McKenzy P. Germain (San Francisco, CA)
Career: Product Manager/Entrepreneur
1-How did you become a professional in your current field?
In order to gain more real time experience, I accepted odd jobs that I didn’t like (preparation), until I was able to seize an opportunity around the role that I wanted to play. Which, was literally 2 positions after leaving feature film to join the tech world in Silicon Valley.
2- What is a quality that makes you successful in your career?
“I’m an extremely, extremely persistent person. Extremely. And when I believe I am right, and it is important, I will go to the end of the earth.”
3-What 3 tips would you give someone struggling to reach their goals?
- Succeeding in life is not just about who you know, it’s about who knows you.
- Question everything; assume nothing; learn the truth.
- We all die in the end, so make sure that you live your life to the fullest.
4-Name the top 3 goals you achieved?
- I survived the hood and beat the odds to make it out without dying or going to jail.
- Completed graduate school.
- Taught at the collegiate level.
- Worked in feature film and received credits on several blockbuster movies.
- Became a product manager for chrome.com at Google.
5-What inspired you to reach your goals?
A lot of things broke my heart, but fixed my vision. Growing up “New York” in the 80s and 90s, I vowed to remove myself from the lower socioeconomic structures that plagued me as a youth.
6-How did you overcome obstacles to reaching your goals?
The difference between me and those who I grew up with is that I am a dreamer who never gave up; I pivot when it’s necessary. I’m aggressive; a quick learner; a teacher; people person; a marketer; a salesman; empathetic; creative; problem solver; a big risk taker; flexible; reliable; team builder; mildly technical; a pragmatic disruptor; and a big picture personality.
7-How do you keep your inspiration from decreasing?
Whenever I feel myself losing focus or slowly falling into the abyss, I go home to New York. There’s something nostalgic about reliving my childhood through the lens of a 36 yr old man; it’s humbling.
Visit McKenzy’s store and check out The Swagmate
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