Sometimes career choices do not always turn out how they started, said Dr. Drew Pinsky, a doctor of internal medicine, addiction specialist and the former host of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” April 13 in a broadcast speech at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
“It was a mistake,” Pinsky said of his career path. “This was not supposed to happen. I actually loved medical school but wound up on radio answering calls from people asking for help. I loved this even more.”
Robin Randall, the president of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), hosted the Speaker Broadcast Marathon, a discussion about how unpredictable things have happened in speakers’ lives that impacted their pathways to their careers.
Approximately 25 students, including the NSLS President and members, attended the event in the Science and Technology Building.
Pinsky shared his story on the challenges and outcomes he has faced in his career path. He also made it clear he gained wisdom and experience.
He provided advice on questions posed to him by video and from the facilitator regarding addiction issues.
“The most important thing in your life is to have a one-to-one conversation to provide any help they seek,” Pinsky said. “In exchange, by doing this, it will make people who help feel better for what they have done.”
Pinsky also had an opportunity to provide his thoughts on topics important to the audience.
In the broadcast, the question was asked, “In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic or skill a leader should possess? Compassion? Effective communication? Confidence? Integrity?” The answer with the most responses was effective communication.
Pinsky was surprised by communication being the answer from the audience. He expected the answer would be integrity. He also expressed the importance of empathy and compassion for effective communication.
“Can therapy help people become sober from addiction issues?” a student from Prince George’s Community College asked.
Pinsky responded, “Not all things can be solved from one therapy session, but four-years of therapy can bring to a person one sober year before temptation could kick in.”
The NSLS and the Speaker Broadcast Marathon are events for A&M-San Antonio students. These events are designed to prepare students for future leadership roles.
The Speaker Broadcast Marathon event allows A&M-San Antonio students and NSLS members to learn about the different directions to successful careers they did not previously know existed. It also enabled them to hear from leaders in these career fields.
For more information on the National Society of Leadership and Success, visit https://tamusa.campuslabs.com/engage/event/3294043.
