Finding Talent and Finding Yourself by Wendy Todd

I attended a Diversity and Inclusion panel and thought it was going to be a conversation about how to address corporation’s challenges with acquiring a diverse staff. And it was, but the conversation turned into really focusing on the job seeker and being able to define yourself for yourself and then creating your authentic career.

Maryam Banikarim talked about her experience as a child growing up in a family who traveled a lot, and how that led her to do a mock up of a travel guide. Through a series of calls, meetings and events, she got a position in marketing that led her to the advertising world. Currently Banikarim is the Senior Vice President of Integrated Sales and Marketing at NBC Universal. She explained that, “being true to herself wasn’t necessarily right for a lot of people,” so she had to make choices that made sense to her. I think that’s key in forging a path of any kind.

It was funny listening to Michael Smith, General Manager of the Cooking Channel talk about his childhood as the “geeky kid” who “looked black but didn’t sound black.” He said he felt like a misfit. But he discovered he felt comfortable making people feel entertained. This realization helped him find his niche. I love hearing those kinds of stories. I really appreciate it when people are willing to be honest.

Seems as if this panel about finding diverse talent had an undertone about finding yourself. I think once you know what you want it’s easier to get it. At least you know where to start looking!