Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/573817
September 21 -October 12, 2015 6 Working World l WorkingWorld.com ON THE COVER by Francesco Caprio O btaining your dream job is rarely ever easy. However, obstacles fall away in the face of persistence. PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley is an example of putting that success principle to use. Sticking with your goal long enough will lead to ultimate success. Everybody starts out somewhere. Tavis Smiley, TV personality, author, liberal political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist, entered Indiana University with only 50 dollars to his name. There he became the business manager of his dormitory, and a member of the student senate. Money wasn't his main issue in deciding where to work as he took a nominally $5 per hour paid internship with the Bloomington, Indiana Mayor's office. Seeking to continue a path in politics and public affairs, Tavis managed to connect with the City of Los Angeles, Mayor's office through Washington Redskins football player, George Hughley. Tavis persistently wrote letters to Mayor Tom Bradley's staff regarding a possible internship. He even went so far as flying out to LA himself to plead for a spot. Finally, he received a response; unfortunately, it was one informing him that all positions were filled. Not letting the bad news defeat him, Tavis gave it another shot by sending a personal heartfelt letter directly to Mayor Bradley. It worked so well that the Mayor called Tavis personally to offer him an internship. That internship advanced Tavis further along his career track serving as an administrative aide to Bradley. The Los Angeles political landscape ultimately served Tavis well, as a springboard to broadcast his social take on public affairs, first as a local radio commentator and now as host of the acclaimed national late night talk show "Tavis Smiley", televised on PBS. Tavis' determined and resolute career journey has merited recognition by TIME magazine in 2009 as one of "The World's 100 Most Influential People." A recipe for success: follow Tavis' example with positive thinking and persistent action. There's nothing to lose, and everything to gain. As a respected book author and publisher, his most current offering is the title "My Journey with May Angelou." Tavis recounts his most personal memories of a decades-long friendship with the hailed African-American wordsmith. Working World is honored in featuring selected excepts of lessons in Love & Success from this inspiring book. 10 LESSONS IN LOVE & SUCCESS FROM MAYA ANGELOU Selected excerpts from the Tavis Smiley's book My Journey with Maya Angelou. 1. We should not deify those who we look up to, as they all have their shortcomings. Tavis Tavis Smiley A recipe for success: Positive Thinking, Persistent Action Photo & Article by Francesco Caprio