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Why a Passion Statement Beats an Elevator Pitch (and Why I Never Liked Elevators Anyway)

By John Seraichyk, Founder & CEO, Browning Associates

For decades, career experts have told professionals to perfect their elevator pitch. You know — that 30-second commercial you’re supposed to deliver between floors that tells an employer what you’ve done, what you can do, and what you might want to do next.

It’s neat. It’s efficient. It’s…forgettable.

Because let’s be honest — who even talks in elevators anymore?

The Problem with the Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is essentially your résumé in sentence form.
It’s a list of skills, titles, and outcomes — what you’ve accomplished, not who you are.

There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s useful, even necessary. But it’s not what moves people. It doesn’t stir emotion. It doesn’t make anyone say, “I need this person on my team.”

That’s where a Passion Statement comes in.

The Power of a Passion Statement

A Passion Statement isn’t written on your résumé — it’s written on your heart.

It’s the one thing you do better than anyone else.
It’s that part of your DNA that drives change every time you talk about it.
It’s what lights up a room when you describe it — not because you rehearsed it, but because you believe it.

When you speak from passion, your energy becomes contagious. You stop selling yourself and start sharing yourself. Employers feel the difference instantly.

Passion vs. Profession

Your résumé tells people what you’ve done.
Your passion statement tells people why you were born to do it.

If you can bring that into a job interview — if you can connect your passion to the needs and goals of your next employer — you’re no longer just a candidate looking for a job.

You become a partner bringing a passionate solution.

How to Write Your Passion Statement

Crafting a passion statement takes reflection, not polish.
Ask yourself:

  • What do I do that feels effortless yet impactful?

  • When do I feel most alive, creative, and useful?

  • What difference do I want to make — in people, teams, or industries?

A good passion statement should reflect your core values, your defining experiences, and the kind of impact you want to leave on the world.

It should sound something like this:

“I help organizations grow by developing leaders who lead with integrity and empathy — because I believe the greatest ROI is in people.”

Or this:

“I build systems that turn chaos into clarity, because efficiency isn’t just a skill — it’s how I bring peace to complex operations.”

Whatever your version, make sure it’s true, simple, and rooted in who you are.

Passion Is the New Professional Currency

AI can write résumés, generate cover letters, and even mimic human speech — but it can’t imitate heart.

In a world full of elevator pitches, your passion is what makes you unforgettable.
It’s your compass. It keeps your career aligned with your purpose, your values, and your joy.

Take time to define what truly matters to you.
Let that guide your next move — and watch how it changes not just your job search, but your life.

Because your passion statement isn’t just for clarity.
It’s for connection.
And when you speak from the heart, you don’t just inspire employers — you inspire everyone listening.


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