My Biggest Lesson: Rick Pantas
Formerly the SEO Director at StudioHawk, Pantas is instrumental in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with companies that will not only drive growth but also propel Megantic toward achieving its ambitious goals. He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Megantic team as I have always admired and respected the company’s approach to SEO. In the current landscape, which is experiencing unprecedented levels of online shopping, there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the eCommerce industry. As Megantic's Strategic Partnerships Manager, he looks forward to aiding in Megantic’s continued success whilst partnering with companies that share our aspiration for providing the best level of service and performance possible.
LBB> Is there one event/piece of wisdom from your career that's always stayed with you? What is it?
Rick> “You never know what you can learn from someone.” This is an incredibly simple piece of advice, but it is one that I think about every day. I’m a big believer that what keeps you at the top of your game in any profession is the desire and willingness to learn and grow.
LBB> Set the scene! How old were you when you learned this insight, where were you working, how long had you been there, what year was it, what was your role and how were you feeling generally about your career at this point?
Rick> I learnt this piece of advice when I was around 20 years old. Like many in our 20s, I was still learning who I was as a person and figuring out how I wanted to show up as that person professionally.
At that time, in particular, I was still in university and working part-time at a car dealership. This was a great introduction to the workforce as car dealerships are a very unique workplace with an incredibly diverse set of skills and knowledge all under one roof. For me, it was the first time that I got to see, in person, how important it is to be a strong communicator, regardless of occupation and title.
LBB> If you got some words on wisdom from a particular person or there’s a key, influential person in this story – tell us about them! What was your relationship to them, what were they like, how did you feel about them?
Rick> I learnt this piece of advice through conversations with my Dad. My father has had a wide and diverse career, and I always admired his ability to connect and communicate with people. His words were simple but impactful: “No matter their background, experience or education, anyone can have something to offer and teach you.”
LBB>Why do you think it struck such a chord?
Rick> It struck a chord with me because when I thought about it in reverse, I realised that I also hoped people wouldn’t underestimate my knowledge when I speak to them – and it would be hypocritical and dangerous for me to do the same. At the same time, words like this promote positive thinking and open up the mind to new growth opportunities.
LBB> How did it change you as a person and in your career?
Rick> It definitely made me much more open-minded, both personally and professionally. I find that I now jump to fewer assumptions (oftentimes, incorrect) about individuals and situations.
LBB> And as you’ve progressed in your career, how have you re-evaluated this piece of advice?
Rick> As my career has progressed, I’ve constantly come back to this piece of advice and now apply this same approach to all aspects of my work. From client communications to investigation of commercial opportunities, I view each interaction as an opportunity to learn something. Whether it is life-changing or a small life hack, I now try to find the positive in every moment.
LBB> Is this insight or piece of advice something you now share with other – if so, how do they respond to it?
Rick> I share this piece of advice as much as I can if it will help someone. Thanks to its simplicity, this advice often resonates with people very quickly. It serves as a gentle reminder that you never know what you could teach someone else.
