Dana Perino Shares Insights on Mentoring in New Book

LOS ANGELES — Dana Perino, co-host of Fox News‘ popular panel show “The Five,” has released a new book titled “I Wish Someone Had Told Me … The Best Advice for Building a Great Career.” The book, published by HarperCollins, aims to provide career guidance based on her experiences and those of her colleagues.

Perino, who became the first female White House press secretary during George W. Bush‘s presidency, emphasizes the importance of mentoring in her life. Since co-founding Minute Mentoring in 2009, she has focused on helping young women navigate their careers. In her book, she reflects on how mentoring does not end with landing a job, as those she has guided continue to seek her advice in senior executive roles.

In the introduction, Perino writes, “Folks whom I mentored going into their first jobs are still asking me for advice as they take on senior executive positions.” Her anecdotes share stories of perseverance and the necessity of resilience in the face of rejection.

Throughout her career, she has gained recognition as a less strident Republican voice in the media, especially notable during the contentious 2020 presidential election. She maintains that traditional career advice—such as how to dress and communicate—is still relevant today, regardless of generational differences in communication styles.

In a recent interview, Perino observed the difficulties younger generations face in networking, especially in an era of remote work. “I am surprised and quite troubled about how many young people are self-isolating still,” she said. “You have to go out and participate in the world.”

Perino believes that foundational principles such as courteous communication remain essential regardless of technological changes. She shared that simple gestures, like a thank-you note, can speak volumes in professional settings.

Lastly, Perino noted the ongoing challenges within the media industry, especially with fewer opportunities available. However, she encourages those aspiring to join the field to consider diverse educational backgrounds, emphasizing skills like critical thinking and writing over formal journalism degrees.

Her book arrives at a time when the conversation around career development is more critical than ever, providing insights not just for young women, but for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern professions.