Are you SET - Strategic | Engaged

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Behind the Lens and Beyond the Clock: Finding Focus at the Pioneer Invitational (February 24, 2026)

I didn't forget to post something yesterday. In fact, if you follow the rhythm of college athletics, you know that "Monday" is often just "Sunday Part Two" or the kickoff to a 70-hour week.

Yesterday, I chose to intentionally step back from the digital noise to focus entirely on my work at the Pioneer Invitational. For those who haven’t been on the links, a golf tournament is a unique beast in the world of sports information. It isn't the fast-break pace of basketball or the roar of a Saturday football crowd; it’s a game of patience, precision, and quiet endurance.

My role this week is specific: capturing the action through my camera lens and providing a steady line of support for our coaches and the student-athletes representing Spartanburg Methodist College.

The View Through the Viewfinder There is something therapeutic about sports photography. When you’re looking through the viewfinder, the rest of the world disappears. You aren't worrying about the next press release, the social media schedule, or the mounting emails. You are simply waiting for that perfect follow-through, the moment the putt drops, or the look of determination on a Pioneer’s face.

Being "limited" to taking pictures and supporting the team wasn't a reduction in duty—it was a refinement of focus. It allowed me to be present for our student-athletes in a way that sitting behind a desk never could.

Why We Must "Unplug" to Plug In I’m writing this post because it’s a lesson we all need, especially in the "always-on" world of athletic communications. We often feel like if we aren't posting, we aren't working. But there is a massive difference between being busy and being effective.

We need to take time to focus on ourselves and our primary tasks, even—and especially—when the calendar is at its most crowded. Here’s why:

Quality Over Quantity: By stepping away from the "Monday post" grind, I was able to produce better content for the tournament and give my full mental energy to the staff and players on-site.
Mental Clarity: Constant multitasking is the enemy of creativity. Taking the time to breathe the fresh air at the Invitational reminded me why I love this job in the first place.
Modeling the Behavior: Our student-athletes are under immense pressure to perform, study, and maintain a presence. When they see their support staff focused, calm, and present, it sets a standard for their own mental approach to the game.

The Takeaway:
The Pioneer Invitational is not a success not just because of the scores on the cards, but because of the moments captured and the connections strengthened.

To my fellow SIDs and creators: Don't feel guilty for missing a deadline you set for yourself if it means you’re showing up more fully for the people right in front of you. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to stand still, wait for the swing, and capture the moment.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

When the Heat Rises: Why the Best Professionals Regulate, Not React (February 21, 2026)

Over the past few weeks, during the inevitable overlap of sports seasons, I’ve had a small window — very small, if I’m honest — to reflect.

Recently, College Sports Communicators has been recognizing its Lifetime Achievement Award recipients and 25-Year Award honorees. Those recognitions matter. Longevity matters. Impact matters.

But it also made me consider something else:

No external honor replaces internal regulation.

If we cannot manage ourselves — our emotions, our reactions, our perspective — then no award, title, or job will ever feel like enough.

So today’s post is about that. About regulation. Especially in busy seasons.

And for those in the middle of a job search, this is equally important. Self-compassion and self-management are foundational. The job is just one piece of the puzzle. Managing yourself well will always be more rewarding — and more sustainable — than any title you hold.

When Things Get Intense, Most People React

They fire off the email.
They send the text.
They snap in the meeting.
They make the call they can’t undo.

In athletic communications — and in leadership — intensity is not an exception.

It’s the job description.

Game nights.
Deadlines.
Coaches who need something now.
Administrators who needed it yesterday.
Student-athletes navigating emotional highs and lows.

Pressure is built into the profession.

The differentiator isn’t who avoids stress.

It’s who regulates under stress.

Don’t React. Regulate.

When the temperature rises, your first responsibility is not to respond.

It’s to regulate.

Slow your breathing.
Move your body — even if it’s just a walk down the hallway.
Step away from the keyboard.

You are managing your physiological state before you manage the situation.

Because once you hit send — once you say it in the meeting — once you post it publicly — you don’t get that moment back.

Emotional control is a competitive advantage.

Control the Controllables

After you regulate, shift your focus.

Ask a simple question: What can I actually control?

Not the officiating.
Not budget limitations.
Not institutional politics.
Not the last-second loss.

You control:

Your preparation
Your effort
Your attitude
Your honesty
Your follow-up

In athletic communications, that might look like:

Double-checking the stat line instead of rushing it.
Owning a mistake instead of deflecting it.
Delivering difficult information clearly instead of softening it into confusion.
Maintaining a consistent tone when others do not.

Professionals don’t burn energy wrestling what’s outside their lane.

They execute what’s inside it.

Stress Is Not the Enemy

Stress is part of the arena.

If you care about outcomes — about serving coaches, administrators, and student-athletes well — you will feel it.

The question isn’t whether stress shows up.

The question is: How do you show up when it does?

Do you become reactive?
Or do you become steady?

Your reputation is built in those moments.

Not when things are calm.
Not when the scoreboard favors you.
Not when inboxes are quiet.

But when everything is loud — and you choose composure anyway.

The Choice Is Daily

Regulation isn’t a one-time decision.

It’s a habit.

You build it in small moments:

Pausing before replying.
Asking one more clarifying question.
Taking responsibility without excuse.
Choosing professionalism when venting would be easier.

Over time, that consistency compounds.

In crowded applicant pools.
In high-pressure environments.
In leadership conversations.

Composure stands out.

Stress is part of life.
Intensity is part of the job.

How you show up in it?

That’s a choice.

Friday, February 20, 2026

Standing Out in Crowded Applicant Pools (February 20, 2026)

In today’s job market, hitting "Apply" is the easy part. The hard part? Actually being seen. With remote work expanding talent pools globally and AI making it easier than ever to blast out hundreds of resumes, most job postings are drowning in volume.

When a hiring manager has 500 resumes for one opening, they aren't looking for reasons to hire you—they are looking for reasons to screen you out. To move from the "No" pile to the "Shortlist," you have to stop being a generic applicant and start being a specific solution.

Small presentation advantages matter more than people think. Here is how to create that separation.

The Power of "The Mirror"

The biggest mistake applicants make is sending a "one-size-fits-all" resume. To a recruiter, a general resume feels like spam. To stand out, you must mirror the job description language strategically.

Identify the "Power Keywords": Does the listing emphasize "stakeholder management" or "cross-functional collaboration"? Use their exact phrasing.
The 80/20 Rule: You don't need to rewrite your entire history. Spend 80% of your time tailoring the top third of your resume—your summary and your most recent role—to reflect the specific needs of the posting.

Customization is a Signal of Intent

Hiring is expensive and risky. Employers want to know you actually want this job, not just any job.

Tailor the Cover Letter: Use the cover letter to answer the questions a resume can't: Why us? Why now? Mention a recent company achievement or a specific challenge they are facing that you are uniquely equipped to solve.
Highlight Aligned Achievements: If the job description mentions "scaling operations," move your bullet point about growing a team of five to ten to the very top of your list. Make the most relevant information impossible to miss.

The "Cleanliness" Factor: Formatting as a Proxy

We like to think we are judged solely on our merits, but human psychology says otherwise. A cluttered, poorly formatted resume signals a cluttered, poorly organized mind.

Professionalism is signaled through:

Consistency: Are your dates aligned? Are your bullet points the same style?
White Space: Give the reader’s eyes a break. A wall of text is an invitation to hit "Delete."
PDF is King: Never send a Word doc unless explicitly asked. Formatting breaks across different devices; a PDF stays locked exactly how you intended it.

The "First 10 Seconds" Test

A recruiter spends an average of six to ten seconds on a initial resume scan. In that window, they should be able to identify:

Your current title.
Your core area of expertise.
Two major "wins" that prove you can do the job.

If they have to hunt for this information, you’ve already lost.

Final Thought: Effort is the Ultimate Filter

The reason most people don't customize their applications is simple: it’s hard work. It takes time. But in a crowded pool, effort is a competitive advantage. When you show up with a tailored, polished, and strategically mirrored application, you aren't just an applicant—you're the obvious choice.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The Follow-Up Advantage: How to Win by Simply Not Disappearing (February 19, 2026)

In a world of automated replies and "ghosting," there is one professional habit that remains the ultimate low-effort, high-reward differentiator: the follow-up.

Most professionals assume that once a meeting ends or an application is submitted, the ball is entirely in the other person’s court. They wait. They wonder. They eventually give up. But the highest performers know that the "action" doesn't stop when the conversation does.

Most people do not follow up. That alone creates separation.

The Universal Differentiator

Following up isn't just a "nice to do" for interviews; it is a universal tool that applies to every stage of the professional journey.

After Applications: It signals that you aren't just "spraying and praying" your resume, but that you are genuinely invested in this specific role.
After Informational Calls: It transforms a one-off chat into a relationship. It shows you actually listened to the advice given.
After Networking Events: It rescues your connection from the "business card graveyard" and moves it into a digital space where it can grow.
After Interviews: It’s your final chance to clarify a point, reinforce your value, and show you’re a closer.
Even After Rejection: This is the "secret menu" of networking. Following up gracefully after a "no" builds a bridge for future opportunities when the first choice doesn't work out.

What Your Follow-Up Is Actually Saying

When you send a timely, professional follow-up, you aren't just "checking in." You are sending a subtle but powerful set of signals about your character:

Maturity: You can handle professional interactions with poise and persistence.
Respect: You value the other person's time enough to acknowledge the interaction.
Reliability: You do what you say you’re going to do. If you follow up on a coffee chat, you’ll likely follow up on a client deliverable.
Strong Communication Habits: You demonstrate that you won't let things fall through the cracks.

The Anatomy of a High-Impact Follow-Up

A great follow-up isn't a nudge or a "just circling back" email. It should be concise and value-additive.

The Gratitude: Thank them specifically for their time or a specific insight they shared.
The "Anchor": Mention a specific detail from the conversation to prove you were paying attention.
The Value/Action: Mention a resource you discussed or provide a brief update on a task you took away from the meeting.
The Low-Pressure Close: Reiterate interest without sounding desperate.

The 24/48 Rule: For interviews and events, follow up within 24 hours. For applications or general outreach, a 48-to-72-hour window is usually the sweet spot for a "second touch."

Separation via Persistence

The bar for professional excellence is often lower than we think. While others are waiting for permission to be remembered, the proactive professional secures their spot by simply staying in the frame.

Don't leave your career to chance. If an interaction was worth your time, it’s worth a follow-up.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Networking is Not a Numbers Game (February 18, 2026)

We’ve all been there: a LinkedIn feed full of "connections" who are essentially strangers, or a stack of business cards from an event where you can’t quite remember a single face. Somewhere along the way, we started treating networking like a game of digital Pokémon—trying to "catch 'em all" rather than actually getting to know them.

But here is the reality: Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building professional familiarity and trust.

A network of 50 people who know your work ethic and would stake their reputation on you is infinitely more powerful than a network of 5,000 who barely recognize your name.

Quality Over Connection Count

In the professional world, volume does not equal value. A "cold" network is just a list of names. A "warm" network is a community. To move from a collector to a connector, you need to shift your focus to relevance. Strategic networking is surgical, not a scattergun approach.

The Pillars of Strategic Networking

If you want to build a network that actually moves the needle for your career, focus on these five intentional habits:

Targeted Outreach: Instead of messaging everyone at a company, identify the people in the specific roles or departments where you want to grow. Reach out with a specific "why" that isn't just "I want a job."
Deep Industry Research: Before you ever hit "send" on a request, understand the person’s world. What are the current trends in their niche? What challenges are they likely facing? Knowledge is the best icebreaker.
Informational Conversations: Shift the goal from "getting a referral" to "gaining perspective." Ask about their journey, their pitfalls, and their "if I were starting today" advice. People love to share their expertise when they don't feel like they're being "used" for a lead.
The 24-Hour Follow-Up: An event connection is only a lead until you follow up. Send a brief, personalized note mentioning a specific detail from your conversation. It transforms a fleeting moment into a documented relationship.
Ongoing Light-Touch Communication: This is where most people fail. Networking isn't a one-time transaction; it’s maintenance. Send an interesting article, congratulate them on a promotion, or share a resource. Stay top-of-mind without being high-maintenance.

The Currency of Trust

Trust is the only currency that matters in networking. When someone refers you for a role, they are putting their own social capital on the line. They won't do that for a "contact," but they will do it for a known entity.

Strategic networking ensures that when an opportunity arises, your name is the one that naturally surfaces in the room—not because you’re on their friend list, but because they trust your relevance.

The Rule of Relevancy: One meaningful conversation with a peer in your target field is worth more than 100 "I’d like to add you to my professional network" clicks.

Stop Collecting, Start Connecting

Your network should be an ecosystem that supports your growth and allows you to support others. If you look at your list of connections and realize it’s mostly "noise," it’s time to start pruning and focusing on the few that matter.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The "Show Your Work" Advantage: Portfolios for Non-Creatives (February 17, 2026)

For decades, the portfolio was a tool reserved for the "creatives." If you weren't a graphic designer, an architect, or a copywriter, a two-page black-and-white resume was your only currency.

But the job market has evolved. In an era of "show, don't tell," a resume claims you have a skill, but a portfolio provides the proof. Whether you are in operations, finance, project management, or sales, building a visual or structured record of your wins is the fastest way to leapfrog the competition.

Moving Beyond the Resume

A resume is a list of promises; a portfolio is a gallery of evidence. Employers are increasingly risk-averse—they want to see that you’ve solved problems similar to theirs before they even hop on a Zoom call with you.

If you think your work "doesn't translate" to a portfolio, you're likely overlooking the tangible assets you create every day.

What a "Non-Creative" Portfolio Looks Like

You don't need a high-end photography site. You need a clean, organized space—a personal website, a Notion page, or even a polished PDF—that showcases these six elements:

Case Studies: A 3-step breakdown of a major challenge you faced: The Problem, Your Action, and The Result.
Project Summaries: A high-level overview of a massive launch or transition you spearheaded.
Before-and-After Examples: Did you take a chaotic spreadsheet and turn it into a streamlined tracking system? Show the screenshot of the "before" and the "after."
Data Dashboards: (With sensitive info redacted!) Show how you visualize information to make better business decisions.
Presentations: That slide deck that convinced the board to pivot? That’s an asset. It shows your ability to synthesize information and influence leaders.
Process Improvements: A flow chart or a written SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that you authored to make a department more efficient.

The "Applied Skill" Factor

A simple personal website or a well-structured "Evidence Document" does something a resume can't: it demonstrates your taste and your process.

When a hiring manager sees a clean, logical breakdown of how you managed a $500k budget, they aren't just looking at the money; they are seeing your organization, your communication style, and your tech stack in action.

The Golden Rule: If you can’t show the actual work due to NDAs or privacy, show the methodology. Explain the "how" behind the "what."

How to Start (Without Overthinking It)

You don't need to be a web developer to build this. Start small:

The "Wins" Folder: Create a folder on your desktop and drop in every compliment, successful report, or project plan you finish.
Choose Your Medium: Use a tool like Canva for a PDF, Notion for a digital doc, or Carrd for a one-page website.
The One-Pager: Start with just three strong examples of your work. Quality beats quantity every time.

In 2026, the candidate who shows proof will always beat the candidate who only shows a list of duties.

Monday, February 16, 2026

Stop Listing Duties. Start Showing Results.(February 16, 2026)

We’ve all seen it—or written it. You’re updating your LinkedIn or polishing a resume, and you reach for the "safe" words. Words like managed, handled, or the ultimate offender: “Responsible for.”

Here is a hard truth from the other side of the hiring desk: Employers don't hire responsibilities. They hire results.

When you tell a hiring manager you were "responsible for project management," you’re essentially telling them what was on your job description. You aren't telling them if you were actually good at it. To stand out in 2026, you need to pivot from what you did to the impact you made.

The Anatomy of an Impact Statement

The difference between a mediocre application and a "must-hire" candidate lies in the shift from passive duties to active outcomes.

The Shift:

The Old Way: “Responsible for managing projects.” (Vague, passive, expected).
The Impact Way: “Led a cross-functional team to streamline workflow, reducing processing time by 18%.” (Specific, data-driven, impressive).

The "Impact Six": What to Quantify

If you’re struggling to find your "impact," look at your daily work through these six lenses:

Metrics: What numbers moved because you were there? (Conversion rates, click-throughs, user retention).
Efficiency Gains: How much time did you save? Did you automate a manual task that used to take five hours a week?
Revenue Impact: Did you directly contribute to sales, or indirectly help close a deal?
Process Improvements: Did you inherit a mess and leave a system? (e.g., "Implemented a new CRM that eliminated data silos").
Growth Indicators: Did you scale a department, a social following, or a client base?
Outcomes: What was the "final act" of your project? Don't just say you "worked on a launch"—tell us the product hit the market two weeks ahead of schedule.

Why Impact Differentiates You

In any field—from software engineering to creative design—skills are often a baseline. Most applicants will have the required certifications or years of experience.

Impact is your unique signature. It proves that you don't just occupy a seat; you add value. It transforms you from a "cost" (a salary the company has to pay) into an "investment" (someone who will make or save the company more than they cost).

Pro-Tip: If you don't have the exact numbers, use ranges or frequency. "Coordinated 5+ weekly sprints for a team of 12" is still more impactful than "Ran meetings."

Take Action: The 50% Rule

Look at your current resume or portfolio. If more than 50% of your bullet points start with "Responsible for" or "Assisted with," it’s time for an audit. Rewrite three bullets today using the Action + Context + Result formula.

Want to Read More

Your Resume Is Getting Rejected Before a Human Even Sees It (Here's How to Fix That) - article by Mary Southern