I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Olivares on ATR’s podcast Parent. Boss. Leader. Michael successfully transitioned from the Navy to a career in talent acquisition, while also turning his lifelong passion for boxing into a second role as a private coach. I was especially impressed by Michael’s time management skills as we discussed how he built his dual careers. I’m sharing these key points that can be helpful, whether it’s navigating your own career, or working to find, hire and retain the best people for your company.
1. Set yourself up for success
Having multiple careers and pursuing a passion professionally are goals for many of us. I learned how Michael has been able to make it a reality – by working strategically and deliberately to set himself up for success. For example, while employed and living in his home state of Nebraska, he wanted to return to San Diego to live nearer to family, so he monitored the job listings at his company for an opportunity and also fostered a connection with a franchise owner in the area. After a few years, there was a posting and he reached out to his network to secure an interview (hint: he got the job!). Another example? To make it easier to manage his schedule and dual work commitments, he lives as close as possible to both his office and the gym where he trains clients, cutting down on his commute and reinvesting that time.
It’s a reminder that targeted decisions and actions can have profound results. Are you doing everything you can to set yourself up for success? Are you thinking about down the road, not just today? Are there opportunities for you to adopt different habits or learn a new technology to be more organized and productive? As a company or manager of people, are you helping your employees to be ready and fully prepared to achieve their best, and the company’s goals? Are you providing the support, training, and environment that will help? It can make a real difference.
2. Know and live your values
Michael was quickly able to name his values. “Honor. Respect. Integrity. Accountability. Passion.” I encourage you to listen to our full discussion about leaving a legacy and his “desire to live a certain way and incorporate those values as I carry myself through life” (it starts at 16:50). It’s maybe my favorite part of the interview! While it’s not necessarily groundbreaking to say values are important, I was impressed at how quickly and decisively Michael expressed his.This tells me that they really are a part of his decision making and actions on a regular basis. He thinks about them purposefully and frequently, not just when someone asks him in an interview.
Are your personal values front and center as you move forward in your career? Do you think about them specifically when making a choice at work? Do your company’s mission and value statements live within your day to day operations, or just on a website? Are you actively creating a culture based on those values and communicating it clearly? Everyday decisions ultimately build your personal or corporate brand, and it either helps or hinders your success.
3. Be resourceful
I just love this piece of heartfelt and practical advice from Michael. For him this means, “we don’t always know the answer but we can know who to ask.” The combination of not being afraid to ask for help, and knowing the best person to ask is powerful. So often in this business you see “solution oriented” listed in a job description or hear “we’re looking for someone with problem-solving skills”. Michael’s focus on being this kind of person has clearly been a part of his success in both his roles.
Michael specifically encouraged young recruiters to ask for guidance from leadership but it’s great advice for anyone in the early years of their career or a new role. Continuous learning throughout your career is a winning mindset and a surefire path to greater success. I also think it’s important that managers and more experienced professionals make a concerted effort to mentor and teach younger workers. Creating opportunities for learning by creating an atmosphere of respect for asking questions is a benefit to the company overall.
Thank you so much, Michael, for taking the time to be on PBL!