Council Post: How To Sustain A Career As A Change Maker

There are many words or phrases used to describe those who aim to change the world, such as change makers, innovators, disruptors, revolutionaries, people “ahead of their time.” Whether they aim to take on global issues or just enact meaningful change within their own community, these people all have one thing in common: They envision something better and take action to make it a reality.

Even with necessary foresight and passion, the career of a change maker will go through many hills and valleys, along with a few sharp turns thrown in. This article takes a look at what this journey looks like and provides some tips for continued success.

Major industries can be reluctant to change.

I moved to Hollywood when I was 21, and through one turn and another, I found myself developing the first-ever interactive press kit, which took about 150 pages of paper, and put them all together on a disk. (Yes, I said disk, which will give you an idea of the time frame.) It seems like a simple enough idea that would resonate with pretty much anyone these days, but back then, this was met with quite a bit of skepticism. I had people tell me that no one will ever look at it or start using a disk over printed materials.

My vision for what these types of creative technologies could be helped me push this type of product forward, and, eventually, the entire industry turned to use this type of medium for communication. That progress exponentially increased with the digital revolution, but making these first waves took quite a bit of time and convincing of colleagues before it gained traction.

Almost every industry is, at first, slow to change. It takes tenacity and a deep understanding of the current system before you are likely to see much progress. Understanding the system in and out can help you build a foundation for your case to make things more efficient for everyone. Clearly communicating how the change will save your industry time and money could go a long way to getting someone to take your idea seriously.

Why stop there?

There will come a time when you start to see your ideas gain traction. This is not the time to slow down or become satisfied with the improvements being implemented. Now is the time to push the envelope just a little further, explore new areas and see how your ideas can be implemented in new ways. Above all, look for the opportunity to step to the front of the pack and lead.

I was fortunate to be a part of applying digital technologies creatively as the concept was picking up steam globally. My early career experiences positioned me to take on larger projects, such as developing some of the first online streaming content and starting a movie production company. Maybe one of the biggest disruptions I was able to partake in was creating 3D cinema technology, which we turned into a company that has become the largest network of 3D cinemas.

No matter what industry you are in, the technical and professional skills, life lessons and networks you developed while leading change in one industry can almost always be adapted to new areas in need of innovation. Always keep your eyes open for new opportunities, trends or people who seem to be one or more steps ahead of the status quo, and don’t be afraid to jump in.

Let your passions guide you.

My advice when looking to industries to expand your portfolio is to find one you are passionate about. Almost any industry could use novel ideas, but you will likely have the most impact if it is a problem that you care about.

Most recently for me, for example, I’ve been adapting my technology background to streamline the behind-the-scenes systems of in-home care. This stemmed from personal experiences I had finding and using caregivers for my aging parents. Once immersed in the industry out of necessity, I was able to see that there was great potential for improvement on both the back-end technology and the front-end business of bettering client and caregiver relationships. I knew by diving into this field, I would be able to apply my business background toward helping improve the home care industry.

The time and effort it takes to transform an industry are never easy. The personal investment you bring to the table will often be what gets you through the valleys.

The world is always in need of people who see a way to make it better. To ensure a lifelong career of reaching that goal, don’t let the naysayers stop you; continue to push beyond what is believed possible and play to your passions and strengths.