The power of personal brand
It was a pleasure to be interviewed for SAM Extra from the University of Sydney Alumni community on the topic of personal brand. You can check the article here https://lnkd.in/grimSgs3
Personal brand can sound a bit cringe and self-promoting. But it’s really about understanding who you are, how you impact people and what you want to be known for. Done well, it can multiply opportunities, deepen relationships and completely change the trajectory of your career.
The conversations we avoid.
One of the things I’ve noticed over the years, both in organisations and in my coaching work, is how often the conversation that most needs to happen… doesn’t.
A leader who needs to give honest feedback but worries about upsetting someone.
A colleague who feels frustrated but keeps quiet.
A team that politely skirts around an issue that everyone can see.
Avoiding the conversation can feel easier in the moment but over time the cost is usually much higher. What I see is trust diminishing, frustration building and misunderstandings growing.
And what might have been a straightforward conversation becomes something much bigger.
In my experience, most people don’t avoid these conversations because they don’t care - they avoid them because they care a great deal and don’t want to get it wrong.
But often the most respectful thing we can do for each other is to be willing to have the conversation. Carefully, thoughtfully, honestly and often courageously.
Those are usually the conversations that move things forward.
I see this show up more than we think - in life and at work.
The bigger issue is when is alignment worth it, and when is it costing you?
Not every decision needs consensus, some need clarity.
One of my favourite places
Is in a room facilitating workshops like this.
Recently I was back running my Career Catalyst program.
The world of work has changed. Careers today require much more self-direction, adaptability and intention than they used to.
Many people are highly capable in their roles but haven’t had the opportunity to step back and think about questions like:
• Where do I want my career to go?
• What are my strengths and how do I use them well?
• How do I position myself in a changing landscape?
That’s what this workshop creates.
Space to reflect, get clearer about what matters, and take a more proactive approach to shaping a career.
I always enjoy these conversations, and it’s great to hear what people take away afterwards.
Learning from regret
We all have regrets. For me, it’s usually the things I didn’t do.
In coaching conversations, the topic of regret comes up surprisingly often. And while it’s almost impossible to live a life without regret, reflecting on those moments can be incredibly valuable.
What did you learn?
What would you do differently now?
What might be possible next?
The most common regret I hear as a coach is about missed opportunities.
“I wish I’d been braver.”
“I should have taken the risk.”
“I should have trusted myself.”
Those reflections can become powerful turning points.
Dan Pink’s TED talk The Power of Regret is a great reminder that regret is a deeply human experience – and that learning from it can help us move forward.
What regrets have turned into valuable lessons for you?
What do you (really) want?
I’ve been asking myself this question a lot lately. For me it’s framed as “what is it going to take for the next 20 years to be the best 20 years of your life?”. What does that look like?
It’s surprising how rarely we stop and think about this. It’s at the heart of any good coaching conversation – and yet it can take a while to really surface.
What gets in the way is interesting.
We answer with what we think we’re worth. Or what we deserve. Or what feels realistic. Sometimes we answer with what others expect of us. Sometimes the answer is just… smaller than it could be.
I can usually tell when it’s not quite right. There’s no real energy in it. It feels a bit safe. A bit contained. And often, I know there’s more there.
There is tremendous power in knowing what you really want. Figure it out and honestly - you’re halfway there.
If you’re interested in coaching or workshops for yourself or your team, feel free to get in touch at tess@nextcoaching.com.au
Let me tell you something...
I’ll tell you a secret – when faced with almost anything new or unfamiliar, I’m usually wrestling with fear. I’m not using the word “wrestling” lightly – we have a bit of a tussle, my fear and I, but (and I’m proud of this) I don’t give in without a good fight. And I usually win.
I know I’m not alone and many of us feel this way.
This wonderful quote from Anais Nin says it so much more eloquently than I can. When I can manage (if not completely conquer) my fear and say a big, confident YES (or even a small, timid yes) to new opportunities then all kinds of great things happen. I learn new stuff, or make friends, or get new job offers. I get wiser. I eventually get comfortable doing the stuff that was so scary and my confidence grows. It changes the way I see myself. It changes the way others see me. My life gets bigger. And much more interesting.
It’s not always comfortable – actually, usually it’s super uncomfortable. But I don’t want a comfortable life – what about you?
If you’re interested in coaching or workshops for yourself or your team, feel free to get in touch at tess@nextcoaching.com.au
#professionalcoaching #careermanagement #futureofwork #leadershipdevelopment #findingyourwhy #careertransition
