First date. First day of school. First day on a sports team. First day at work. “Day One” of anything is usually a paradox of sorts. Excited. Anxious. Nervous. Eager. Ambitious. Insecure. Curious. Incompetent. All common emotions felt when stepping into a new, unfamiliar experience. After spending 10 months as an associate, today was the first day in my new role: Director of Marketing (for one of our properties in the region). I certainly feel all of those aforementioned emotions. The role is indeed a stretch one: part of the company’s philosophy for leaders is that every move should be a stretch role. The culture is also one that doesn’t naturally provide lengthy transitions and/or runways. The business moves so quickly and the organization is so fluid that it’s perpetually moving at 200 mph—with or without you. It’s your responsibility to sprint and catch the train before it leaves the station. Period. My experience is not unique (and not unique to the company). But it is my own. And it’s one that I have to navigate; one with which I have to wrestle…
At times, I’ve stomped…pouted…protested…proclaimed: “Couldn’t someone have just told me XYZ!??” or “Does it REALLY have to be this hard??” However, this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve survived three “day ones” with this company since 2009; three transitions; three “WTH am I doing?” seasons. And that’s the take-away…
It’s all possible. I’ve been here before. I’ve faced similar hurdles and I made it to the other side to “tell the tale.” So, why would I expect this to be any different? I need to trust that I’m capable; that the infrastructure will be there to support; that I’ve done the work on the front-end to prepare (Hello? 100 cases by October?? There’s a reason why Darden’s 100 Case Parties are legendary–work hard, play hard is the motto).
And that’s where I am now. Excited about the opportunity. Excited about the team. Excited about the road ahead. Atlantic City is in the middle of a major turn-around after a few challenged years. We’re pushing the envelope and expanding our focus to encompass more dining, entertainment, and nightlife experiences. I’m excited about the toys in my toy chest to which I have access with respect to marketing my property: dining outlets, nightlife venues, concerts, and a beautiful property to boot! Lastly, I’m part of an energized, engaged, and passionate team excited about executing the vision.
It’s a good time to be a part of AC: essentially, it’s do or die. For this Bed-Stuy Bella, that should be a cake walk.
Cheers.
PS: Speaking of wrestling… True Confession: I’m wrestling w/the level of transparency of my posts during this transition. On the one hand, my natural lean is full disclosure; I don’t really know another way when I write (for better or for worse my filter usually malfunctions when pen meets paper. LOL.). On the other hand, I struggle w/vulnerability…particularly around career topics. Hmph. We’ll see how that plays out.
[edited 6/26]
I wrote a fabulous comment and then it disappeared… I too struggle with transparency. Fact is, writing is an outlet for me where I talk about feelings. I’m not giving away trade secrets and I would hope that anyone reading would respect that we have the courage to share a bit of ourselves – good, bad, or indifferent. Hugs.
Thanks lady. Appreciate the insight and support! Glad you can relate.