Most of us don’t just stumble into the perfect career—we have to plan for it. My brother? He’s a tech genius. No flight plan needed. He just built things, solved problems, and the opportunities came flying at him.
For the rest of us? A little strategy goes a long way. Passion can be the wind that gets us off the ground, but we need a solid flight plan to keep our careers soaring. Whether you are launching into a new career, changing jobs, or climbing the corporate ladder, a well-structured career plan is essential. Here’s how to create one:
A well-managed kite flight is about sustaining altitude while adjusting to shifting conditions. Career success follows the same principle—long-term growth requires ongoing effort and alignment with personal values.
Reassess and Realign Periodically
Regularly reflect on your career progress and adjust your goals as needed.
Keep refining your flight plan based on evolving interests and market dynamics.
Give Back and Mentor Others
Share your knowledge and experiences to help others rise.
Cultivate a leadership mindset that inspires and uplifts your team.
🛬 Landing with Purpose: Long-Term Success
At some point, you’ll want to look back and ask: Did I fly in the right direction?
Did I build something meaningful?
Did I help others along the way?
Am I proud of where I landed?
Your career, like a well flown kite, can soar to great heights with the right planning, adjustments, and perseverance. Whether you are launching, pivoting, or climbing higher within your organization, a well-thought-out flight plan will help you navigate with confidence. Stay grounded in your values, embrace the winds of change, and enjoy the journey to professional success!
Not all career changes are intentional. Sometimes, the winds shift suddenly, and you have no choice but to adjust—or crash.
That’s exactly what happened to me when my biggest biotech client, ICOS, was acquired by Eli Lilly. Overnight, my entire team and I lost a lucrative contract. The pressure was immense—not just for my own career, but for the people whose careers were, in many ways, tethered to mine.
The only project I could land to keep NWRPros from closing its doors was in healthcare—a field I had never worked in. Neither had my team. But when you’re up against strong winds, you don’t stand still. You move with them.
What followed was a four-year engagement with Group Health Cooperative (acquired by Kaiser), where we built and implemented an outsourced recruiting solution from scratch. We recruited physicians, nurses, healthcare IT leaders, and critical hospital staff—all while navigating an industry we were just beginning to understand. It was a trial by fire, but we not only survived—we thrived. That project became a defining success, proving that with the right mindset and adaptability, you can master new terrain.
💨 Navigating Career Crosswinds
Career shifts—especially the ones you don’t plan for—can feel like chaos. But just like a kite in shifting winds, you can regain control by making the right adjustments:
🎯 Assess the Wind Conditions – When a major shift happens, don’t panic. Step back and analyze where the opportunities are. Healthcare wasn’t on my radar, but it turned out to be a door that opened at exactly the right time.
🪁 Adjust Your Flight Path – You may not land exactly where you expected, but you can still soar. Our team leaned into our expertise in talent acquisition and adapted it for healthcare, proving that skills are often more transferable than you think.
💨 Lean Into the Gusts – Unfamiliar industries, new challenges, and unexpected setbacks can feel overwhelming. But the very things that seem like obstacles are often the winds that lift you higher—if you embrace them.
🙌 Trust the Tension – The right amount of challenge keeps you strong. If I had stayed in my comfort zone, NWRPros might not exist today. Instead, we learned, evolved, and delivered results that even seasoned healthcare recruiters would be proud of.
A strong kite isn’t afraid of the wind. It uses it.
If you find yourself caught in an unexpected career shift, take a deep breath, adjust your strategy, and trust that you have what it takes to soar. You never know—what seems like a detour might just be your biggest success story yet.
What career shift have you faced that ended up shaping your path for the better? I invite your comments. 🚀🪁✨
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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some career connections go beyond the immediate task at hand—they become transformative journeys that inspire growth, resilience, and long-lasting impact for everyone involved. One such story is about a talented scientist I had the privilege of recruiting early in her career. Her journey from academia to industry leadership is a testament to the power of finding the right opportunities and navigating the unexpected twists along the way.
From Academic Research to Industry Innovation
When I first met this scientist, she had recently completed her doctoral studies in immunology and virology and was finishing a post-doctoral fellowship with a prestigious research institute. Like many academics looking to transition into industry, she faced uncertainty about how to position her expertise in a corporate environment. Her passion for science and desire to make an impact were clear, but she needed the right opportunity to bridge the gap.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to recruit her to a leading biotech company that was in its early, high-growth stage. Joining as a scientist on a product sciences team, she quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated leader who thrived on solving complex challenges. Her work contributed to groundbreaking advancements in cell and gene therapy, setting the foundation for her future achievements.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of a Career
Over the years, this scientist advanced through various roles, gaining invaluable experience in leadership and innovation. She took on positions that allowed her to grow her expertise while navigating the dynamic nature of the biotech industry—an environment known for its rapid changes and high stakes.
Recently, she reached a significant leadership milestone, stepping into an executive role at a prominent organization. While this was an incredible accomplishment, the experience also came with challenges. Sometimes, even when the title and opportunity seem perfect on paper, the reality doesn’t fully align with expectations. Transitions like these are part of the career journey, offering valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness.
Reflecting on Growth and Connection
What has stayed constant throughout her journey is the impact of those early foundational experiences. In a recent message, she shared her gratitude for the opportunity that helped launch her industry career, saying, “That role set the foundation for everything I’ve been able to achieve since. I’m so grateful for the journey and the people who supported me along the way.”
Her story is a reminder that a career path isn’t always linear, and success is about more than reaching the next milestone. It’s about finding roles and environments that align with your values, learning from every experience, and building connections that can support and guide you along the way.
The Role of a Coach and Recruiter
For me, as both a recruiter and coach, this story highlights why I love what I do. Helping someone identify their potential and connect with opportunities where they can thrive is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about placing someone in a role—it’s about being part of a larger journey that continues to evolve. Seeing the impact that these early connections can have, even years later, reaffirms the importance of investing in people and their potential.
Celebrating Lifelong Journeys
While this scientist’s recent role didn’t turn out as planned, it’s clear that her career is still on an incredible trajectory. Challenges like these often open the door to even greater opportunities, and I have no doubt she will continue to make a profound impact in her field.
This experience has also reminded me of the ripple effect that relationships can have. The people we support and connect with often become part of our own networks, offering collaboration, inspiration, and mutual growth. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving that creates lasting value for everyone involved.
Your Career Journey
Every career has its ups and downs, but each step is an opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for what’s next. Whether you’re just starting out, considering a career change, or navigating unexpected challenges, remember that success is about more than a single role. It’s about the journey and the people who support you along the way.
Have you experienced a pivotal career moment or found support that made a lasting difference? Let’s celebrate the power of connection and resilience together!
As we step into 2025, the field of Team Coaching is truly coming into its own, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this transformative journey. I’m currently enrolled in a fantastic Team Coaching course with Tandem Coaching Academy, working toward the new ICF Team Coaching Certification (ACTC). This credential is still so new that there were only 347 active ICF-ACTC holders worldwide — which makes this learning experience feel both cutting-edge and profoundly impactful.
What’s particularly striking is how this new ICF certification is not just about refining coaching skills but reimagining what it means to support teams in today’s dynamic environments. Organizations are challenged to adapt to rapidly shifting markets, hybrid work models, and a renewed emphasis on inclusion and psychological safety. Team Coaching has emerged as a pivotal strategy for fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
Here are a few best practices and insights I’ve gathered so far:
Shift from Individual Performance to Collective Growth: Team Coaching is about recognizing the team as a living system. Instead of focusing solely on individual performance, this approach emphasizes how the team operates collectively, addressing dynamics like trust, communication, and shared accountability.
Data-Driven Approaches: Incorporating assessments and metrics is crucial for understanding a team’s starting point and tracking progress. Tools like Hogan Assessments, which I’m certified in, can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and individual contributions.
Co-Creation: Effective Team Coaching involves co-creating solutions with the team. This empowers members to take ownership of their development journey and ensures that interventions are meaningful and sustainable.
The Role of Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where team members feel safe to speak up, take risks, and engage in constructive conflict is foundational. As a coach, fostering this kind of environment is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Agility and Adaptability: Teams are increasingly expected to pivot quickly in response to change. Coaching that helps teams build agility — not just in their processes but in their mindsets — is essential.
I’ve also noticed a growing trend: companies are starting to specifically seek coaches holding the ICF ACTC certification. This speaks volumes about the value organizations place on skilled Team Coaching as a means to drive engagement and results.
The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to be learning alongside a community of passionate professionals. To my fellow coaches: if you’ve been considering expanding your practice into Team Coaching, I highly recommend exploring this certification. I expect there will be many opportunities to make an impact.
Here’s to embracing the power of teams and the potential they hold to shape a better future for organizations, leaders, and individuals alike. Let’s keep learning, sharing, and growing together!
As the new year unfolds, many professionals are reflecting on their career journeys and contemplating their next steps. The world of work has shifted dramatically in recent years, and staying on track requires a combination of adaptability, self-awareness, and proactive planning. If you’re looking to refocus or accelerate your career in 2025, here’s how you can take charge and achieve your goals.
1. Reflect on Your Purpose and Values
Understanding what drives you is the foundation of a fulfilling career. Take time to reflect on your purpose, passions, and values. Ask yourself:
What makes me excited to get up in the morning?
What impact do I want to have through my work?
Do my current job and career path align with my core values?
Consider using tools like journaling or working with a coach to uncover insights about your deeper motivations.
2. Assess Your Current Position
Before setting new goals, evaluate where you stand in your career:
What are your accomplishments over the past year?
What challenges have you faced, and how did you address them?
What skills have you developed, and what gaps remain?
Honest self-assessment provides a clear baseline for your next steps.
3. Set SMART Goals
Effective goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of setting vague objectives like “I want to get promoted,” be specific: “I want to achieve a leadership role in my department by Q4 by completing a management course and mentoring junior team members.”
Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps. Regularly review and adjust them as needed.
4. Upskill and Stay Current
In 2025, continuous learning is more critical than ever. Industries are evolving rapidly, and staying relevant means investing in your skillset:
Enroll in online courses or certifications relevant to your field.
Stay updated on industry trends by attending webinars, reading trade publications, or joining professional organizations.
Develop soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, which are increasingly valued by employers.
5. Build and Nurture Your Network
Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about building relationships. In 2025, prioritize both online and offline networking:
Attend industry conferences and local meetups.
Use LinkedIn to engage with thought leaders, share insights, and join relevant groups.
Stay in touch with former colleagues, mentors, and peers.
A strong network can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable support.
6. Embrace Technology
Leverage technology to streamline your career development:
Use tools like Trello or Notion to track your goals and progress.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords to attract recruiters.
Explore AI-driven career coaching platforms to gain personalized insights.
Being tech-savvy can also enhance your appeal to potential employers.
7. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Constructive feedback and guidance can accelerate your growth. Proactively seek input from trusted colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. Ask questions like:
What strengths should I leverage more effectively?
What areas should I focus on for improvement?
A mentor can provide invaluable advice and help you navigate complex career decisions.
8. Prioritize Well-Being
Burnout is a significant risk in today’s fast-paced work environment. Ensure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health:
Set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Incorporate regular exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation practices into your routine.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional support if needed.
Your career will thrive when you’re at your best.
9. Stay Open to Change
Flexibility is essential in navigating the modern job market. Be open to new roles, industries, or opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Sometimes, a lateral move or a shift to a different field can provide unexpected growth.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated and reinforces positive momentum.
Ready to Take Action?
Getting your career on track in 2025 isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about consistent effort, learning, and adaptability. Remember, you’re in the driver’s seat. Start today by taking one small step towards your vision for the future. With focus and determination, you can create a career that’s not just on track but thriving.
I love this picture. Not only are the people in the room looking the other way, seeming to feign disinterest – but the elephant is uncomfortably scrunched in the corner – trying to become as small as possible (unsuccessfully). In real life, when you are faced with an elephant in the conference room, what do you think the typical avoidance behavior is really about? Are you afraid to say what you see as true? In what situations are you afraid to speak your truth? To your boss? To your colleague or partner? To your team? What are we all afraid of? (more…)
Can you recall a time when you experienced a major change in your organization? Maybe you experienced what I did when my small technology employer was bought by a big East Coast conglomerate. My first thoughts were – maybe we’ll have more resources, maybe we’ll get a chance to do more cool stuff and maybe we won’t always be worrying about funding. (more…)
Is it because we want to enjoy a happy and stress free life? Is it because we want to be efficient and productive at our work? Is it because we want work life balance? What is your why? Reflect on what you’ve done today. Do you feel good about what you accomplished today? Maybe you got side-tracked from your To-Do list – and you are feeling stressed and anxious about having to double down tomorrow. (more…)
Courage and the Elephant in the Room
Recent Comments