From Art School to Leadership Mastery: Lessons from Andrew Blickstein
What do art school critiques, building multi-million-dollar businesses, and living a life of passion have in common? According to Andrew Blickstein, it’s about embracing growth, fostering people, and staying true to what matters most.
In our latest episode of Lumen Podcast, Andrew shares his inspiring journey from art student to entrepreneur, culture strategist, and leadership coach. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew offers insights that resonate with anyone looking to grow as a leader or make meaningful changes in life.
A Journey fueled by creativity and resilience
Andrew’s path began in art school at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he learned one of his most valuable life lessons: vulnerability. Weekly critiques of his artwork taught him how to handle feedback, stay open to improvement, and embrace different perspectives. These skills would later become the cornerstone of his leadership style.
After realizing that art wasn’t his lifelong career, Andrew transitioned into the advertising world. Starting as a media buyer, he eventually founded Home Run Media, a company that he grew from $0 to $54 million in revenue. His agency became one of ESPN’s Top 10 billing agencies, demonstrating Andrew’s knack for strategic thinking and adaptability.
Building culture, growing people
Andrew’s leadership philosophy centers around the idea that businesses grow when their people grow. At Home Run Media, he implemented innovative practices like daily huddles, team-led presentations, and even open-book management to foster trust and accountability among employees.
One of Andrew’s proudest achievements was creating an environment where his team members not only excelled professionally but also gained skills to improve their personal lives. “I wanted everyone who worked for me to have the tools and income to buy a home if they chose to,” Andrew shared during the podcast.
This dedication to culture and people development extended to his coaching work at Petra Coach, where he helped CEOs and leadership teams align their goals, values, and strategies using frameworks like Scaling Up.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Andrew’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. He faced significant life hurdles, including being laid off, battling skin cancer, and navigating major life transitions. Instead of letting these setbacks define him, Andrew used them as a springboard to create opportunities.
For instance, the adversity he faced when leaving a corporate role inspired him to start Home Run Media. His resilience and strategic mindset turned uncertainty into success, a testament to his belief in staying adaptable and forward-thinking.
A lifestyle aligned with passion
One of the most inspiring aspects of Andrew’s story is how he has aligned his professional life with his personal passions. After decades in Chicago, he moved to Utah to embrace his love for skiing. Living near the mountains, Andrew now spends over 80 days a year on the slopes while exploring new ventures in business acquisitions and leadership development.
“I realized skiing is one of the few times I’m fully present,” Andrew explained. “If aligning my life with my passion meant relocating, then that’s what I needed to do.”
Key takeaways from Andrew’s interview
Embrace Feedback and Vulnerability: Growth happens when we allow ourselves to learn from others and stay open to improvement.
Focus on Culture: A strong company culture is the foundation for lasting success. Investing in your people pays dividends for the business and their lives.
Turn Adversity Into Action: Challenges can be opportunities in disguise. Stay adaptable and use them to propel yourself forward.
Align Life with Passion: Success isn’t just about financial growth; it’s about living a life that reflects your values and passions.
Listen Now
Andrew’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and living with purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or someone looking for inspiration to make a bold move, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Lumen Podcast on Spotify and YouTube!
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