Happy Father’s Day! I would like to dedicate this post to my wonderful Dad, Roger Freberg. My Dad is absolutely the best – Dad has always been there for my sisters and I growing up. From playing video games, teaching us how to cook and being there for me both on the track as a coach to being there as one of my biggest supporters in my work now as a professor. Dad’s courage, kindness, sweetness, and positivity are just a few things that makes him so special and wonderful to be around. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful person as my Dad. 🙂
As part of my dedication to my Dad for Father’s Day, I thought about some of the lessons and principles Dad has shared with me and my sisters that have not only helped me in life, but in what I am doing now in social media. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years (and continue to learn from Dad) and have applied to my work in social media:
- Dedication and hard work: There is probably not another person I know works as hard as my Dad. His work ethic showed not only with our family and making sure we were taken care of, but it was also present on the field in track. Dad coached me the same way he trained himself as an athlete in college, and I felt I learned some great things in the process not only when it came to time management, but efficient training to be the best you can be. I apply the same schedule now as I did as an athlete training with Dad in my research, teaching, and consulting in social media.
- Thinking outside of the box: My Dad is very creative, and he always comes up with such great ideas. I feel I have gotten a chance to learn from a great professional when hearing stories from Dad about his Marketing work he did with Nestle and Mars years ago – Dad’s ideas were always out of the box thinking that were both creative and ahead of his time.
- Getting me to be part of this profession: Little did I know back in 1995 I would be working in social media. However, technology runs in the family, and my Dad loves it as well! It was my parents who recommended I not only have a website in Junior High, but also get on Facebook. Innovation and creativity do run in the family. 🙂
- Managing online reputation: I had to learn at a very early age as a track athlete how to conduct myself online and communicate with others. Dad’s ability to converse and be able to strategically communicate in various mediums – whether it was on TV or online – was great to see. Dad mentored me not only in track with my weight lifting and throwing, but also with how to deal with the media and present myself professionally. Little did I know what Dad was doing was what I am doing now in PR – so I got a chance to learn from one of the best and get hands on experience as an athlete with Dad as my coach.
- How to overcoming challenges and obstacles: Dad and I have shared similar challenges in life – and they have been in the classroom. I struggled with reading at an early age and was actually diagnosed with a slight case of dyslexia – which I was able to get a tutor to help me with learning strategies in the classroom. Mom and Dad were very supportive and encouraging with me about my education and working hard in the classroom, but it was really great talking with Dad about this and getting his insights. Dad was able to succeed as well both on the field and in the classroom and in the workplace by not only getting a MBA, but also a MSBA from USC.
- Taking a chance to step out of your comfort zone: I’d say that this was one of the things I’ll always thank Dad for doing – always encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Dad said you always learn from the experience and grow from it. But most importantly, never set limits for yourself and never let others put you in a box. Dad was a master of this – he was always doing something different and unexpected. If people thought he would go one way based on how they perceived him, he would go another way and have multiple options as well.
- Taking responsibility and be kind to others: My sisters and I tease Dad a lot of times with the quote from Indiana Jones where Sean Connery goes – “you left just when you were becoming interesting.” Dad was about self reliance as well – we would walk to school every day – even in the rain. 🙂 Dad also made sure we helped out around the house with chores. We were brought up to take responsibility for our actions and be kind to others. There were some things Dad wanted my sisters and I to do – play a musical instrument, be part of a team sport, play an individual port, and have an artistic interest. Dad is extremely kind to others – and his sense of humor is quite unique and memorable as well!
In summary, there are so many lessons Dad has taught me in life that it is hard to count them all. I feel I am a better person as a result of great support, mentorship, and role models from both of my parents. I would not be where I am today without my family – that’s for certain. Dad – thank you for being #TheBestDadEver and we are so lucky to have you in our lives. Love you, Dad!
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Father’s Day.
Best Wishes,
Karen
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