Resolution: Discover Your Passion
A Dose of Sass
By Steve Kemble
AS A NEW YEAR BEGINS FOR MOST OF US, FIND THE PASSION IN WHAT YOU DO. Passion energizes you to get up each morning and helps you find direction in your life and career. And more than 25 years in this industry, I have learned that our careers are very much a part of our lives, and enjoying what you do isn’t a bad thing.
Back in high school, I served on the student council and planned various events, but I didn’t fully realize my passion for parties until serving as decorations chair for senior prom. I’ve come a long way since crepe paper and balloons, but back in those days such decor elements were all the rage. I pursued a college degree in public relations—yes, back in my undergraduate days, if you wanted a career in events, you got a PR degree, because all big events were handled by the agencies. There were no event companies. Upon graduating, I entered the event world as part of the U.S. Senate campaign for former U.S. Rep. Jim Collins (R-Dallas). From there it was jobs with the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas CVB and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Campaign before starting my own company.
About 17 years into my career, I decided I wanted new challenges in order to keep the passion alive. Challenges keep a fire in my belly and my passion high. I wanted to concentrate on my professional growth and expanding my career—be part of bigger and more intricate events, orchestrate meetings that had strong marketing angles and show clients their ROI. I decided to give further reach to my lifestyle brand and pursue TV and radio, knowing these media would give me exposure to a larger audience. It worked, but when you become successful, it is a daily challenge to stay successful. You must constantly strive to better yourself and stay relevant.
Sometimes, you have to change how you think and live. I discovered TV and radio as a way to keep my passion alive. In doing this, I opened myself up to more exposure. Believe it or not, as out there as I am, I tend to be a fairly private person. Media exposed sides of me I’d never shown the outside world. Yet, I understand and accept. This was my choice, and I have no regrets, because it has given me the drive to explore other opportunities while remaining part of this industry, with its amazing people and opportunities.
Never feel limited in doing what you are doing. If you are happy, that’s fabulous. If you feel you need to find the passion again, try another direction. There is no reason to give up the tenure with your company or field, just see if you can use the experience for other opportunities.
If you have not made a New Year’s resolution yet, make one—or use mine. It never hurts to have more than one. My resolution is to make myself a better contributor by discovering the passion for what I love most about our industry and life and sharing it with others. My current passion is much like my New Year’s resolution: to contribute more to the industry and my life and share it with others. One of the best ways to share passion with friends, family and colleagues is through face-to-face meetings. This is why I place so much value on this industry’s conferences and meetings. These gatherings not only help reaffirm passion, they will also help you discover your passions, resulting in an incredibly amazing and productive year. Happy New Year! One+
STEVE KEMBLE has been the magic behind countless international events for more than 20 years, from celebrating NFL players' accomplishments to organizing parties for two presidents. Follow him at www.adoseofsass.com or on Twitter @stevekemblechat.