Three Things I Wish I Had Known in My 20’s: Maura Horton

After her husband was fired from his job as a college football coach because he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Maura Horton started a fashion business out of her home. Her company, MagnaReady, makes dress shirts for men and women that are held closed with magnets so people with arthritis, Parkinson’s or other mobility-limiting conditions can dress without help.

I really admire Maura because she was able to turn a challenging life event into something positive. I was excited when she agreed to tell us about the 3 things she wishes she had known in her 20s. I can definitely relate to a few of these!

Always do a good job.
I happened to be in an important high level meeting in  New York, far from where I grew up in Ohio.  Pleasantries, introductions and small talk began to circle. Questions started broad. Where are you from? Where did you attend school? A connection was made. Did you grow up in that town? Anther connection made. Do you know “so and so”? My heart sank slightly. “Yes” I answered,  as I was immediately thrust back into my 20’s and a job I held. The “so and so” referenced was an former employer and boss. My carefree days flashed before my eyes.  Quickly recalling what type of employee this boss, now 20 years later, would characterize me as.  Important to remember, it really is a small world.

Connections happen now instantaneously and the work habits you had in your 20’s will be remembered.

Be motivated by the negative.
Being creative by nature, new product ideas constantly run through my mind. In my 20’s I had a concept to create and launch a new children’s product. Design wise, it was innovative and would have been something new in the marketplace. I started mentioning the idea to friends. Most of them didn’t understand my complete vision or have business acumen. They
immediately threw out obstacles. The negative comments caused me to retreat.

In hind site, I wish I would have had the conviction to turn the criticism into reasons why this new product would have been successful. Most people can think of several reasons as to why something will fail. If you are open to the negative and the idea is sustainable, the silver linings will expose themselves.

Lead with your chin.
Advice my father gave me in my 20’s was to “lead with your chin”. I didn’t truly grasp the meaning until my 40’s. Always hold your head high no matter what you are going through.  Look up, look forward and look proud. None of which you can do if your chin is down.