We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Sims. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Michael, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
In June of 1980 I left for the United States Marine Corps. Upon arrival I went through what everyone sees on TV or in the Media. It’s ten times as shell shocking then anything shown. After the third day there I had made up my mind that this ain’t for me. I started trying to figure out what was the best way to drop out. As I was by the window I could see from a distance a platoon of Marines in full dress graduation uniform. It was impressive to say the least. What amazed me the most was the platoon had at least 50 Marines graduating.
I immediately began to think if I quit now I’m saying that I’m not as good as at least one of those guys!!!
From there my goal was to just make to lunch then make it to dinner and so on. Not only did I develop resilience but also a 21 year career in the United States Marine Corps.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey in life has always been “you only limit yourself”. Growing up in inner city Detroit I always skirted the line but after bearly passing high school I joined the Marine Corps. From traveling the world and the exposure I received my perspective changed on a lot of things.
I retired from the Marine Corps with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation. Later received my Master’s in Business. I’m currently working on my Doctorate in Theology.
Upon exiting the Marines I took an entry level supervisor job with Pepsi but quickly excelled to the corporate office where I worked as a senior account executive over Walmart and many other large accounts. I left after 13 years and took a job with Walmart. I ran a Walmart for 3 years. This was a huge accomplishment being that the average Walmart Store Manager has 7-10 years with the company. I trained for 16 months.
From there I help to start a Digital Media Marketing firm with Derrick Thompson. That company has grown from two people to 12. I currently serve as VP of Video. The company is T&T Creative Group and we work to make you relevant on the internet. The clients that we have worked with include Duke university, Raleigh Durham Airport, NC State University, several pharmaceutical companies, etc.
I have served on several non profit boards and stay involved heavily in the community. In 2010 I was “person of the year” . I was voted president of the local Rotary Club. I know serve as Council Member for the Town of Clayton.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Leadership Networking
Sales/Marketing
As young as I can remember I have always been able to me things forward. Whether it be a task, assignment, organization, I have always been able to apply leadership skills to complete the task. The Marine corps horned my skills over the years and Corporate American.
Understanding that Networking has more value then just getting that next sale. It also allows you to find that next mentor, how you can contribute to the community or can you be a mentor to someone.
Sales/Marketing is a constant change that you have to adapt to regularly!!!! I have always understood the simple power of “word of mouth” to understanding how social media can have you in front of more people in a short period of time.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book from Good to Great was extremely important to me for understanding going to the next level.
There are different levels in everything that we do and once you have achieved a certain level you can become satisfied with where you are.
Understanding that even if a next level isn’t there to see, you can become the one to make that “next level”.
Consistently reach for great makes you not comfortable in settling for good.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ttcreativegroup.com
- Email: [email protected]
