If Feedback Feels Hard for You…

Remember: every comment is data. It may not always be neatly packaged, but it can reveal patterns, blind spots, and growth opportunities you can’t see on your own.

The following change in mindset helped me start to see feedback as a gift, not a threat.

The biggest breakthrough? Shifting my mindset from adversarial to collaborative. Once I focused on shared needs, used clear language, and leaned into listening, my stress dropped significantly.

Conflict hasn’t become “easy”—but it has become a source of growth, trust, and better outcomes.

Avoiding conflict may feel safe, but it keeps you small. Addressing it with courage is what builds growth, trust, and impact.

If you, like me, grew up believing conflict should be avoided at all costs, I hope this post nudges you to take a different path. Lean into the discomfort. There is so much growth on the other side.

We’re in a season where change feels constant. Economic shifts and AI disruption are reshaping industries, making job searches and career transitions more challenging than ever. Many professionals I’ve spoken with share the same struggle: staying positive and purposeful in the face of uncertainty.

I know the feeling. After moving from corporate life into coaching, I was excited about the new chapter—but I quickly realised the reality of transition. Here are three principles that have helped me—and may help you if you’re navigating your own transition

When I started my career, I avoided networking. Why? Because I believed a few common myths:
🔸 It’s political
🔸 It’s only for jobseekers
🔸 Only extroverts are good at it

Over time, I’ve realised these ideas couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’ve ever felt unsure about networking, this might help shift your mindset.

When I first became a manager, executive presence felt like this elusive, almost theatrical concept. Was I supposed to walk into rooms with an invisible spotlight? Or channel someone else's voice, polish, and polish until I disappeared into a template?

What I’ve learned—through trial, error, and a fair amount of second-guessing—is this: executive presence isn’t something you perform. It’s something you cultivate by being more of who you already are.

Managers are people too.

They’ve got their own to-do lists, their own deadlines, and possibly three other team members asking for promotions this week. But instead of rolling your eyes, let’s talk about how you can help them help you.

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.