Thank you for the warm reception to my first blog post! Your encouragement inspires me to continue sharing insights drawn from my 30 years of professional experience—a journey marked by immense learning, mentorship, and growth. Today, let’s dive into a topic I believe resonates with everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey: your career.
A career often begins as a mad dash toward what society deems “success”: a corner office, a CEO title, or a lucrative entrepreneurial venture. For many, this journey starts with a belief that academic grades, a polished resume, or a well-executed interview are all it takes to climb the ladder. For others, it involves starting a business, securing funding, scaling operations, and eventually cashing out. However, the truth is rarely that linear or glamorous.
I aim to shed light on the nuances of a fulfilling career—beyond titles and salaries—by exploring aspirations, performance, relationships, and adaptability. Let this serve as a guide, especially for those navigating their early or mid-career stages, feeling stuck or burdened by challenges.
Redefining Aspiration
The initial excitement of landing your first job, where someone pays for your potential, often brings dreams of climbing straight to the top. Many imagine themselves as future CEOs, whether through corporate ascent or entrepreneurial ventures.
However, early fixation on titles can be distracting. Instead, focus on crafting a long, broad, and enriching career. Success is not merely a title or corner office but a tapestry of learning, impact, and fulfillment. Wealth and recognition often follow naturally when you prioritize growth and contribution over position.
The Axes of Career Growth
Think of your career as existing in a three-dimensional space:
- Time (X-axis): A career spans distinct stages—Early (25-35), Mid (35-45), Peak (45-55), and Late (55-65). Each phase demands tailored actions, from skill-building to leadership and reinvention.
- Range (Y-axis): This measures the breadth of your experiences. A successful career is built by navigating roles across:
- Operational & Developmental Positions: Balance hands-on execution with strategic, behind-the-scenes roles to gain comprehensive insights and avoid burnout. Functional Domains: Break free from the confines of your education. Experiment across manufacturing, sales, finance, and more to become a well-rounded professional. Industry: Don’t limit yourself to the sector you started in. Cross-industry moves bring valuable perspectives that drive innovation. Geography: Push boundaries—literally. Moving to a new country can foster personal and professional growth, offering fresh perspectives and enhanced confidence.
- Ascent (Z-axis): Career progression, marked by increasing responsibility, compensation, and influence, should be approached with balance. These trappings are not the end goal but tools for greater impact.
Finding Your Archangel
An Archangel—a mentor several levels above you—can help you navigate self-doubt, understand organizational dynamics, and open doors to new opportunities. Seek these rare figures with respect and persistence, and be prepared to demonstrate commitment and follow-through. Your Archangel isn’t just a guide but a partner in growth, finding fulfillment in nurturing your potential. As you advance, pay it forward and become an Archangel to others, amplifying your legacy.
Building Your Peloton
A career is not a solo endeavor. Find your “Peloton”—a group of peers with shared goals who inspire, challenge, and support each other. Collaborating with such a team fosters creativity, resilience, and a sense of camaraderie. Together, you can tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and build lasting relationships. These connections will remain a source of strength and joy long after professional paths diverge.
Performance Is Your Foundation
At the core of every career is performance. Without consistent delivery, ambitions remain unrealized. View each role as a three-phase journey:
Learn: Master the Basics
- Execute: Deliver measurable results.
- Advance: Prepare for the next step while mentoring others.
Performance is not just about hitting targets but also about earning the trust and respect that fuels career growth. Leaders, colleagues, and mentors gravitate toward those who excel, making performance the cornerstone of success.
Stamina for the Long Haul
A career is not a linear climb. Periods of stagnation or misalignment within your organization are inevitable. During these times, focus on delivering your best and assessing opportunities for change. If growth prospects remain limited despite your efforts, have the courage to move on. Careers are marathons, not sprints, and resilience is key to enduring the highs and lows.
Cultivating Curiosity
Curiosity is the engine of career expansion. Embrace new challenges, even when they push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on a less glamorous role to learn the ropes or moving to an unfamiliar domain, your willingness to explore fuels innovation and adaptability. This humility in learning builds alliances and opens doors, paving the way for long-term success.
The “100-Year Life” Mindset
As life expectancy rises, so does the need for sustained careers. The traditional model of education, work, and retirement at 60 no longer fits. Embrace lifelong learning, reinvention, and skill-building to adapt to evolving landscapes. Your career will likely consist of multiple chapters, each with unique opportunities for impact.
Stewardship
Your career is not a ride to the top but a journey you craft with imagination, courage, and perseverance. Stewardship means managing your gifts and opportunities with intention balancing ambition with humility. Recognize that the path is not always straightforward; career growth often lags behind performance. Stay patient, keep performing, and trust that results will follow.
Imagine your career as two curves: the performance curve, driven by your efforts, and the career curve, representing titles and compensation. The gap between them is natural; your role is to bridge it with consistent effort and adaptability.
The Road Ahead
The possibilities for a fulfilling career are limitless for those who are skilled, adaptable, and bold. Define success on your own terms, guided by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to impact. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating new stages, remember the most rewarding careers are those built with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Go forth and craft a life rich with experiences and contributions. The brass ring is optional—the journey is the reward.
