Roadie Profile: Daryn Kagan

In 2006, Daryn Kagan was at the height of her career as a successful news anchor at CNN.  However, in January of that year, Daryn learned that her contract with the network would not be renewed.  Shocked, Daryn asked herself, “What’s the next chapter for me?” Surprisingly, she decided not to pursue another traditional news job and created DarynKagan.com –  an online news site devoted to delivering stories and profiles on inspiring people across the globe.

We asked Daryn to share some thoughts about her journey from having a successful career in television news to becoming an inspiring, thought-provoking entrepreneur.

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Q: How did you transition from being an anchor on CNN to hosting DarynKagan.com?

A: My leaving CNN was an unusual journey. First, they told me in January 2006 that they weren't going to renew my contract, which wasn't up until a year later. To my surprise, they wanted me to stay and finish it out. In all my years there, I had never seen that.  Usually, with an on-air talent, once they decide you are out, a security guard escorts you of the building that day. They might have to pay out your contract, but they don't want you on the air. CNN's asking me to stay was both an act of trust, in that they trusted me to be professional and not flip out on the air, and it was a gift.  

I did not waltz out of the boss' office that day saying, "Oh, I know, I'll go start an inspirational news website!" Hardly. The months I stayed on gave me the time to figure out the next chapter.  First, I figured out what I didn't want to do -- go get another traditional news job. It had been an amazing run, but talking about doom and gloom all day no longer fit who I was as a person.  

Then, I started getting little pieces of inspiration. And, this is the thing I really wish I understood at the time: inspiration comes in pieces, not in one package tied with a bow sitting at your front doorstep.

It can also come from the most unlikely of places. The very first idea for DarynKagan.com came from looking at a website based on war…I kid you not.  In 2006, Yahoo! had a site called "The War Zone with Kevin Sites."  Kevin had been a war correspondent for CNN and NBC, among others. Yahoo! set up a site where it said, "One Man; One Year; One Idea: Go To Every Bad Place in the World." I'm paraphrasing a bit, but the basic idea was he went from war zone to war zone filing reports.

I looked at that and thought, "You can do that? Have a specialized reporting site like that? What would mine be?” My favorite stories had always been inspirational ones...I thought, "Why not ‘One Woman; One Year; One Idea: Go to every inspiring place in the world’?" I actually talked my way into Yahoo! executive offices and tried to give my idea away. They passed. Thank goodness!  That's when my #1 biz advisor, my little sister, Kallan, said to me, "What are you doing? Why are you giving this away? Do it yourself!"

I knew nothing about launching a website, had never even owned my own company. Ultimately, this seemed the best way to go because I figured I didn't have to get picked. Not picked to get hired, not picked to do a certain story. I loved that part.

People often ask, "Weren't you scared to go for your dream and not go get another traditional news job?" Actually, no.  I would've been scared to stay in TV news.  Here’s why: 1) I would know I wasn't following my dream, and 2) I could see where the biz is going -- because of cutbacks and technology, jobs like I had are going away or going to people who are younger and/or cheaper.  

Well, I'm not getting younger and I sure have no desire to get cheaper!  I honestly think I could've gotten another TV news gig, but I would've been right back here within 3-4 years. At some point I was going to have to reinvent.  Might as well do it now.

 

Q: How did you develop the concept and business model for DarynKagan.com while staying true to your vision?

A: Honestly, I just followed my heart.  I asked myself what I wanted to do and just forged ahead.

I don’t think I ever really did a business plan per se.  But I did do a Belief Plan. I think this was key—putting my values, priorities and intentions on paper to commit to the kind of biz I wanted to do and why I was in business in the first place.  I highly recommend that exercise.

 

Q: How has your vision evolved since you started?

A: Like anything else, you learn what works and what doesn’t.  I’m so glad I rolled up my sleeves and did so much of this myself, but now as I grow and expand, it’s time to sit down again and figure out what I really want for my company and my life.  Ultimately, that will mean delegating more.

 

Q: What advice would you give someone who is looking to transition from a job to pursuing a passion?

A: I would definitely recommend the Belief Plan as described above.  I would also say to enjoy the ride, to know that so few people give themselves permission to take this journey.  I think it’s great to surround yourself with like-minded people.  The big lesson I continue to learn is not to be afraid to ask for help.

 

Q: What other projects do you have on the horizon?

A:  I’m most excited about the release of my first book, “What’s Possible! 50 True Stories of Real People Who Dared To Dream They Could Make A Difference.”  It comes out April 8th, on sale everywhere books are sold, including Amazon.com (link here to purchase).  Also my second documentary, Solartown USA, will air this summer. (www.solartownusa.com).

 

Q: How has your life changed since leaving CNN?

A:  In some ways, it’s changed a ton.  My commute is 8 seconds—upstairs to downstairs, usually in jeans and a t-shirt. I spend my days talking to and interviewing inspiring people, rather than reporting doom and gloom.Also, I now have the responsibility of being a business owner, so the day is never really done. 

I’ve loved the ride.  Haven’t looked back a single second!