We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ron Roberson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ron , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a strong desire not to let my current condition be my final condition.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I currently hold the position of Video Production Manager for the city of Anaheim. After spending 25 years as an anchor for CNN Headline News “Local Edition” I was laid off. Most were understandably upset and distraught, however I chose to be somewhat a comforter and spent the time consoling. I was laid off on a Tuesday and found a new position by Thursday. What a great job I found! In Anaheim I’m able to do as well as cover events at Disney, The Honda Center, The Convention Center, The Grove and Angel Stadium. I conduct interviews, gather video footage, editing, voiceovers, scripting and city council meetings. I interact with the Mayor and city council members, city department heads and staff.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. SHOW UP!! I was always the first one in studio (CNN) and the last one to leave. My big break came when an emergency occurred and I got the job because I was the only one there. I came to the studio as a volunteer expecting to have them hand me a camera. But, instead they handed me a broom. My first reaction was to get very angry. I had all of that militant training and I felt like once again, I was being kept down because I was black. But I heard a voice in my head saying take the broom. So, I took the broom and I began to sweep that TV studio. I swept like Michael Angelo painted and while I was sweeping I developed a photographic memory so that I was able to remember everything I saw and heard in the studio. That is where and how I received my education in Television Production. If I hadn’t accepted that broom I would never have learned the things I know today. Take the less position if you have to. The key is getting in the door.
2. SHOW YOURSELF FRIENDLY!! As I cleaned the studio, I began to meet and develop friendships. As the friendships grew, I became the go to guy if you wanted it to go right. All of this I learned through my relationships.
#. GO THE EXTRA MILE: I always gave more than what was required. Even at times when I felt I was being used I gave the extra anyway. As a result I was always in demand and I never had to suffer the heartbreak of unemployment.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I guess the most helpful was my high school teacher Mrs. Mickey Matsuda! She encouraged me to get into public speaking and join the debate team. I was a lowly foster kid that nobody really paid attention to. As a result, I developed the confidence to speak in public. I overcame the fear of crowds and this would later aide me in my chosen profession.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.roberson.5
- Other: email: [email protected]
