Dana Perino serves up career tips from George W. Bush and her Fox News friends

by

Dana Perino, a co-host on the widely-watched Fox News discussion program “The Five,” consistently recognizes and appreciates her accomplishments.

Over the course of her professional journey, which began with roles as a local television news reporter and an aide in Congress, she has consistently recognized the impact of the advice she’s been given by various individuals throughout her path. Notably, former President George W. Bush requested that she take on the position of White House press secretary at a time when she was about to step away from public service entirely.

As a film enthusiast looking back on my career, I can’t help but reflect on the pivotal moment when stepping behind the lectern in the White House briefing room catapulted me towards television stardom. This opportunity had long been a coveted path for many aspiring journalists, and I was no exception. Over time, I found myself becoming an integral part of Fox News, transitioning from a contributor in 2009 to sharing the screen daily with Bill Hemmer for three hours, spanning between “The Five” and the daytime newscast “America’s Newsroom.

Hollywood Inc.

Polarizing politics are making topical talk shows a rough ride for contrarian voices.

In her personal identity, Perino incorporates mentorship. Back in 2009, she established Minute Mentoring, a platform that facilitates brief meetings for young women seeking career guidance. Her aim now is to expand her influence with her freshly published book titled “I Wish Someone Had Told Me … The Best Advice for Building a Great Career.” This literary work is inspired by her own experiences, as well as those of her friends and fellow workers at Fox News. It contains numerous stories about starting jobs humbly and navigating through rejection.

In Perino’s previous works, she provided career guidance. However, she realized that counsel is often needed even after securing a major job role. As she explains in the introduction of her latest book published by Fox News Books, those whom she mentored when they started their careers are still seeking advice as they advance to senior executive positions and manage the work/life balance while raising multiple children and caring for aging parents.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, Perino, aged 52, stands out among the Republican voices on Fox News for her measured and fact-based approach. Unlike some of her colleagues who echoed President Trump’s unfounded claims of voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election, Perino maintained a stance grounded in reality. This principled decision led to a costly defamation suit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, and another case is currently pending.

Instead of relying on loyalty to MAGA, the Coloradan’s perspective in analysis usually stems from her personal White House background. This thoughtful approach is also reflected in her latest book, which she recently talked about during a virtual conversation via Zoom.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself grappling with the age-old career advice presented in this book, which emphasizes the importance of dressing and speaking professionally in the workplace. It’s a traditional approach that advises against tight clothing and vocal fry or upspeak, and even suggests limiting alcohol consumption at office parties.

However, I can’t help but wonder if mentoring has become more challenging in today’s world, given the growing desire among younger generations to express their individuality. Is there a risk in trying to impose these traditional norms on individuals who value self-expression above all else? The question hangs in the air, like an unspoken concern that needs to be addressed.

Currently, the majority of supervisors young professionals will encounter are either baby boomers, Gen X, or aging millennials. Despite their generational differences and unique communication styles influenced by the technology available during their upbringing, there are enduring principles that remain constant. For instance, if you show kindness to a younger person by meeting with them and they express gratitude through a thank-you note, it’s essential to remember that cursive writing might not have been part of their education, which may explain its childlike appearance. Therefore, extending understanding and patience based on individual circumstances is crucial, as this applies to both parties.

Has the move toward working from home made it more challenging?

It’s concerning to see that numerous young individuals continue to self-isolate, as they find it challenging to attend networking events or venture out to socialize. However, they yearn for companionship. Engaging with the world is essential; it’s a necessary step towards forming connections.

Hollywood Inc.

Tarlov has the challenging task of serving hot takes from the left on the No. 1 show on cable news.

In the dynamic world of media, where contraction is prevalent, am I finding it more challenging to function as a mentor? Should I adjust my approach to reality when it’s evident that opportunities similar to mine are dwindling?

Occasionally, I have moments of self-doubt. It’s exciting when young individuals express interest in my profession. However, it’s important to understand that a career like this doesn’t happen overnight. Recently, a high school graduate told me she’s going to Colby College to study journalism. I expressed skepticism and suggested she might consider studying something else and minor in journalism instead. Charles Krauthammer once advised to study history or philosophy, develop critical thinking skills, learn effective writing, and then decide if this is still the path you want to take. Both Bill Hemmer and I often discuss our gratitude for being in the careers we’re in at this stage of our lives.

If I were mentoring Karoline Leavitt, President Trump’s press secretary, and I noticed an inaccuracy during a press conference like her stating that a tariff isn’t a tax, I might gently advise her: “Karoline, it’s important to ensure our information is accurate. A tariff is indeed a type of tax imposed on imports, so let’s make sure we use precise language when explaining economic concepts.

I’ve built close relationships with most White House secretaries, and I usually keep my counsel for them confidential. I won’t initiate conversations suggesting changes or offering unsolicited advice on their decision-making processes. However, if they choose to contact me, I am ready to assist.

One nugget of advice I shared with Karoline at the outset was encouraging her to make use of her warm smile and not be afraid to loosen up occasionally.

Hollywood Inc.

Under the HarperCollins label, there have been four consecutive bestsellers. A significant portion of this success can be attributed to the promotional efforts made by the cable news network.

Former president George W. Bush sounds like he was a pretty good boss. How was he as a mentor?

He’s been an exceptional source of guidance for me throughout the years, even now. He particularly enjoys career mentoring. During a time when I was uncertain about my future after leaving the White House and found myself juggling too many tasks, he motivated me to establish my own business. Initially, I had numerous reservations against this idea. However, his words of wisdom resonated with me: “You should consider, ‘What is the worst-case scenario?'” This piece of advice has not only helped me but also I frequently share it with others, especially young women who often grapple with anxiety and fear about making decisions. By asking, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” they find that their fears are usually unfounded.

Do you speak with him much about the current president?

No.

Why has he kept such a low profile?

He was incredibly pleased to exit the stage, yet some might hope for him to share more thoughts. However, he’s quite content with maintaining privacy regarding any advice or comments. If President Trump were to reach out – which I’m unsure if he ever does; I don’t inquire about that – he would keep it confidential. He prefers to avoid the spotlight.

One of the most popular TV shows now is ‘The Five’. Can you tell us what makes it so successful?” (or “What makes ‘The Five’ such a hit on TV?”)

Choice of Stories: A balanced hour filled with a variety of themes, including current news, pop culture, humor, and more. We’ve managed to keep our camaraderie and respect alive while still finding things to laugh about, even during heated discussions about tariffs – yes, those happen occasionally, but we always find time for laughter during commercial breaks. The ability to maintain this unique blend is something I wish I could explain because if we could turn it into a product and sell it, it would likely be quite financially successful.

Read More

2025-04-21 13:32