The Astronaut, the Archaeologist, the Punk Rocker + the Marketer

“Do what you love

With the people you love

As often as you can”

What do you want to do with your life?

It’s a question we’ve been asked hundreds of times, by our parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, high school guidance counselors, college advisors and bosses. 

The real questions is, “What answer have you given?” 

The safe one? The right one? The one they expect to hear? Or the honest one? The one you feel in your heart?

How many times have you asked yourself that question? And had the courage to answer it honestly?

I have been asking myself that question my entire life…

Today I thought I would share four examples of what happened when I answered that question honestly.

The Astronaut

The earliest recollection I have of someone asking me, “what do you want to do with your life?” is my mom. When she would ask, she tells me that my answer was always the same, “Mommy! I want to be an astronaut! I want to be just like Neil Armstrong!”

Later in life, she told me that my response always made her smile. She also told me, “David, I knew that you were going to be just fine in life. Even as a kid, you always did your own thing. You never cared what others thought. You always had such a vivid imagination. Once you had an idea in your head, you were so inventive in how you tried to create it… with your tinker toys, Lincoln logs or Legos. You’d sit there for hours, entertaining yourself. Everything you did was so creative!”

As long as my mom was alive, I always had this impression that my mom was my biggest fan, always encouraging me to follow my dreams. She would say, “you can do it, you can do anything you want!” Later, when I asked her about it, she would say, “You were always so positive! Such a happy child! The world needs more happiness David! I want the world to experience the happiness I get to see! It’s such a gift!”

The Archaeologist 

At 19 years old, does anyone really know what they want to be? 

I certainly didn’t. But there I was, being asked to pick a college major. Decide on a subject that will be responsible for your long-term financial sustainability and require your lifelong interest. Crazy, right? 

Who am I kidding? None of that played into my decision. I just thought it would be fun to be a modern-day, Indiana Jones.

For five years, I double majored in History & Archaeology, studying ancient history & the bible, anthropology, archaeology & cartography. I thought it would be cool to teach during the school year and then, over the summer, travel to “exotic locales” and share those adventures with my students, and perhaps inspire them to have their own adventures.

So, I never did become a modern-day Indiana Jones. But that experience significantly influenced my life. First, it opened up my worldview, as I’ve now visited over 20 different countries. In many instances I’ve spent time with indigenous tribes, families and shamans in a number of the developing countries I’ve been to. And, I still have an affinity for visiting religious locations & sites of antiquity.

The experience also affected the way I “see” the natural world around me. I have gained a serious sensitivity and awareness to nature; the birds, trees, flowers, wind, rain & oceans. Finally, the note taking, listening, and observation skills I learned as an anthropologist has been invaluable to me as a marketer.    

All of these experiences, because I wanted to be Indiana Jones.

Punk Rock

A good friend of mine was starting an original, post-punk, alternative band as I was graduating from college. I had always wanted to play in an original band. I had no experience and didn’t own an instrument, but somehow persuaded him that I could do it. DIY – the punk rock way. His decision to let me into the band as the bass player radically altered the direction of my life. To this day, I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity. 

It was 1992, grunge & alternative music was breaking. I was in my mid 20’s and wasn’t really concerned about my “career” at that point, because hey, I was in a band. I even thought for a minute, that somehow, against all odds, our band would be the one to “make it” and this would naturally become my career. I was passionate about it and I put a lot of effort into making it work.

The band started doing really well locally; our songs got played on the radio, an independent record company put out a single and we opened for several national acts, but… after four years, it stopped.

It was understandably disappointing when it ended, but that first experience solidified my lifelong love for music. It also set the stage for a 25-year music career that continues to this day. 

 Since then, I have published over 100+ original songs with two different bands and as a solo singer-songwriter. I have been signed to a record label and have had songs on the radio in the United States, Canada & Europe. I’ve done an in-studio performance at the BBC in London, have had over 500+ reviews & magazine articles written about my music and have performed 100’s of shows in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

 All of these experiences because I told my friend I was interested in joining his punk band.

The Marketer

While the music adventure was happening, a marketing executive I had met at Friendly’s Ice Cream, through a previous job, approached me with an opportunity to collaborate with him on a restaurant test project. At the time, it was just an idea, a contract position, possibly only a 90-day project. If it worked, it might turn into a job. No guarantees. I immediately said yes. Who knew it would be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. 

Because he saw potential in me, liked my positive attitude, my boundless energy and my unique worldview, he decided to mentor me. I did my best to reward his faith in me by working as hard as I could. For the next five years he taught me as much as he could about marketing, business, leading teams and life. His personal investment in me changed my life. I would not be where I am today without his coaching and mentorship. I am eternally grateful.

Like with the music experience, after this, I discovered that I loved marketing. 

I went all in, learning as much as I could. I read books & articles. I attended conferences, seminars & training sessions. I talked to my peers, asked my supervisors for advice and even had the opportunity to worked closely with a number of very talented & creative people who have created a number of iconic marketing campaigns including:

o   the original Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Man” campaign

o   the Staples EASY button

o   JARED’s first national Subway campaign

I raised my hand & volunteered for every special project or assignment. I traveled constantly to be where I need to be. I joined new companies when a new opportunity presented itself.

That one opportunity created a 25-year marketing, advertising, consulting and management career that has spanned 11 different companies & 15 different positions. It has taken me to over 30 states & 8 countries, and most recently, I was recognized as a Top 50 2020 Global Marketer by my marketing peers. 

All of these experiences because I said yes to a 90-day project.

In each of these examples, when asked, “what do you want to do with your life?”

My answer came down to “I want to do something different & interesting, something I love to do.” 

And that answer has made the single biggest difference in all of my life experiences.

I encourage everyone to respond honestly and hopefully you will experience the same.

Do what you love.

With the people you love.

As often as you can.