Dana Perino has released her latest book, “I Wish Someone Had Told Me…The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life,” drawing on extensive experience and diverse perspectives to offer guidance.
The impetus behind the book stemmed from a conversation with her mother, who expressed a wish she’d had during her own career journey. Recognizing a persistent need for advice among those seeking direction – particularly following the shifts brought about by COVID-19 and emerging technologies – Perino assembled a collection of insights from over forty individuals, including family, colleagues, and prominent figures like Peter McMahon, Andrea Aragon, and Dierks Bentley.
Unlike her previous mentoring works, this new publication represents a significantly broadened scope. “I Wish Someone Had Told Me” incorporates advice from a wide range of voices, aiming to provide the most comprehensive resource possible. The book addresses key areas such as career path selection, promotion strategies, work-life integration, retirement planning (or alternative life stages), and discovering purpose beyond professional pursuits.
The target audience is remarkably broad, encompassing:
- Ambitious young professionals exploring career options.
- Individuals seeking their first promotional opportunities.
- Experienced workers aiming to advance within their fields.
- New parents navigating the challenges of work and family life.
- Those experiencing burnout contemplating a career change.
- Managers seeking effective ways to guide and develop their teams.
- Anyone searching for greater fulfillment in life.
Perino shared insights gleaned from her interviews, emphasizing lessons learned about resilience – specifically, how to navigate disappointment, maintain curiosity, and adopt a positive outlook – as well as the importance of continuous growth. A particularly impactful piece of advice came from Martha MacCallum regarding managing priorities: “Don’t let yourself think more than three months ahead.”
A pivotal moment in Perino’s life highlighted within the book involved her decision to marry Peter McMahon. She recounts a conversation with a friend who urged her to embrace love without reservation, stating that choosing happiness wouldn’t hinder her career. This advice proved transformative, shaping her path and ultimately contributing significantly to her professional success.
Perino concludes by expressing a wish: that readers understand they’ve already achieved a significant victory – the “great lottery” of life – and encourages them to actively utilize their time with intention, emphasizing its fleeting nature.
