So what are you?

I was recently asked to describe myself.  I was interviewing for a rather interesting position and we were going over my background.  “You are a creative, with a strong technical background, with a ton of Strategy, Operations and business experience.  So what are you?”

I was never asked what I was like that before.   As to sum up all my experiences in a single phrase and say who I am.  It is true, I have been a Creative Director, A buiness owner, a COO and a CTO.  I have run operations and have created new business opportunities that did not exist before.  I have a finance background and have done mergers and acquisitions. And I have sales experience I have pitched fortune 500 companies and won.

I left the meeting, knowing I did not answer that question.  I know they did not get a good sense of who I am…  Yeah I blew the interview.  But when I look back at all the things I have done in my life, there is 1 common thread to it all.  I have looked at every situation differently then other and have found solutions, or different ways of doing things then other people have tried.

I now know what I am.  I am not a mix of all the titles and roles and responsibilities I have had in the past.  I am 3 things.  I am a creative problem solver with a very good people IQ who knows how to manage almost every situation and get the job done.  No matter what the task may be.   Doesn’t matter what my title was at such and such company.