Networking can feel especially uncomfortable when you’re used to letting your work speak for itself. This section offers practical ways to build relationships, reach out to people, ask for help, and have useful career conversations without making every interaction feel transactional.
Three years ago, I walked out of the CIA after 15 years in government to move across the country and rebuild my life in tech and executive coaching. From navigating Tesla and OpenAI to building a coaching practice and making San Francisco home, here are five hard-won lessons on navigating career and life transitions with grace and intention.
I cried on my last day at the CIA. Leaving was my choice, but handing in my badge meant leaving behind an identity I had wrapped myself in for years. Here is what I have learned since about untangling our self-worth from our work, avoiding burnout, and remembering that your job is what you do, not who you are.
Want to get ahead in your career? It takes more than just hard work and strategy - it takes intentional connection. Learn why focusing on the people around you, leading with empathy, and remembering the little things are the true keys to building a reputation that speaks for itself.
Why is it so much easier to offer help than to ask for it? When you are job searching, reaching out to your network can feel vulnerable and awkward. Discover how to reframe your mindset around networking - from feeling like a "burden" to creating an opportunity for genuine connection - so you can confidently land your next role.
Asking for help is hard, but in today's tough job market, it's an essential skill. If you aren't getting traction on your networking messages, you might be missing a crucial step. Learn how to approach outreach with empathy and use this 5-step framework to formulate a clear, actionable ask that makes it easy for people to say yes.
