The company I work for was recently bought by a PE. The buyout stirred up mixed emotions about the future. This change taught me that I may not be passionate about a specific product or industry. But, I’m passionate about creating and innovating within fields. Capturing beautiful images, creating engaging ads, and highlighting what makes products and people special is where the joy is.
Reflecting on a recent visit to Bethlehem Steel with my boss, we saw the emotional impact of industrial decline and the end of Bethlehem Steel. People had dedicated their lives to crafting steel. They were heartbroken as they watched 150-year-old molds being discarded. Some took these molds home as keepsakes, preserving a piece of their legacy.
This visit prompted a conversation with my boss. If our company faced a similar fate where things were thrown out, what would we each salvage? My boss said he would take an old sprinkler, symbolizing his dedication to our industry. I realized I would gather my creative gear—the tools that enable me to do what I love. This reaffirmed my true passion. It lies in using these tools to create, innovate, and tell powerful stories.
Today’s world has a lot of AI-generated content, which often looks the same. So, having a real story about your product is more important than ever. Authenticity and innovation are key. We must also stay true to our personal creative processes and our inner knowing. Doing this will keep us setting our work apart and connecting with our audience.
Industries and products transform. But, our passion can remain constant. Using my skills and tools to create, innovate, and tell great stories drives me daily.
What would you take from the trash heap if you’d worked at a place like Bethlehem Steel?
