WORLD'S LEADING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Q & A with Antoine Lewis

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How did you gain experience in your industry that got you where you are today?

I took the long winding road which leads me to several jobs in several different cities. The most important thing for me was to get in a situation to perform and learn. That meant working some low-level television jobs that had me do everything from pulling cables, in my one nice suit, to sorting mail.

I worked graveyard shifts, weekends and holidays during a tour of duty with stops in Roanoke, Virginia; Washington D.C.; New York City; Cleveland; Chicago; Indianapolis; Denver and now ESPN in Connecticut. The sacrifice, will and belief in myself helped me persevere for a greater outcome.

What are the most important attributes one should develop to be in your industry?

Creativity and vision are keys to doing television shows. The ability to connect with people on a human level trumps the ability to do the job. This holds true whether you are telling good stories or leading good people. There are many people who work to refine their professional job skills, but in the end everything is predicated upon your ability to lead and get people at all levels to follow, trust you and provide opportunies for growth.

What is one significant challenge that you’ve faced in your career and how have you overcome it?          

I have never let a job define the man I am or aspire to become. The company vision may be one thing, but you have to have a self vision. This has helped me when I felt like my career was languishing or if there was prejudice or injustice in a work setting. No person cares about my career like I do. I always had the courage to chase and step out on faith rather than coming to work angry or bitter. This has lead me to taking steps back and to side in order to regroup and make LEAPS forward. Besides, mama owns a home if I need a roof over my head. 

What have been the keys to your career success?     

Learning everything I could about my job, industry and the jobs of other people--even the lackluster performers. I often ask hypothetical questions and place myself in scenarios long before they happen. This puts me in a position to succeed. It is like a great athlete living a situation of having to perform with the game on the line. When the actual time comes, you have already been there. I also treat people the way I want to be treated and never ask for something I am not willing to do myself.

Have you received mentorship? What are some of the greatest pieces of advice/knowledge you’ve gained that has helped you advance?

My mentors have not always been formal in nature, but people I respect and ask advice. The motto I live by is: "Have fun, but do what is required of you!" Do not take yourself too seriously or get a big head. Enjoy the ride, because it will end at some point. Always know who you are rather than fixating on what you have or can become.