Cliff Hudson, Sonic Pioneer, to be Featured at Oklahoma History Center

OKLAHOMA CITY — Cliff Hudson, longtime CEO and chairman of the board at Sonic: America’s Drive-In, will join Dr. Bob Blackburn on stage to discuss his new book, “Master of None,” at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) on Friday, October 23, at noon. This event will be held both in person and virtually, and admission is free.

In this revelatory memoir, Hudson challenges established thinking, offering counterintuitive career advice essential for every professional at all levels, whether just starting out or in the middle of a career. In this thought-provoking memoir, Hudson asks whether or not mastery is even necessary to succeed. Most people do not need to be experts in their field. Yes, the successful know more than the average person about a particular topic, and they often possess a better-than-average ability with a particular skill set; but he makes clear that not everyone who is successful is an expert.

More importantly, in today’s technology-driven environment change is the only constant, including the nature of work and the skills required to do it. Over-investing in expertise is often riskier than learning to be adaptive and open to new knowledge, ideas and skills. Experience can also lead to overconfidence, yet we continue to deeply value the expertise ideal.

In “Master of None,” Hudson turns expertise on its head and shows that, by embracing variety and becoming more versatile, anyone can succeed and become more open to different opportunities in life.

Hudson has supported the Oklahoma History Center since 1998, when it was in the first stages of design. He served as the first president of the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, donated funds to restore an original Sonic sign, funded a base for the bronze statue Unconquered, and agreed to donate the Sonic corporate collection to the museum. The story of Sonic has been featured in the Oklahoma History Center for the past decade.

To register for this free book talk, visit www.okhistory.org/conversation or call 405-522-5192. In-person seating is limited to 60 people, first come first serve. The deadline to register for the online webinar option is noon on October 22. Pre-signed books will be available for purchase through the Oklahoma History Center Museum Store.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.