Grant, 70
Creative, driven, reliable
“ It’s okay to occasionally take your foot off the gas. In my younger days, I was a chronic overachiever and as a result, was wound a little tight. Like many people in the entertainment business, if you didn’t constantly reach for greater heights, you’d be left behind. However, that came with a price.
In retrospect, I wish that back then I had the perspective I do today but that comes with age.”
✨ Twinsight: Grant’s perspective on the youth obsessed world of advertising is spot on. He talks candidly about “aging out” of the industry and his realization he needed to reinvent himself. While it initially appeared as a potential setback, it proved to be a positive moment in his life. Leveraging his finely tuned writing abilities, Grant successfully authored two novels and is currently working on a third, showing us that you can always contribute by taking a chance and embracing new opportunities. AND, by the way, he has twin daughters. How great is that!
I find your story and your movement inspirational. As I commented on LinkedIn, I spent 40+ years in television - first as a studio executive and then 28 years as a writer/producer/showrunner. Eventually, around age 65, I simply realized that I'd "aged out." Studios and networks wanted younger, hipper writers and show runners who had a better grasp on what would appeal to their audiences. It didn't matter that most of this new generation lacked the experience to run a show. I gracefully accepted reality and turned my creativity to writing novels. My second was recently published and at age 70, I'm in the midst of number three. AND, it's so much more gratifying.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I’m seventy, which sounds old, even now. Fortunately, I’m in good health and don’t feel the onus of being in my seventh decade. I’m not as physically active as I used to be, but at the same time, I’m much more content to fill my days with things that don’t require a tremendous amount of bodily stress; writing, cooking and playing the guitar. Many years ago I stopped counting the years and simply enjoyed my days to the fullest.
Three words that describe you.
A: Creative. Driven. Reliable.
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: That it’s okay to occasionally take your foot off the gas. In my younger days, I was a chronic overachiever and as a result, was wound a little tight. Like many people in the entertainment business, if you didn’t constantly reach for greater heights, you’d be left behind. However, that came with a price. In retrospect, I wish that back then I had the perspective I do today but that comes with age.
What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: The worst part is facing the reality of the inevitable. Making wills, discussing distribution of possessions, chatting with my wife and children about funeral arrangements...all those things bring into focus that I'm well into the downside of life. While I don't spend time dwelling on that, it's depressing to know that I only have so much more time to enjoy the bounty that I have.
The best part for me is constantly finding new, unexpected joys. I have a deeper appreciation for things that in the past I took for granted. For example, sunrises give me great pleasure, as does discovering new musical artists, tasting new foods and wines, and making new friends. Also, as a result of my books, I've reconnected with people from my distant past, which is wonderful.
Grant with his family and at work on set.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: I had a long and successful career as a television showrunner for almost thirty years, but when I hit my mid-60s, it became apparent that I was “aging out.” Production companies and networks were looking for younger writer/producers who, in their opinion, were more in touch with the viewing audience. As a result, I became marginalized and missed out on the opportunity to even take meetings on many shows on which I could have made both creative and production contributions. The fact was most of the younger people they were hiring lacked the maturity and experience to effectively executive produce a series. While I loved the job, and still miss hands-on production, the day-to-day grind is extremely taxing, both mentally and physically. I have no qualms about leaving that behind and channeling my creativity into writing novels.
What’s your message to the world?
A: I’m very concerned about the extensive damage we’re doing to our environment, and as a result, what we’re leaving behind for future generations. We need to be more aware and more caring about how our unbridled consumption is affecting the world. So…my message would be that we should be more proactive and not simply turn a blind eye to the state of the planet.
Do you have any regrets?
A: I’ve had challenges, both professionally and personally (who hasn’t?) but very few regrets. My biggest regret is that my job took me out of the country for months at a time (year after year), and as a result, I missed many special moments with my three daughters. While I made a point to fly home for specific father/daughter occasions, I wasn’t there for everyday interaction, which is something you can never get back.
Professionally, my challenges were driven by the fact that I chose to work as a freelance writer/producer, which meant I was constantly looking for my next job. I was fortunate that I was rarely out of work, but those times in between gigs was always stressful.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: Five years ago, I transitioned from producing television series to writing novels and am currently wrapping up the third book in a mystery-suspense trilogy. After that, I plan to complete a half-finished science-fiction novel as well as publish my cookbook. My wife and I built our “forever home” amidst the pine trees of Central Oregon and each year our surroundings only get more beautiful and inspirational.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: I love it when a stranger seeks me out to tell me that they’ve read and enjoyed my novels. When you write for television, you have no interaction with, or feedback from, your audience. I also get great satisfaction from cooking for appreciative friends and family.
Learn more about Grant on LinkedIn and his website