From Corporate America to Creative Chaos: A Multipotentialite's Journey

In a world that often expects us to specialize in one area, there are individuals who defy this notion and embrace the beauty of being a multipotentialite. Meet Joel Zaslofsky, a former corporate professional who decided to embark on a journey that celebrates his diverse interests and talents. In this episode of The Generalist Thinkbox, Joel shares his experiences, challenges, and insights as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of a multipotentialite's life.

Quick Bio

Joel Zaslofsky is a man passionate about bringing people together. He believes in the power of community and strives to create connections in his daily life. Alongside his mission to unite others, Joel nerds out about quantum biology and spreadsheets, as he finds joy in organizing information and making an impact through his analytical approach.

Joel actively participates in various online and offline groups and communities, ensuring his voice is heard and spreadsheets are utilized. While there is much more to discover about Joel, these glimpses into his life hint at a complex and intriguing individual.

He’s, among many other things, the Connections and Operations Guy at Puttyverse, an online community for multipotentialtes by Emilie Wapnick (author, speaker..etc).

Joel's Personal Journey:

Having worked in corporate America for a decade, Joel found himself unable to pick a specific focus, struggling to "niche down" as societal norms dictated.

When his attempts to simplify and specialize in organizing, simplifying business operations, and personal finance didn't lead to the success he desired, Joel made a pivotal decision to focus on himself rather than on a specific brand for his business. Now operating under his own name, joelzaslofskyi.com, he admits to failing at niching down but finding more opportunities by refusing to choose. "I've come to realize that the world needs more people who can bring different perspectives together," Joel shares.

Bringing People Together

An overarching theme in Joel's journey is his commitment to bringing people together. Through various initiatives such as the Offers and Needs Market, the Puttyverse community, a podcast…etc, Joel exemplifies the power of connection and collaboration.

By aligning everything he does under the umbrella of "bringing people together," Joel has created a cohesive and impactful approach to his work. He states, "I want my work and my life to fall under that theme of bringing people together."

An overarching theme in Joel’s journey is his commitment to bringing people together. By aligning everything he does under this umbrella, Joel has created a cohesive and impactful approach to his work. Through various initiatives such as the Offers and Needs Market, the Puttyverse community, a podcast..etc, he exemplifies the power of connection and collaboration.

The Multipotentialite’s  Path to Joy and Energy

Authenticity and alignment with what brings joy and energy are crucial elements for both work and life as a multipotentialite. Joel, a self-proclaimed massive extrovert who loves being with people and draws energy from it, emphasizes the importance of finding what gives you energy and integrating it into your life.

Joel acknowledges that imposter syndrome may plague many multipotentialites, but he has managed to overcome it. He encourages taking risks and not worrying about what others think, reminding us that failure is possible but still worth it. He shares a thought-provoking question from a friend that has stayed with him: "What if I've been preparing for this moment my whole life?" This mindset can alleviate doubts and inspire confidence in one's unique journey.

Navigating Overwhelm and Scatteredness: The Multipotentialite’s Dilemma

Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, Joel advocates for a unique integration of different facets of life and tasks. Rather than doing things sequentially, he believes in doing them simultaneously to reduce overwhelm.

He exemplifies this approach by seamlessly integrating his roles as a father and a community animator. The key lies in finding harmony by embracing all aspects of life.

Challenging Misconceptions about Multipotentialites

Throughout the conversation, Joel challenges several misconceptions about multipotentialites. Often misunderstood by others, these individuals are neurodivergent, highly sensitive, and incredibly curious. However, they are not always unfocused or unable to excel in their pursuits.

While it is true that multipotentialites may face social challenges and constant justification of their choices, Joel emphasizes that this diversity of interests and pursuits has been the norm throughout human history. It is only in recent centuries that society has favored specialists. Now, the world is recognizing the value of multipotentialites and their ability to see beyond traditional boundaries.

Joel's story is a powerful reminder that being interested in multiple things requires the courage to defy societal expectations and embrace oneself fully. As he reflects on the struggles he faced, Joel acknowledges that many people grapple with their identity as generalists or multipotentialites because they have been told that there is something inherently wrong with them.

"Accepting and embracing who we are is crucial in finding meaning and purpose in our experiences," Joel affirms. The aim of this conversation is to help generalists and multipotentialites alike discover that they can find fulfillment by being true to themselves.

Thriving in a Changing World

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Joel discusses the promising opportunities that lie ahead for generalists and multipotentialites in the face of rapidly advancing technologies such as AI. These advancements can compensate for any lacking skills and open doors to new possibilities.

Credentials such as academic degrees or professional certifications are becoming less important in a world that values the ability to get the job done effectively. As Joel highlights, "Humanity needs more people who can connect the dots and see common solutions across different disciplines, industries, and challenges." Multipotentialites, with their diverse skills and interests, are uniquely positioned to solve big problems and act as bridges between different areas.

Cultivating Curiosity and Fascination

Curiosity is a fundamental trait for all humans, and multipotentialites tend to possess an even deeper well of curiosity. This deep fascination and capacity to be easily amused drive multipotentialites to constantly seek out new learning opportunities.

Being comfortable with being bad at something and maintaining a beginner's mindset is common among multipotentialites. They are willing to endure periods of being terrible at a skill because they find it fun or believe it will be worth it in the long run. Embracing the creative chaos of constant exploration and growth is an integral part of their journey.

Conclusion

Joel's journey from corporate America to creative chaos showcases the immense value and impact multipotentialites can have in a world hungry for diverse perspectives and problem-solving.

As the world becomes less concerned with certifications and backgrounds, it is the multipotentialites who stand poised to create meaningful change. Let us all be inspired by Joel's story and embark on our own journeys of self-acceptance.

If you liked this article, please spread the word and let me know what you think!

For more content on generalists, subscribe to the Generalist Thinkbox newsletter!