Many companies simply can’t afford to have an expert on everything working for them full-time, and that’s when they bring in outside experts or speakers. If you’re passionate about something and can work towards being the best at what you do, a career as an activist, writer or speaker for your area of expertise could be very fulfilling. Dr. Patricia Hoy talks about her career as an expert in the arts.
What does your current job entail?
“I am currently a self-employed entrepreneur working as a writer, speaker, educator, artist and forward thinking activist who works on issues in education, leadership and the arts. My work is widely varied and links the learning that can be gained through the artistic process to successful living, working, teaching and leading in 21st century society.”
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
“I love sharing the benefits of learning through the artistic process. Whether engaged in private creative efforts or public presentation, the opportunity to share the knowledge that comes from the depth of my experience as an artist, educator and higher education administrator is invigorating. I enjoy helping others imagine possibilities and create momentum in their work environments and personal lives.”
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
“My formal education prepared me to use the artistic process to think both critically and creatively. Those educational experiences, along with the breadth of my experiences as an artist, educator and leader, prepared me for the work I do today.”
Have you participated in any form of continuing education?
“I am fully committed to professional and personal growth. While I do attend conferences and discuss ideas with others, the most impactful aspect of my continued growth comes from my curiosity, my enthusiasm for lifelong learning and my commitment as a voracious reader. I study everything from artistic process applications in all of the arts to neuroscience, leadership, business strategies and the evolution of human wholeness.”
Do you have any advice for people wanting to pursue a similar career?
“Anyone wanting to establish themselves as an expert in a field must be open and willing to take reasonable risk. This sort of work requires a great deal of curiosity, reflection, deep listening and flexibility.”
Original article publish on August 31, 2015, on CBS Local Phoenix: Phoenix Arts Expert Helps Leaders Become More Creative