Brett McKay

Founder, Art of Manliness

10/17/16

Favorite Quote:

“Be useful, not important.”

What are your core values?

“Faith, Family, Integrity.”

How do you define “value”?

“If we’re talking in terms of “value” to other people, I think it means being of service or improving the life of someone else. If you’re trying to be useful to others, you’re providing value to others.”

What separates you from others in your field?

“AoM takes pride in the thoroughness of our content. We spend hours, sometimes months researching a topic before we start writing. We want to make sure that the content we produce is as useful as it can be, so we leave no rock unturned.”

When was the last time you were down and out and how did you overcome it?

“I’ve battled the black dog of depression my adult life. I’ve had a few really, really low moments, with smatterings of short bouts of Eyore-ness since I was 18. How people manage their low points is going to differ depending on the person. What helps me is forgetting myself and getting to work. Works every time. For more advice on how to overcome low points or manage depression, check out this article I wrote last year: Managing Depression.”

What advice would you give someone trying to provide value in their job, profession, or field?

“I’m going to say it again. Be Useful. Figure out how you can help solve someone’s problem or lighten their burden. Second, be professional! Hit your deadlines, follow-up, return phone calls. That stuff can easily set you apart in any field.”

What motivates you?

“Being of service to others. If some guy improves his life from the content that we produce on AoM, then I’ve succeeded. My family motivates me too. I want to be the best I can be for them. I want to live my life in a way that provides an example to my children. I want my kids to be proud of their dad.”