When There’s No More “Up.” Lessons from the Top of the Mountain

lessons from Mark Schaefer

Typically, this blog focuses on marketing and business. But occasionally, I write about something happening in my life that is rare and strange if I think it can be a teachable moment.

I’ve reached an unexpected and disorienting point in my career. I thought I would write about it, partially to teach, partially to sort through my own dilemma.

A few weeks ago, I taught a series of workshops at McKinsey and Company. I talked about the themes of my books: personal branding, brand communities, how AI is changing human psychology, and more.

In other words, this was my dream come true … Talking about big ideas with some of the smartest and most innovative minds on the planet. Being hired by McKinsey was a peak experience — the company’s research shows up in a lot of my work. They are my favorite thought leaders.

As I finished my day (exhausted!) and looked out over the glorious view from the 64th floor of their Manhattan office tower, I felt on top of the world.

And that’s the problem.

A career led by curiosity

Let’s back up a moment. I need to reveal something strange.

I’ve never really had any career goals. I know … that seems so counterintuitive.

I am not driven by money, fame, or awards. I am propelled by a fever of curiosity.

Here’s an example.

I never dreamed of writing a book. In fact, the idea seemed intimidating. But in 2010, I was approached by McGraw-Hill to explore a new idea I had blogged about — the ability for anyone to publish content on the web. Influence had been democratized.

Early creators (bloggers back then) were building large, loyal audiences, and the power was shifting from Madison Avenue and newsrooms to these passionate individuals changing the world one post at a time. Anybody could be an influencer. And they would be powerful tastemakers and thought leaders.

We take that idea for granted today, but back then, this was a radical notion. I wrote Return On Influence, a bestseller that elevated me to the national stage. I was featured in The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, and Bloomberg to discuss a new concept called influencer marketing.

Being a pioneer in influence marketing meant I could have started a new agency based on this model or monetized this idea in a hundred different ways. While I did some speaking on the topic and helped Dentsu create the first large-scale influence marketing department, I walked away.

I would have been bored out of my mind if I had focused on this one idea!

There was another idea brewing. What is the implication when millions of people are creating their own audiences, shifting attention from mainstream media? The economics of media and content marketing were changing forever. I called this Content Shock, an idea that launched a new phase of my career, at least for awhile.

And that has been my story. Explore an idea and move on. Maybe I’ve left money on the table by not turning ideas into businesses, but I’m happy.

I never had a goal to write a book. I had no dream to be on the news. I never thought I would become a keynote speaker, which is now my primary form of income. I just followed my curiosity and the world kept rewarding me with opportunities.

Looking out from the top

And this gets me back to McKinsey.

In the past 12 months, I’ve conducted a workshop on brand communities for P&G, appeared on the biggest stage at SXSW, and had two new books featured on many “best of the year” lists. I worked in Romania, France, and Italy this year. I’ve been invited to speak in Asia soon.

Now, as I stood on top of the world at the McKinsey office tower, I had a unique and lonely feeling. I had just inspired a group of people at my favorite company. I never thought I would find myself in such a place.

And this is what I felt: There is nothing left. Literally and figuratively, I was standing at the top of the mountain. There is no more “up.”

A disorienting feeling

This sense of depression took me by surprise. I had never felt anything like this and never expected to have this feeling at a moment when I should have been so happy and at peace.

I grew up in humble circumstances that had taught me to have low expectations in life.

And here I am looking into the final third of my life after the most incredible ride. I’ve worked with premier companies like Adidas, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Pfizer. I gave a TEDx talk, started an amazing community, founded a marketing retreat called The Uprising, hosted a top marketing podcast for more than a decade. My books are used as assigned textbooks in many universities. Wild, right?

I’m not looking for an answer for my sulleness. The next step always shows up because I am still curious! But I’m experiencing something unsettling and new, and I thought I would share it with you.

I suppose in a way this is a good thing. Shouldn’t we all get to feel what it’s like to be at the top of our career mountain?

Need an inspiring keynote speaker? Mark Schaefer is the most trusted voice in marketing. Your conference guests will buzz about his insights long after your event! Mark is the author of some of the world’s bestselling marketing books, a college educator, and an advisor to many of the world’s largest brands. Contact Mark to have him bring a fun, meaningful, and memorable presentation to your company event or conference.