Building a Value-Focused Career Strategy

Throughout my career placing professionals across organizational levels, I've observed a counterintuitive pattern: the most productive employees often experience slower advancement than their more strategically visible counterparts.   This disconnect occurs because organizations promote based on perceived value rather than task completion volume.   The Visibility Gap: Most daily work remains invisible to decision-makers who determine advancement opportunities. Being exceptionally busy often signals poor prioritization rather than exceptional value.   Strategic Positioning Over Task Execution: Advancement requires demonstrating impact on organizational priorities rather than individual productivity metrics.   Cross-Functional Relationship Building: Promotion decisions often involve input from multiple stakeholders beyond immediate supervisors, making broader organizational visibility crucial.   Solution-Oriented Communication: Contributing meaningfully to strategic discussions and problem-solving initiatives creates more advancement opportunities than silent execution of assigned tasks.   The professionals who advance most rapidly understand that career growth requires intentional visibility management alongside excellent performance.   This doesn't diminish the importance of quality work, but recognizes that career advancement operates on different metrics than productivity optimization.   For those feeling stuck despite strong performance, the solution often lies in shifting focus from task completion to strategic contribution and ensuring that value creation is visible to advancement decision-makers.   What strategies have you found most effective for translating excellent work into career advancement opportunities?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #promotion #promotions #careeradvancement #careerstrategist

Many amazingly talented PMMs make wrong career decisions because they believe what works for someone else will work for them - whether it’s chasing a prestigious company, a higher salary, or a fancy title. But here’s the thing: what works for others might not work for you. In fact, focusing on extrinsic motivators or what “looks” good is, in my experience, one of the biggest sources of unhappiness. I’ve made those mistakes in my career too. Every time I went against what I truly value, I regretted it. Over time, I developed a system to help me make better career decisions. One exercise in particular has been a game-changer: the balanced wheel (inspired by the balanced life wheel). Here’s how it works: ✅ Draw a circle and divide it into 8 slices. ✅ Label each slice with areas of your work life that matter most to you—things that truly reflect your values. Be honest with yourself! ✅ Rate your satisfaction with your most recent full-time job for each area on a scale from 0–10 (0 = the center, 10 = the edge). ✅ Connect the ratings to create your “wheel.” Now, take a step back. How bumpy is your wheel? What patterns stand out? This exercise is helpful for evaluating both your current role and future opportunities. To take it a step further, you can create a weighting system to assess jobs more objectively - I’ve built a decision matrix based on this. If you want a copy, send me a DM! After coaching over 200 clients through this process, the three most important values people highlight (and often rate the lowest) are: 🧑 A great manager: People quit managers, not jobs. 🧠 Learning potential: Growth keeps you engaged and excited. 📈 Company stability: No one wants to be stuck on a sinking ship. If you’re feeling uncertain about your role or career, I highly recommend giving this exercise a try - it’s been transformative for so many people. Let me know what you think! #career #productmarketing #growth #coaching #tech

During my time in the Air Force as an 8C AFSC, I was an "HR generalist on steroids." I supported deployed families, assisted airmen in financial distress, helped with career fairs, and built partnerships with agencies like the American Red Cross and American Legions to scale our efforts. I worked closely with senior leadership and first sergeants to address immediate needs and craft long-term solutions, and custom-created leadership training while teaching resilience. What I learned most in my military roles was to not just scratch the surface of a problem, but to dig deeper and understand the root cause—skills that are now critical in civilian HR work. When transitioning to the civilian workforce, I realized the value of focus. I have moved from a broad talent development role to becoming a Regional HR Manager with Director-level scope in just two years. The key was narrowing my focus and being clear about where I wanted to excel - and surrounding myself with the right people to make it happen! As I work with veterans today, I see many still approaching the transition with a "jack of all trades" mindset, waiting for opportunities to come to them. The disconnect is clear: You have to OWN your next steps and take deliberate action. Here are the steps I wish more veterans would embrace: Identify your strengths: Understand what makes you excel and where your passion lies. Clarify your career path: Focus on a specific area, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Seek mentorship: Learn from those already doing the work you want to do—veterans offer great perspective, but don’t overlook industry experts. Talk to people: Gather diverse insights—talk to as many people as possible about the role you want. Invest in yourself: Hire a coach to fill knowledge gaps and help create an actionable plan. Understand the differences: Civilian work often looks very different from military work—identify those gaps and fill them. Own your story: Be able to succinctly explain your value in language the industry understands. Build relationships: Whether military or civilian, working cross-functionally and finding the right people to help you get things done is essential. These steps matter because focusing on a clear direction, building the right partnerships, and understanding your value can dramatically speed up the transition process. Everyone’s journey is unique, but owning your path and being proactive will get you where you want to go faster. While my journey may be unique, I’m happy to share what’s worked for me. Feel free to connect if you'd like to chat!

🚀 Is it time for a career pivot? Here's how to navigate the shift with clarity and confidence. Making a major career change can feel daunting, especially later in life. But what if I told you that this could be the most exhilarating chapter in your professional journey? I've been there. Transitioning from Managing Director of Cooper Professional Education to launching my own venture, Brazen Coaching & Consulting, I leaned heavily on understanding my values, purpose, and vision. These weren't just guideposts; they were my anchors in a sea of uncertainty, helping me define and stay true to what I wanted to create in the world. For many of my clients contemplating career shifts, gaining clarity on who they are has been equally transformative. It's calming, it clears the path, and it injects energy into their next steps. 🌟 Career change later in life isn't just an adjustment; it's a gift. It's your chance to harness all your accumulated wisdom and channel it into something that truly resonates with you. Whether this change is by choice or circumstance, the first step isn't diving into job listings—it's diving deep into your personal values and career aspirations. Here’s what you can do to ensure your next move is as purposeful as it is powerful: ▫ Reflect deeply on your personal values and what drives you. ▫ Use this understanding to strategically guide your networking, company selection, and partnership opportunities. Ready to pivot with purpose? If you’re contemplating a shift and need guidance on how to align it with your true self, let's connect. I can help you navigate this exciting transition with confidence and strategic insight. 🔗 Reach out to explore more about how values-driven career planning can make your next move not just a change, but a leap forward.

Is your network working for you? Early in my career, no one explained to me that networking isn't the ultimate goal. THE GOAL ❓ Cultivating a high-value network that will ease your journey towards your career goals, saving you from working overtime to reach the same outcome. As we progress in our careers, we take pride in our abilities to execute tasks efficiently, forgetting that our worth extends beyond these tasks. Midcareer, we often get caught up in the "doing" and overlook the value of strategic networking. It's crucial to shift your value system, understand financials (stay tuned for posts on this), and recognize the value of having a high-value network. So, how do you build a high-value network? Be strategic. If your career goal is to join the C-suite, cultivate a network of people above you. Reach out to them, ask questions, offer help, and make it clear you're aiming for a similar position. Before cold outreach ➡ Digitally engage with their content and stay top of mind. Moreover, post content regularly that can benefit your target network. Start by sharing perspectives they might find useful, this visibility will progress into hosting live events or being a guest on podcasts, and the cycle of "assistance" will continue. All of this will lead to longer “thought leadership” pieces, that will part of your value share. Keep in mind, building a high-value network isn't a one-time effort. It's a consistent commitment and a long-term investment. It's about helping others and creating a positive cycle of assistance. As you move forward in your career, remember, the biggest impact on your career is YOU. You manage it, and one of the best ways to accelerate your career is by understanding the impact and HOW TO build a high-value network. For FULL insights - link in comments #Networking #CareerGrowth #StrategicNetworking

This is the homework I’ve given to hundreds of senior executives over the years, to help navigate their next professional chapter: Step 1: Make a list of the people who’ve seen you in action and know your value. Reach out and say: “I’m exploring ideas for my next professional chapter. Since you know me well, I’d love to use you as a sounding board.” This invites a thoughtful exchange—not a favor. If they have leads or ideas, they’ll offer them. Step 2: Get clear on what you love doing and what you’re great at. That intersection is your sweet spot for fulfillment and impact. Step 3: Identify companies and roles that truly excite you. Then craft direct outreach to senior leaders—no job listing required. There’s a war for talent, and CEOs and CHROs are always open to meeting someone who can move the needle. Just be sure you can articulate your unique value: why you, why now, why them. #ExecutiveCareerStrategy #LeadershipTransition #CLevelNetworking #CareerGrowth #TalentStrategy #BoardReady #CareerAdvice #StrategicNetworking

Just wrapped up a call with a recent graduate who asked for advise on how to approach building a career. We covered a lot of ground but here is a snippet recap in case helpful to you or someone you know. Your career is the most important asset you’ll ever manage. Treat it with the same intention, creativity, and ambition you’d bring to running a business. You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do have to take the wheel. Reflect on where you want to be in 3, 5, 10 years? Focus your thinking on what you can control, i.e. don't focus on title, instead focus on the type of work you'd like to be responsible for in that time frame. This will help you determine what roles, skills, and experiences can help you create a path to where you want to be - then make choices that compound over time. Spend time on giving yourself clarity on what you uniquely bring to the table. Your strengths, your style, your impact. Be clear on your "brand" and make sure it shows up in how you speak, write, and lead. This is how perceptions of you will be shaped. Learn new skills, stretch into new roles, ask for feedback, and say yes even if you feel you're not ready. We grow the most when we're in a stretch zone. Bear in mind that no one grows alone. Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and peers who will challenge, advise, and open doors for you. Treat your network like your personal advisory board. And make sure to pay to give back and pay forward. The money is important - at least until you're completely financially independent - but be mindful that your career is muti-decade long and sometimes the value of time, energy, skill development can far outweigh money. Be intentional about what you say yes to. Set boundaries that protect your ability to perform and grow. Your career is not "set it and forget it." Check in often. Are you still aligned to your goals? Has the market changed? Are you growing fast enough? Do you need to adapt? The most powerful place to be in is having the power of choice. Being able to choose a job and career that fulfill you and meet your goals. The broader your tool and stronger your brand is, the more likely you are to be in a power of choice position - and that position can only be achieved if you take the wheel of your career and make intentional, compounding decisions. #CareerGrowth #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalBrand #Careers #GrowthMindset

What if career growth wasn’t just about luck, but about following proven strategies? These actionable steps helped immensely in my career growth. 1. Excel in Your Current Role (Most Critical): Consistently meet or exceed expectations. A proven track record builds the foundation for future opportunities. 2. Align with Organization Goals: Understand your organization’s top priorities and demonstrate how your work contributes directly to them. 3. Seek Feedback Actively: Ask for constructive insights and act on them. This commitment to growth truly makes a difference. 4. Develop New Skills: Invest in training and learning opportunities to stay current with industry trends and keep your skills sharp. 5. Network Internally: Build relationships across departments. Gaining visibility beyond your immediate team shows you’re a collaborative team player. 6. Volunteer for New Assignments: Step up to take on responsibilities beyond your current role. Initiative today can lead to larger opportunities tomorrow. 7. Express Your Career Aspirations: Have open conversations with your manager about your professional interests and goals. It’s not just about a promotion—it’s about sharing where you see your future and how you plan to contribute to the company’s success. 8. Mentoring: Seek mentors to accelerate your learning and also become a mentor to others to support their growth. 9. Maintain Integrity and Authenticity: Express your genuine views respectfully. Authenticity sets you apart and builds lasting trust. 10. Stay Resilient and Patient: Career growth takes time. Keep delivering excellence and demonstrating your value—the results will follow. What strategies have helped you achieve your career goals? I’d love to hear your story! #leadership #career #technology

One of the talks I’ve given to a few teams internally at Microsoft is “PMing your career”. Mid-career is the perfect time to step back, see yourself as a ‘product,’ and start managing your career with intention and strategy. Here are 5 axioms I use as part of the frame: ➡️1. Treat your career as a Product with a strategic fit: Every high-performing professional has a unique value proposition. Regularly assess your Personal Product-Market Fit (PMF) to ensure that your strengths, skills, and how you’re positioning them align with the needs of your industry and your company. Strong careers, like great products, adapt to stay relevant and strategically fit. This helps you identify places you might need to grow too. ➡️2. Your resume is (kind-of) Product Review Document (PRD): Like a PRD highlights a product’s features, your resume should capture your top achievements and core skills. Keep it current and aligned with your goals, showcasing how your career product has evolved. ➡️3. Use feedback as your career “Customer Review”: Just as products thrive on customer feedback, your career benefits from input from mentors, peers, and leaders. Thoughtfully incorporate this feedback to stay aligned with your goals and make strategic improvements. ➡️4. Set a career Roadmap: Map out your career with a focus on strategy and clear goals. These checkpoints – skills to gain, connections to build, and roles to pursue – keep you moving toward your vision of success and position you for future opportunities. Ask others who have already taken the path what the checkpoints are. ➡️5. Embrace phases as part of your strategy: Like product lifecycles, careers have phases. In early roles, focus on mastering foundational skills; as you advance, lean into influence and decision-making; and eventually, hone discernment for opportunities. Each stage strengthens your overall career strategy. Hope this helps you today

Years ago, I sat down with a financial advisor who told me something that stuck…. “Never put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your assets , it’s how you protect your future.” I walked away thinking about money… but over time, that advice started to sound a lot like career wisdom. Because here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again as a recruiter: Too many talented professionals are overinvested in one skill, one system, or one role. They’ve built a strong foundation, but it’s all in one basket. And when the market shifts, when technology changes, when industries evolve, their “portfolio” loses value overnight. YOUR SKILLS ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSETS. They determine your value, your opportunities, your ability to pivot when life or work throws you a curveball. So just like a smart investor, you need to diversify. Build a portfolio that can weather change and grow stronger over time. Here are the “high-performing assets” I recommend every professional invest in… Communication – The ability to express ideas, influence, and build trust. Critical Thinking – Seeing patterns, solving problems, making good calls under pressure. Digital Literacy – Comfort with tools, data, and automation shaping modern work. Adaptability – The confidence to evolve and stay curious in fast-changing environments. Emotional Intelligence – Understanding yourself and connecting with others meaningfully. Project Management – Turning ideas into action, structure, and results. Collaboration – Working across teams, functions, and perspectives to get things done. Strategic Thinking – Seeing beyond the task at hand and aligning it to a bigger vision. These are not just “nice to have.” They’re the power skills that make you marketable, in any role, any company, any economy. So here’s my recruiter challenge to you: Take stock of your portfolio. Which skills are gaining value? Which are losing relevance? Where could you reinvest and grow? Because when you diversify your skills, you don’t just protect your career, you future-proof it. And when you think about “investing” don’t forget about investing in yourself. ✌️ #CareerGrowth #RecruiterInsights #Upskilling #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #JobSearch