Check Out Paul O’Brien’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul O’Brien

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
There are three possible areas I’d like to highlight.

One, my profession for the past 15 years. I am an online community manager who has worked in travel, AI, and data analytics. Most recently I was Head of Community for a $62 billion startup. I have also run large travel communities for Fodor’s, FlyerTalk and Wikitravel. I have managed small teams (2-4 people) and large (17 direct reports plus 30 contractors distributed throughout the world on 5 continents.).

Two, my passion for cigars. I have been a cigar smoker, blogger and writer for 30 years and am extremely knowedgeable.

Three, I am developing an unscripted TV series based on a pop-science book I own the media rights to.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is ever a “yellow brick road” leading you down a direct path to happiness! It’s important to have a sense of resolve, and simply to be resilient to the biggest setbacks we face. My grandmother, who was (lovingly) dragging me about my love life the day before the died, survived the deaths of her daughter and husband, and lived on her own until she passed at 95, is my shining example of the mindset that we can’t dwell on the past no matter how hard it’s been and that we must always move forward one more day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I moved to LA 25 years ago to write screenplays. I have written many, as well as TV, and am now working on an unscripted show about the end of the world, a theme I find fascinating. I’m proud of all my work, and I believe this show will be a great success.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The best and worst luck I have ever had has revolved around the people who became my bosses. A good boss means a happy life, even if you don’t love the work. A bad boss? Ruinous and devastating, and all too common. A great boss can change your life and send you on a new path you never knew existed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @LA_CigarGuy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienpaule