Throughout the chaotic economic environment over the last 5 years, I have championed Generalists. I have taken pride in being one of them, in touting our expertise as people who can and do wear any hat. I love a vertical learning curve; I crave the opportunity to look at a seemingly impossible scenario and dismantle it bit by bit.
During my recent vacation to Florida, I devoured the book Yes, Chef, the autobiography of chef Marcus Samuelsson. The book is an incredible adventure story and his determination is center-stage throughout the story. From his teenage years, he was determined to be a world-renowned chef. His focus is inspiring, and it’s clear that this focus drives his phenomenal, though not always predictable, success. He’s very honest about the low points of his life and career, and he candidly describes his tremendous sacrifices for his work.
When I began the book, I was experiencing some twinges of concern over my freelance work. I was pitching a lot, and the slow cadence of August was frustrating me in the last days of the month. Reading Marcus’s book got me so hyped up that I wanted to jump out of my seat and keep on pitching. (And as I hoped and expected, September has picked up with a number of cool and interesting options in full-time and freelance work.)
His story also made me question my Generalist persona. Some people know me as a business strategist and product developer. Some people see me more as a writer. And still others look to me as a yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a nonprofit founder. Truth be told, I’m all of those things. I love them equally, and I have no desire to give any of them up for the sake of the others.
But should I? Would I be better served professionally and personally by solely focusing on one of these skill sets? Or should I concentrate my efforts in some other way (for example, if I went in the direction of health, should I work as a business strategist for health and wellness companies, while writing about health, and teaching yoga)?
I’m still entirely undecided on this front. It feels like an enormous decision and I don’t see a clear path as of yet. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, advice?
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.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
6 thoughts on “Leap: Is It Time to Specialize? Your Ideas Wanted!”
Hm….I’m intrigued by your use of the word “should” – always a red flag to me that (for me) I am looking at something from an external/others perspective (instead of what I want, what makes me happy or fulfilled). Are you happy with how things are going, how you feel, what you’re doing? If so, perhaps simply direct more mindful attention to what attracts and energizes you versus what you’re good at but may take more than it gives, and let the answers unfold. Doesn’t seem to me there’s any “reason” you have to make a decision or choice right now, perhaps your evolution is underway and if a choice comes, it will come naturally. Best….
Hi MJ. Such a good point – whenever I find myself saying “I should…”, it warrants some serious consideration. I will remember that. Natural and organic is always a better way to decide our actions, isn’t it?! Thank you so much for your insight.
Interesting — I don’t think of you as a generalist, but rather a specialist with three specialties: business strategist/product developer, yoga and meditation teacher, and writer. On your website, you’ve got a story that weaves these specialties together. As long as they all make sense to you, and you have passion for all of them, then why not keep pursuing them. As MJ said, as your story evolves over time, then you can make choices that feel natural.
Christa Avampato 
Hm….I’m intrigued by your use of the word “should” – always a red flag to me that (for me) I am looking at something from an external/others perspective (instead of what I want, what makes me happy or fulfilled). Are you happy with how things are going, how you feel, what you’re doing? If so, perhaps simply direct more mindful attention to what attracts and energizes you versus what you’re good at but may take more than it gives, and let the answers unfold. Doesn’t seem to me there’s any “reason” you have to make a decision or choice right now, perhaps your evolution is underway and if a choice comes, it will come naturally. Best….
LikeLike
Hi MJ. Such a good point – whenever I find myself saying “I should…”, it warrants some serious consideration. I will remember that. Natural and organic is always a better way to decide our actions, isn’t it?! Thank you so much for your insight.
LikeLike
Interesting — I don’t think of you as a generalist, but rather a specialist with three specialties: business strategist/product developer, yoga and meditation teacher, and writer. On your website, you’ve got a story that weaves these specialties together. As long as they all make sense to you, and you have passion for all of them, then why not keep pursuing them. As MJ said, as your story evolves over time, then you can make choices that feel natural.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for this insight! I love that you think of me as a specialist with 3 specialties 🙂
LikeLike
Follow the direction your energy naturally flows to be the best steward of your talents.
…da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer…
LikeLike
A beautiful reminder. Thank you!
LikeLike