This new series will feature career advice from IPR ELEVATE Members. IPR ELEVATE is a diverse and select membership community of high-performing innovators and catalysts for growth, change, and advancement who support the mission and insights-focused work of IPR.

Damion Waymer, a native of Orangeburg, SC, is the Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Prior to this appointment, he held varied administrative roles including the Senior Associate Dean of the College of Communication & Information Sciences as well as the as Department Chair of Advertising & Public Relations at The University of Alabama. 

Waymer is a scholar and administrator who is committed to access, advancement, and faculty development. Waymer led aggressive faculty recruitment and retention initiatives in his role as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Development & Diversity at the University of Cincinnati. He spearheaded new faculty development opportunities, and he created annual university-level awards such as the Provost Exemplary Department Award where top departments were recognized for their excellence in a pre-determined area. Additionally, while at the University of Cincinnati, he managed signature faculty recruitment and retention initiatives such as the Dual Career Assistance program—a program designed to help the partners of recruited faculty members find employment within and outside of the University; the Strategic Hiring Opportunity Program—a program designed to purposefully increase the gender and racial and ethnic diversity of the University’s faculty; and the Cluster Hiring Initiative—a cross-disciplinary faculty recruitment initiative designed to harness the power of faculty members in targeted areas in an attempt to help solve the world’s biggest challenges through leading-edge research and interdisciplinary collaborations. In sum, Waymer successfully led these initiatives, with an annual budget of approximately $7 million.  

Waymer is a seasoned communication researcher and practitioner who has conducted, for nearly two decades, high quality, internationally respected research in the contexts of public relations, crisis communication, corporate social responsibility (CSR), branding, and strategic communication. He earned his BA degree in Corporate Communication from the College of Charleston and MA and Ph.D. degrees from the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University. Waymer has held faculty appointments at leading research institutions such as Virginia Tech, University of Cincinnati, and Texas A&M University. He and his family currently reside in Columbia, SC.  

What are your top 5 tips for achieving success?

1. Most importantly, clearly envision what success would like for you. Some people will try to impose their views of success on you—that is “you should strive to be a CCO, VP of Communications, or a company president” because that is what they have been told or what they believe success is. Success might mean starting a media literacy non-profit K-12 students designed to combat misinformation and disinformation. Success could mean being the best parent and partner you can be and “work” is a means for you to achieve success in another arena. Clearly envision what success would look like for you. This vision can change over time, but that’s your choice, and yours alone.
2. Once you have envisioned what success looks like for you, then you chart a path (success is a journey metaphor) with measurable objectives and milestone markers.
3. Remember that the path to success is not linear. There likely will be detours and obstacles. But you need to have a path and a plan. Don’t be discouraged when you stumble, hit pitfalls, or temporarily fail. Learn and grow from these. Embrace them. It’s all a part of your journey to success.
4.  Despite prevailing beliefs in the U.S. that you can do it all on your own, it’s folly. Seek out high quality mentorship and allies to support you on your trek. Mentors can serves as Sherpas or advocates. Having someone who has been where you are going to vouch for you and help you navigate the terrain is invaluable. Having allies to commiserate with you and your struggles can minimize your stress and will help you stay centered.
5.  Don’t forget that we are social beings and not meant to be alone. Success is sweeter when you invest in the success of others. Pay it forward and help others achieve their personal successes

What is the most helpful piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Conflict is unavoidable in all life contexts (work, familial life, etc.), but it can be managed better if all parties engage in empathic listening.

When you started in the industry, what steps did you take (or what things did you do) to be successful?

“I Am Because We Are”: The African Philosophy of Ubuntu. Although I was unfamiliar with the African philosophy of Ubuntu at the time, the first step I took was to recognize that success is a community accomplishment—although we often believe it to be an individual one in Western societies. I actively sought out help when doors were shut in my face. And I know that owe my success to my family, my mentors, my network. My accomplishments are their accomplishments. I hope others also will follow this lead on their personal success journeys.