Catch the Wind: Manage Your Career Strategy

by | Feb 23, 2025 | Coaching

Introduction

When I first started working in Biotechnology, I faced a steep learning curve—but it quickly became a deep-rooted passion. It was intellectually challenging and, to this day, remains my favorite industry to support. I had the privilege of working with brilliant scientists—people dedicated to changing the world, tackling one disease at a time.

In one role, I hired fresh graduates stepping into the lab for the first time. In another, I recruited Principal Scientists and Scientific Leaders, working across all career levels. Through it all, I found myself in the role of a trusted advisor—listening to dreams, aspirations, and career goals. I supported talent development for both individuals and my company clients, often acting as a coach long before I formally embraced the profession.

After twenty years of these experiences, I find myself writing about career development—offering my insights and reflections in the hope that you, too, can chart a successful and fulfilling career path. And what better metaphor for this journey than a kite? Whether you’re just launching, navigating unpredictable winds, or soaring to new heights, the principles of flight apply to every stage of your professional life.

This series explores how to manage your career through the lens of flight, with insights on how to harness the winds, adapt to change, and keep your kite aloft. I hope these ideas help you find success and fulfillment in your own journey.

Version 1: Early Career Development – Learning to Launch

Starting your career is a lot like learning to fly a kite. At first, you’re figuring out how to hold the string, where the wind is blowing, and how much effort it takes to get the kite off the ground. You might be running full speed ahead, hoping the wind catches, or struggling with a tangled mess of string and expectations.

Like a kite, your early career success depends on the conditions around you—mentors, opportunities, and even a little luck. The key is learning how to navigate these forces. Coaching at this stage helps with understanding wind patterns (the workplace culture), adjusting the tail (building new skills), and ensuring your string is strong enough (resilience and adaptability).

Not every launch is perfect, but with practice, you’ll find the right balance of effort and patience to keep your career soaring.

Version 2: Middle Management – Navigating the Winds

You’ve launched your career, and now you’re in middle management, where the real art of flying begins. No longer just trying to keep the kite in the air, you’re now steering it, handling unexpected gusts, and ensuring it doesn’t crash into others flying alongside you.

At this stage, leadership coaching helps you adjust your grip—knowing when to hold firm and when to give some slack. The higher your kite goes, the more unpredictable the winds can be. Office politics, competing priorities, and team dynamics all create turbulence, and it takes skill to keep your career aloft without getting tangled in unnecessary conflicts.

Mastering the winds of middle management means knowing when to pivot, when to let your team take the lead, and how to keep your own career aspirations aligned with the bigger picture. The key is to stay aware, make strategic adjustments, and remember that control isn’t about force—it’s about finesse.

Version 3: Executive Level – Reaching New Heights

At the executive level, you’re no longer just flying your own kite—you’re influencing the entire sky. The perspective is different up here; you’re responsible for creating favorable conditions for others, making sure the airspace is clear, and ensuring that new kites can rise alongside you.

Leadership at this stage requires not only vision but also the wisdom to know that success isn’t about keeping the kite tethered tightly. True leadership means knowing when to let go of the string just enough for innovation and new ideas to take flight. Coaching at this level focuses on legacy, sustainability, and creating an environment where others can soar.

The higher your kite, the more visible you are. People look to you for guidance, and your movements influence theirs. Executives must navigate shifting market winds, balance company goals with people’s needs, and ensure that they aren’t flying too high without a strong foundation below.

A Career Well-Managed

A well-managed career, like a well-flown kite, leaves a lasting impression—one that inspires others to take flight. As you reflect on your own professional journey, consider the ways you can take control of your trajectory, adjust to changing winds, and support those flying alongside you. Whether you are just launching, navigating, or leading at the highest levels, a thoughtful and strategic approach can make all the difference.

If you’re seeking guidance in steering your career with intention, working with a career coach can provide invaluable insights. Coaching helps ensure that your string remains strong, your flight remains steady, and that you’re soaring in the right direction. No matter where you are in your journey, the sky is full of possibilities—so go ahead, take flight!

Nourishing Network Relationships

by | Feb 9, 2025 | Building Relationships, Coaching, Networking

Twelve years ago, a client asked me to conduct an executive search for a Director of Human Resources.  After a prolonged search with several twists and turns, my client hired Maryanne – who had been Director of Human Resources for a large financial services company in New York. Maryanne’s background was top notch.  She had recently won numerous awards for diversity and hiring initiatives.  She had ten years’ experience in HR design and implementation of innovative and strategic programs.  

My client was very excited about hiring Maryanne.   They were facing challenges with new executive leadership and exponential company growth.   It was a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple facilities in several states.  My next steps were to support Maryanne’s relocation and onboarding.  Maryanne arrived on-site in Seattle in May of 2013.  Her husband Dave dropped her off at the lobby entrance.  Maryanne introduced me to her husband and their puppy, Cody.  I am a dog lover – the spark of our new friendship.

One Saturday, several weeks later, I got a call from Maryanne.  She and Dave were on the Ferry to Whidbey Island where I live.  They had heard about a dog park on Whidbey.  They were going to treat Cody to a new experience – and would I mind if they stopped by to say hello.  We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon – Cody especially – a few acres to chase birds and deer.

I had made a new friend – Maryanne – and of course, Dave and Cody as well.  Both our friendship and our career journeys have connected at crossroads these past twelve years.  One notable example was supporting the human resources change management effort for a large telecommunication merger and acquisition.  We both felt like we were running in a marathon – we had to focus one step-at-a-time.  Other examples include hiring initiatives for several biotech startups – where we built from the ground up.  These kinds of partnerships and collaboration can test the mettle of a relationship. 

Over these past years, we have both learned to leverage our common relationships and continue to create an ongoing practice to nurture our networks. 

We’d like to share them with you:

  1. Give Before You Ask – An ongoing practice – “Dig your well before you need water.”
    • Offer referrals and connect people with mutual interests.
    • Give positive feedback on their achievements and career milestones.
    • Share information on job postings and position opportunities you have learned about that may match their experience.
    • Offer to write Linkedin recommendations and endorse skillsets.
  2. Stay Active in Professional Associations
    • Join and contribute to leadership associations or industry-specific groups.
    • Offer to speak at events, mentor others, or write thought leadership articles.
  3. Engage in Ongoing Conversations
    • Set reminders to check in with key contacts quarterly or annually.Send a quick message to catch up or share an article that might interest them.
    • Invite connections for a virtual coffee chat or in-person lunch.
  4. Leverage Social Media – Linkedin, Twitter for Professional Growth
    • LinkedIn helps to stay in touch, share insights, and engage your connections.
    • Twitter allows you to follow companies, and potential job openings.
    • Follow industry leaders and participate in relevant discussions.
    • Join professional groups and actively contribute to conversations.
    • Post updates on your expertise, projects, and lessons learned to stay visible.
  5. Attend Industry Events & Webinars
    • Participate in industry conferences, networking events, and virtual meetups.
    • Make it a habit to introduce yourself to new people at each event.
    • Follow up with attendees via LinkedIn or email to reinforce the connection.

The Ongoing Benefits of Networking

Networking isn’t about a one-time connection; it’s about building relationships that continue to evolve. The ongoing relationship I have with Maryanne is a testament to how personally meaningful professional relationships can be.  An added and ongoing benefit is that our relationship has brought us both new and satisfying career growth opportunities.