Tips for Navigating Early Career Challenges

Early in my career, I faced a moment many of us dread: A sudden, unexpected company reorganization. It seemed like overnight ➟ my role ➟ my team ➟ my daily tasks were all up in the air. I remember the anxiety. The flurry of rumors. The uncertainty. They clouded my thoughts about the future. But it was in this chaos that I found clarity. I realized that change, though daunting, also brings opportunities for growth. I wrote an article on this for Harvard Business Review. Here are 5 actions you can take when your professional life is unpredictable: 1. Embrace the Uncertainty Use periods of change as a catalyst for introspection. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your future. 2. Define Your Identity Think about who you need to be... Not just what you need to do. 3. Focus on the Process Establish and commit to positive career behaviors. It gives you a sense of control and leads to results. Examples: • Contribute in each team meeting • Expand your network every week  • Offer a strategic idea to leadership monthly • Take on a stretch opportunity once a quarter • Thank a coworker for something helpful every day 4. Cultivate Learning Agility Be ready to adapt. Stay curious. Embrace new ideas. This mindset isn't just to survive; it helps you thrive. 5. Ask for and Act on Feedback Regularly seek feedback. Take time to reflect on it. It's crucial to know where you're growing. And where you need to improve. Change can be scary. But it's also a chance to reset. To pivot. You may discover new paths you hadn't noticed before. Remember... It's not the strongest or most intelligent who survive. It's those who can best manage change. Lean into the uncertainty. Use it as a stepping stone. Build a career that's not just successful, but also aligned with who you truly are. Find this valuable? Repost ♻️ to share with others.  Thank you! P.S. What keeps you going when things get uncertain?

Early Lessons That Make a Difference Occasionally, I have the privilege of speaking with new graduates or employees who have just started their first job. The question they most often ask me is, "If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?" I never have enough time to answer this question fully, and I always leave thinking of things I forgot to mention. With that in mind, I wrote down a few pieces of advice that would have made a difference in my career. - Speak up! Don't let being new stop you. The fact that you are new gives you a unique and valuable perspective. Even if something seems obvious, don't hesitate to call it out and voice your opinion. Having a voice at work will strengthen your influence and get you noticed. - Don't prioritize work over your health. You might feel pressured to skip exercise and sleep to complete more work. This is a lousy tradeoff that will ultimately negatively impact your productivity, work quality, and well-being. Well-rested, healthy people perform better. - If you find yourself stuck, step away and return to it later. Taking a break can help refresh your perspective and give your brain a chance to work on the issue subconsciously. It may seem counterintuitive, but doing something else might be the quickest way to solve your problem. - Talk to everyone you can. Now is the time to invest in building your network. The people at the desks next to you are tomorrow's CEOs and industry leaders. It's easy to do. Most people like it when you are curious about their work and are more than happy to converse. - Your teammates are invaluable resources. Get to know the folks around you. Wisdom abounds, so learn from them. Understanding what has worked and not worked for others can be a big career shortcut. - Start making decisions, and try not to introduce new ones. Only ask if you know you have to. "Can I do x?" introduces a new decision, and you risk getting blocked. Instead, do it. Take ownership. It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but always weigh the risks. - The best way to learn (from someone) is to offer help. Find someone you want to learn from and be useful to them. People are more inclined to invest in you if you offer them something in return. - Talk to the executives. As a junior engineer, I felt nervous speaking to senior leaders. As a senior, I notice people are nervous to engage with me. Those who do stand out, and we often have the best conversations where we both learn new things. So, be bold and make high-level connections. - Set clear goals. Having a waypoint on which to focus your career will help clarify what you need to do. The more specific your goals are, the better your chances of achieving them. - Success is a team sport. It's hard to be successful without the support of others. That means it's essential for you to be a good teammate. Listen to what others say, try to make others successful, and most importantly–don't be a jerk.

I decided to start the week with this. I’ve discovered that for experienced professionals, some things seem like platitudes. But for folks who are still feeling their way through their career, and “adulting" the right type of guidance helps. You feel overwhelmed at work & are not doing tasks you like. Unmotivated & frustrated, you're uncertain if you should quit, pursue a master’s program, or start your own business. But even that is confusing! Sounds familiar? Here is how I recommend you get out of that rut. 1) 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: It's okay not knowing everything. The key is to embrace learning & keep growing each day. Accept that it's fine to make mistakes, provided you learn from them. It's part of the learning curve. 2) 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: SMART= specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Instead of saying, "I want to get better at my job," say, "I want to improve my sales numbers by X% in Q3." This gives you a clear target and a way to measure your progress. 3) 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 Y𝐨𝐮𝐫 G𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: Have clear, tangible goals and visualize them daily. They serve as your signal in times of uncertainty and remind you what your targets are. 4) 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: While motivation is a can aid action, it fluctuates. Discipline, on the other hand, keeps you going even when motivation wanes. Discipline is committing to your goals and working towards them, 5) 𝐀𝐜𝐭!: Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, take action based on the information you have. Be willing to adjust your approach as you gain new insights, moving closer to your goals with each step forward. 6) 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: Seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. This can give you insight into areas where you can improve. Remember, feedback is not a criticism of you as a person but a tool to help you improve. 7) 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬: Maintain a sense of curiosity about your work and field. This can lead to a deeper understanding and open new avenues for growth. Ask questions, do research, & always strive to know more. 8) 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: Building relationships can be beneficial. You can learn from experiences, get advice, & discover opportunities you would not have otherwise found. Don't be afraid to connect with others. 9) 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Everyone has days they feel inadequate. It's part of being human. Instead of feeling bad about yourself, approach these situations objectively. 10) 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: Work is important, but so is the rest of your life. Ensure you have work-life balance. This prevents burnout & keeps you from getting overwhelmed. Relax. Spend time with loved ones. Remember, personal & professional development is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace the process, stay resilient, & enjoy the fulfillment that comes from progress and achievement. Have a great week. Davidson 

A recent conversation with a mentee trying to navigate the next steps in their career reminded me of an essential rule I always emphasize: You own your career, therefore you have to be in the driver's seat. They recently received some feedback from their manager that was confusing as it didn’t align with previous feedback. The conversation on next steps was very vague. Reality check: waiting for clear guidance or validation from others can leave you stuck in neutral. Instead, you must proactively manage your own career path. Here are a few things I suggested: 1. Do a Self-Assessment You need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and career aspirations. Identify what excites you and where you see yourself in the future. Remember they can all change due to new experiences and gaining new skillsets. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback While feedback from leadership is valuable, it’s important to triangulate. Reach out to mentors, peers, and others in your function that you admire for their insights. Feedback is just one piece of the puzzle. Use it as a tool for improvement, not as a definitive roadmap. You never know when you might run into an unconscious bias. 3. Continuous Learning and Development I’m ever curious and always looking for learning opportunities. Look for opportunities to learn from other functions. The business world is continusly changing, and staying on top of the game, requires investing time to learn. Stay informed about your current industry trends but also look for best practices in others. 4. Advocate for Yourself People can’t read your mind, so they don’t know what your career goals and aspirations are. Don’t be afraid to articulate them to your leadership. Express your interest in new projects, responsibilities, or roles that align with your goals. 5. Adaptability and Resilience Career paths are rarely linear. My own has been a lattice. Be adaptable. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as learning experiences. Being in the driver's seat of your career means taking an intentional role in your professional development. While others can give you guidance, the ultimate responsibility for your career lies with you. What else would you tell him?

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

Lately, I've been coaching Katie, who found herself feeling lost in her job. Despite her proactive nature and stellar professional background working for big name brands, she still struggled to feel fully integrated into the new organization after six months. It appeared as if she was navigating from one project to another without a comprehensive grasp of the bigger picture. She expressed her frustration during our coaching sessions. That's when I suggested her to schedule meetings with her manager and skip-level to gain more clarity. Katie had attempted this previously with no success. She was starting to believe that perhaps her management didn't have a clear vision either. After much discussion, she realized that her questions were a bit too generic and lacked curious exploration. I suggested Katie this approach instead: ☑ Start by Grasping the Context: Every project has a backstory. Understanding how an initiative came to be can provide a wealth of insight and help you connect the dots. ☑ Explore the Alternatives: Instead of just asking about the problem, delve into the various solutions that have been considered. You might discover something new or identify overlooked options. ☑ Probe into Trade-offs: Instead of merely inquiring about success and failure criteria, dig deeper into the trade-offs involved with each approach. This can reveal what truly matters in the context of a company's current objectives. This fresh perspective made all the difference for Katie as she walked into these meetings. She left the discussions with much more clarity and newfound enthusiasm for her work. So, the next time you seek clarity, remember that the right questions and curiosity can open doors to understanding and connecting with the big picture. 💡  #CareerAdvice #Clarity #getreempowered

I remembering starting my new job and being so excited. My last job started off pretty good but once I got a better understanding of my manager and what the company really wanted from us, my enthusiasm began to wane. We've all been there. The thrill of starting a new job, the buzz of meeting new colleagues, and the anticipation of fresh challenges. Fast forward a few weeks or months, and the honeymoon phase is over. The previously exciting tasks become monotonous. You might be dealing with a challenging colleague or perhaps a boss who doesn't quite see eye to eye with you. Perhaps you even feel somewhat alienated from the company culture. I've been in this situation more than once. Excitement and motivation turned into reluctance and disenchantment. And each time, I had to ask myself: How did I get here, and more importantly, how can I rediscover the joy and purpose that initially drew me to this role? The first realization is that while finding the right job is crucial, learning how to keep that job engaging and fulfilling is equally important (and totally within your power). Here are some strategies I've adopted: 1. Revisit Your "Why": Recall the reasons you accepted the job in the first place. Reflecting on your original motivation can help reignite that initial spark. 2. Seek Feedback Regularly: It's easy to feel disconnected when you're unsure of your contributions. Regular feedback helps affirm your value and provides avenues for growth. 3. Take Ownership: Be proactive. Pitch new ideas. When you take charge and ownership of projects, it's harder to feel disengaged. 4. Connect Beyond Work: Building relationships with colleagues outside of work tasks can be a game-changer. When you genuinely enjoy the company of your peers, challenges at work become easier to navigate. 5. Ongoing Learning: Commit to continuous growth. Whether it's attending workshops or taking courses, expanding your skill set can infuse new energy into your role. 6. What's the Story I Am Telling Myself: We cannot have a feeling without a definition first. How are you defining your job, how your colleagues are treating, how your boss is behaving, etc etc Many times, the stories you are telling yourself are coping mechanisms and not rooted in reality. Jobs, like relationships, have their ups and downs. However, with conscious effort, the downs can be minimized, and the ups maximized. It's not just about finding the right job, but also molding your current one into a role where you feel valued, connected, and excited. For those reading this, have you ever felt disconnected or unenthusiastic about your job? How did you pivot and find joy again? Would love to hear your insights. Lastly, here is a picture of me getting mentally prepared to go do a job that I can't say I particularly like, but will find a way to enjoy it, snaking a dirty drain :)

Ever felt like your career was derailed by a single misstep or failure? Here's a refreshing perspective: your mistakes don't define you. Mistakes are inevitable, no matter how talented or experienced you are. It's how you choose to move forward that sets you apart. Mistakes provide invaluable learning opportunities if you approach them with humility and an open mind. Here are some strategies to navigate the aftermath of mistakes with grace and determination. Own Your Mistakes: •Take responsibility for your actions, and use them as a springboard for personal and professional development. Shift Your Perspective: •Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on the present moment and the future possibilities it holds. Practice Resilience: •Bounce back from setbacks with resilience, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose. Cultivate Self-Compassion: •Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. Learn from Feedback: •Accept constructive criticism graciously, using it to refine your skills and improve your performance. Adapt and Innovate: •Use setbacks as an opportunity to reassess your approach, innovate, and find new ways to achieve your goals. Keep Moving Forward: •Don't let fear of failure hold you back; instead, let it propel you forward with greater determination and focus. Surround Yourself with Support: •Lean on your support network for encouragement, guidance, and perspective during challenging times. Redefine Success: •Shift your definition of success from perfection to progress, celebrating each step forward on your journey. Your response to mistakes shapes how others perceive your character and capabilities. Mistakes are simply inevitable milestones that test our mettle as professionals. How we respond defines our journey forward. So embrace your failures, adapt, and persist in pursuit of your ambitions. What's a career mistake that once felt catastrophic but ultimately made you better? Share your experiences overcoming obstacles in the comments.

🌟 Inspiring Early Career Individuals to Shape Their Healthcare Journey 🌟 As someone with 25+ years of experience in healthcare administration and medical device fields, I've had the privilege to witness the transformative experience of growth in my own career. Today, I want to share a few insights that might resonate with early career professionals navigating their paths in the healthcare landscape. 🚀 Embrace Continuous Learning: Healthcare continually evolves. Seize opportunities to expand knowledge in medical advancements, technologies, and on-the-job experiences. Commit to learning for long-term success. 💡 Nurture Relationships: Collaboration is healthcare's cornerstone. Build connections with colleagues, mentors, and cross-disciplinary (cross-functional) partners. These relationships yield insights, collaborations, and could lead to future opportunities. 🌐 Think Beyond Boundaries: Healthcare is complex and interconnected. Explore beyond your specialization, grasping the broader healthcare ecosystem. At times, it's uncomfortable to step outside of your deep knowledge and expertise, but expanding your breadth of knowledge and experience can make you a "jack of all trades" and open opportunities. 🌟 Advocate for Patient Safety: In every role you take on, never lose sight of the ultimate goal: patients. Patient safety should always be at the forefront of your decisions. It's not just a requirement; it's a moral imperative. 🌱 Know Yourself and Grow in Confidence: Understand your strengths and growth areas. As you conquer challenges, confidence grows, allowing you to make bolder decisions and take on more responsibilities. 🔑 "Do the Job Before Getting the Next Job" - Nick Benson. In the pursuit of advancement, don't rush. Master your current role, absorb its lessons, and contribute meaningfully. The experiences you gain will be the solid foundation on which you can build your future successes. 🚀 Leverage Technology Wisely: New technologies are revolutionizing healthcare. Embrace digital tools, data, and AI. These advancements can streamline processes (efficiency), enhance patient care, and drive positive outcomes. 💪 Be Resilient: The healthcare journey isn't always smooth sailing. Challenges will arise, but they're growth opportunities. Cultivate resilience, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward. This also tests your ability to work under pressure when critical events/situations occur. 🌍 Make a Difference: Remember the bigger picture. Every decision you make and all your effort contributes to bettering healthcare systems and countless individuals' lives. I'm honored to lead a strong early career team. Your energy and passion are the driving forces behind a brighter healthcare future. Your dedication will shape a landscape of innovation, compassion, and patient-centered care. Let's inspire and uplift each other as we journey forward! #HealthcareJourney #EarlyCareerInspiration #HealthcareInnovation #MedtronicEmployee

The Top 3 Barriers to Career Excellence and How to Overcome Them Drawing from my experiences in the Executive Search profession, I've had the unique vantage point of observing professionals as they navigate the complex terrain of their careers. From interactions with numerous talented individuals across varied industries, certain patterns emerge. While many individuals scale to remarkable heights, others seem to be held back by barriers – sometimes visible, often invisible. Here are the three most common barriers that prevent people from realizing their fullest potential in their careers and some insights on how to address them: 1. Lack of Self-Awareness:   - The Challenge: A profound understanding of one's strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and fears is critical for career progression. Without this self-awareness, individuals tend to either overestimate their capabilities leading to crucial missteps or underestimate, which can result in missed opportunities.   - The Solution: Invest in self-reflection. Consider tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or StrengthsFinder. Regular feedback from colleagues, mentors, and even a professional coach can offer illuminating insights into areas of improvement. 2. Fear of Failure:   - The Challenge: This is a ubiquitous barrier. Many professionals fear making mistakes and, as a result, shy away from risks. In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, playing it safe can ironically be the riskiest move.   - The Solution: Cultivate a growth mindset. Recognize that failures are not dead-ends but rather stepping stones to success. Each setback offers a lesson that, when internalized, can pave the way for future triumphs. 3. Inadequate Networking:   - The Challenge: The phrase, "It's not what you know, but who you know," rings true in many professional arenas. Opportunities, insights, and mentorship often arise from connections. Those who isolate themselves or fail to nurture professional relationships may find their growth stunted.   - The Solution: Make networking a priority, but approach it authentically. Rather than sheer volume, focus on cultivating deep, genuine relationships. Offer value, seek mentorship, and remember that the most fruitful connections are mutual. From my perch in the Executive Search realm at Joseph David International (JDI), I've been privileged to witness the transformative power of these insights in real-time. By addressing these barriers head-on, professionals can unlock doors to opportunities they might not have even imagined, propelling them further and faster in their chosen paths. If you seek guidance in furthering your professional journey or need assistance in identifying standout talent, please feel free to connect with me at your convenience.