Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Forsythe.
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993 as an enlisted combat photographer and have deployed all over the world documenting our military in humanitarian and combat operations. I have over 30 years of experience in storytelling, communications, and multimedia content creation.
I currently serve as a U.S. Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer at the rank lieutenant commander and provide leadership and expertise for strategic communication initiatives at U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, located in Stuttgart, Germany.
When I’m not serving in the military, I work as a reporter and host of several podcasts.
I recently published a book titled ‘Heroes Live Here’ which showcases the history of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and she was recently inducted into the Women’s Museum of California 2023 Hall of Fame for the Historian category.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working in a mostly male-dominated career field, I’ve always tried to follow the brave women who went before me. Now, it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation of women leaders who will ultimately go further and faster than me.
My inspiration comes from seeing an incredible transformation and progress for women in military service and we’re also witnessing an explosion of confident and capable women working in emergency response services and law enforcement roles.
Daily struggles and big life decisions are always going to be a part of life. Finding ways to learn from them and overcome roadblocks is the best way to move forward. Finding mentors and someone who can be a coach and advisor is often the best way to get clarity and advice for how to navigate setbacks and pitfalls.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A picture can tell a thousand words, and just having a camera in my hand, I knew I could make a difference by documenting some of these historical events. Showing the world the courage it takes to serve in uniform has been my passion and honor for over 30 years, and that’s the highlight of my career. Creating stories that inspire and motivate others is what fuels my passion.
One day, I’d love to make a documentary or write another book filled with bold images and graphics. There are so many untold stories out there waiting to take shape…I’m eternally curious and always scouting for interesting topics and fresh ways of telling stories.
My goals are always changing and evolving, but I’m so energized by seeing the next generation of leaders who will take my spot. One of my favorite sayings, “You’re not a leader until you’ve made other leaders,” speaks to the imperative cycle of our lives. We must always be looking to transfer knowledge, experience, and confidence to the next generation of young people so they are well-prepared to assume leadership roles within business, government, and the non-profit sectors.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is key for career and professional development. It will reduce anxiety and allow you to fully maximize your potential if you have someone who can offer insights and coaching along the way. What has worked well for me is to connect with people in my industry and find common ground.
Once I gained enough experience and expertise, I began offering my time and partnership to others coming up behind me. It’s never too early to become a mentor or coach to someone else who is also starting their career or seeking advice in your field. Being known as a resource for others will automatically build your reputation as an expert and a ‘go-to’ professional for discrete advice and leadership tips.
Here are a few of my priorities:
Be curious: As a storyteller and communications officer, I must take interest in others to better learn what will make a good story or how to extract the most interesting aspects of someone else’s journey. I’m also curiously looking for the unknown or undiscovered. I take a lot of pride in learning new things and figuring out a way to share it with others.
Soft skills: These skills are the combination of people skills, social skills, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and personality traits that make it easy to get along and work harmoniously with other people. Soft skills can be taught, but they’re not as straightforward as hard skills: those specific qualities and skills that can be clearly defined, measured and taught for success in a job. Developing soft skills will also allow people to navigate complicated situations and have a pathway forward.
Tactical Proficiency: Learning how to take and produce high-quality images and videos has afforded me a wonderful career and the chance to be invited to many great events and adventures. Knowledge and hard lessons learned about how to operate cameras, computers, and communication tools have served me well, and now I want to give back to the next generation so they can avoid making all the same mistakes I made!
Pricing:
- My book titled “Heroes Live Here” is $49.99
- Website: www.heroeslivehere.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heroeslivehere.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/amyforsythe760
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesLiveHereCP
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyforsythe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_forsythe
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmyForsythe
- Other: https://linktr.ee/amyforsythe
Image Credits
Marcy Brown
Jake Rush
