By Gini Dietrich
I don’t remember how or when Gwen Moran and I met, but I’m certain it was through some sort of story she was sourcing.
She is an award-winning small business expert and writer who contributes to Entrepreneur, FastCompany.com, LifeReimagined.org, and many others.
She’s also the founder of Biziversity.com, which publishes insights about business, money, and life.
And…she’s the editor for my newly established Inc. column.
She’s one of my most favorite people to work with. She’s smart, she’s able to provide criticism without hurting your feelings, and she has a great outlook on life.
She also is a breast cancer survivor, which makes me respect her even more.
Please allow her to introduce herself, as she sits on the Spin Sucks Inquisition hot seat.
What is the Biggest Mistake You’ve Made in Your Career?
It took me a long time to realize that I didn’t have to tolerate work relationships that weren’t based on mutual respect and collaboration.
I tried to make a few negative situations work, which was a fruitless drain on time, energy, and self-worth.
There are too many great people out there.
You don’t have to work with jerks.
What is One Thing about Yourself that Would Surprise Most People?
The state of my desk. It usually has stacks of paper and at least one cat on it.
If You Could Achieve Everything You Ever Wanted in Life, but Had to Die 10 Years Sooner, Would You Make that Trade?
Never. I’m a cancer survivor, so I’ve faced down the possibility of dying sooner than I planned.
I don’t take a moment for granted, and I’d never give up the time with people I love for anything.
That’s all that matters, anyway.
What Industry Advice or Practice Would You Most Like to Cry Foul On?
PR folks trying to craft the story.
I recently had a PR person refused to put me touch with a story source after I went to bat for the piece with one of my editors. She didn’t like the story angle – she wanted it to be more focused on her client. My responsibility is to my readers, not to a promotional agenda.
I got the story anyway, by going directly to the source.
What is the Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Six Months?
We Are Water by Wally Lamb.
Everything he writes is genius.
Why Does Spin Suck?
Today, we have unparalleled levels of information and transparency in many areas.
Putting forth a message that isn’t honest or true won’t work.
Try it, and you erode trust in your brand.
Where You Can Find Gwen Moran
You can find Gwen writing across the web (links are up there at the top!) and on Twitter and LinkedIn.