Meet Ryan Quinn

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan Quinn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Ryan, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

This isn’t a hot take by any stretch, but I don’t think you ever do. It used to absolutely hinder me in everything I did, because I always had such high standards for myself and was always pushing to do better, that I never took the time to appreciate the journey of learning itself. Recognizing that imposter syndrome might actually be a good thing can really shift your perspective because it means you’re out of your comfort zone, which means you’re growing. In one of Dan Nelken’s newsletters (subject line: Be More Inauthentic), he posits that as a creative, imposter syndrome is part of the process –

“…to experience imposter syndrome is to suggest you don’t belong in some creative club and everyone else does.” He goes on to say “The way I see it, if you have imposter syndrome, you’re in the damn club. It means you have standards. Those who never feel it are the real imposters.”

This was one of those small but mighty ‘aha’ moments for me that made me take pause anytime I felt like I wasn’t capable. How can I expect something to get to the level I want if I let some silly little voice in my head shut it down before I’ve even started?

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The short answer is I’m a creative. The less-short answer is that I’m a chef-turned copywriter. The least short answer is that I’m a copywriter based out of Toronto who happens to be a partner in four different businesses.

I’m still very involved in the culinary world, mainly through our business Spruced where myself and co-founder Sean O’Connor act as Tastebud Tacticians for all things food. From curated tasting menus for private dinners, to product innovation with local farms, and even recipe development and food styling for brands like Heinz, we always find ourselves up to something that piques our culinary curiosities.

This year we’re looking to launch a passion project of ours in the form of ice cream, experimenting with non-traditional flavours like lemon basil and pink peppercorn, champagne meringue, and sweet summer corn.

If that wasn’t enough, this summer I’ll also be launching a dog goods brand with my partner Lindsay, who has her own business as a sport-dog trainer and saw an opportunity to expand into products.

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?

For me personally, I’d say the larger part of networking, meaning the ability to connect with people on a human level, has been a huge part of me getting opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have. Networking seems to scare a lot of people as they feel like they’re being a nuisance or coming across too pushy. But if you have an authentic interest in someone or the work they’ve done, and genuinely want to connect with and learn from them, then let them know that! Personalize a connection request on LinkedIn, send an email of admiration, and ask questions. I’ve always found fascination in hearing people’s stories as no two will ever be the same, and there’s always parallels to be drawn from life and work experiences.

Working in restaurants also taught me the value of being adaptable and expanding your skillset. Being able to master your own station and know other stations on the line well enough to hop in and help out when a rush comes in and puts everyone ‘in the weeds’ not only gives you a more holistic understanding of the process, but also makes you a more valuable asset to the team. And the more you understand the business as a whole, the easier it becomes to be better at what you do.

The last thing I think that’s been impactful on my journey is not getting too attached to specifics, so long as you’re continuously working towards the desired outcome. You almost always win if you’re willing to play the long game.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

While I’m working on reducing the things on my plate, I’m always open to the right opportunities. If there’s anything you’ve been noodling with and you want to talk culinary, copywriting, or just creative in general, connect with me on LinkedIn or shoot me a direct email at [email protected]. I’m always happy to chat!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startlivingyesterday/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanquinncopywriter/

Image Credits

Lindsay Hatt