Your first job can teach important lessons that guide you in your career journey. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? #CareerKickstart 💼

My first 'real job' after college was as a Video Journalist at CNN. A glorified term for a floor director on set. From there I eventually graduated to a video editor spending a total of 5 years with the company.

I learned two things that have stuck with me through my career.

1: No one person is greater than the strength of the team. Ted Turner had a 'first name' rule, everyone was addressed by their first name, including him. It made you feel that you were an equal part of the team vs. "Mr. Executive" lording over you. It was also cool to chat with Ted in the mornings when he was in the Cafe.

2: Quality storytelling comes from looking at the story and the audience from a unique perspective. Anyone can slap together a story, hand it in and be done with it. To create a memorable story that connects with the intended audience takes investment in the project and looking at all the raw sources to craft the best intended story. Pedro Peraza and Karen Nolan Lawson were invaluable in teaching me that lesson.

Beyond that, through meeting world leaders, politicians, actors and other public figures, I learned we're more similar than you might think. I enjoyed pretty much my entire education and time with CNN.

And yes, my Mom was mighty proud of her son. She never told me what career to pursue, her only rule was I HAD to go to college. :) I still miss her every day.