Today I packed up my desk at work and at this very moment, the orange moving crates have are moving to a new floor where I’ll be sitting and working starting tomorrow. As a Pisces, the end of the zodiac cycle, I like endings because they allow us to complete a goal and look forward to new opportunities. I like the feeling of wrapping up a project, looking back on accomplishments that I worked so hard to achieve.
I do get a little sentimental during a wrap-up. Today it was a little hard to say good-bye to some co-workers, to know that I won’t be on the phone with them daily the way I was before. I’m so proud of the work we were able to do together, and I’m so grateful for the time I spent with them. This new opportunity before me is a dream position, and before I springboard head-first into the new job, I spent a little time reflecting on my last role and what I learned there:
1.) There’s no such thing as over-communication
2.) Never underestimate the power of honesty and reason to leave a lasting impression on people at all levels of an organization
3.) Saying what you mean and meaning what you say are the two most important things you can do on the job and in life
4.) Take care of a team so that the team can take care of customers so that customers’ opinions of and loyalty to the brand will take care of the shareholders’ investment; leaders need to focus their time on the base of the pyramid, not the top
5.) Leadership, above all else, is service and requires a high degree of empathy; care and concern for a team, as people first and employees second, is the surest way for a leader to be successful
Deep breath in, deep breath out, and here I go. In a new direction, on a new journey, armed with another experience to draw from.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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Christa Avampato 
Christa you have absorbed and embodied more leadership, empowerment and vision in such a short time than I have encountered in thirty years. Ohhhh, how things could have been different had I had your courage and strength and wisdom to mentor me. Lead own Visionary and bring the heart back to the business world! I do not wish you luck, you’ve made the path and have the sword — go forth and conquer!
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Thanks for this huge vote of confidence, Beth! I will do my best to live up to the faith you have in me!
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Yes, Christa, saying good-bye can be tough. The nostalgia of having worked with your colleagues can pull at your heart-strings. It is uncomfortable to leave people.
On the other hand, the dream position beckons and will be personally meaningful and a rewarding experience.
I guess that’s life: you win some and then you lose some.
Your management lessons are well-considered. Listening with empathy is a key component of success with people.
And any business, after all, is all about the people. Whether at the top, middle or bottom of the pyramid, we all have to get along with people.( It seems you have good “people skills.”)
In the final analysis, people make or break your business, not just the customers/clients. My guess is, you also have to interact with people outside your organization.
Maintaining a good rapport with these external stakeholders can also translate into a better image for your company. Let the good times roll and cheers to you.
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Thanks, Archan. I’m doing my best to keep those good times roll, roll, rollin’ along. You’re right – you win some and you lose some. As long as we keep sight of the people in our company, and keep their well-being top-of-mind, I think we’ll be able to bring the heart back to business.
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Very smart insights on leadership…I hope you’re managing a team in your new position, the company will be better for it! (and so will those on the team….)
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Thanks, Amanda. Not officially leading a team in this new role, but will likely be managing cross-functionally eventually – once I get myself grounded in this new job. It’s a good time and I’m learning a ton. This opportunity was definitely worth staying for! Thanks for your vote of confidence!
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