Episode 35: Do What You Love with Robert Harris

Leaving The Nest

Today, I am joined by Robert Harris, a local Talent Acquisition Specialist at Euclid Systems Corporation.

Robert shares his wealth of experience and insights into the world of career development and finding purpose in one's work.

Listen in as he shares his education and career journey and how his love for basketball has played into his leadership roles in college and his career. He discusses how to stand out in the job market, nurture your passions, and keep dreaming big while building a game plan for success.

Plus, he shares his most important advice for anyone graduating college and Leaving the Nest on the power of pursuing what you love to find fulfillment in your professional life and unlock your true potential to achieve greatness in any field.

Thanks again for listening to "Leaving The Nest." I hope you enjoy my conversation with Robert!

Please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just Leaving the Nest.

In This Episode

[00:32] - Kathleen introduces us to her guest, Robert Harris, a local Talent Acquisition Specialist, and the episode will focus on the importance of doing what you love and being passionate about work.

[01:42] - Robert introduces himself and shares his background, including his basketball prowess.

[02:08] - The call Robert received that took him back to Shenandoah University, the role he played there, and how he got his start in recruiting.

[03:58] - The significant role basketball played in Rober's career path.

[04:30] - Robert’s big advice to anybody headed to college.

[05:55] - Robert emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and finding excitement in your daily life.

[06:10] - The need for personalized guidance and conversations about a student's interests and passions.

[06:49] - Robert encourages pursuing unique talents and incorporating them into academic pursuits, sharing his experience as a basketball coach.

[07:26] - Robert highlights his involvement in sports marketing and promotions, implementing Division One-level strategies at the Division Three level.

[08:41] - Robert discusses his roles as an Athletic Director, Director of Basketball Operations, and Job Coach and how those roles serve his passion for coaching and developing people.

[10:04] - Robert discusses his career transitions and his desire to expand his horizons by always being open to the next challenge.

[12:01] - The question of balancing academics, athletics, and counseling and the importance of doing what you love and finding joy in the activities.

[13:51] - Robert describes how understanding goals and problem-solving were simplified by his mathematical background, which he carried into his career.

[14:40] - Overcoming the daunting aspects of balancing academics and parental expectations, how Robert persevered and achieved his goals.

[14:55] - Kathleen acknowledges the pattern in Robert's career— each job had its own niche but shared similarities.

[16:39] - Robert highlights the need to understand and adapt to each individual's diverse characteristics and skill sets to motivate and guide them effectively, drawing parallels to coaching basketball.

[17:17] - Where true leaders find success.

[17:57] - Why working with people is the best (and worst).

[18:56] - How you can be a part of doing something you love, even if you lack the necessary skills.

[20:04] - Every job has something you don't like, but knowing your why helps.

[21:54] - Robert discusses his son's passion for basketball and explores alternative career paths within the sports industry that would allow him to stay involved in what he loves.

[22:54] - Success is achieved by planning and taking steps towards your goals.

[23:43] - Robert admits he's not a big risk taker; having a game plan is crucial.

[24:06] - Robert shares the importance of dreaming with people who believe in you in moving forward with determination towards your dreams.

[24:29] - Robert stresses the significance of putting your plans down on paper for purpose and direction.

[24:49] - Kathleen shares the importance of having the right kind of energy around you.

[25:49] - Robert uses LeBron James as an example to explore the meaning of "working hard" and emphasizes the importance of dedication and mastering tasks.

[28:20] - More than merely graduating from education is needed; one must strive to improve and enhance their skills.

[28:58 - How to make your learning curve to success shorter.

[29:52] - Robert shares the advice he would offer if he were standing in front of the students graduating from Shenandoah who are about to leave the nest and start their careers.

[31:06] - Robert loves to help people and support their dreams; if you would like to get in touch with Robert, you can find him on LinkedIn.

[31:49] - Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest. To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at [e-mail]. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to give Kathleen a call at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

[e-mail]

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

Connect with Robert:

LinkedIn

Euclid Systems Corporation