Build the Table

By: Jarod O’Brian

July 19, 2025

During a text conversation, a friend asked me a question that sparked a battery in my back. Although the question was only two words, it always gets me going. For those wondering it was simply... What’s next? 

By now, most of you who are connected to me (whether personally or through social media) know that I have completed my M.A. in Public Relations. Yes, earning my degree in this field was a huge milestone, and it was celebrated accordingly. However, the confetti dropped, and the “clean-up crew” did what needed to be done. It’s time to refocus because I am building a dynasty.

With this said, the public relations (PR) field is very similar to sports. It is a competitive field that emphasizes survival of the fittest. If you desire to not only work in this arena but thrive in it, you must have a clear goal to cling to.

My goal is to win championships – plural. I must reverse engineer and accurately define the championship terms. From my perspective, a championship would be delivering campaigns that generate a 30% profit increase to businesses. This number represents a tangible and positive impact of my value added within partnerships.

Secondly, I need to dominate games consecutively. Regarding PR, “games” are event activations, board presentations, strategy sessions, and network events. If I do not win these games, there is no way I can contend for a championship.

Thirdly, which should be first, I must sharpen my pro skills. Or, like the great Allen Iverson said, … “Practice?! [We’re] talking about practice!” Because when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.

Quiet is kept – If you don’t train during the off-season, you’ll experience an “off” season. But when you’re as driven as I am, you can’t afford to be off.

I can’t help but think – I’d rather build my own table vs. sit at one that doesn’t have space for me to eat. Too many moments have left me feeling overlooked, underutilized, unseen, misunderstood, misinterpreted, incomplete, and empty. Various encounters have fostered a false hope that someone wants to partner for a greater cause. Unfortunately, I’ve realized that some people never intended to share a meal; they only wanted table service.

But here’s the thing about coming to such a bold realization… these unappetizing events have only intensified my hunger. After all, how could I not be hungry after seeing the available options on the menu (e.g., healthy partnerships, strong business relationships, lucrative deals, flexible schedules, and more)?!

If no one tells you the magic of building the table, YOUR table, allow me to be the first. The table is what holds it altogether. The table represents the foundation for ideas to flourish. But before you start building, you must ask these questions:

How big is the table? Is there room for company? Which material is the table made of?
Is this table a centerpiece where like-minded people gather, or does it fold like a lawn chair? Will the table be a necessary appliance or just a nice decoration?

Now that you’ve answered the previous questions, it’s time to start building! Build intentionally. Congregate. Fellowship. Strategize. Exchange all the ideas and free-flowing content that could only happen when a team becomes family. Because what people don’t tell you is that the real impact starts from ground zero. It’s one thing to speak to strangers about the pains of creating a legacy, but it’s a different bond to share with those who have collected splinters while helping you fulfill your purpose.

When you see me, understand that my table was built for collective advancement. So before you pull up a seat, ask yourself, what is your contribution?