The Art of Professional Evolution

We Must Let Our Goals Evolve Like Great Art.

I often talk about the importance of designing a life rooted in intention. But as much as I value defining a clear path, I’ve come to realize that the most successful "architects" of their own lives are those who allow the blueprint to change.

This concept was illustrated in spectacular fashion during a recent visit to the Guggenheim. I was fortunate enough to join ArtNOIR for a curatorial walkthrough of Rashid Johnson’s phenomenal exhibit, A Poem for Deep Thinkers with my incredible friend Jessica Santana.

The show spanned nearly 30 years of Johnson’s career, featuring almost 90 works, from his famous black-soap paintings and spray-painted text pieces to large-scale sculptures and film.

My biggest takeaway was witnessing the sheer scope of Johnson’s evolution. He is an artist who cannot be confined to a single medium or style. The exhibit was a masterclass in professional fluidity. Each piece, though radically different in material, whether it was monumental bronze, textured ceramic tile, or mixed media integrating shea butter, was undeniably, authentically him.

In my world, we spend a lot of time setting goals and defining a direction. And yes, a framework is vital to keep us grounded. But sometimes, we can become so married to one version of success, one professional identity, or one way of doing things, that we resist the very growth that defines a great career. We are not one-dimensional. We contain multitudes. Allowing your style, your medium, and even your professional mission to shift over time is a mark of depth. We need to grant ourselves the same permission as Johnson, to embrace all the different aspects of who we are right now, and to allow our goals and desires to evolve with the experience and wisdom we accumulate. 

Thank you so much to ArtNOIR for planning this insightful walkthrough!