Maddie Thomas, 31

Director of Strategic Operations, Local Media Consortium Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Finance, The University of Dayton

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

Recognize that your job extends beyond “only working in the news/ media industry.” A career in news gives you many different experiences and shouldn’t be boiled down to one classification. Think of it this way:

You work in the service industry by providing information and entertainment to people in your hometown and worldwide. You work in the technology industry by finding new, innovative ways to deliver the news while constantly evolving standards to ensure users’ data and privacy are secure. You are in the education industry by shedding light on everything from politics and weather to local heroes and where to get the best pizza in town. The list goes on and on because there isn’t an industry that contributes to and impacts our communities as much as the news. News is too big and important only to be seen as one-faceted, and so are you.

What is the best “coaching” advice you have ever received?

Early in my career, when selfevaluations began, I struggled to articulate my achievements for the year. My former director said, “No one else kisses your own ass better than you.” I didn’t realize it then, but that advice is another way to say that you are the best advocate for yourself.

Never be afraid to highlight your achievements or to seize the opportunities to talk about the great work you have accomplished. Instead of saying, “I believe I am the best person for the job,” say, “I am the best person for the job.” Trust me; I know it can be hard to talk about yourself. But no one knows more about your work and how much of an asset you are better than you. Have confidence in yourself. Fight for yourself, but don’t be afraid to lean on your team and vice versa. If you excel in an area, make it known. Share your skill with your teammates and colleagues. That, in turn, empowers others to share their skills and make their strengths known, creating an environment that furthers self-confidence, team collaboration, and positive transformation

Make sure you surround yourself with people who are supportive in the same way. The director mentioned earlier made this clear to our team from day one by saying, “My job is to make you all look good. Not the other way around.” Typically, you hear that the other way around.

I have since made sure to surround myself with leaders and teammates whose priorities are geared toward the success and advancement of others, not just themselves. Advocating for yourself is still important; however, you’ll get much further if you have a supportive army around you, advocating for each other.