Connecting and Reflecting
Discovering your strength through shared experiences
Immersing myself in a whirlwind of connections left me reflecting on the past two weeks...
Over that time, I gathered with brilliant minds to solve for stories that resonated with the audience, explored vulnerabilities within (literally) personal space, and melded versatile tools and strategies to tackle deep-diving issues! 🤿
Yes, I feared the unstructured chaos at the start of my career transition, calculating my necessities in a tenuous way. Ultimately, I needed to jump right in, and boy did I! With little chance for reflection on difficulties to come, I attended a virtual event called Integrated Life Program (thank you Rachelle Aspan) that focused on how you decide what to pursue, giving items and issues personal meaning derived from your life. This definition would allow you to propose and build out your sense of purpose through an action plan based on characteristics of success that would be uniquely important to you.
Out of serendipity, luck or another fortuitous word, I was invited to attend an AMA luncheon where all of a sudden, I did not feel alone on the mountain, but I felt strength in camaraderie.
This was all by, again, good fortune as an acquaintance had wanted to introduce me to a colleague looking for someone with my professional background. It just so happened that I had received concerning news that morning about my job transition. I quickly mentioned it was great timing (for all the reasons you already know), and my connection instantly let me know there was a free ticket available for an event the next week. Opportunities kept appearing, and I’ve been seizing each one! At the luncheon, speaker April Roberts really gave me some strong nuggets to chew on (it was a luncheon after all). She spoke on her theory of building structure into your life, allowing yourself space to realize success, freedom and creativity. You can find good resources to her Vixen CEO Calendar to get you motivated and organized with thoughtful tips about your time management.
The best things in life come in threes
If you can believe it, within one week, I attended a third activity! I was serendipitously placed in front of a communications leader in the local area who had asked if I would consider a breakfast discussion with peers across various industries. I quickly accepted the relevant invitation, a bit nervously to be honest. And with all my 'introvert' showing, I showed up and led with freedom and vulnerability. I gathered key insights from the H-Town collective communications leadership at Savage Brands.
Here are some emerging themes that were explored during the breakfast:
Empathy and authenticity—Understanding that the best communications are rooted in human connection.
More than a meeting—It was a think tank for modern leadership. We delved into themes that transcended industries but are deeply rooted in effective storytelling, audience engagement, and personal growth.
Boundaries and personal energy management—We each shared healthy hobbies and habits to create sustainable work environments while maintaining creativity and innovation.
These discussions reinforced that strong communication is built on intentional strategy and a deep understanding of people.
Small hinges swing big doors
I wanted to share some of my learning that might be helpful for you in your job search. The best ideas don’t live in isolation; they grow through your own unique connections that you choose to maintain. I decided to lean into the collectives and spontaneity of my network's reactions. I’ve been reminded that growth happens best in community and makes life a little sweeter. Moving forward isn’t just about taking the next step—it’s about recognizing your transitional value. The experiences, relationships, and unexpected moments that arise during challenge and change all contribute to what you carry forward. Reflect on what’s emerging in your journey, then consider: How do you translate your focused strengths into actions?
So here’s my challenge for you (and for me!):
What’s one small change you can make this week that will have a big impact within your professional space?
What’s one learning you’ve been considering that deserves taking action to begin moving the dial?