I was asked a question a few days ago. Who do I feel has impacted the way I run my company? Without the shadow of a doubt I said Bert Weiss (The Bert Show). I recall being a timid 23yr old college grad with dreams of landing a dj spot at Q100. I was brought on as a promotional intern. We called listeners to remind them to get their prizes, mailed out promos and were hands on at remotes.

Honestly, I think they felt sorry for us. Lol. We couldn't find jobs in our field. They created these faux positions so that we felt useful. It wasn't respected. It was not the foot in the door I thought it would be. A lesson none the less though. And I was grateful for the opportunity.

The head of promotions was a COMPLETE BIT$H. Yeah. Luckily, her assistant hired me on. He was so chill. Not very organized but treated me like a human being. He was encouraging and had a positive outlook on everything.

I got to the office one morning and the assistant was out for the day. Yay, its me and the demon woman from hell. How lucky am I? She wasn't thrilled to see me either. Whatever. She gave me SPECIFIC instructions to get the prize book from the studio.

She checked her clock and said that the morning show should be out of the studio by now. But if they weren't I was not to approach any of the cast for any reason. Especially Bert! I was not to ask Bert for a picture, autograph or even give him eye contact if he was in the vicinity. I WAS NOT TO BOTHER BERT WEISS AT ALL!

I had been to the studio countless times to get that prize book. I was never nervous. After my pep-talk from Miss Congeniality, I was suddenly on edge. Was Bert some sort of tyrant? Was he opposite of what I hear in the mornings? Now I was just anxious to just get it over with.

I get to the studio and I see one of my favs. The wonderful Tracy St. George! I have no idea where she is today but she was always a sweetheart to me. I wave to her as I scan the room for the book. At a second glance, there are two figures next to her. One of them is Bert! SH!t

I believe I froze for a moment. They probably thought something was wrong with me. I was probably giving off some sort of nervous energy. But I just kept my head down, attempting to avoid eye contact. Wait. I see the prize book. I reach over and grab it. As I raise my head up to give my farewell I somehow lock eyes from across the room with Bert. Damn! Guess this is the end of my free internship.

He begins to walk towards me and says Hey you're new. I said yeah my name is Ashley & I help out in promotions. I'm just here for the prize book. What happened next could NEVER be predicted. He embraced me and said Welcome to the family! It wasn't a regular hug. It was a hug full of kindness and reassurance. I think he saw the fear in my face. I felt like I was reunited with my long lost jewish cousin. If the eye contact wasn't the end of this gig then the brief embrace would do it.

It didn't stop there. We stepped out into the hall and he asked about my aspirations. Wait. Bert wanted to hear about my life goals? Never would have imagined that. We talked about the discovery of his 2nd bundle on the way at the time (Hollis). It was a bit that week on the show.

I even told him about my college friend that was absolutely obsessed with him. He said to call her. Say what?! Call her. So I did. Right there and then. This is the one and only time she didn't answer her phone. He left a very animated voicemail.

He then told me to never give up on my dreams. And to keep being awesome. We then parted ways but I never forgot how he made me feel seen and important in that chance encounter. If I had gotten a job at Q, it probably would have been short lived. I may not have created Ash Said It on my own. So many factors could have changed the course of my life. The main thing I got out of my time at Q was to treat people with respect & dignity. Everyone is important to a company. No matter how small the position.

How Bert treated me that day influenced me heavily in my dealings with interns, assistants and anyone I do business with throughout the years. I always listen and make time. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Everyone adds a little something extra to the pot. And you never know who that person may turn out to be...

#ashsaidit