UPDATE: I now work at space150. That play instinct is wicked, I tell ya!

“Life is a series of steps and it’s not the destination it’s the journey, right?… As it pertains to our careers, I think that being acutely aware of your desired destination(s), both near and years out, helps you better navigate through the journey part if you know what direction you’re headed. Totally logical, but somehow astonishingly difficult or everyone would be where they want to be, right?”

It’s funny how we change, and it’s funny how we don’t. While I don’t write here often enough, I’m glad I’ve jotted a few things down here so I have them on record as a reference point for moments like this. The quote above was part of a blog post published two years ago about my next chapter, which at the time was starting my new job at Mall of America. It is equally as applicable moving into this next chapter as it was then.

I want to share with you what my next chapter looks like. I realize after discreetly changing my job on a few social profiles that a lot of people are curious about this move, so let me address some of the questions and comments received.

New job???… You quit the Mall?!?

Yes. After a marvelous few years leading social and digital strategy for Mall of America, last Friday was my last day as digital brand manager at MOA. A job I loved, presented tremendous opportunities for professional and personal growth, and most importantly afforded me the opportunity to work with some of the most wonderful and talented people I’ve met in my career thus far. I am eternally grateful for my time and experience at Mall of America.

Where are you going?

I’ve accepted an incredible opportunity with Imagination Publishing (fabulous little content shop out of Chicago) as senior social media strategist.

Are you moving to Chicago?

No. I’ll be embedded full-time at General Mills leading social presence, social strategy development and brand/product integration for Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Eat Better America and Tablespoon. All phenomenal brands – and all food related, so I’m in heaven.

Is Mall of America replacing you?

No. However, Mall of America is hiring a digital PR coordinator.

But… you had such a sweet gig at MOA…

This has been a really interesting remark made by a few folks. My gig at MOA was sweet, and I loved it, however, I have plans and priorities that are best served in my new endeavor and the sweetness of that trumps the sweet gig I had at MOA.

An anecdote…

I happened upon this great quote by Carl Jung that succinctly describes a little bit about me (and this is a slight psych rant because I can’t help myself):

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with objects it loves.”

Play instinct. It is a precious thing. It is different for everyone (if developed) and is important to understand what your play instinct is, or in other words, what you gravitate toward; what allows you to discover, connect with and uncover what you need. When you have, understand and are always aware of this, identifying the next step (I’ll argue in anything, although this pertains to business and change) is relatively simple.

My play instinct is curious in nature and always looking to unveil something new about humanity, my own or those in my frame of reference (I’ve never run out of stuff to play with;-). I love people, I love what motivates them; I love helping them, I love seeing things through a different lens and I love finding new ways to explore all of these things. These experiences, full of answered questions and unexpected discoveries help me to understand myself better; what’s next and how I might best get there. In essence, it’s not about what I know or status, but how I seek meaning and am fulfilled by it all. The creative mind does indeed play with objects it loves and I can’t wait to start playing with the new objects in my sight line. If for some reason this makes no sense to you, then ask me. Happy to elaborate;-)

Supportive and Amazing People

Big decisions are kind of nuts. While at the end of the day it was my decision to make, having the support of Chad (my amazing husband), awesome family (MG, JK, JK, MP) and friends made it a hell-of-a lot easier. I’m so grateful for the awesome people around me. Life and all of this would mean little without them. Thanks to the several folks who’ve reached out with congratulations, questions and comments. I have a solid network of folks, that’s for darn sure.

I truly can’t wait for what lies ahead and can’t wait to share about it down the road.