"I work with some really smart people, and many of them can't communicate worth a damn. If you figure out how to help others share their ideas effectively, you'll do alright." That was my grandfather's encouraging advice when I switched my degree program to English.

I hadn't given my change in direction that much thought. Honestly, I just liked my English classes, and mostly the professors, better than my Political Science classes. I knew I didn't want to teach, and many friends and family were concerned that an English degree without a teaching certificate wouldn't do me much good. Not my grandfather. He saw a need.

That wasn't a bright lightbulb moment where suddently my life had clarity and purpose. It was more like don't worry, things will work out, and you'll be fine. But that conversation has really stuck with me for over 30 years.

His advice played a role in me deciding to continue my education and get a Masters degree in Industrial Technology - a very different program than my liberal arts undergraduate. That program taught me new technical languages - statistics, process improvement, design, manufacturing.

His advice gave me confidence when I transitioned from working in housing and food service at Purdue University to training buying and merchandising teams at May Department stores. That experience taught me new business languages - assortment planning, sell throughs, margins, and pricing. The pattern repeated as I gained experiences in human resources and store operations.

My English degree has served me well, but most of the credit goes to my grandfather's advice. He planted that seed for me to be curious and observe how people share their ideas, to listen to what others are really saying, and to help them reframe and polish their ideas to get more traction. He was right, and there's still a need.