Season 400 Episode 13158
S3E34 Reinventing Reinvention with TJ Elliott
There are times in our lives when we have to reinvent ourselves. It may be that we are facing failure, retirement, disappointment or we just don’t feel right where we are in our lives. Today, the word pivot seems to describe that moment of change, although reinvention says it better. And there are so many aspects of that moment – both at the time and after to make it happen. Join me as I talk with T J Elliott, former executive and now play write, as he talks about his decision to pivot, what it means to actually accomplish the pivot successfully, and how to prepare yourself to get through it.
In Grounds for Thought, Bruce Cryer joined me to respond to TJ's thoughts on reinvention.
In this episode of ""Unlocked,"" host Madelyn Blair delves into the concept of reinvention with guest TJ Elliott, a former chief learning officer and current theater company leader. TJ shares his journey from corporate life to leading a theater company and discusses the intricacies of reinventing oneself throughout different life stages. The conversation highlights the importance of self-examination, storytelling, and a supportive community in the process of personal transformation. As an additional treat, Bruce Cryer joins in to reflect on the importance of continually discovering new facets of oneself.
Overview
In this episode you will:
1. Explore TJ Elliott's journey of career transformation from the corporate sector to theater.
2. Understand the psychological and social factors involved in reinventing oneself.
3. Gain insights into the significance of personal stories and mentorship in driving change.
4. Learn about the broader context of reinvention through Bruce Cryer's perspective on personal renaissance and resilience.
Guest Introduction:
Guest name is TJ Elliott, the former chief learning officer and VP of human resources at Educational Testing Services (ETS) and co-founder of the theater company Knowledge Workings. His career spans from the corporate world with giants like Pepsi and NASA to the creative arts, showcasing a seamless blend of professionalism and passion
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Meet TJ Elliott: A Journey of Reinvention
01:55 The Concept of Reinvention
03:00 Early Career and First Reinvention
03:45 Lessons in Identity and Credibility
04:54 Transition to Acting and Family Life
07:47 Corporate World and Further Reinventions
10:42 The Importance of Proper Departures
11:49 Bringing Past Experiences to New Arenas
17:14 Knowing When to Make a Shift
23:41 Self-Producing and Efficacy
31:30 Exploring Family History and Resilience
33:01 Broadway Inspirations and Personal Stories
34:57 The Importance of Stories in Organizations
38:25 The Art of Storytelling in Modern Times
40:17 Reflections on Reinvention and Personal Growth
42:21 Grounds for Thought: A Conversation on Reinvention with Bruce Cryer
My website: www.madelynblair.com
