Nick Troiano: [00:00:00] I think it's also really important of how you structure your day. Meaning that I do most of my good thinking and writing in the first half of the day, especially in the early morning. And then, by the time the afternoon slumps come along, I try and focus on -- that's a good time to have meetings or phone calls where you can be more stimulated.

Andy Molinsky: [00:00:20] Welcome to From the Dorm Room to the Board Room, a podcast where we provide insights, tips, and inspiration for college students and young professionals, so they can make a really successful transition from college life to the professional world and beyond.

Andy Molinsky: [00:00:38] My name is Andy Molinsky, and I'm your host. I am also a Professor of Organizational Behavior and International Management at Brandeis University's International Business School, where we record and produce this podcast.

Andy Molinsky: [00:00:56] Okay. Today's guest is Nick Troiano. Nick has spent the last decade working to reform politics, including running for Congress as an independent candidate in 2014, and, now, leading Unite America, a national organization that aims to elect independent candidates. Nick, thanks so much for coming on.

Nick Troiano: [00:01:20] Good to be here with you, Andy.

Andy Molinsky: [00:01:22] Great. So, let's start by hearing a bit about what you do now. Explain to us what you do now. And then, after that, we'll kind of rewind back to your college days. And then, you can kind of bring us back to there. And then, from there, back again to now. But let's start with now. Tell us about what Unite America is, what your role is, what you do.

Nick Troiano: [00:01:44] Sounds good. So, Unite America is an organization that's trying to bridge the growing partisan divide by electing independent candidates to office who aren't beholden to the political parties or the special interests and can actually forge some common ground solutions to the country's big problems. So, I lead the organization as Executive Director. I was on the organization's founding board a few years ago and came on board full time about two years ago to lead the organization. And, now, we're a team of about eight people based in Denver, Colorado and trying to pave a new path forward our very dysfunctional and divisive politics these days.

Andy Molinsky: [00:02:24] So, that's really interesting. And you also ran for Congress as an independent candidate in 2014, which is four years ago. Tell us a bit about that.

Nick Troiano: [00:02:33] I did. I never really planned on that happening or, at least, so soon, but after the government shutdown happened in 2013 because of disagreement over healthcare, I became so frustrated with the system that I decided to do something about it, and run for office against someone who was the incumbent that I believed defined the problem in Washington.

Nick Troiano: [00:02:54] So, I just finished my graduate studies at the time, actually, in the fall of 2013 and decided to launch a campaign. And I was 24 at the time. You had to be 25 to serve in office. But by the end of the campaign, I would have been that, and somehow convinced four other people to live and work out of a headquarters together in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. And we bootstrapped a congressional campaign trying to do something radically different in our politics by running outside the two-party system and giving people a new option.

Andy Molinsky: [00:03:27] Wow, cool. So, maybe we'll come back to that. But then, let's rewind a bit further so. So, you said you finished grad school in 2013. What year did you finish college?

Nick Troiano: [00:03:35] I finished my undergrad in 2011.

Andy Molinsky: [00:03:38] 2011. Where was that?

Nick Troiano: [00:03:40] That was at Georgetown University, and I studied American Government.

Andy Molinsky: [00:03:44] Wow, okay. So, you got Georgetown in DC, studying Government. I think I'm seeing a picture emerging here. So, tell us about college. So, actually, tell us about like senior year college. It's a time when people are trying to figure out what the next steps might be or maybe worried about what the next steps could be. Where were you there? Sort of bring us back there. Tell us a bit about your feelings, your thoughts, your concerns, your decision making, whatever it might be.

Nick Troiano: [00:04:14] Sure. Well, since I had gotten to DC just for my undergraduate to study Politics, I went there to do that because in high school, I participated in a civics program called Boise State, the American Legion Runs and became just very interested in the political world but, also, in public service. And so, that's what motivated me to go and study it. And I had always, throughout school, just followed my passion. I was an activist around issues that I cared about, whether that was political reform, or the federal budget, and debt and deficit.

Nick Troiano: [00:04:47] And so, when I was preparing to graduate, my school offered a fifth-year, sort of, master's program that decided to stick around for but was very involved off campus in DC with organizations, with efforts that I was starting and running, on issues that I really cared about. And so, the question in my mind was, "How do I find a way to get paid to do the work that I love around the issues that I really care about?" And I've been quite fortunate to find a way to do that.

Andy Molinsky: [00:05:22] So, I imagine that's not so easy though because there are probably a lot of people out there who have issues that they care about who are around your age, and maybe the way that they do it is they sign a petition, or they vote, or they go to a couple of meetings. And then, other stuff gets in the way. But it sounds like you really forged the path forward here and started something. Tell us about that, yeah.

Nick Troiano: [00:05:45] Yeah. I would say I took sort of like a non-traditional path. In my case, just to give a very specific example, I mentioned debt and deficit issues. The national debt was the issue that I cared most about when I was in college. And I got a group of student body presidents together that wrote a letter to the President and Congress expressing sort of desires in the next generation for them to be able to work together to deal with this large and long-term problem.

Nick Troiano: [00:06:10] That grew into an effort that was more sustainable in nature in the form of an organization called The Can Kicks Back. And when we started to make a lot of progress and got some attention for the work that we were doing, a larger organization noticed, who cares a lot about the same issues, and they decided to help incubate our projects, so that myself and my co-founder would have some resources and runway to try and build our own organization just focused on the millennial demographic that would be partnered with them.

Nick Troiano: [00:06:41] And so, that was a professional bridge to me of being a volunteer activist to, actually, starting an organization, and then finding a job as leading that organization because we had an idea, we worked hard at it, we got some attention for it, and then took advantage of opportunities that came our way to sort of formalize it in a way that, actually, allowed for me to find work that way.

Andy Molinsky: [00:07:06] Did you ever feel outside your comfort zone in any of this? I imagine you sort of very quickly described all these steps that you took, and that we started this and so on. I have to imagine that -- I mean, you weren't that old. Were you ever feeling outside your comfort zone?

Nick Troiano: [00:07:23] Yeah, absolutely. I think there is no clear path that you're following. No one's giving you instructions of do one, then two, then three. And so, it's uncertain. It's a little bit scary. But I sort of identify myself as a civic entrepreneur. And like any entrepreneur, you look to create opportunities where there are needs out there. And that's also the exciting part to me is because that allows you to be very creative in the kind of work that you can do and, also, to find a way to make a living doing it. So, I was definitely outside my comfort zone, but that is what motivates me a lot is being in that zone of not knowing exactly what to do or where to go, and you kind of have to figure it out for yourself.

Andy Molinsky: [00:08:15] So, it motivates you instead of -- I imagine, for some people, it terrifies them.

Nick Troiano: [00:08:20] Yes. I think that might be the case. I would also say that, at the same time, my parents are asking me, "When are you go to apply for 'real job?'" And there's some pressures to conform and to take a more traditional path. Although I should say, they, of course, are very supportive of me, but I always knew too, I was fortunate to have a support network, including my family. Should that not work out for me, I would have a bit of a safety net to figure out, "Okay, now, what do I do?" I realize that not everyone shares that same situation.

Andy Molinsky: [00:08:58] So, what misconceptions do you think college students have about leaving college and entering the real world? You've done it. And you, I imagine, have friends and colleagues. You see it around you.

Nick Troiano: [00:09:11] Yeah. I would say that one misconception is that the world is a meritocracy. If you work really hard and the best in what you do, it's going to work out for you. And I think one of the most important -- well, that's very important.

Nick Troiano: [00:09:27] I think one of the lessons that I've learned is that a lot of development and success professionally is relational. Being able to invest in relationships, not only when you have a job, with your co-workers, with your management, et cetera, but also just from a networking perspective. Like whatever field or industry you want to go into, to be able to get to know people, even outside of the company that you work for, because you just never know how those individuals, you can contribute to them, they can contribute to you over the course of a long period of time.

Nick Troiano: [00:10:01] Because I've picked a path in an industry that I really care about political reform, I'm still working with people that I've got to know as a college sophomore and junior that run organizations that I used to intern for it and, now, are colleagues of mine as fellow executive directors. So, I think, investing in relationships matters a lot, especially because the world isn't fair. And I think that so much of success and advancement has to do with strong interpersonal relationships at your job and otherwise.

Andy Molinsky: [00:10:38] So, I fully agree. And I think that's great advice. I know when I mentioned things like that to students, they say, "What do you mean? Like I get the abstract concept of investing in relationships, but how do you actually do that?" Can you give us some insights or tips into that? I mean, one of it, obviously, is the fact to stay in touch with people you went to college with.

Nick Troiano: [00:11:01] Yeah, exactly. But one is you have to put yourself out there. And so, you have to create opportunities for yourself to build your network. So, that's going to events, and going to conferences, going to things that may not seem directly relevant to you right now, just to be able to expand your network. And then, for the people who you really enjoy, or you admire, to spend time with them.

Nick Troiano: [00:11:30] There is many people in my life who did work that I admired, that I just went out of my way to introduce myself, and to tell them I appreciate the work that they did, and I would ask them to coffee, and it became sort of a regular check in. And what I'm not suggesting is like look at this necessarily in the short-term transactional in terms of, "What can they do for me?" but to have people who can help guide you because it won't seem evident now, but down the road, it'll surprise you how many different paths you'll cross with people that you met much earlier on in life and how that can be beneficial.

Andy Molinsky: [00:12:11] So, when you look back at college, in addition to the relationships, was there anything concrete? I mean you majored in Politics, went to Georgetown, did a grad degree in Politics, essentially. So, what translated? What didn't translate from college to what you do now?

Nick Troiano: [00:12:28] Yeah. I would say that what didn't translate with any of the textbook lessons, especially when it comes to Politics, I mean, I think having a good historical understanding and context is important. But the work that I do day to day, these weren't part of lesson plans that I got. So much of I found my professional assets have been knowing how to work with other people, knowing how to manage people, knowing how to create opportunities and attract investors or to recruit staff members.

Nick Troiano: [00:13:02] So, it's a lot of, I guess, through "soft skills, interpersonal, emotional intelligence." Like that whole realm is really important. I think the best way to build those skills is through involvement, especially in extracurricular activities, what clubs and activities you're doing at school. It has to do with internships that you can take on or off-campus. And then, other organizations that you can get involved with or volunteer on. So, I think, those opportunities, and activities, and involvements that I had were the most valuable experiences from college for me.

Andy Molinsky: [00:13:41] So, speaking of college, we have a question from a student. So, let's hear the question and see what we think, see what we have to say about it. Here we go.

Alyssa: [00:13:51] Hi. My name is Alyssa. And I study International [Studies] in Boston. I was wondering what your biggest difficulty was entering the workforce with a bachelor's degree?

Andy Molinsky: [00:13:59] Ha, but you didn't.

Nick Troiano: [00:14:02] I almost did. I would say the most difficult part of entering the workforce with a bachelor's degree -- was that the question?

Andy Molinsky: [00:14:10] Yeah, exactly. I was thinking myself, "Ha, you actually didn't."

Nick Troiano: [00:14:14] I think the most difficult part of entering the workforce with a bachelor's degree or master's degree in my view has been on the student loan side, to be honest with you. You're carrying a burden, or a lot of people are to varying degrees, of your student debt. And so, that factors into what kind of job you can take, and how soon you need a job, and all of the things related to just being secure financially. And that's why I think it's important to give full consideration of that early on in your career, where you go to school, and then, of course, when you might consider any form of higher education as well.

Andy Molinsky: [00:14:53] So, you did an -- I just want to follow up also on her question. You see, you did the one-year master's. Those seem to be super popular. I know at Brandeis, where I teach International Business School, we offer many one-year master's programs. They're very popular. I know other schools do too. It seems to be a trend. Do you see sort of a bump or bonus for that one year extra because it sounds like you did that?

Andy Molinsky: [00:15:17] I think, right now, given how competitive the job market is, and I think this varies industry to industry, having any kind of edge coming out of school, especially while one's resumé would be quite short on professional experience, it could be important. And so, I think that's something that folks ought to consider, especially because it is one year. You save some time, and you save some money. You could give yourself an edge in the interview process. And I also looked at it from the perspective of, "I'm here, I can do it now, I'm fresh with being a student. I might never go back to this point again." And so, I just took advantage of the opportunity while I had it.

Andy Molinsky: [00:16:01] So, we're kind of nearing the end of our chat, and I've got some kind of, I guess, I'd call them quick tips questions. Let's see what you think. The first one is -- I actually really like this question because I learned a lot here. Not that I don't learn a lot everywhere but here especially. Can you share with us a productivity tip?

Nick Troiano: [00:16:18] My productivity tip is I'm obsessed with to-do lists. And so, I use a program called Trello to help me organize my list. So, that's a bit of an online tool that people can look up and use. I think, it's also really important of how you structure your day. Meaning that I do most of my good thinking and writing in the first half of the day, especially the early morning. And then, by the time the afternoon slumps come along, I try and focus on -- that's a good time to have meetings or phone calls where you can be more stimulated. And so, managing time to align with how you work at different parts the day is, also, I think really important.

Andy Molinsky: [00:16:55] Interesting. I was just reflecting on what time we're recording this. I guess, this is an illustration of your tactic. How about a piece of advice that someone gave you earlier in your career? Well, the questions is a piece of advice that you didn't take but wish you had, but if you don't have something like that, just even some early career advice.

Nick Troiano: [00:17:18] Advice that I got that I wish I'd taken, especially for students who are listening to it is you really only go -- you have an opportunity to be mostly a full-time student once in your life. And so, be a student, and learn as much as you can, and really just cherish the opportunity to soak up as much information as you can, and don't feel so pressured of all of what's going to happen after school, or just focus on how to maximize minimum work for the maximum grade. I think so many get caught up in that, sort of, rat race that you lose the opportunity to take advantage of the education that you're getting. And so, if I had to do something over again, I'd probably focus on that bit of advice.

Andy Molinsky: [00:18:02] That's a really good point. How about mentoring? What do you think makes for a good mentor? Have you had some good mentors? Have you been a mentor? Say a bit about that.

Nick Troiano: [00:18:15] Yeah. I'd have to say that I wouldn't be anywhere near where I'm at today or doing what I'm doing but for two mentors in my life. One was Doug Bailey. The other is a guy named Jake Brewer. Both have passed on. And so, I feel incredibly fortunate for the time that I had with both of them because mentors see something in you that you don't necessarily see in yourself quite yet, and great mentors can help develop that potential.

Nick Troiano: [00:18:41] And that could be just giving time to answer questions, to do brainstorming, just to be there when you need someone to talk to. And so, they inspired me from a professional standpoint but, also, helped develop me from a personal standpoint. And that's why though I keep a busy schedule, whenever anyone, a stranger or someone I know, reaches out for time to have a conversation about their own path in life, I'll make it because I think it's a way of giving back to the people who gave a lot to me.

Andy Molinsky: [00:19:16] That's really interesting. If-

Nick Troiano: [00:19:17] Another way, if I just can add to that, like speak out.

Andy Molinsky: [00:19:19] Yeah.

Nick Troiano: [00:19:20] I think so many people find such great satisfaction in being mentors, especially for young people and college students. And so, seek them out. Who are the people whose work and lives you admire? And ask them for their time for a conversation or for coffee because I think you'd be pleasantly surprised the amount of people who would be willing to give time to that kind of thing.

Andy Molinsky: [00:19:44] I agree with that. I fully agree with that. And I think that college students don't do that enough, and I can see why. Because it's kind of intimidating, it's an imposition, and so on. But-

Nick Troiano: [00:19:56] Yeah, and which means that hardly anyone does it. And so, when it does happen, people are like, "Whoa, this is someone special I should really get to know and make time for." So, realize that if you do it, you're already like heads and shoulders among your peers in taking advantage of a lot of opportunities the world offers, especially in such an age where you can literally get in direct contact with basically anyone you want.

Andy Molinsky: [00:20:20] Right. I think you're totally right. So, the last question is if you can rewind, you can place yourself back in time as the sort of 20-year-old version of yourself, let's say you're a senior in college, or whatever year you were at that time in your life, is there any advice that the you of today would give to the you of back then?

Nick Troiano: [00:20:46] Thinking about this, I think my advice is invest in continued growth and development of yourself. It's not the case where you graduate from school and all done. You poured with knowledge in your head, whatever you could, and, now, you're the same person you're going to be 10 years from now. Like, I would look out for opportunities for how do you continue to learn, how do you continue to build your skills, and to be introspective, and set some goals, and reflect on it every year, every six months, so that you're continuing to grow. If you want to be successful and really achieve something great in whatever industry you're interested in, I think it takes that kind of consistent growth mindset to do so.

Andy Molinsky: [00:21:35] This has been great. I mean just really boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. It's just like one awesome nugget after another. I really appreciate the time you took. Is there a way that anyone listening can find out more about you or your organization?

Nick Troiano: [00:21:50] Yeah. So, Unite America is at uniteamerica.org. My own website is at nicktroiano.com. And my email is just nick@uniteamerica.org.

Andy Molinsky: [00:21:58] And how do you spell Troiano for folks?

Nick Troiano: [00:22:02] It's T-R-O-I-A-N-O.

Andy Molinsky: [00:22:02] Okay. And we'll have that in the show notes as well. So, Nick, thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

Nick Troiano: [00:22:11] Appreciate it as well. And good to be with you.

Andy Molinsky: [00:22:13] Great. Thanks.

Nick Troiano: [00:22:14] All right. Take care.

Andy Molinsky: [00:22:16] Thank you for listening to From the Dorm Room to the Board Room. If you're interested in learning more about the work that I do in helping people step outside their comfort zones and transition successfully into the professional world, please visit my website, www.andymolinsky.com. That's A-N-D-Y-M-O-L-I-N-S-K-Y dot com. And, also, feel free to email me directly at andy@andymolinsky.com with any feedback or ideas for guests for feature podcasts.

Andy Molinsky: [00:22:47] This podcast is brought to you by Brandeis University's International Business School. By teaching rigorous business, finance, and economics, connecting students to best practices and immersing them in international experiences, Brandeis International Business School prepares exceptional individuals from around the globe to become principled professionals in companies and public institutions worldwide. Thank you so much for listening.