It’s an understatement to say FOX News political commentator Dana Perino, 53—co-anchor of America’s Newsroom, cohost of The Five and host of FOX News Audio’s weekly podcast Perino on Politics—has a lot on her plate. From serving as press secretary under George W. Bush to becoming a cable news fixture, her years of experience make her uniquely qualified to share personal and professional life lessons.
That’s exactly what she’s done in her new bestselling book I Wish Someone Had Told Me…, a compendium of the best advice she’s gleaned from friends, colleagues, mentors and loved ones. It’s comforting to know that even in these politically polarizing times, good old-fashioned wisdom transcends party lines. Here, a few of Dana’s favorite success secrets.
Ask ‘stupid’ questions
Dana assures one of the biggest keys to a flourishing life is deceptively simple: curiosity. “Mike Rowe, host of the TV show Dirty Jobs, shared a great piece of advice when he said this is the biggest asset an employee can have,” she reveals. “My favorite thing to do is ask a ‘stupid’ question.” That’s because, just as your mom told you, there’s no such thing. Case in point: Dana recalls not knowing the definition of a word that kept coming up at work, and rather than stay mum in a meeting, she asked what it meant. Turns out she wasn’t the only one wondering—but she was the only one with the courage to speak up. Indeed, showing a willingness to learn—and learn out loud—is the mark of a leader.
Let yourself be loved
In 1997, Dana’s friend Kim Wilkerson gave her the push she needed to prioritize her heart. “I had fallen in love with a man randomly seated next to me on a plane,” Dana recalls. That man was British-born Peter McMahon, now her husband of 26 years. But when Dana met him, chasing romance meant risking her burgeoning career and uprooting her life to England. McMahon was also 18 years her senior, a fact that stoked her insecurities about what others might think of the match. Enter Kim’s unforgettable words: Do not give up on the chance to be loved. “It’s the best advice I ever got because it showed me that choosing to be loved is not a career-limiting decision—it’s a life-giving one.
Courtesy of Dana Perino
Grow closer to others by doing this
“My parents are healthy, but that can change at any moment,” Dana admits, recalling the heartfelt advice of her co-anchor Bill Hemmer after the death of his father. “He’s such a good son, and when his dad passed away in February, he told me the most important thing I can do is just listen—to my family, friends and my parents while I’m lucky to still have them. Whether at work or at home, I’ll put my pen down and make sure I’m not scrolling on my phone. Showing people your full attention is a gift you give others and yourself.”
Send nostalgic texts
Having grown up on a ranch, Dana is an avowed morning person, waking before 5 am to catch up on the latest headlines. A soul-soothing part of her routine? “Whether it’s an article or a song on the radio that reminds me of them, if one of my friends comes to mind, I’ll send a quick thinking-of-you text,” she says. “It’s so easy and it gets my day off to a great start.” Sometimes words aren’t even needed. “I love sending memes that capture a memory—nostalgia is a really powerful way to stay connected.”
Courtesy of Dana Perino
Ditch future worry
If Dana could give her younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? “Don’t worry away your 20s,” she declares. “I spent so much time anxious about my next move, but all you can do is honor your values and trust yourself. You’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.” Sounds like wisdom we can apply at any stage of life.
Pay it forward
Perhaps the greatest life lesson Dana has learned is just how important it is to pinpoint one’s true purpose. “I received a wonderful piece of advice from psychiatrist Samantha Boardman, MD, who specializes in positive psychology. She said one of the most important things you can do is help others—it gives your life greater meaning and unleashes feel-good endorphins.” Indeed, Dana gives back to her community by contributing to charity and supporting other women embarking on careers in journalism. “Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot of joy from mentoring younger people and seeing them start to believe in themselves and really flourish.” Paying it forward like this, she says, is the ultimate reward.
