Knotch connected with Andy Ambrosius, Principal, Marketing Campaigns at Via for our "Own Your Voice" series to hear his story, and to learn what drives Andy in his career.

Where did your story begin?

My career definitely evolved in (what I think is) an unusual way. I grew up in rural Wisconsin and went to college for broadcast journalism thinking I’d be the next Tom Brokaw or Diane Sawyer. After working for ABC in Milwaukee, my career goals shifted to online journalism, followed by a really fulfilling and educational stint in PR — and today I’m building global marketing campaigns. I can certify that I get bored really easily and like new challenges.

What was a pivotal life moment where your story changed?

I’m sure more than half of the people working in content marketing today can attest to the journalism industry being really challenging. I remember feeling totally defeated after graduating college when I was struggling to find a decent job after being in every club, racking up four internships, and holding down two part time reporting gigs. Three years after finding my big boy journalism job and really nailing it, me and about 500 other editors were laid off in a single day. That day changed my life, as it basically forced me into public relations and marketing. I now look back and I’m so thankful I was laid off. 

Who made the biggest impact on your story?

Writing this down is totally going to jinx it, but I’ve been blessed with some of the best bosses anyone could ask for, starting with the late Mark Maley in Milwaukee. Mark specifically was so hands-on in my development — taking time to shape me as a professional, teaching the things you’d never learn in a university classroom or even during an internship. I think experiencing 10+ years of outstanding leadership since then taught me what a great leader looks like.

What’s an unpopular opinion you have about content?

People who claim to write with “SEO best practices” but are unable to get granular about what that actually means and how to do it don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. The responses you get in candidate interviews when you ask what someone means when they say they “Write for SEO” is pretty eye opening. 

If you could define your story using one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Always be overly confident you can do it and succeed, because you always will — just have the confidence to admit when you need help.