It seems that almost everyone around me is in love with ABC’s
show Scandal. Of course, this is nothing new. The television show receives
about 8 to 10 million viewers every Thursday night and is one of the biggest success
stories to ever happen to prime time TV since it’s original launch in 2012.
Most people know the show’s heroine: Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, like
the back of their hand. However, the actual real life hero who inspired the
fictional character is one that they might not be as familiar with.
I had the opportunity to see the real life O.P., Judy Smith,
give a seminar at Miami University this past week and to say that I left
impressed and inspired would be an understatement.
Before I start on the story I want to introduce you guys to
a mindset. This outlook is called the elephant mindset. As I explain some of
the key details to Ms. Smith’s conference, try to look at the big picture. I find that when you
look at life through this lens you may find stories and lessons become way more
relatable to your own situations in life and you just might even learn a few
things.
Judy Smith says that she started her professional path as a
crisis manager when she was 11. Her local playground was being shut down due to
lack of funds and Smith decided that the solution to this problem was to travel
downtown and lead a protest of sixth graders. When reflecting on this moment
later in life she was told by one of her oldest friends that that was the moment when she knew
Smith was legit. She had given her first press conference before she could even
ride public transportation by herself.
From there on, she always pushed herself, graduating from
Boston University with an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and
continuing on to American University where she earned a law degree from the
Washington College of Law during the night while she worked days. She was
completely set to start work in New York City when suddenly her life took a
different route. This route took her to earning the title as Deputy Director of
Public Information and Associate Counsel in the Office of the Independent
Counsel. A position she earned by simply being herself and, most importantly,
always being truthful.
“I was on one path and in a matter of two days my life
changed,” Smith said about this time in her life.
From there Smith continued to advance until she ultimately earned
a job in the White House on March 7, 1991 as Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary to President George H. W. Bush. Even though this is without a doubt the highest profile job
Smith has held, her talents as a crisis manager shined through as she started Smith
& Company, a consulting firm specializing in crisis management and media
relations.
But even after hearing all of this, the piece of Smith’s
story that captivated me the most was the fact that she was so self reliant.
Throughout her entire life she has been so sure of herself, even when she could
have been completely the opposite. As she was exploring topics regarding leadership
this is what she had to say: “Make sure you are very clear about who you are
and where you stand. Values, honesty, integrity… define this early on.”
Young adults always find themselves in the process of trying
to define who they are while simultaneously molding themselves to meet the expectations
of those around them. But instead of giving themselves a professional edge by
attempting to jump through hoops they just end up becoming hindered. Instead of
trying to be something you’re not Smith proposes this radical idea: Be who you
are. “I am who I am,” Smith said, “I realize that not everyone may like that
but I have always been true to myself and that’s more than enough.”
At the end of the day you need to realize that you’re where
you are in life because of a reason. You’re not going to find that reason by constantly
comparing yourself to others or letting the pressures and labels of society eat
you alive. So take control of your life. Outline your dreams and goals. Define
your boundaries. Give yourself personal time.
But also don’t be afraid to mess up. You’re probably going
to experience a couple of personal crises along the way. To that Smith has
these tips: Always tell the truth, know what the facts are, own your mistakes,
and, most importantly, you have to lead. Don’t be afraid to make tough
decisions, and don’t be ignorant enough to think that everyone is going to
agree with the decisions you make. But, and here’s what we forget, not everyone is
supposed to agree with our decisions. If you know the facts and you center
yourself around the truth, then the decisions you make are going to be made in
complete clarity. If you can ultimately stand by your choices, then other
people’s approval really isn’t needed.
So Olivia Pope may be Hollywood’s world renown crisis manager
that leads an unbelievably drama filled life, but Judy Smith is America’s own success
story and model for women and men everywhere. She embodies what is possible
when you push yourself to achieve your ultimate goals and you don’t belittle
yourself.
And remember when in doubt, “It’s handeled” – Olivia Pope.
