Career Pathing Strategies for Professional Growth

Most people think career success comes from making the perfect decision. It doesn’t. It comes from making timely, values-aligned ones. Especially when the next step feels unclear. One of my clients, a brilliant VP, spent 3 months stuck on a single choice: “Do I speak up about being overlooked, or wait for my work to speak for itself?” She called it strategic patience. But it was really fear disguised as overthinking. We ran it through this framework. She made the call. Six weeks later, her promotion was fast-tracked. She was finally seen, heard, and most importantly, included. Because here’s what I tell every high-achiever I coach: You don’t need more time to decide. You need a better way to decide. Try the 2-Minute Decision Framework™ (Career Edition): 1. QUICK DECISIONS → Handle it NOW For low-stakes tasks that clog your mental bandwidth: → Can you respond to that email in < 2 minutes? → Is the request low risk and easily reversible? → Are you spiraling on something that just needs action? ✅ Do it. Momentum builds trust and confidence. (Your career doesn’t stall in the big moves, it drips away through tiny indecisions.) 2. TEAM DECISIONS → Resolve it TODAY For collaborative work or project bottlenecks: → Who’s recommending this approach? → Who’s doing the work? → Who’s accountable for the final call? ✍️ Assign roles. Align expectations. Move forward. (Most team confusion comes from no one knowing who’s driving.) Use this anytime you’re: – Leading a cross-functional project – Navigating performance reviews – Building team trust through shared clarity 3. CAREER DECISIONS → Make it THIS WEEK For decisions that affect your growth, visibility, and voice: Use the 3–2–1 Method: → 3 options: Brainstorm career paths, scripts, or solutions → 2 perspectives: Ask two mentors, not the whole internet → 1 call: Choose the path aligned with your long game 🎯 Clarity > complexity. Every time. This works for: – Deciding whether to advocate for a raise or promotion – Considering a lateral move for growth – Navigating visibility or speaking up on tough issues The truth is: courageous careers aren’t built on perfect plans. They’re built on small, aligned decisions made with intention. That’s C.H.O.I.C.E.® in action. So here’s your coaching moment: 🔥 Pick one decision you’ve been avoiding. Run it through the framework. Make the call within the next hour. Then ask yourself: What changed when I finally decided? ❓ What’s one career decision you’ve been sitting on too long? Share it below, or DM me, and we’ll run it through together. 🔖 Save this for your next “Should I…?” moment 👥 Tag someone who needs this framework in their toolkit Because alignment isn’t found in overthinking. It’s built through C.H.O.I.C.E.®. ➕ Follow Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC for tools that actually work in real life. #CareerCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment

Hey there, it’s me, your coach Nina, how are you today? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the exciting but vast possibilities in your career? Society, your parents, friends, strangers on social media, and even your own expectations have all been suggesting paths you “should” take professionally. If you're intellectually curious and enjoy learning, you likely have a strong drive to grow already. You might already have some ideas about where you want to go and how to get there. However, with endless possibilities and only 24 hours in a day, it's important to have a focused and sustainable approach to your career development, one that prevents overwhelm and burnout. Here are some strategies to consider: 1️⃣ List out your career goals: What do you really want in your career? Is it money, title, creative freedom, influence, fame, or making an impact? In my early career I wanted to get promoted because the society says so, but after a few years I started to optimize for learning new experiences (hence jumping from corporate to startup to stand up a new team.) 2️⃣ Figure out your why: understand why you want to achieve something adds meaning and boosts motivation. Are you aiming for FIRE (financial independence to retire early), seeking respect as a manager, or craving intellectual exploration? 3️⃣ Define success: know your destination helps you figure out what resources or skills you need to get there. For instance, aspiring to be a people manager might require learning how to inspire others. 4️⃣ Identify the resources you need: Just like planning a trip, you need to know what to pack for your career journey. Determine the skills or knowledge necessary for your dream role. 5️⃣ Choose how to learn: Different people prefer different learning methods—reading, visual cues, podcasts, or hands-on experience. Find what works best for you and experiment if you're unsure. 6️⃣ Practice: Apply your new skills whenever possible. Shadow others, volunteer for projects, and actively develop the competencies you need. 7️⃣ Reflect regularly: Set a monthly reminder to assess your progress and adjust your strategies if needed. 8️⃣ Seek accountability: Remember the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Find a mentor, friend, or a coach friend to support and hold you accountable. What strategies have you used or would you recommend to feel less overwhelmed and more empowered in your career growth? #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #midcareer

Most high achievers begin their careers based on what’s available, what others recommend, or what looks promising. The first ten years- or more- are usually exhilarating, filled with learning, promotions, new experiences, marriage, children, and growing aspirations. Eventually, once the basic needs are met and the dust settles, a different kind of question surfaces: “Is this it? Where am I going from here?” I recently got a note from someone saying, “I just came across this older career roadmap you drew for me in 2010 when I was at a crossroads, mulling over what I should switch to after my recent MBA but nervous about making the change.” He went on to say, “Your message about ‘getting to the core of your preferred area ASAP’ and the roadmap you laid out toward a GM role was one of the meetings I still cherish to this day.” Over the years, I’ve probably drawn hundreds of such sheets always with my signature and the date on them and often tell people to come see me 15 years later so we can talk about how things turned out. Some, like him, do. While our careers are often shaped by serendipity, here are five steps I frequently share with young professionals during these conversations grounded in personal experience: 𝟭. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 of the function you want to be in, enjoy, and are good at. For instance, get as close as possible to sales or account management if you want to grow in the broader sales/marketing domain. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝟳–𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 working with increasing responsibility across different aspects of that core area. Do significant, high-impact work. Take on the company’s difficult problems that need solved. Take risks. 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 with additional certifications whether in Six Sigma, analytics, or leadership, based on your trajectory and context. 𝟰. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 who will advocate for you, open doors for you, and help clear the path ahead. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸 or as my good friend would say, at least the absence of ill luck. As you reflect on your own career path, I’d love to know: What’s the best career advice you’ve received that you now pass on to younger professionals? #CareerRoadmaps #Careermapping #PayitForward

Crawl. Walk. Run. The 3 stages of professional development.👇 -- CRAWL The goal here is to turn self-doubt into self-awareness. 1️⃣ Assessment Start by knowing your baseline. - Strengths - Skills - Opportunities - Gaps Use tools like StrengthsFinder, SWOT analysis, and reflection. 2️⃣ S.M.A.R.T. Goals Define where you're going. Then, turn your career dreams into tangible goals. S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Relevant T - Time-Bound 3️⃣ Daily Growth Embrace the Develop Daily concept. - 15 mins / day - Targeted - Time-blocked Make consistency your ally. 4️⃣ Learning Basics Seek out foundational resources: - Courses - Books - Thought Leaders Start paying attention to your peak learning hours and formats. 5️⃣ Internal Networking - Build strong bonds with your team - Ask for introductions from your existing network - Volunteer for an internal organization or project Systematize these efforts. -- WALK The goal here is to turn knowledge into action. 1️⃣ Serious Skill Growth Drive toward proficiency, then on to mastery. 1-2 technical skills. PLUS: - Communication (Writing, Presentation, etc.) - Team Collaboration and EQ - Problem-Solving - Leadership 2️⃣ Growth Mindset Lean into challenges. Back yourself to overcome stumbles and mistakes. Study: - Carol Dweck - Angela Duckworth - James Clear 3️⃣ Mentorship Find yourself a top mentor or coach. Take advantage of: - Their outside perspective - Their years of experience - Their tactical advice Start mentoring folks who are one step behind you. 4️⃣ Learning Science Ground yourself in foundational learning principles: - Microlearning - Spaced Repetition - Active Recall Pair this with a highly-curated list of top resources. 5️⃣ Expansive Networking Get outside your bubble. - Volunteer for industry organizations - Get active and bold on LinkedIn - Join LunchClub -- RUN The goal here is to turn experience into expertise. 1️⃣ Lead Regardless of your role, start leading. - Connect - Support - Inspire Read Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, and Stephen Covey. 2️⃣ Lifelong Learning Expand your daily growth. - Curate top content - Organize and lead conversations - Structure your own unique insights 3️⃣ Share Expand your personal brand. The easiest way? - Share what you know - Share everything you know - Package it in an easy-to-digest format Consider speaking engagements and publications. 4️⃣ Cross-Functional Experience Expand your work influence across departments or organizations. - Take on larger efforts - Engage as a DEI leader - Join a board 5️⃣ Develop Others Pay forward your expertise. - Grow your internal team daily - Mentor and coach - Sponsor rising talent -- Want to talk through your 2024 goals? I'm opening up a few slots in January to connect with folks from LinkedIn. No sales pitch. Just good old-fashioned conversation. DM me if interested.

You are the only person who can advocate for your career development, and its probably more important than ever to ensure you have a plan in place for yourself. Here are a few strategies to consider:   ⭐ Know Your Worth: Take the time to reflect on your skills, accomplishments, and unique strengths. Understand your value and be confident in communicating it to others.   ⭐ Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Be specific and create a roadmap to achieve them. Share these goals with your managers, mentors, or trusted colleagues, so they can support you in your journey.   ⭐ Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, and mentors. Embrace constructive criticism and use it to fuel your growth. Regularly assess your progress and make adjustments as needed.   ⭐ Network: Build and nurture professional relationships both within and outside your organization. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and engage in conversations with professionals in your field. These connections can provide valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities.   ⭐ Be Proactive: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; create them. Voice your interests, ask for stretch assignments, and express your desire to take on new responsibilities. Take charge of your career path by seeking out growth opportunities.   Remember, advocating for yourself is not about being pushy or arrogant. It's about recognizing your own value, asserting your needs, and actively pursuing growth opportunities. By advocating for yourself, you can unlock your full potential and shape a fulfilling and successful career.   #CareerDevelopment #AdvocateForYourself #ProfessionalGrowth #UnlockYourPotential #LinkedInCommunity

Ever felt like your progress at work is being stifled, not by your own shortcomings, but by someone else’s insecurities? It’s a tough situation, especially when that person is in a position of power over you. But here’s something I’ve learned: Your career is yours to develop, not theirs to hinder. 🚀 When I realized my own growth was being compromised by someone else who saw me more as a threat than an asset, I decided it was time to take control. I built up my self-confidence, recognized that the real limitations were their issues, not mine, and started seeking new opportunities. 🔑 What You Can Do: - Seek Internal Opportunities: Don’t wait for chances to be handed to you. Be proactive, ask around, connect with other teams, and find new ways to grow internally. - Consider External Roles: If you’re feeling boxed in, maybe the best step forward is to step out. Look for opportunities outside your current company that align better with your growth goals. - Own Your Development: At the end of the day, you are in charge of your career path. Take ownership and don’t let anyone else’s limitations slow you down. Don’t let a toxic work environment prevent you from shining. You deserve to be in a place that values your talents and supports your growth. 🌈 If you’re ready to break free and take your career to the next level but need some guidance, I’m here to help. DM me for personalized advice or check out my speaking engagements for more insights on navigating career challenges at https://lnkd.in/eqFE-gHx. #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #keynotespeaker

"When will I get promoted?" People think that the only way to grow professionally is to get promoted. This may seems like the obvious route, but it is not the only one. Here are some other valuable ways to grow professionally: 1. Learn a new skill: What are you curious about? Learn something beyond your day-to-day role. 2. Mentoring: Seek guidance from experienced mentors or invest in professional coaching to accelerate your growth. Mentor others - Become a mentor and discover the joy of guiding others as they grow. 3. Take ownership on new projects: Take on leadership roles in projects to demonstrate your capabilities and broaden your experience. 4. Network: Create cultivate meaningful connections within and outside your industry to gain insights and opportunities. 5. Continuous Learning: Embrace learning through conferences, workshops, courses, and self-study to stay ahead in your field. 6. Job changes. In the past, career progression often relied on companies determining your path. Nowadays, individuals value autonomy and actively seek to steer their own career trajectories. 7. My favorite: TRAVEL to a new place. I once heard of an executive who before making a major business decision, took time off and traveled to a new place. Traveling opens your horizons, builds resilience and adaptability. You'll get a fresh perspective and find new ways to grow. Remember, professional growth is a multifaceted journey, and there's no single path to success. Your development is supported by exploring these diverse avenues. What other strategies have you found effective in your career growth? Let's discuss in the comments! #learninganddevelopment #talentdevelopment #employeedevelopment #learning #growth #personalgrowth #professionalgrowth

When working on your professional growth with a coach, it's important to ask yourself reflective questions to maximize the benefits of coaching and your personal and career development. Here are some questions to consider: ➡ What are my short-term and long-term career goals? Define your aspirations and what you hope to achieve in your professional life. ➡ What challenges or obstacles am I currently facing in my career? Identify the specific issues or hurdles that are holding you back. ➡ What skills or competencies do I want to develop or improve? Determine the skills and knowledge you need to reach your goals. ➡ What are my core values and principles? Clarify your values to align your career choices with what truly matters to you. ➡ What motivates and inspires me in my work? Explore the aspects of your job that bring you joy and fulfillment. ➡ What is my leadership style, and how can I enhance it? Assess your leadership qualities and consider how they impact your career. ➡ How do I handle stress and setbacks, and can I improve my resilience? Reflect on your coping mechanisms and strategies for overcoming challenges. ➡ What feedback have I received from colleagues or supervisors, and how can I use it for growth? Evaluate the feedback you've received and identify areas for improvement. ➡ Am I effectively managing my time and priorities? Assess your time management skills and productivity habits. ➡ What opportunities for growth or advancement am I overlooking? Explore potential career paths, projects, or opportunities you may not have considered. ➡ How do I handle work-life balance, and is it sustainable? Reflect on your work-life balance and whether adjustments are needed. ➡ Am I open to change and willing to step out of my comfort zone? Consider your willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. ➡ What is my vision for my ideal career and life? Envision the future you want to create for yourself. ➡ What steps can I take right now to move closer to my professional goals? Break down your goals into actionable steps and prioritize them. ➡ How can I measure and track my progress and success? Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics to gauge your growth. ➡ What support systems and resources do I need to succeed? Identify mentors, courses, books, or tools that can aid your development. ➡ What does success mean to me personally and professionally? Define your own definition of success beyond external expectations. Remember that working with a professional growth coach is a collaborative process, and these questions can serve as a starting point for meaningful discussions and self-discovery. Your coach will guide you in exploring these questions further and developing strategies to achieve your goals. #professionalgrowth #coaching #growth #professionaldevelopment #career #leadership

𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬   As individuals complete their academic journey and enter the professional environment, they will encounter tasks involving goal setting and the creation of a development plan. Here are a few tips about how to get started and sustain the momentum.   𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠   Creating a goal plan involves a systematic approach to defining your objectives, outlining the steps needed to achieve them, and establishing a timeline for completion.   Identify your specific goals making sure that they are clear, specific, and measurable. Gain alignment with supervisors and teammates on how success will be defined for each goal.   Prioritize your goals by determining their relative importance, factoring in questions around urgency, alignment with your long-term objectives, and potential impact on your career growth. Break each goal into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones.   Assign realistic deadlines to each milestone or task.   Develop a detailed action plan for each goal, outlining the specific steps you need to take to accomplish it. Include resources you may require and any potential obstacles or challenges you might encounter. Consider strategies to overcome them.   Review your goal plan and track your progress on a regular basis as this approach will allow you to understand whether you are on track and additional actions may be required to achieve those objectives.   Finally, goals can and will change with additional information, new priorities, and new opportunities.   𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠   Creating a development plan involves assessing your current skills and competencies, identifying areas for improvement, and outlining a plan of action to enhance your professional capabilities.   Conduct a self-assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.   Reflect on your current skills, knowledge, and experiences, and consider the skills and competencies required to advance in your desired career path.   Set specific and measurable development goals. These goals should be aligned with your career aspirations and address the areas you want to improve.   Explore the various development opportunities available to you. This could include attending workshops, seminars, or conferences, enrolling in courses or certifications, seeking mentorship, participating in industry associations, or taking on challenging projects or assignments.   Develop a detailed plan of action outlining the steps you need to take to enhance your skills and competencies.   Determine the resources you will need to support your development plan. Start implementing your development plan by engaging in the identified activities.   Track your progress over time against these goals.   Actively seek feedback from mentors, supervisors, or colleagues who can provide guidance and support with different perspectives and suggestions for improvement. #development #career