Dana Perino Shares Candid Career Wisdom in Her Latest Book

Dana Perino dives into the heart of career and life advice with her new book, "I Wish Someone Had Told Me…The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life." She opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the wisdom she’s collected, and the lessons that shaped her own journey.

Why did Dana Perino write this book?

Perino credits her mother’s reaction to her earlier book as the spark for this latest project. After reading "Everything Will Be Okay," her mom said, "Wow, I wish someone had told me all of this." That feeling of missing out on wisdom during pivotal moments stuck with Perino, especially as she noticed how the questions from young professionals haven’t changed much over the years—just the hunger for guidance has grown. So, she set out to update her advice for a world that’s been turned inside out by COVID and is now facing the dawn of artificial intelligence. Gathering insights from a stellar cast of mentors and friends, Perino has created a true toolkit for navigating modern work and life.

How is this new book different?

Unlike her previous mentoring books, "I Wish Someone Had Told Me" is a collaborative effort, featuring interviews with over forty friends, family members, and colleagues. From her husband Peter McMahon to college roommate Andrea Aragon, and even country music star Dierks Bentley, Perino draws on a treasure trove of perspectives. The book covers everything from choosing a career path and nailing promotions to the ever-elusive work-life balance. There’s even a nod to retirement—if, like Stuart Varney, you’re not convinced you’ll ever really retire.

Who should read this book?

Perino broadens her audience this time, aiming not just at young women but anyone looking for honest, actionable advice. She lists ambitious young people, career climbers, managers, new parents juggling work and home, the burned out, and even those seeking meaning beyond their nine-to-five. Basically, if you’re human and trying to figure out your next step, there’s something in here for you.

What advice stood out most during her research?

Perino says she learned plenty from her interviewees, especially about dealing with disappointment, staying curious, and—perhaps most importantly—learning to laugh at life’s messiest moments. Martha MacCallum’s advice on not thinking more than three months ahead while raising kids and working in television really struck a chord. It’s refreshingly practical, and honestly, who among us hasn’t needed to just focus on the next quarter instead of spiraling into the abyss of long-term planning?

Best advice Dana Perino ever received?

Perino shares a personal story about meeting her husband, Peter, and the doubts she faced about putting love before career. A family friend’s advice—"Don’t give up on this chance to be loved. It may be your only shot"—helped her make a decision she still cherishes nearly thirty years later. She credits her marriage with making her career possible and meaningful, reminding us all that sometimes the best career move is a leap of faith in your personal life.

What does Dana wish someone had told her?

She wishes someone had told her not to waste her twenties worrying—pointing out that, as an educated American woman, she’d already won life’s great lottery. Perino hopes readers will take away actionable tips and learn to make the most of their time, because, as she puts it, time moves fast and nobody’s selling extra minutes.