We recently connected with Amy Selwyn and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

The most important lesson came late in my career. I owned my own small consulting firm and, with my partner, we worked with media companies outside the US (never had a domestic client!). We were hired to help launch a debate program, comprising both live events and online events. It was apparent fairly early on that the client did not value my contributions; he valued my partner’s contributions, however. This not only undermined my own sense of purpose but put a new and unwelcome strain on my relationship with my partner of 12 years. Eventually, after several demotions in terms of my responsibilities and in terms of what I was “allowed” to make decisions about, I realized that the only things keeping me tethered to this unhealthy situation were the money (excellent) and the history of my relationship with my partner. I was putting his needs ahead of my own. Once I realized that I was doing that, I resigned from the project. The partnership came to an end, at least on a formal basis, and I took some time to recalibrate. Regain my footing. When I finally felt stronger, I realized what I wanted and needed was a more creative life. And to be the captain of my own ship. And that is when I applied to go back to school…at age 63! I am nearly through a 3-year MFA program. I retain a close friendship with my former partner, and that is a source of great joy and also pride for me. If I hadn’t walked away from what was harming me, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After 37 years in the international news business, 17 of which were spent as the Managing Director of the world’s most prestigious annual gathering (News Xchange, a European Broadcasting Union event), I now have a developing artist’s practice. I started off focusing on photography (no pun intended!). Over the last year, working in an MFA program at Maine Media College (Rockport, ME), I have expanded that practice into storytelling, audio recording, and performance art.

I no longer do as much consulting as I used to do. What I offer existing clients is the ability to explore organizational creativity. How do we create environments and cultures that foster the bravery to try new things and do things in new ways?

I am also starting a career as a college instructor! Starting next summer, I will be teaching in the undergraduate business program at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. The class will explore considerations in visual content. How do we ensure that we’re not perpetuating stereotypes? How do we establish visual authenticity? What do we do about Generative-AI?

What am I most proud of? Being a multi-hypenate! I have not boxed myself into just one thing. I am an artist, a performer, an art historian, a documentarian, a writer, a dog mom, a brand strategist (but only sometimes these days). I love this way of working and living.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I walked away from that toxic client relationship, my income was reduced by about 75 percent. Possibly more. Even worse, my confidence was at an all-time low, even after nearly 40 years of a successful career with organizations like The New York Times, The Associated Press and the BBC.

AND, not but, I knew that it was my moment. I trusted my gut.

I created a budget for myself. I had sold my condo earlier and, after discussing things with a financial advisor, I decided to rent for a while. The biggest decision was to downsize. Like, seriously. I went from a high of 2,600 square feet — and all the furniture and tchachkes that that implies! — to 550 square feet. All that shedding. All that giving away of belongings. Oh, it was so cleansing and healthy. And although I am about to upgrade to 630 square feet with a garden, I realize I still travel light through this life. That’s a form of resilience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The “lesson” I had to unlearn is the myth that says there are some people (a minority) who are blessed and lucky enough to lead creative lives, while the rest of us need to accept that creatives are “different” and we should stick to art as a “hobby.” Going along with this myth is the one that says if you’re not showing your work at The Met or performing on Broadway you are not a serious artist. NO. What makes you a writer is the fact that you write. What makes you an actor is the fact that you act.

Unlearning this concept is freeing! It allows us to be many things if we choose it. It also allows us to evolve. Life doesn’t stand still after we declare a major in our sophomore year of college!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amyselwyn.photography
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyselwynphotographer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.selwyn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-selwyn-9b33242/
• Other: https://Threads.net/@amyselwynphotographer

Image Credits

All photos copyright Amy Selwyn