#communityovereverything Scott Bedgood

Members of CityCentral come from all corners of the globe and represent a wide range of industries. That's why we cherish the opportunities that present themselves to find out more about them, their work, and how we can best support them throughout their time here! Meet Richardson member, Scott Bedgood, and find out whether he is a coffee or tea person and what inspired him to pursue a career as a writer and editor.

Tell us a little about you and your business.

For my day job I work as the Head of Industry Content for WizeHire, a small business hiring solution. There I oversee a team of contractors who specialize in the industries that WizeHire serves. But I also do a lot of freelance writing for magazines and websites. In addition to all of that I run a newsletter called Trial & Error where I test out different jobs, hobbies, diets, and therapies. Oh, also you can buy my book Lessons from Legends: 12 hall of fame coaches on leadership, life, and leaving a legacy where I interviewed coaches like Steve Spurrier and Barry Switzer.
 

What led you to writing?
I've always been a good writer and loved telling the stories of others. Once I realized I couldn't be a professional athlete (in 7th grade) I started to consider other future careers where I could still get to do things I loved. I got a journalism degree in college and every job I've had since has had something to do with writing.

What sets your writing apart from others?

I think what sets my writing apart from others is my ability to combine humor and self-deprecation with a genuine desire to tell the real story of people. I have an endless curiosity about people and I think everyone has a story to tell. But I never lose sight of the need to entertain people with what I write. I don't ever want to create something boring. I want to entertain and make people laugh without ever making them laugh at someone, unless it's me. Fortunately, I'm pretty easy to laugh at. 
 

What is something you wish you’d known when you were just starting your business?

Find your voice as a writer. It's super challenging and takes a long time and lots of writing. But if your writing isn't unique then no one will remember it. So find what makes you unique and hone that. It's something I'm still learning and working on every day. 
 

How do you navigate your work-life balance?

I don't. Writing/Editing is both my job, my freelance job, and my main hobby. It's extremely challenging to find the time to do it all and I often screw it up. I definitely make sure to spend plenty of time with my wife and son, but I don't spend enough time just relaxing on weeknights. I am getting much better at this, but it's a challenge. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding thing is when people enjoy something I've created. To know that there was once a blank page with nothing on it and that I've written something that entertained someone or made them think or taught them something is extremely rewarding. It's why this career, which can often not be very lucrative, is worth it. 

How has being a part of the CityCentral community affected you and your business?

I need a distraction-free environment to write and having CityCentral to come to for work is great. At the same time I am very social so I need to be able to walk out of the office and talk to people. I've made some great friends here over the last few years and I genuinely enjoy coming into work here. It's the perfect environment for me. 
 

If you had a friend in town, and you could take them to one of your favorite restaurants or spots in your community, where would you take them to?

Resident Taqueria in Lake Highlands in Dallas is my favorite restaurant. The chef/owner Andrew Savoie is so creative and he fosters an amazing neighborhood-oriented environment there. For drinks I would take someone to Tupps Brewery in McKinney.

Coffee or tea? 
Coffee

What book, movie, or tv show have you recently read/seen and why would you recommend it?
I'm really into Reservation Dogs on Hulu/FX. It's not like anything else I've ever seen on TV. It's hilarious but deeply empathetic and moving. Every episode hits you on so many different levels.

What’s something that recently made you smile?
The weather dropping below 110 every day.

We would like to thank Scott for being a part of our Member Spotlight series! Check out his book,  Lessons from Legends: 12 hall of fame coaches on leadership, life, and leaving a legacy and give him a follow on LinkedIn. 

If you are interested in being a part of this series, please email info@citycentral.com