The stories that shape us: Why journalism still matters | Rashida Jones | TEDxBoston

Key Concepts

• Storytelling as a Calling: The initial aspiration to be a storyteller, meeting people and sharing their narratives.
• Linear Career Path vs. Mosaic Approach: The traditional expectation of a single, upward trajectory versus a more multifaceted, portfolio-based career.
• "Success is a Journey, Not a Destination": A personal motto that evolved from a simplistic view to a more nuanced understanding of continuous growth.
• Designing Your Life: A conscious and holistic approach to career and personal development, integrating various aspects of life.
• Holistic Living: The interconnectedness of life and career, where one feeds into the other for overall fulfillment.
• Chapter-Based Thinking: Viewing career and life stages as distinct chapters rather than fixed, absolute destinations.
• Chasing Joy, Fulfillment, Challenge, and Growth: The primary motivators for career decisions, superseding titles or specific job roles.

Career Evolution and Personal Philosophy

The speaker begins by addressing the common career question, "What are you doing next?" While acknowledging the complexity, the speaker asserts they do have an answer, which is more intricate than a simple "I don't know." This question is likened to the adult version of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" or choosing a college major at 17. The speaker's desire is not to do just one thing but to create a "mosaic" and work within a "portfolio" encompassing consulting, advising, board memberships, living, traveling, and loving.

From Storyteller to Linear Career

The speaker's initial calling, discovered in youth, was to be a storyteller, a passion that led to journalism and leadership roles. However, as they matured, they realized that a career doesn't have to follow a single, linear path. The traditional business model, characterized by moving up a defined road to a destination, was the speaker's initial approach. This linear progression was successful, with goals focused on achieving the "next big job" and hitting "the next destination."

The Shift in the Business Landscape and Personal Life

The business environment began to change, becoming less linear and more influenced by technology and digital advancements, particularly in areas like linear television. This necessitated a shift in thinking. Simultaneously, the speaker's personal life evolved with marriage, children, and a growing family. This prompted a re-evaluation of priorities, focusing on what brings happiness and joy, not just out of obligation to children, but as a role model. The speaker emphasizes the pride in modeling a love for their job and career, which never felt like work due to genuine enjoyment.

Embracing Change and "Designing Your Life"

The speaker recognized the inability to ignore the desire for something different and the need to challenge themselves, a principle they wanted to uphold for their younger self. This led to a conscious decision to "design my life." This concept was solidified during a conversation with Diane von Furstenberg, who described the speaker's multifaceted pursuits as "designing your life." The speaker realized this was precisely what they were doing, even without a name for it.

A Holistic and Chapter-Based Approach

The speaker emphasizes that "designing your life" is distinct from merely designing a career, as these aspects are interconnected. The goal is to live a holistic life where different components feed into each other, leading to fulfillment and happiness. This involves embracing new experiences, traveling, meeting diverse people, advising companies globally, understanding different cultures, and exploring new industries like AI, tech, and sports. These pursuits are not on a linear path but are fulfilling, interesting, dynamic, challenging, and conducive to growth.

The Importance of Stillness and Reflection

Crucially, the speaker makes time for stillness and reflection to envision the next chapter. Being a "type A" personality, this "do nothing time" is scheduled to ensure it happens. This deliberate pause allows for more creative thinking about the future. The speaker advocates for thinking in "chapters" rather than absolutes, recognizing that at 44 years old, there are many more chapters to come. This chapter-based approach allows for pivots and the ability to "start a new book."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The speaker concludes that there is no single "perfect answer" to the career question. The focus is not on chasing titles, destinations, or specific jobs, but on pursuing "joy," "fulfillment," "challenge," and "growth." The core message is that of "designing your life." The speaker encourages others to consider their own journeys and to pursue something they've always wanted to do but lacked the courage for. This is presented as a "season for change," urging individuals to find their "thing," whether it's a small hobby, returning to school, or a complete life redesign, assuring that such changes are never regretted.