We recently connected with Zane Landin and have shared our conversation below.
Zane, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
In my life, the epitome of optimism can be traced to my mother. She had one of the most lively, positive, and pure spirits anyone I ever encountered. She sparked with kindness and love in any room she entered. Growing up and seeing her optimism always made me feel safe, knowing she was there for me. Anything and everything she went through, she always had something positive to say about anyone. She saw the good in everyone, which can be challenging to do. It’s easy to become warped by how dark the world can truly be. My mother passed away in January 2021, and I miss her every day, but I hold onto my mom’s spirit and legacy. My mom made anyone feel special, and that is something I want to carry, too. Even when life is hard, my mom reminds me there is a light at the end of the tunnel — figuratively and physically. We don’t always need to be optimistic. We can have days where we sleep with our negative emotions, but having an optimistic mindset helps you move forward, learn from the past, and create a new reality for yourself. Being optimistic isn’t easy, but it can make life easier. I believe an afterlife or some force protects us, and when I die, I will see her again. I know this: death doesn’t scare me, and that is how I keep my optimism sincerely radiating, peaceful, and secure.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am currently an Internal Communications Specialist at The National Geographic Society. I started working there last November, and it has been an incredible job experience. I am blessed to work at such an iconic organization for my first role after I graduated from university. The function of Internal communications is essential to unite an organization, strengthen relationships, and create a better organizational culture. I am also the Co-Lead for the Disability Inclusion Network, where we advocate for staff with apparent and non-apparent disabilities.
Aside from my professional journey, I advocate for mental health, disability rights, and overall inclusion. I believe it is vital to make sure any space is diverse, inclusive, and equitable for any person. I use the power of communication to transform communities and bring more awareness to their challenges and needs. I write for several publications on mental health, culture, masculinity, and business. I was recently named a “Top Communication Voice” on LinkedIn, and it is very encouraging to know my contributions in the communications space are impacting the industry.
In May 2020, I created a digital platform called “PositiveVibes Magazine” to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the physical lives and mental health of billions. The one positive aspect of COVID was how it created more awareness for mental health and wellness. Since then, we have shared the stories of many inspirational people who’ve evolved from their pain and struggle to shift their communities. The magazine has taught me so much, from creating and establishing my brand, developing an internship program, working with the PR industry from the outside, and expanding my network of professionals and spiritual leaders who have guided me forward with their insightful wisdom.
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?
Communication: As a communicator, this is my most important skill. Even outside my career, everyone should be a skilled communicator because we need it in every facet of life. We need to be excellent speakers and writers to develop relationships in our lives. Every relationship thrives on solid, thoughtful communication, a skill we all need in any capacity.
Networking: I can confidently share that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many positive mentors I’ve learned from. It truly takes a village to become successful or make a difference. I’ve had mentors from several organizations like Meta, T-Mobile, Dell, Thrivent, Twitter, etc., and each has mentored me differently. Some have been communications, accessibility specialists, and marketing directors; each has provided me with valuable advice to further my career. This is why it is invaluable to secure mentors because their knowledge will help you along your path — you don’t have to navigate the world alone. Truthfully, that is a very intimidating and harrowing task. Finding a mentor can be difficult, but many organizations will help you find one. You need to knock, and someone will answer the door.
Empathy: Without the ability to be empathetic, I wouldn’t be able to understand the people around me. As a communicator, we need to understand the audiences we are communicating to, and we also need to be empathetic to understand each other more as humans. I have my perspective and will only partially understand what many people experience. We can admit we don’t understand what someone is going through if it is outside our lived experience. Still, we can build bridges by being empathetic toward them. This is how we can shatter the barriers we’ve created with one another and establish a more understanding world just by listening and being more empathetic.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I moved across the country in January for a new National Geographic Society position. It was my first role after I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree, and I didn’t know if it was the right fit for me. The role perfectly aligned with my goals, but I stumbled on every excuse to decline the offer. I convinced myself it wasn’t the right opportunity because I was scared of what was beyond what I was used to. I pondered what my life would be like if I rejected their offer, and I saw myself staying in the same place. In the end, I accepted because I wanted to challenge myself. I wouldn’t grow as a person staying where I was comfortable, so I took a leap of faith in myself. Doing that was the best decision of my life, and I have no regrets. I have grown, learned more about my purpose, and opened up a new world for myself. I don’t know what the future holds, which is what makes life exciting. And ultimately, I need to stay in the present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://positivevibesmag.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zane.landin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandinZane
Image Credits
Images of me in the flower shirt are by Spencer Pablo.
