By Brian Mitchell, Managing Partner & CEO.
I’ve been working in and out of New York City for 20+ years, have had offices in Chelsea and Midtown, and have been on the Acela hundreds of times training up and back from DC where I reside. This past Tuesday I was on the train again, with two of my daughters on our way to see a taping of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Now, having spent so much time in NYC, I typically do NOT want to go anywhere near Times Square and prefer to avoid touristy diversions. However, my middle daughter – Devin – absolutely LOVES Jimmy Fallon so I wrangled tickets for the show. She watches him on YouTube with great frequency, has several Tonight Show-related t-shirts, coloring books, a blanket, and other Jimmy paraphernalia. She cracks up at his various skits, shows, movies, songs, etc. This was a huge deal for her and she couldn’t have been more excited.
Of course, I’m biased, but most people who’ve ever met her would say that “Devin is a special individual”. Special indeed. Devin has Down syndrome, which means she was born with one more chromosome than typical people. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes totalling 46. Devin has 47 chromosomes because she has a 3rd 21st chromosome, often referred to as “trisomy 21”, which impacts all people with Downs. She is a very capable, hilarious, healthy, resilient, happy person. She also has challenges and sometimes needs help, as we all do. I don’t want to go on a rant about genetic science or special needs but wanted to share the experience of her going to the Tonight Show and seeing Jimmy in person because it got me thinking about a few things. Before I draw a correlation with life and career, I need to let you all know that not only did Devin get to enjoy the show, but she got to meet her absolute favorite – Jimmy! He hugged her, talked to her about a few things, and completely embraced and appreciated her authentic enthusiasm. It was friggen awesome!
Turning towards the relevance of the paths we all lead and how that intersects with our vocation, I thought about how Fallon’s success has been perpetuated by his own authentic enthusiasm and hard work. Meeting someone like Jimmy Fallon, a renowned comedian, actor, and host, can teach valuable lessons about life and career including:
1. The Power of Positivity
- Jimmy Fallon is known for his infectious energy and ability to make others laugh. This demonstrates how positivity and enthusiasm can be powerful tools in building relationships and maintaining a successful career.
2. Versatility and Adaptability
- Fallon transitioned seamlessly from improv comedy on Saturday Night Live to hosting The Tonight Show. His career highlights the importance of being adaptable, trying new roles, and expanding your skill set.
3. Hard Work Behind the Scenes
- While Fallon makes everything seem effortless, his success is built on years of hard work, preparation, and dedication. Meeting him might remind you that behind every “overnight success” is a long journey of persistence.
4. Importance of Being Relatable
- His charm lies in his relatability—he’s approachable, funny, and down-to-earth. This shows the value of authenticity in connecting with people, whether in a personal or professional setting.
5. Teamwork is Key
- Fallon collaborates with writers, musicians, and producers to create his shows. His success is a testament to the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people and fostering teamwork.
6. Take Risks and Embrace Failure
- Fallon has spoken about taking risks in his career, such as auditioning for SNL and stepping into the role of a late-night host. These risks paid off, but not without challenges, showing the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks.
7. The Value of Humor
- Humor can be a powerful way to break down barriers, connect with others, and navigate tough situations. Fallon’s career emphasizes how humor can be a meaningful asset in both life and work.
8. Gratitude and Humility
- Fallon often expresses gratitude for his fans, colleagues, and opportunities. Staying humble and thankful, even at the top, is a lesson that can apply to anyone striving for success.
Meeting someone like Jimmy Fallon isn’t just a chance to meet a celebrity; it’s an opportunity to reflect on how their approach to life and career could inspire your own path. And then I see my daughter who has amazing gifts along with her challenges and makes the very most of it. Every day. Her outlook is positive, forward, seeking new experiences and joys, enjoying relationships new and old, and shaking off the setbacks with determination, support, and patience. Perhaps some of these ideals are oversimplifications, however, the relevance and lesson remain. We could learn a lot from others. Thank you, Jimmy. Thank you, Devin. Special indeed.