#008B Summary Episode - Jill Hazelbaker, Career Challenges & Opportunities - a podcast by Ann Hiatt

Welcome back! In this week’s episode, I’m attempting to summarise last week’s conversation with the amazing Jill Hazelbaker. I’ll be focusing on three main takeaways regardless of the career stage you find yourself in.

1. How to create opportunities and deal with sea

2. Seeking out and leaning in to challenges

3. Maximising the lessons learned that come from the mistakes we make along the way

1. How to get opportunities (early!):

Jill got her big first job by working for John McCain’s presidential campaign by raising her hand and being willing to go anywhere to help him, which helped her get recognized as someone willing to put in the work and also helped her get into the right rooms, where all the action was happening.

Secondly, she wanted to work with people who where smart, ambitious and would challenge her. It might seem intimidating, but really this is where the growth happens.

Jill also highlighted how she doubled down when others left the campaign and stayed with McCain because she felt aligned with his mission and values. This lead to her being one of the youngest female campaign directors ever, every single part was intimidating and new and something she’d never done before, but that’s how she got to where she is now.

Big breaks came from her reputation preceding her and being sought out for specific projects (campaigns, Google, etc). “No one invites you in. You have to create your own space.”  Do your due preparation to contribute in advance. There is no such thing as over-preparing!

2. Baptism by fire

Jill’s 1st day was when Google pulled out of China. At Uber she had to deal with Travis’ PR disaster, then losing the license in the UK with Dara’s start.

Pace, intensity were familiar and thrilling, you learn to trust your instincts. Eric taught her about the value of being in the details and to drive the details. And to be willing to have the debate and then drive forward once the decisions have been made.

Learns so much from the valuable mentors available. Google was the greatest training ground possible because so many things where happening simultaneously. (policy, M&A, scaling, global expansions, etc)

3. Lean in to mistakes for maximum benefit

Focus on the substance and not the spin, give a real response if you’ve made a mistake. Be the first one to admit it and come with a plan of action to correct it. How will you use the mistake to your advantage?

Focus on the benefits and the learnings. What are we taking away from this? If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not doing anything of impact. The mistakes of proof of you challenging yourself.

Ask yourself consistently ‘’are we doing enough?’’ To get real engagement in the company it needs to be mission driven. You must be transparent and proactive.

Put your head down and focus on the work and lift up all around you.

Did you find this episode helpful? I’d love to hear your opinions, your stories or even just a hello!

Thanks for listening and see you next week,

Ann 

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