a television station in Chicago, as a production assistant and coordinated public service messages and did the logs during the course of the day for about eight to nine months. He was given this opportunity through a previous internship, an eight week chance to supervise the same intern program. Miller saw an opportunity for a new job and was proactive; he was then promoted to be the assistant producer of a magazine type show. What he learned from these experiences is that a first job is an opportunity to get your face seen, it doesn’t matter what your first job is as long as you are heading in the right direction. The first job is the dot and the second job is the direction.

Thank you, Mr. Miller, it was a pleasure to meet and speak with you today!

Blake Nordstrom, President of Nordstrom, Inc.

In my opinion, a humble but strong and optimistic attitude makes a great leader; that is exactly what I believe Mr. Blake Nordstrom to be. It is absolutely encouraging to know that these successful businessmen and women can still make time to advise and share their stories with someone shortly entering the real world. Mr. Nordstrom kindly took the time today to answer these questions and I am greatly appreciative.

What has made you successful in your career?
“I've been most fortunate to have worked with a number of terrific people and leaders over the years. I believe we're the sum of our experiences and sometimes the biggest learning’s come from the most difficult situations. There have been a number of mentors who have gone above and beyond to be of support for me in my career.”

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?
“We're probably guilty as a society of asking people when they graduate what they're going to do for the rest of their lives, when in reality most people will try numerous things and maybe in some cases end up in a career they didn't even envision or one that may not have even existed when they embarked on their journey. Therefore, I think the best advice is to be open to try things, always give it your best effort because it's reflective of your reputation, and associate yourself with people and organizations that you're proud of.”

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
“Throughout school and immediately afterwards, I worked both part-time and full-time in the shoe department. Upon leaving the University of Washington, I became a full-time shoe salesperson and a few months later became an assistant manager in the department. I'm fortunate to have worked in many of the jobs throughout our company. It helps me today to support our folks, understand what they're going through, and base decisions upon those experiences.”

His advice and story reminds me of an inspirational quote by Ralph Marston, “Effort gets things done. Patience sees things them through. Both are crucial to success.” Thank you again, Mr. Nordstrom, for being a great role model to student’s worldwide!