Lessons from the Mac 'Bomb' Icon: Reboot Required
I'll never forget my first day as a freelance designer at Showtime Networks in 1993. I had loaded too many fonts of “questionable” origin and got the dreaded Mac “Bomb” icon. Only this time the system would not restart. Total System failure and totally my fault. I got through that day by the skin of my teeth and a really terrible logo design.
In connecting with many of you over the past year who are at a growth point—whether it’s moving your agency in a new direction, network teams doing more with less, or creative leaders looking for the next opportunity—one common thread is evident. We have all experienced our own 'bomb' icons, and they go beyond being simple error messages. They become metaphors for moments in our lives where our personal and professional 'systems' fail.
Client opportunities dry up, contracts end abruptly, and yes, sometimes we find ourselves unexpectedly out of a job. These moments, like that Bomb, can feel like catastrophic failures but I suggest an alternate path. They present a unique opportunity to reassess, recalibrate, and restart stronger than ever.
Some of the most powerful stories I’ve heard in the last year are from those of you who have done the reboot. You’ve jumped headfirst into AI and opened your own consultancies, you've pivoted your agencies into live marketing, or you’ve partnered with tech companies and are building the next marketing technology platform. You have identified your personal value proposition and have continually leveraged and reinforced it in everything you do.
Looking to get there too? Try asking yourself these three key questions:
1) The Doorway of Curiosity
What keeps you up late at night? Not because you are worried about it, but because you are excited to dive in, discover, and learn. Where is your passion? Whatever it takes, get yourself into that doorway.
2) The Generalist vs the Specialist
Define your angularity. At some point, transitioning from a jack-of-all-trades to a master of a few is essential. This specialization defines your value and establishes your irreplaceability. Align your curiosity (see point #1) with your superpower—how does your area of interest mesh with your deepest experience? Be honest.
3) Be Authentic: Deliberately and methodically find your true self. Develop a personal brand so strong that clients, bosses, and potential employers know what to expect before you walk in the room. How does this branding reinforce your specialization (point #2) and meet an industry need (point #1)?
For those currently at a professional crossroads or feeling overwhelmed by the rapidly changing landscape, remember: every setback is an opportunity to grow and redefine your path. It’s an invitation to reconsider what truly matters—not just in this moment but in your broader career goals.
Facing a personal or professional reboot is not just about recovery; it’s about discovery.
