Ambition is a Good Thing

I was honored to receive a 2019 Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications along with a number of inspirational women, including my dear friend Lisa Sherman.

My mentor Jeanette Sarkasian Wagner once told me, “There are two kinds of people—friends, and friends who show up.” I am grateful for the wonderful group of friends, family and colleagues who showed up for me at the Matrix Awards.

I want to tell you a story about a girl from the Midwest. 

I was earnest and athletic. A big sister, a tennis player and, occasionally, a good student. But I was one more thing. Something I kept secret. A trait I wasn’t sure I could be proud of. I was ambitious. Hungry really. For more. 

My first job was as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill where I hoped to engage in public debate, live a little history, and realize my dream to make meaningful change.

I walked through the doors on Day One filled with excitement, optimism and brimming with big ideas. I stepped carefully through the Capitol Rotunda knowing these were the hallowed halls where Jefferson and Lincoln walked.

But five years later, my greatest accomplishment was changing one word in one law—from an “or” to an “and.”

This was the Capitol Hill I experienced. Bureaucratic and slow. The government was gridlocked and so was I.

During this time, I met an executive from American Express. He was from New York City, leading a global business with reach and impact. I wanted to be like him.

Rilke the poet said it best in the Book of Hours: “I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.” I hoped I would too.

And so I called his assistant and asked for a meeting (actually, I begged). She granted me 30 minutes at 7:30 on a Monday morning. When I arrived, I found I was the only woman in lower Manhattan wearing a Laura Ashley floral dress. When I got home, I burned it.

During that meeting, I told the executive that I was planning to leave the Hill and hoped to work for him. He barely stifled a laugh and said that I was a nice girl with a good job. I should stay in Washington.

“No,” I said. “I am leaving the Hill and I wanted to offer you first dibs on hiring me. I have a meeting with your competitor if you’re not interested.” 

I knew no one at the competitor and certainly didn’t have an appointment.

But he didn’t know that. And in that moment, something shifted. He saw me differently. More importantly, I saw myself differently.

I didn’t know if I would get that job—I assumed I wouldn’t. But my heart was in my throat, my chest was pounding, and I felt alive.

A few days later I received the job offer. It was a junior position with a salary that barely covered my expenses. But it was in Communications and the beginning of a career that means so much to me.

One that moved me from politics to business, from D.C. to New York. One that allowed me to live and work abroad. That provided an opportunity to see things I never imagined and make the changes I always wanted.

I urge all of us to answer from the depths of our heart and the height of our own ambitions the question posed by my favorite poet, Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

This article is adapted from my remarks at the 2019 Matrix Awards.