Meet Linda Lidov | Communications Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Lidov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has always played a role in my career as a communications professional, starting with my first job out of college. I’m sure it’s normal for many (most?) young adults to take jobs in subjects they know little about, but in my case, I truly was delving into new and unfamiliar territory. I had been a French major, studying language and literature, but with a business component that included courses in economics, marketing and business law. I fell into a job at a document management software company, hardly knowing how to turn on a PC and not speaking the language of computers at all. I crashed and burned doing the very thing I was hired to do, which was to translate the very-technical company newsletter into French. Fortunately, my managers saw my potential in other areas, and before I knew it, I had launched a career in corporate communications.

Subsequent jobs took me into equally unfamiliar territories: high-resolution satellite imaging technology; energy efficiency; workforce development for military veterans and youth; LGBT equality and advocacy; and natural resources stewardship. Each one was a risk, because each one focused on subject matter I had little to no experience with, and therefore presented a sort of “risk of failure.” But what I’ve really learned is that there is no “failure” in taking risks. When I allow myself to be vulnerable, there is only opportunity for growth and evolution. Through each experience, I’ve learned new ways to absorb, adapt, listen and understand the world around me, and that has allowed me to continually take new risks not only in work but in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of my most thrilling jobs and proudest professional moments was my time in the satellite imaging industry, where I spent 11 years of my career. I was an early employee of the company that launched the first-ever satellite of its kind into space, and people were not yet used to the idea of “spy satellite technology” becoming common use. Today, those images are what we see when we bring up Google maps on our phones to look up driving directions to the nearest coffee shop or visualize our next vacation spot. When I worked in the satellite imaging industry, I remember thinking that no other job could possibly be as exciting. I wondered where I could find work half as interesting.

But when I finally ventured out of the sector and tried something different, I was met with whole new worlds that were equally compelling, challenging and rewarding. New subjects called to me — like social and economic justice, and later, land and water conservation. I followed my calling once I left the corporate sector, taking a circuitous path that started in a public relations firm, then led to independent contracting and small-business ownership, and culminated in the nonprofit realm. In all these scenarios, I have found meaning in work that connects people to each other and to the environment that surrounds them. Now I can say I’m in my dream job as director of membership and communications for a statewide coalition of conservation organizations.

It has not always been easy. Fortunately, I’ve had partners, colleagues and mentors that have supported me along the way. And I’ve been driven by a constant interest in improving my skillsets and discovering new tools for doing my work. I’ll share an example.

A few years ago, a client asked me to develop and deliver a storytelling workshop for water conservation organizations. I’d never “taught” others how to do storytelling, and I had limited experience speaking in front of large groups. Developing a curriculum seemed do-able, but the thought of public speaking terrified me. Someone suggested I join Toastmasters, a club to help people become more confident speakers. The very idea of it made my palms sweat (and it sounded kind of corny). But I knew Toastmasters was a tool I could use. And I have. One lesson I learned quickly was the idea that everyone in the room wants you to succeed; your listeners are a built-in source of support because they have come to hear what you have to say – and what you have to say is important. That’s a confidence builder. It works in the reverse, too: you can build trust with others and help advance their cause simply by listening to their words and elevating their voice. I’ve found that I put these lessons to use in many aspects of my job. They serve me well in relating to people, beyond simply giving a speech.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My idea of showing a guest around town is to show off the natural beauty and incredibly varied landscapes of Colorado – my home state since age 4. I’d take them on a driving tour from the northeast to the southeast, to the southwest and across the Western Slope, up through the north-central mountains, and back to the Front Range. We’d traverse the grassy plains, farms and ranchlands, the high peaks and the high mountain deserts. We’d see a concert at Red Rocks, raft on the Arkansas River, catch the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, buy fruits and veggies from a local farmstand, visit some ghost and mining towns, and do lots of hiking and walking, punctuated by a few visits to local craft breweries. These are the quintessential Colorado experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people to credit for their mentorship and support. My husband, Phil Lidov. My first amazing boss, Mark Brender. A personal friend and connector, Harry Bruell. A former client, Ann Baker Easley. My current “boss,” leader and advocate, Melissa Daruna. Several martial arts instructors including Sara Glaze, Michelle Burkett, Stewart Lauper and Moises Martinez.

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