Dana Perino is an accomplished author and media personality, known for her insightful commentary and engaging writing style. In her latest book, “I Wish Someone Had Told Me…The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life,” she dives deep into the valuable experiences she has gathered throughout her career. The impetus for the book came from a conversation with her mother, who, reflecting on her own journey in the workforce during the 1960s, remarked that the guidance she wished she had received could have helped shape her trajectory. This sparked Perino’s inspiration to share the wisdom she has amassed, particularly while mentoring younger generations.
Perino’s journey has taken her from the White House to Fox News, where she currently co-anchors “America’s Newsroom” and co-hosts “The Five,” a widely popular program. In her new book, she attempts to bridge the gap between the eras, tailoring her counsel to not just young women but a broader audience navigating career challenges in a post-pandemic, technologically advanced world. This evolution in target demographic reflects a shift in her approach to mentoring; she aims to empower individuals of varying backgrounds and professions rather than focusing solely on one group.
Throughout “I Wish Someone Had Told Me,” Perino includes interviews and perspectives from an eclectic mix of over forty individuals, such as her husband, Peter McMahon, college roommate Andrea Aragon, country music star Dierks Bentley, and many of her colleagues from Fox News. This diverse collection of voices enriches the book, presenting readers with a wealth of practical advice applicable to various stages of their careers. The book covers essential topics, including how to identify career goals, effective strategies for securing promotions, achieving work-life balance, and ultimately defining what is truly significant in one’s life.
Perino outlines the types of readers who would benefit from her book: ambitious youths exploring career paths, early-career professionals aiming for promotions, parents balancing work and family, individuals experiencing career burnout, managers seeking innovative ways to engage their teams, and anyone searching for meaning beyond their professional endeavors. This inclusive approach allows her book to resonate with a wide audience seeking guidance in their personal and professional lives.
In her interviews for the book, Perino gleaned insights that challenged her perspective on various matters. Notable pieces of advice include strategies for coping with setback and rejection, nurturing curiosity, and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor about life’s challenges. One particularly poignant insight from Martha MacCallum emphasized the need to limit forward-thinking ambitions to manageable intervals, especially for working parents, illustrating practical advice that transcends traditional boundaries.
One of the most impactful lessons Perino shares is the notion that love does not impede career advancement. Reflecting on how she met her husband while on an airplane in 1997, she shares her concern about how marrying him would affect her career trajectory. A family friend’s unsolicited wisdom—to not forgo love for fear of judgment—guided her to embrace her relationship, a decision that she credits as a pivotal moment in her life. Perino emphasizes that this choice allowed her to thrive in her personal and professional pursuits, proving that love and ambition can coexist harmoniously.
Additionally, Perino expresses a wish that someone had reassured her during her twenties that life’s uncertainties don’t warrant excessive worry. As an educated American woman, she recognizes the privilege inherent in her opportunities, urging readers to seize their moments and invest in meaningful experiences rather than succumbing to anxiety. Her insights encourage a proactive approach to making the most of life’s fleeting moments.
In conclusion, Dana Perino’s “I Wish Someone Had Told Me” serves as a heartfelt compendium of advice, mentorship, and personal reflections intended to guide readers through the complexities of professional and personal development. By sharing her story alongside the wisdom of others, she contributes a valuable resource for individuals seeking both guidance and inspiration as they chart their unique paths in life and career.
