What would you do if you weren’t afraid? I wish someone challenged me on this earlier in my career, but it’s never too late!

“Why do you want more money?” is a question I regularly ask my clients. While their answers vary, one common theme emerges: they all want their lives and careers to have meaning.

Imposter syndrome is plaguing leaders everywhere. As competition and pressure mount, unrealistic expectations are causing well qualified executives to doubt their qualifications, fearing they may be exposed as a “fraud”.

What’s holding you back from advancing your career? Too many professionals identify these barriers as being out of their control, when in fact they are subconsciously holding themselves back. It’s important that we discern between real and perceived barriers.

How would you feel if you had only a 1 in 5,000 success rate?

Last week, I was with executives from the life sciences industry and learned that only 1 in 5,000 drugs make it from the initial research phase all the way to market.

Have you ever experienced a moment that completely turned your world upside down? I certainly did during my experience working at Samsung. This pivotal experience played a significant role in reshaping both my career and my life as a whole.

Recently I had the privilege of hearing Jennifer B. Wallace, the author of the book, "Never Enough" speak about the profound need for children to feel they matter. This same principle extends far beyond childhood – it's a fundamental human need that persists throughout our lives, even into our roles as business leaders.

“Guess what? I did it! And I feel better than I have in months!”

In my client’s hand was a pink Post-it note that he carried around with him simply stating, “NO!”, which he carried around with him everywhere he went.

We have all had days ruined by a single person. This can be especially challenging in professional environments where adapting to cultural norms creates situations that clash with your personal values.

If you’re in your mid-40s, you’re probably only half-way through your career. The average person retires in their upper 60s, but retirement age is likely increasing. For those in their 50s or 60s, the outlook may be uncertain, with opportunities seemingly scarce. You’re never too old (or young) to reassess the trajectory of your career.

Are you currently on auto-pilot or are you being intentional? As you move forward, your options are different and many of the opportunities in front of you may not be apparent.

Too many executives I met with have put their careers on auto-pilot, often unconsciously reducing the chances they will meet their professional and personal goals. Some have even lost their jobs as a result of defaulting to others to determine their career direction. I want to encourage you to be proactive and intentional with your career. And if there are any specific topics you would like me to cover, please reach out. I always value your input and feedback.

Technology adaption is an imperative for all professionals. The more forward-thinking you are, the more easily you will adapt new technology into your business, often giving you a competitive advantage.