Meet our #MCM for the week, Matt Schiavone! He's an Emmy Award winning producer for the MLB Network and is currently an Associate Producer for Fox News Channel in New York, but his story doesn't stop there:
1. What's your story? What makes you unique?
I came to NYC 8 years ago with all the money I had, no prospects of a job and I maybe knew 3 people. There is no question, it's the scariest thing I have ever done. Somehow I landed on my feet and never looked back because, since then I've worked for 2 major cable networks, won an Emmy, made some amazing life-long friends and found my wife. I'm extremely fortunate and lucky as hell. I hope my adventure continues, because the story so-far is pretty cool.
2. What motivates you?
I was blessed with my father's work ethic. He's the hardest working person I have ever known. He set the standard for me and everyday I set out to do the best job I know how to do. It's everything from my attitude, to my communication, to how well I can execute as an employee. I want to give my best all of the time. There is no exception to this--it's what drives me and I'm relentless.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
Batman. No contest! ...kidding. I'm one who doesn't really go for "heroes." I have tremendous amounts of respect for a lot of people who I've encounter along the way or people I've read about, but there is not enough there for me to say this one person is "IT" over others. However, there is something to be said about people who stand up for what they believe in or for those people who can run forward while others run away; to do the right thing even if it goes against the grain. That goes a long way in my book.
4. What's your future plan? Your goals?
I have never had a long term plan. I have always been one to keep moving forward and figure the path out as I go. There's that old proverb "Man plans and God laughs" and I guess you can say it sort of keeps me in check. I'm ambitious enough to never get comfortable. The closest thing to a plan I have is to keep striving for success and to be happy along the way, which is enough for me.
5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
To be tough. Life is going to throw you so many curves. There will come times that you'll find yourself in plenty of situations you don't want to be in, some worse than others. The best way to see yourself through those times is to simply be tough. Perseverance is everything.
6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
I'm big advocate of the arts and sports for kids in our schools and communities. The lessons and values they can instill on children are everlasting. I also love dogs and I'm big on pet rescue and adoption organizations. If I could own a farm that dogs could live on...I would.
7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
I've had some tremendous experiences. I've been many places (not enough), attended and partaken in once-in-a-life time events. I've met fascinating people, famous people, and important people. I'm severely fortunate to have had those experiences. However, all those things don't come close to the following two things as the "coolest." The first one was getting married. My wife is amazing, what she's doing married to me, I'll never know but our wedding was one of the most incredible, exciting and humbling experiences of my life (plus, it was an all out party). The second was on my way to work last spring a stray dog ran up to me. He clearly belonged to a homeless person. He was scared out of his mind (and I was too) but I didn't blink. I scooped him up and did what I needed to do. With the help of some amazing coworkers I was able to find that little guy a foster home which has since turned into his forever home. I'll never forget that little guy and I'm proud I was able to make a difference.
8. Anything we haven't asked that you'd like to talk about.
The most important things my parents ever taught me was to always, no matter what, work hard and to always be kind. I've learned that family is everything. Friends won't last forever unless you let them. Take the high road. Always listen and for God's sake LAUGH!
If you would like to contact Matt, you can reach him HERE.