CareerTOOLBox #19: Change Your Career, Change Your Life – Part 1

It’s Possible. Here’s How. (Part 1)

Optimism. This seems to be the theme of 2013. Whether talking to friends or family, former students or present career clients, it seems like there’s a breath of hope in the air. People are feeling good about this year and that energy fosters all kinds of new directions and opportunities.

If the professional arena of your life needs a reboot, you’re not alone. Many are dusting off the drama of the past and taking the reigns of their present. Changing your job, career, city, state or even country is within your reach. Escalating your income to a higher level is also possible. It does mean setting a goal, staying focused, working hard and investing in yourself. It also means, as I shared in December’s 12 Days of Resumes, putting yourself first.

The most important factor in such a significant life choice is asking yourself the question, “Am I worthy of a better career, with more money and greater opportunity?” If the answer is a confident, “Yes!” then buckle down, take your vitamins, drink your water and prepare to work harder than you ever have before.

Brad Fellows, one of my former Cleveland State University (CSU) MBA students, whose section I taught last fall at the Cleveland Clinic, confided in me that, just ten short years ago, he was tending bar. Today as Administrator, Professional Staff Affairs at Cleveland Clinic, he holds a prominent position with one of the nation’s top hospitals. How did he go from a bartender to a senior executive and future MBA?

I recently asked Brad what his path to success was and he generously shared his unique and complicated journey.

Alex Sukhoy: You mentioned that 10 years ago you were a bartender. What made you stop and realize that you wanted more out of life?

Brad Fellows: That job was a means to an end. I had a very promising career as a recruiter with a major consulting firm. After 9/11 they downsized and eliminated 60 percent of the support staff. I tended bar for a year to make ends meet. As lucrative as it was, I wanted to be challenged intellectually. It was a tough economy as no one was hiring. I was motivated by friends and family who never gave up on me. They encouraged me to keep trying, keep looking and keeping going. I knew if I wanted a different path, I had to create it. There has been nothing conventional about my career path and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What was the first step you took?

I used my network of friends, colleagues and former coworkers. I ended up with a position teaching at a local charter school at about half the salary I left. It wasn’t the dream job I had hoped for but it paid the bills. I learned so much during those couple years about people and about myself and it motivated me to continue to grow and learn from every experience.

Where were you living then? How did you make the choice to go elsewhere?

I was living in Akron at the time. The job market was not too promising at the time. I took the job with the school, hoping it would help transition me into something else and help buy time to find something I really wanted to do. I was with them for a little over two years until I found a position at Case [Western Reserve University] working for the President. I had interviewed for an alumni director position (something I knew very well) but as a twist of fate would have it, they hired someone else for that job. During the interview process, someone met me who knew of the position with the President’s office and thought I would be a good fit. In one day I got the call that I didn’t get the alumni job but they were very interested in me for the President’s office.

I know and believe everything happens for a reason and I was open minded to finding out more. I met with his team, felt a connection and took the job. I finally arrived at my dream job. At Case, for only thirteen months, I had the pleasure of doing a wide variety of activities. I prepared donor briefs, managed events for the President’s office, worked on special projects and was part of the Race at Case and the Vice Presidential Debate of 2004.

The following March, a former colleague from Case who had since joined the Cleveland Clinic, asked me to join her team as Director of Special Events for development. I was creating, planning and managing donor recognition and cultivation events. It was my next dream job. Because of my work, I was asked to consider a position with the Cancer Institute as Director of The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative. I would end up managing multiple programs that provided support services to patients and their families while going through treatment and directing the annual Ice Show and Gala that raised money for cancer research. It became yet another dream opportunity, mixing my events, donor and project management background.

That job then evolved in a more administrative role, taking on more responsibility and other non-clinical service lines and I became a Department Manager. Most recently I had the chance to switch gears completely and move over to Professional Staff Affairs. This role, as Administrator, is my most challenging and rewarding to date. I am pursuing my bliss.

Why an MBA? Why CSU? When did you enroll?

I started to pursue my MBA during my role at the Cancer Institute. I knew I wanted to grow and develop professionally and this was the road for me at the time. I could apply my real world experiences to the program and bring the classroom to my development. As much as I wish I had done it earlier, I can’t imagine being successful in this program without being able to apply it to my daily functions. The light bulb goes off often both in the classroom and in the boardroom. It’s a great match.

What’s been the toughest part of the journey and how did you get through it?

The toughest part for the MBA has been changing my lifestyle. Giving up some freedoms and making sacrifices that sometimes friends and family don’t understand on the surface, but after they realize my determination, they get it and are in full support. I am motivated by my classmates and colleagues. My classmates all bring to the table a desire to grow and learn and be the best that they can be. They each have a different story or path on where they are in life, both professionally and personally. I am intrigued and motivated by their stories. I want to continue to grow and be the best that I can be.

First written in February 2013.  

Reprinted with permission and gratitude from CoolCleveland.com.

Photo: Brad Fellows.

Next CareerTOOLBOX Column: Change Your Career. Change Your Life. Part 2.