Skills get you considered, but energy gets you chosen
There were definitely times in my career when I looked around and thought, “I’m not the smartest person here.” And it was true. But when big opportunities came up, like a new role or a stretch project, I often got the tap on the shoulder. I’ve been thinking about why this would be the case. […]
What I wish I did at uni
If I had my time at uni again, I would do this one thing to give me a way bigger head start with my career. I would start a professional certification much earlier. Specifically, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. Now, before you skip ahead, this post isn’t about finance. It’s about momentum. Let me […]
Worrying about short stints
If you recently got a job you don’t really want and are worried about looking for another one so soon, please answer this question. If you were offered your dream job today, would you resign? Lots of professionals approach me for career coaching with this particular problem. They worry about being seen as a flight […]
You’re not too senior to network
Early in your career, you had no problem networking. But now? You overthink it. You draft the message three times. You worry they’ll wonder what you really want. And then worst of all, you don’t reach out. Here’s the shift I see all the time. When you’re junior, you’re expected to reach out. You don’t […]
What’s your one piece of career advice?
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to someone in their 20s that was really valuable for your career later on? Here’s mine! Say yes to as many opportunities as you can early on. This isn’t because you should do everything. But because you won’t know what to say no to later if you […]
Learning how to disagree
We’ve all had moments where we’ve disagreed with a manager. Sometimes we’re right. Sometimes they are. And sometimes we’re both wrong but can’t see it yet. But here’s the thing. You should be able to disagree with your manager without derailing your relationship. If you’re serious about career progression, learning how to disagree respectfully is […]
Like clockwork
Another of my clients just got headhunted. And just like clockwork… A week after they gave notice, their employer came back to them. “We’ve been thinking about it and we want to give you the promotion.” This was the promotion that they kept promising but never delivered on. And this ongoing promise was what caused […]
Please say thank you
Some of the best career coaching advice I can give? Please say thank you. Not the quick “thanks heaps for your help” or a polite email that appreciates their time. I mean a sincere, considered message. Because if someone has advocated for you, they’ve done more than just “help”. They’ve put their reputation on the […]
Don’t wait for AI
Lots of professionals and executives are talking to me about AI. Some are fearful and some are optimistic. And while no one’s really sure of the impact AI will have, here’s my take on what you should be doing about it. Don’t wait. Don’t wait to see what happens. Don’t wait to see how this […]
Career thoughts
Here are 18 common thoughts of professionals in their 20s & 30s. You’re not alone for thinking them too. Is my role important or just convenient for others? I keep being told I’m ‘doing great’ but nothing actually changes. Am I respected, or just reliable? I’m scared to take leave because everything might run fine […]