Passion in Your Career

Talent matters, but it’s not the only thing. And it’s often not even the main thing. Angela Duckworth’s research shows there’s a stronger predictor of success: Grit. So what is grit? It’s the combination of passion and perseverance. Grit is what keeps you going after the excitement fades. It’s what pushes you to finish what you start. And it can be learned. Duckworth breaks grit into 4 elements: 1. Deep interest – You love what you do. 2. Deliberate practice – You work hard and smart to improve. 3. Purpose – You believe your work serves something bigger. 4. Resilient hope – You don’t give up when things get hard. Why it matters: In study after study—from cadets at West Point to finalists in spelling bees—grit outperformed raw talent. It wasn’t IQ or natural ability that made the difference. It was sticking with it. And here’s the good news: Grit isn’t fixed. It’s a skill. It can be strengthened. And we can help others grow it too—through challenge, support, and meaning. The takeaway: Don’t just ask, “Am I good at this?” Ask: “Do I care enough to keep going?” “Am I willing to get better?” “Can I stay hopeful when it gets hard?” That’s grit. And that’s what leads to mastery.

I’ve had quite a few HR/People professionals reach out for career advice over the past year, and there’s one tip in particular that comes to mind every time. So for anyone thinking about how to grow their HR/People career more intentionally, here it is: Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one area of expertise. I’m not saying you can’t specialize. If L&D is your thing, go for it. But make sure you’re picking up and fine tuning other skills along the way. What do I mean? If you’re a recruiter, don’t just recruit. Dip your toes into the world of L&D by creating and leading interview trainings. Step into the world of analytics by running data reports on time to close, pipeline demographics, source of hire — go wild! If Learning & Development is more your jam, don’t just train. Build on your coaching skills by setting up office hours for any training attendees who need more 1:1 support. Spread your wings into the world of HRBP-ing by meeting with team leads to explore growth opportunities, develop metrics to track progress over time (i.e. are the trainings working?), etc. If you live in the world of Payroll & Benefits, take a trip over to Employee Engagement Avenue. What surveys could you run to assess whether or not your benefits are equitable, competitive, and easy to leverage. Are employees even aware of the full slate of benefits on offer? Here's why: 1. Increased stability. If you can only do one thing and your company decides that one thing is no longer in the budget or in line with company strategy, you run a far higher risk of losing your job. 2. More growth opportunities. Sure, recruiting might be your passion today, but what happens if you get bored 5 years down the line? What if there’s another field within the People space that you could love even more? What if a more senior position on your team opens up, but it requires a more diverse set of skills and experience? Exploring multiple areas within the HR space will broaden your opportunities tenfold. 3. Ability to combine and leverage different skill sets and perspectives. I am constantly impressed by the benefit that comes from a fresh perspective. Applying your Employee Engagement eyes to a recruiter problem could provide a creative solution to improving candidate experience. Putting on your DEI hat to tackle an L&D problem could identify a gap in accessibility for different learning styles and abilities. The possibilities are endless. What are your top tips for growing professionals in the HR/People space? #hr #peopleandculture #careerdevelopment

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." - Steve Jobs 6 powerful career lessons - courtesy of ex-Banking Executive Ani Filipova: 1/ Managers You'll learn from both good and bad bosses; it's just that learning from the latter is far less enjoyable. A boss who micromanages can teach you the importance of trust in a team. A boss who doesn't communicate effectively can highlight the value of clear and open communication. Reflecting on these interactions sharpens your understanding of what (and what not) to embody as a leader and how to foster a positive team environment. 2/ Promotions That sting of a missed promotion? It may be a signal to shift gears. Whether diving into a different department, exploring a new field, or launching your venture, use it as a springboard to realign your career with your strengths and passion. 3/ Super Powers Standing out with unique skills and values isn't just okay; it's a strength. You can leverage your distinctiveness by looking for roles and projects where your unique qualities are welcomed, leveraged, and celebrated. As a result, my career was not limited to any vertical line of business as traditionally happens; my squiggly path, going into many different fields of the banking industry, was instrumental in my ascent to a C-suite role. 4/ Lateral Moves Opting for lateral moves rather than always looking upward can significantly enrich your career. My journey took me through various roles within Risk and Audit, allowing me to explore banking across several different groups in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. These experiences expanded my perspective and prepared me for leadership at the highest level. 5/ Networking Engaging with colleagues across the organization through projects, meetings, and events builds your internal network and broadens your operational knowledge. It's like adding rocket fuel to your career and giving you insider knowledge on how everything ticks. Networking was key to discovering job openings, including the COO role. 6/ Passion Your passion doesn't always align perfectly with your current role. For instance, banking was never my passion; travel was. It influenced many of my career decisions. Even if they seem unrelated, your interests can open doors to opportunities and roles that resonate more deeply with you. PS: What's something not on your resume that's been a big part of your career journey? ------ Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

Halfway through college, I saw a fighter jet takeoff up close for the first time. That single moment remapped my entire career path: As a criminal justice major, my sights were set on the FBI, with a four-year military stint simply as a way to help pay for college. But watching those jets roaring ascent spoke to me. It led me to 13 years in the Air Force, piloting the F-16, where I discovered my true calling wasn't just flying and inspiring others. That realization has shaped my journey, teaching me the power of listening to my instincts and embracing unexpected turns. Life's most transformative moments often come when we least expect them. It's about staying open, curious, and ready to pivot. 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝘁 - 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲! I'm on version 3.0 of my professional goals :). How about you? Has there been a defining moment that redirected your professional goals? Share your story in the comments! ------------------------ 𝗽.𝘀 Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️

I am in my 8th (and final) year as a Washington Trails Association (WTA) board member. I started with WTA board service 7 years before I retired from Amazon. While a VP, managing 800 people and $500M+ businesses, I was also working on this cause. My recommendation is do not wait to get involved. Here are 2 tips on how to support your own causes and good works. The photo is me at the WTA Board of Directors retreat. I started with the organization before joining the board, so I have been actively working on this cause for over 10 years. Hiking is a passion and a pleasure for me, so the Trails Association is a natural fit. I am in my final year due to term limits. Tip #1: You do not have to wait until you stop working and "have time" to do at least a little for the causes you care about. Being on the board only takes a couple of hours a month plus one weekend a year. I could do that even with a very demanding, high travel executive role. One of my core beliefs is that I am not a saint. My strategy was mostly to take care of myself and my family first, then pivot to focus on paying back second. I wish I could tell you that I was the sort of person who was willing to live my life in poverty to best serve others. I wasn't. So I climbed the career ladder first, earning "time freedom" so that now I can focus on charity and service. Tip #2: You may actually have more money to give to the causes you care about while you are working. While I do a lot of good now, I did a lot of good in a different way when I was in a job and making money. I didn't have time, so I gave dollars instead. If you want to "invest" in a cause and you lack time, by all means give money. Why? Because there are other people with time but no money who will do good on your behalf if you enable them to do so. I understand putting off "full-time good" works until you feel secure. All of my career advice is in fact based on the idea that if I help you succeed in your career, you will then pay it forward into the world. So, if you want to do more good, follow me here and I will do everything I can to get you to where you feel you have "enough." But do not wait until then to start getting involved. Join a few organizations. Most would love to call you a member for $50 or less. Find a small place or two to volunteer even one day a year. It will help you explore where you want to put your heart when you can. The other big way I try to give back is by sharing the best career advice I can. It pains me to see people unhappy or unsatisfied with their jobs. How are you giving back now and what do you hope to do next? Please comment, I want to hear your dreams.

As an employee, I've come to realize that feeling valued in the workplace is like sunlight for personal and professional growth 🌱 . It's the fuel that ignites passion and fosters a sense of purpose. But it's equally important to acknowledge how it feels when you don't feel valued. 👎 🌦️ The Weight of Being Undervalued: When an organization overlooks the contributions of its employees, it can feel like a heavy cloud hanging over your enthusiasm and motivation. It's demoralizing and can lead to disengagement. ❤️ The Empowerment of Being Valued: On the flip side, being appreciated and valued by your employer has an incredible impact. It boosts self-confidence, inspires creativity, and fuels a desire to go above and beyond. It's like a high five that conveys, "We see you, and your work matters." 🤔 Valuing Employees in Tough Times: Now, more than ever, organizations face economic challenges that can make employee recognition seem like a luxury. However, it's in these times that valuing employees becomes even more crucial. Here's how organizations can do it: 1️⃣ Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication about the challenges the organization faces helps employees understand the bigger picture. 2️⃣ Recognition Beyond Rewards: While financial rewards are important, non-monetary recognition like a heartfelt "thank you" or public acknowledgment can go a long way. 3️⃣ Career Development: Provide opportunities for skill development and growth (not just more workload), even if promotions or pay raises are temporarily on hold. 4️⃣ Employee Well-being: Show concern for the well-being of employees, offering resources and support for mental and physical health. 5️⃣ Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to contribute ideas and solutions to navigate tough times, making them feel part of the solution. 6️⃣ Celebrate Wins: Recognize and celebrate achievements, from all parts of the organization, to maintain a positive atmosphere. Feeling valued isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving workplace. When employees are empowered and appreciated, they become resilient, dedicated, and committed to the organization's success, even in tough times. As employees, we play a significant role in fostering a culture of appreciation, and it starts with recognizing and valuing each other's contributions. #EmployeePerspective #ValuingEmployees #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeWellbeing

I believe work should be a manifestation of your life’s purpose — but I’m willing to guess that no one grows up dreaming of a career in enterprise SaaS. If that’s you, how can you find greater meaning in your work? Here’s my story. Out of college, I started a social network for student travelers called SocialAbroad — I still renew the domain every year because… why not. I learned that I loved spending my working hours building the future. I would have been horrible as employee number 50,000 at the Walt Disney Company. I followed that dream to Palo Alto and took a day job as an SDR at Box. It was the first time I was exposed to the whole Silicon Valley thing — employees sleeping in conference rooms, cooking bacon on George Foreman grills, and playing on the softball team. I loved startup life and became passionate about working in that environment. But I hated being an SDR. I worked hard anyway and got promoted into the Partnerships team. Eventually, at another company, I got asked to lead a Product Management team. Finally, I was given the opportunity to build the marketing department at the company that would become Gainsight. It was there that I found the career path that would impact my purpose and fulfillment most – marketing. I fell in love with the creative energy, storytelling, and human connection that came with it. Finding your passion isn’t a linear path; it’s a journey. My advice? Try things that you’ve never done before. And like most good love stories, you’ll know when you’ve found it. Also, don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities that scare you.

The #1 skill of being a successful entrepreneur is pure resilience. I’ve led three startups, and each time it has felt like climbing a mountain. Some days, the summit is clear, and you want to break open a picnic basket. On others, storms obscure the path, and I feel so defeated that I lose sight of the top. In moments like this, I reflect on three things: 1️⃣ Do I care about what I'm climbing for? Passion for the mission of my work fuels my perseverance, turning daunting challenges into worthy pursuits. 2️⃣ Who am I climbing with? Surrounding myself with a strong and collaborative team makes even the darkest days manageable. Together, we can weather any storm and celebrate every sunny day. 3️⃣ I remember that we make progress one step at a time. Even on the stormiest days, I know sunny days are ahead. (And I try not to stop for too long a picnic on the sunny days either.) As founders, we’re going to get knocked down over and over again. The real path to winning is dusting ourselves off and moving forward. By embracing resilience, leaning on our teammates, and staying committed to our journey, we can persist on the steepest climbs. Fellow entrepreneurs: Tell me what’s a setback you’ve bounced back from 👇🏼 #entrepreneurship #leadership — Like this post? Follow me for more insights on leadership, team building, and the future of work. Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter Leadership is Everywhere: https://lnkd.in/g_VETsRY

𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 ☀ Ever felt like your professional successes don't quite fill the void within? It's a challenge many in leadership positions encounter: the quest for genuine fulfillment and purpose that goes beyond just achieving goals. Ignoring this sense of emptiness can lead to a disconnection from your work, affecting productivity and potentially prompting thoughts of leaving your organization. A daily reflection exercise on your purpose can be key in addressing this. Here’s a streamlined approach: 💥 Identify Moments of Identity: Recall six times in your career where you felt most fully yourself. What is most meaningful to you, and why? 💥 Find the Underlying Pattern: Examine these situations closely. What connects them? Capture the common thread that made these moments feel you were most fully being yourself. The clue is in what is meaningful and why. 💥 Craft Your Purpose Statement: Turn this pattern into a deep self-concept statement. It could be something as inspiring as "To be the best in every interaction" or "To bring out the best in my people." 💥 Winning matters, but without meaningfulness it results in emptiness. So winning matters, meaning matters, it’s Both/And, not either/or. Combine going for a Big Win and your Big Purpose. 💥 Mobilize Your Purpose: Make this statement a guiding principle in your everyday decisions and regularly review its relevance to your evolving leadership journey. Carefully not on track, off track and course correct. By incorporating this reflection into your daily routine, you can start to bridge the gap between external achievements (winning) and internal fulfillment (meaning). When done well, this alignment can reignite your passion for your work, enhance your productivity, and deepen your connection to your role and team.🌀 Share your thoughts in the COMMENTS below. 🔽 #LeadershipFulfillment #PurposeBeyondSuccess #ReflectAndRedefine #AuthenticLeadership #MissionDrivenLeaders

As I sit here reflecting on my career journey, I'm reminded of a pivotal moment that forever changed the way I approached work-life balance. I glanced at the clock—4:30 pm. My colleagues were still immersed in their tasks, but I was already packing up. Why? Because I was determined to beat the traffic and be home in time for dinner with my family. 👨👩👧👦 Weekends? Those were sacred—reserved for family and recharging my spirit. 🌳 You might wonder, wasn't I worried this would impact my career or tarnish my reputation? The truth is, I wasn't. I knew I delivered results on time as required. 💼 My day started at the break of dawn, up at 5 am, and in the office by 6. By 9 am, crucial decisions were made, and my desk was clear of pending tasks. 🌅🕕 Breaks? Hardly. Working lunches became the norm. Each evening at home, I’d spend a focused 30 minutes preparing for the next day, ensuring I was in bed by 10 pm, ready to tackle the morning with a sharp mind and a rested body. 💤📋 You can have it all if you excel at what you do, set firm boundaries, and communicate what you will and won't do. 🗣️ I never shirked responsibilities, refused work, or let my team down. I simply found a way to get things done that honored both my career and personal life. 🏆 I don't just get work done. I get work done my way. 💯 How You Too Can Achieve Life-Work Balance: ➡️ Set clear boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them. ➡️ Communicate these boundaries with your team and family. ➡️ Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are highest. ➡️ Plan your day: Spend a few minutes each evening planning for the next day. It helps you stay organized and reduces stress. Actions you can take today: ➜ Identify your top 3 priorities for tomorrow: Write them down and tackle them first thing in the morning. ➜ Schedule a family activity: Make time for your loved ones this weekend and fully disconnect from work. ➜ Take a break: Use your vacation days. Rest and recharge to come back even more productive. If we haven't met: I'm Rudy Malle a clinical researcher, avid entrepreneur, podcaster, storyteller, and career adviser. Let's #connect! #CareerBalance #WorkLifeIntegration #ProductivityHacks #FamilyFirst #ProfessionalGrowth #ClinicalResearch #tgif #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #CareerAdvice #ConnectWithMe #MyWay