For a long time, I measured success in terms of achievements, credentials, and getting things “right.” That mindset served me well… until it didn’t. Because there was one lesson all those accomplishments never taught me — and it’s one I’ve come to realise is absolutely essential not just for growth, but for momentum and joy too.

That lesson? Failure.

Starting a new job is an exciting (and slightly overwhelming) transition — so here’s a simple reminder that can help you thrive in any new role: ASK your way forward. ASK = Curiosity + Community + Communication. It’s the foundation for any thriving career start.

For years, women have been sold the myth: “You can have it all.” A thriving career. Deep, fulfilling relationships. Daily workouts, self-care Sundays, gourmet dinners, perfect parenting, and eight hours of sleep—every single day. All within 24 hours.

Let’s be real. That idea was never realistic—and frankly, it set us up to feel like failures.

But here’s what is empowering: You can have what matters most to you, in the season of life you’re in right now.

Double binds don’t require us to become different people for different situations. They require us to lead with intention, self-awareness, and courage—on our own terms.

So what do you do when your career feels… unanchored? Trying focusing on what’s within your control, recognizing the skills you’re building and shifting your perspective. When the waters get rough, remember: You can’t control the waves, but you can adjust your sails.

True career courage isn’t climbing blindly upward—it’s pausing to ask which peak deserves your climb. That flicker of hesitation? It’s your authenticity whispering. Titles may impress others, but only purpose can sustain you. When ambition and intuition collide, lean into the questions: What makes your soul stir? Whose dream are you living?

Landed the manager role, poured myself into it, and... never even thought to negotiate my salary. Thankfully, my new manager eventually recognized my value and gave me the raise. But why didn’t I ask? It was a stark lesson: Hard work alone isn't enough. You are your own best advocate. Waiting silently rarely works. That moment ignited my journey to build intentional self-advocacy – my 3C Framework

Life — and investing — taught me a different lesson: failing is not just inevitable, it’s essential. In a world that often celebrates perfection, let’s not forget the value of trying boldly, of choosing growth over comfort, and of betting on ourselves — even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Careers rarely follow a straight path—they twist, turn, and sometimes take us completely by surprise. I’ve been there—first as a new manager, then as a career and executive coach. What got me through? A structured yet deeply personal approach I call SHIFTS.

Burnout isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal. Many of us go through it (even if we don’t talk about it). And most importantly, sustaining success isn’t about burning out—it’s about keeping the flame alive.

That voice whispering "You don’t belong here"? It lies. Imposter syndrome affects high achievers and beginners alike—doubt and overcompensation steal joy and limit potential.

Instead, break the cycle. Name it, reframe your thoughts, celebrate wins and share the struggle. Growth happens outside comfort zones. What feels like fraud is often just stretching into new capabilities. You earned your seat. Now own it.

Resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about learning how to fail. The market will humble us all, but the difference between staying stuck and moving forward often comes down to one thing: the courage to look inward.

My culture taught me to blend in, but I rewrote that script. My leadership is rooted in lifting others—not because it’s "nice," but because it works. Teams thrive when they’re seen, heard, and valued. I now bring these values to my coaching practice, to help my coachees shine.

Now, when anyone asks for advice, I tell them: "Your power isn’t in fitting in. It’s in the bold, brilliant, unedited version of you that no suit could ever contain."

Learning later in life taught me more than just how to float, pedal, or steer—it taught me that it’s never too late to try, fail, and try again. We don't all bloom on schedule, but we bloom nonetheless. The world is kinder than we think—and learning, at any age, is always in style.

AI is great for tracking habits, spitting out templates, and reminding you to meditate. But real transformation? That takes a living, breathing human who can see you, challenge you, and believe in you—even when you don’t believe in yourself. 

The market didn’t just teach me how to allocate capital—it taught me how to live. To embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it. To define success on my own terms. To have the courage to stand apart when it matters most. 

Money comes and goes. But these principles? They’re the real compounding returns. 

Start investing in a life that’s truly yours – volatile, unpredictable, and infinitely more rewarding because of it. 

If there’s a part of your job that excites you more than the rest, pay attention. Maybe it’s not just a “skill”—it’s a “calling”. And if that calling involves ditching meetings for meaningful work? Even better. 

So here’s to second acts, late discoveries, and careers built on what actually makes us come alive.