Audrey Pass is one of those people who ‘lights up a room.’ However, this go-getter, who has never been lacking in self-confidence, was not always sure where her ‘light’ would lead her. She spent her junior year of college studying theatre and English literature in London. After graduation, she moved to Chicago where she performed as a stage actress and pursued a career in arts management.
Audrey’s life in Chicago took many twists and turns, included career highs and lows which eventually led her to become Oprah Winfrey’s spokesperson.
Then, at a point in her career, when others might have become complacent or mentally give up, – she flipped the script, and reinvented her career.
Many things motivate Audrey, but topping the list is Audrey’s teenage daughter who she hopes will one day have a happy, fulfilling career in whatever she chooses. Audrey believes that the best way to show her daughter that she can achieve anything at any stage of life/career is by her example. She shows, not only her daughter, but everyone that we all can explore and perhaps find our passion when we take risks, embrace an ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ creative perspective and adopt a “failure is not an option” attitude.
When did someone else see something in you that you didn’t see in yourself? And, how old were you when you realized that you had a talent or ability that was unique to you?
My parents gave me a strong sense of self. So I grew up thinking I could achieve anything I set my mind to. My dad is an overachiever and career role-model. In the third grade, Ms. Owen instilled even greater confidence in me. She had a way that was different from other teachers, which made me believe I could do anything. Although I have always had great confidence in my abilities, I know that there are always lots of other people who can do the same thing that I do at any given time. Ms. Owen gave me the confidence that I could do something “better” than someone else. It was that confidence that caused me to approach things in a unique way, which enabled me to achieve many of my life goals. Life is not about just believing that you can do something, it’s having the confidence to
_actually do it. _
**Sometimes when people are searching for that next move they find answers by looking at the environment that suits them. How has your environment played to your strengths, and what are some other secrets to your success? **
I worked for many years in television, which is an extremely competitive environment. It worked well for me because I like to challenge myself and be challenged by others. Working in such a constantly changing industry suited my personality, which is very tenacious, ambitious and not complacent.
In terms of others things that have helped me be successful, the first that comes to mind is forcing myself to be resourceful and develop the ability to reinvent myself. Because things are always changing, you must reinvent yourself by continually learning and developing new skills. Recently, I have had to take the bull by the horns to be competitive in terms of expanding my expertise in social media and digital marketing. I could not succeed in my job/industry without learning these skills.
Another thing that has contributed to my success is that I never say, “no” to anything that’s offered to me in my work. When someone presents an opportunity to do something different or outside the realm of my specific job requirements and perhaps even my abilities, I never say no. If I don’t know how to do something, my response is, ‘I’ll learn how to do it.’ For example, I had never worked as a television producer. My expertise in communications was as a PR/marketing television executive, but when approached with the opportunity to produce a live broadcast of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade broadcast in New York City, I said, “yes.” I was terrified at the prospect of overseeing that broadcast, but there was no way that I was going to say no when someone was crazy enough to think I could do that! Also, sometimes you have to look to others who are great at what they do. I had a team of people who I could rely on and I learned what I didn’t know. I also was inspired to take Spanish-language classes. If you want to feel that sense of accomplishment - it starts with just saying, “yes.”
** What’s a career lesson that you learned from a former supervisor?**
Like most people, I had a few random jobs early on. The first supervisor who really taught me some career lessons was at The Second City in Chicago. My boss had come from outside the organization, unlike most of his counterparts who had risen through the ranks. He was an outsider, so he was not embraced initially. I think that really challenged him because he had a lot to prove.
I too was initially an outsider who faced some of the same challenges. I watched how he showed tremendous respect for his employees and always gave them a voice in the decision making process.
Even when it was contrary to his voice, he was patient and tolerant. He connected with people because of his willingness to compromise or change his opinion based on his employees’ input. A willingness to hear the opinions of others and then make a change shows great strength.
**Do you have a successful process for determining when and how to make your next step? **
I always go with my gut and instinct. I don’t make pros and cons list because I’m going to come up with a million reasons for, and a million reasons against.
For me, doing so will only make me feel unable to make any decision. We can all become immobilized by our career choices because no single decision is black and white.
I want to point out that listening to your gut is not the same as being impulsive. And it doesn’t mean that you don’t make mistakes. The only mistake you can make is not learning from it. Your goal is to learn from the decision you made so that you can make a better, more informed decision the next time. That’s it!
What has working for a mega celebrity like Oprah taught you about everyday people?
She is an extraordinary person and leader who taught me many lessons. I think the reason that she’s able to connect with so many people is by making them feel like they know her and that she is just like them. In reality, Oprah’s life is not like your life or mine. Oprah taught me, by example, that you can connect with people by being honest and putting your feelings, emotions, weaknesses and challenges that you’ve faced in life all on the table. She also taught me to always treat everybody equally with dignity and respect.
** What’s your secret “career crush”?**
I always wanted to be a stage actress; I studied theater and acting when I was younger. While I was pursuing acting, and being really bad at waiting tables, I fell into a different line of work – arts administration. Eventually I worked in theater marketing and communications, which I never saw coming. If and when I ever retire, I will audition for a community theater!
What’s an unconventional life lesson or quiet wisdom that you learned from someone?
One of my greatest life lessons, both personally and professionally, comes from Oprah. It really stuck with me when she said, “When somebody shows you who they are, believe them, the first time.” I believe her quote is from Maya Angelou. It’s a life lesson that I have relied on time and time again that applies to both personal and business relationships. People don’t do it enough. It’s simple, but really important advice. Believing what people tell you instead of trying to change them will save you a lot of time, energy, and heartache.
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** About Audrey Pass** Audrey Pass is the Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization that works across the globe to build schools and create programs around the goal of education for all. Previously, she served as Chief Marketing Officer of Empire State Realty Trust, a leading real estate investment trust that manages office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the world’s most famous building. Over the past two decades, she has successfully worked as a corporate communications and public relations specialist and media strategist. Previously, Audrey served as Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs for WNYW-TV/ FOX5 and WWOR-TV/ My9, the Fox-owned flagship television stations in New York. At FOX, she managed media and talent relations, oversaw public and community affairs, and served as executive producer for The National Puerto Rican Day Parade and several Emmy-nominated productions and series. Audrey is a former Director of Communications for WCBS-TV and a Senior Publicist for Oprah Winfrey, Oprah’s Angel Network, Oprah’s Book Club and Harpo, Inc. She is ‘Living on Purpose’ as a passionate advocate for women and many not-profits. Audrey serves on the advisory boards of the Puerto Rican Family Institute and STOMP Out Bullying. She is Assistant Treasurer and Board of Director of New York Women in Communications, AYUDA for the Arts, and the Publicity Club of New York. Audrey Pass is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Follow Audrey Pass on Linkedin.