In this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," Robert John Hadfield shares the inspiring story of Marie Manning, who under the pseudonym Beatrice Fairfax, created the first advice column. Hadfield begins by reading a vintage newspaper column by Fairfax, giving a glimpse into the advice given in the early 1900s.
Marie Manning was born in 1872 and faced early hardships with the loss of her parents. After a stint in England, she returned to the United States, where she secured a job at a New York newspaper. Her breakthrough came with an exclusive interview with President Grover Cleveland, leading to a promotion and a significant pay increase.
Manning, along with a few colleagues, initially started a column called "The Hen Coop," focusing on women's issues. However, the turning point came when they received letters seeking advice. Recognizing an opportunity, Manning suggested transforming their column into an advice column, creating the persona of Beatrice Fairfax. This column became incredibly popular, leading to an overwhelming number of letters from readers seeking advice.
Hadfield highlights how Manning's initiative and creativity not only created her own position at the newspaper but also significantly influenced Western culture. The concept of an advice column led to future columns like Ann Landers and Dear Abby, and the format eventually expanded into radio and other media.
Reflecting on Manning’s story, Hadfield emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and creating your own path. He shares a personal anecdote about how a past employee utilized her video editing skills in a new job opportunity, illustrating how one can create value by offering additional skills.
Hadfield concludes by encouraging listeners to not only seek and create opportunities in their professional lives but also to express their feelings and desires openly, both in personal relationships and career aspirations. The story of Marie Manning serves as an inspiration to pursue passions, create opportunities, and communicate openly with those around us.
