As I rapidly approach my 50th birthday on August 1st, this GenXer finds herself reflecting on the twists and turns of my career path. Whether... - cleaning out an old barn to get a film set ready for Alexis Arquette and Margot Kidder - helping 1990s rock stars get into clubs when they forgot their IDs (looking at you, Evan Dando) - closed captioning for the hearing impaired and staying at the station until 4AM to QC Letterman's edited West Coast broadcast - selling mortgages - selling $100,000 Chelsea art gallery paintings - making sure Larry Fink's $40,000 kitchen cabinet door pull change order was being properly installed by the millworker - launching Sandra Lee's RTD cocktail line for Diageo that tried (and failed miserably) to unseat Skinnygirl ...and eventually making my way into American Express' corporate boardrooms, I’ve worn many hats—and as you can tell, many times simultaneously. But here’s the truth: unlike what my resume may show to HR screening bots, I’m not a career hopper - but at my heart, an explorer. And though I've solidly worked inside creative agencies for the past 12 years, my journey has taught me invaluable lessons. From film and TV production, to the music industry, mortgages, architecture, and art galleries, each role has added an important layer of "data" to my understanding of business, creativity, and most importantly - human dynamics. It doesn't matter if I'm dealing with multiple Emmy winner Candice Bergen, or training a Gen Z intern, I treat people the same - no matter if the CMO of JPMorgan Chase, or a direct report. Working with Fortune 500 companies has been challenging and lucrative. Yet even so, my trajectory doesn’t fit the traditional "agency" mold, and that unfortunately I'm finding IS an issue to many recruiters and screeners who seek a resume that shows a "known names" linear progression of... - 72andSunny - Account Coordinator - Havas - Account Manager - Publicis - Account Director - Accenture Song - VP of Client Services You see, I've learned that growth isn’t always linear or about the "big name" agencies —it’s about depth, adaptability, and resilience. And KPI measurements are what's in someone's brain, soul and heart - NOT reflected on a resume. My true passion lies in the written word. Whether crafting a scope of work that uses compelling narratives, dissecting complex ideas, or writing a custom proposal or thought starter, words fuel my soul. But practicality nudges me toward stability. And as I seek my next adventure, I’m drawn to leadership, business development, client services, and strategic thinking. I want to make an impact to my next role, not just a paycheck. So, if you or someone you know is looking for someone who combines wit, intelligence, and a dash of sarcasm in at least a Director level role on either the brand or agency side, let’s connect. Let’s redefine what success looks like for a Gen Xer who refuses to settle. #jobsearch #GenX #recruiting #Mondaymotivation
Love the picture and love that you play the piano.... I also know you are lovely to work with- you have it all Olympia! A great share.
So beautifully written and expressed, Olympia! I’ve no doubt your path ahead will be even more amazing than the journey behind you.
"growth isn’t always linear or about the "big name" agencies —it’s about depth, adaptability, and resilience. And KPI measurements are what's in someone's brain, soul and heart - NOT reflected on a resume."—well stated! Olympia, I know about your talents and will keep an eye for you!
You are not only an amazing person, but talented, hardworking and a pleasure to work with
That's a beautifully written post. If I see something pop up that looks great for you, I will reach out. From 1 GenXer to another!!! P.S. GenX is the best!!!!!