All I knew was: I was sick of it. I felt like I had been killing myself to achieve so much, and yet the message received was that it still wasn't good enough. I had:
- Earned a PhD
- Taught at an Ivy League university
- Lived and worked abroad
- Published my research in multiple books and articles through international publishers and top journals
- Spoken at international conferences
- Worked 80-90 hour weeks
And more. Yet the academic jobs available paid a salary which, at that rate, would not have met today’s $15/hr minimum wage standard. And no, I’m not exaggerating.
They demanded my all, and I was freely giving it (and I was damn good at it), but I wasn’t being valued the way I needed and deserved.
Dad had the most powerful words of advice:
“Laura, you’ve paid your dues.
It’s time for you to get paid what you’re due.”
That’s when I knew it was time to start doing things MY way.
Time for something new, BIGGER, different. Something that challenged me intellectually and creatively. A fresh start that inspired, excited, and fulfilled me personally and professionally.
I needed to make a massive shift, and I needed it NOW.
I just didn’t know what it looked like.
So when I had that casual yet serendipitous conversation at a wedding reception which led to a consulting opportunity with a Fortune 100 company, that was the fork in my road: I had stumbled upon a new path.
It was scary – a new context in which I didn’t have direct experience, but a context in which my knowledge, experience, and skills were equally recognized, and valued way, way more.
Given the choice – to borrow from Frost – ‘I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.'
Helping Others Take the Leap
These challenges are very common, and over the years, I’ve helped many clients overcome obstacles to land promotions and other new, better jobs. For example:
- Jake wasn’t receiving offers because his interview answers were too technical, dry and overly detailed. Once he discovered how to read between the lines in interview questions to discern what the other person really wanted to know, he learned to tell compelling stories showcasing his leadership abilities beyond just technical expertise and landed an exciting new COO role.
- Leslie stopped considering new roles simply out of desperation to escape a toxic work environment, and started making the case for the incredible value she brought to the table, ultimately negotiating an opportunity that provided her with everything she was looking for.
- Michelle had been passed over for a top promotion at a Fortune 50 company due to lack of executive presence; she finally overcame her imposter syndrome and learned to project her true confidence and authority in front of senior leadership, ultimately securing the role.
- Sam was an SVP at risk for losing the opportunity to rise to CFO because he wasn’t connecting with the board; once we identified the disconnect, he learned to “speak their language” while still being his authentic self, and now has the seat in the C-suite.
- Paula transformed her social anxiety around networking, learned to articulate her unique expertise, value and passion, and discovered fun, new ways to find opportunities through proactive engagement.
Ask Yourself: Is YOUR Time Now?
Does any of this sound familiar? Do you feel like it’s finally YOUR time? Are you facing challenges in knowing:
- What you actually want?
- Where to find it?
- How to prove that you're ready for it and deserve it?
- How to GET what you want?
Time to Take a Quantum Leap
In my “Quantum Leap: Executive Transition Coaching” program, that’s exactly what I help my clients do.
I’ll show you how to cut through all of it:
COMMAND The Room
- Articulate your personal brand and “UVP” (unique value proposition)
- Pinpoint exactly what you want and don't want in your next role
- Craft and deliver a clear, compelling elevator pitch
- Project confidence, charisma, and authenticity
CONNECT With The Audience
- Discover new opportunities
- Make proactive networking meaningful and FUN
- Leverage the power of podcast “guesting” for positive publicity
and exposure
- Adapt your communication style to the context while still being yourself
CLOSE the Deal
- Master interviewing and negotiation techniques
- Become a captivating storyteller to illustrate your expertise and
track record
- Determine the essential questions YOU need to ask THEM
- Practice proven strategies for handling difficult questions
- Ask for what you want – and GET it!
Best of all, you’ll gain a support network of like-minded, success-oriented peers to serve as a sounding board, accountability group, and your personal fan club!
Ready for Something New?
If you're ready for something new, bigger, and better, go HERE to tell me more about what kind of “quantum leap” YOU want to make, and learn more about the program to see if it's right for you.
Take a good look: There’s the fork in your road. Which path will YOU take?
Here are a few more inspiring past episodes of the Speaking to Influence podcast you may have missed:
- Dina Pokedoff, SVP Communications at Kuehne+Nagel North America – Building Something from Scratch
- Carolina DiGiorgio, CEO, Congreso de Latinos Unidos – The Voice of the Advocate
- Liz Scott, Alex's Mom and Co-Executive Director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation – Building a Legacy of Love
