I’m the kind of person who thinks of the perfect response the next day. So it goes without saying that ever since I appeared on the #AskGaryVee show, I’m kicking myself for all of the things I wish I had said.

OK, first let’s back up and reveal why I was on Gary’s show. I wish I could say it was because I had a book of my own to promote. I wish it was because I created a new social platform. Heck, I wish it was for any reason other than the fact that I’m a Creative Director at VaynerMedia who was simply walking out of the door to grab lunch.

Two weeks ago, Gary was doing his live Super8 broadcast of his show in the office. If you are an employee of VaynerMedia, chances are you’ve appeared in the background of the #AskGaryVee show at some point. During his Super8 show (which was a live 8-hour broadcast on every live-streaming social platform), if you were walking by the room, it was pretty certain you’d be pulled into his show for a chat. After all, the man had 8 hours of conversation to fill.

Our chat was short. Maybe five minutes. He said “Jen, you’ve worked at several other agencies. What makes VaynerMedia different?” I spoke of the level of trust and responsibility given to junior talent, and the overall fearlessness of every VaynerMedia employee.

Here’s what I wish I had said:

#1 “For starters, I’m having a conversation with my CEO.”

Too many CEOs are unapproachable. Not Gary. Within your first 100 days at the agency, every employee will have a meeting with Gary. Every. Employee.

#2 “The sharing of knowledge is empowering.”

Through his books, articles, and podcasts, Gary aims to set people up for success. As employees of the company, we get his knowledge immediately.
If he’s thinking it, he’s communicating it to us, his team. I’ve been at companies where I read in the press about something leadership said and think “Gee, that would’ve been nice to know.” Now when I read or hear something, I think “Yep, I knew that.”

#3 “There are no business cards.”

With the tremendous growth of the agency, I imagine creating biz cards for every employee would be a full time job. And by the time you put all of your platform usernames on the card, a new platform would emerge. (I’m looking at you, Peach.)

That said, I do miss having a business card. There’s a certain pride in having your name on a company business card. Especially when it’s your first job. How are we expected to win a free sandwich or any kind of raffle?

#4 “The hustle is real.”

There’s a difference between working your ass off because you are trying to keep up with the work, and working your ass off because you are passionate about the work. This place is the latter. We start our day early — earlier than any other agency I’ve worked — and get down to business. At the end of the day, we leave work at work. No emailing late at night for visibility or bonus points. Evenings are for recharging because tomorrow is another day to hustle.

#5 “My twitter and snapchat username is @jenniapolis”

At the end of our chat, Gary gave me the opportunity to put my username out there for all of VaynerNation so see. I declined. I hadn’t tweeted/snapped much lately and wasn’t sure what I had out there, or if I’d be a worthy follow. Pretty stupid move on my part. It’s time I make myself worthy of those who follow me.

My goal for 2016 is to be invited back as a guest on the #AskGaryVee show. Ideally I’ll be asked back because of some sort of amazing and inspiring thing I’ve done, and not for being a lucky employee passing by.

Time to hustle and make it happen.

**No doubt I’ll be reading Gary’s new book — released today!! — for inspiration: http://www.amazon.com/AskGaryVee-Entrepreneurs-Leadership-Social-Self-Awareness/dp/0062273124/