Career Briefs: Embracing the Unexpected, Navigating Career Crossroads & Adapting for Growth

Life and careers are like an open road: there are detours, bumps, and unexpected turns, but each one shapes the journey in ways we couldn’t have planned. If you’re at a crossroads, unsure of the next step or feeling like you’ve veered off track, remember: career success isn’t defined by a straight path. It’s defined by the ability to adapt, learn, and recognize that the best opportunities often emerge from the most unexpected places.

It’s easy to get caught up in the notion that we need everything figured out—that success is simply about following a rigid plan. But in reality, the most successful careers are built on flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change. Often, it’s the path we least expect that leads to the most fulfilling outcomes.

One of the first questions I ask clients is: Did you intentionally choose your career path, or did it evolve more serendipitously over time? It’s a question that gets to the heart of how professionals navigate their careers—and one I’ve found to be incredibly revealing.

Curious about how others would answer, I posed this question to my LinkedIn network—and the results were eye-opening. A staggering 74% of people admitted that their careers were shaped more by serendipity or "dumb luck" than by a deliberate, intentional plan. Only 26% felt they had followed a carefully charted course. This serves as a powerful reminder that, for most people, career progression isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road, shaped by adaptability, unexpected opportunities, and chance encounters.

So, if you’re at a crossroads, unsure of the next step or feeling like you’ve veered off track, remember: career success isn’t defined by a straight path. It’s defined by the ability to adapt, learn, and recognize that the best opportunities often emerge from the most unexpected places.

Here’s to staying open to where the road may lead.

Managing Mindset in the Job Search: Curated Career Conversation

I’m thrilled to be going live on LinkedIn TODAY @ 12pm EST with my friend and colleague, Sarah Henning, Founder of Shiftive. Sarah has an incredible knack for helping people not just get through work, but actually thrive in it. That’s exactly what Shiftive is all about—empowering clients to work happier and live happier.

With the job market constantly evolving and the pressure on leaders and executives only increasing, mindset matters now more than ever. In this live conversation, we’ll dive into real, practical strategies for staying grounded, motivated, and optimistic during a job search—so you’re not just surviving, but truly flourishing.

Can’t wait to share this space with Sarah—and with you. Hope to see you there!

Stop Searching, Start Targeting: Why You Need to Build a Target Company List

Rather than scrolling endlessly through job boards and hoping the right role appears, building a target company list puts you in the driver’s seat of your job search. A well-crafted target company list is more than just helpful—it’s essential. Instead of passively waiting for the perfect job to appear, this list allows you to take control and focus your search on companies that align with your values, goals, and interests. But How Do You Build a Target Company List for Your Job Search in 2025?

While naming five dream companies is a good start, the real opportunity comes from digging deeper. Go beyond the obvious by using tools like LinkedIn’s “People Also Viewed,” Crunchbase, Google Maps, and even ChatGPT to uncover lesser-known companies worth exploring. Look into “feeder” companies where employees worked before landing at your ideal organization, or browse the INC 5000 list and VC firm portfolios to find fast-growing businesses that may be hiring.

Don’t underestimate the power of local resources—business journals, niche job boards, and industry-specific blogs can offer insight into who’s growing and where. Better yet, talk to people. Informational interviews can surface hidden opportunities and give you valuable insider knowledge.Ultimately, building a thoughtful target list helps transform your job search from reactive to intentional. It keeps your focus clear, your outreach strategic, and your momentum strong—bringing you closer to a role where you can truly thrive.

Reclaiming Relevance: How Experienced Professionals Can Thrive in Today’s Job Market

There’s a quiet question echoing in the minds of many experienced professionals: Do I still belong here? It’s not about skill or motivation—those remain strong—but about navigating a job market that’s changing at lightning speed. With younger leaders on the rise, AI transforming industries, and evolving workplace norms, even seasoned executives can feel unsteady. Subtle signs of ageism—being passed over, assumptions about tech aversion, or a sudden dip in visibility—can shake even the most accomplished.

That tension is at the heart of Combating Ageism and Remaining Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Job Market. But the focus isn’t just on the problem—it’s on solutions rooted in intentional growth. Refreshing your presence, owning your narrative, staying plugged in, and managing imposter syndrome aren’t just survival tactics—they’re tools to thrive.

The truth? Experience isn’t a liability—it’s a powerful edge. And now more than ever, it’s time to claim your space. You do belong.

The Path to Sustainable Leadership and Overcoming Burnout

Despite growing awareness around burnout, many executives remain trapped in unsustainable cycles of overwork. In From Burnout to Balance: How Executives Can Lead with Clarity and Joy, Olympic Gold Medalist and performance coach Joe Jacobi highlights a key solution: energy management over relentless hustle. Leaders need to establish a steady, sustainable rhythm—what some performance experts call “Basic Speed.” This approach emphasizes consistent movement, allowing for long-term success without burnout.

For leaders, balance across work, relationships, health, and creativity is critical. When one area suffers, the ripple effects can derail performance. A strategic framework helps identify when to push hard and when to pull back. “Not everything belongs in game-time mode,” Jacobi emphasizes. In today’s high-pressure environment, sustainable performance isn’t just about output—it’s about aligning energy with purpose. When that happens, leaders gain the clarity and energy needed to lead effectively, all while maintaining focus and ensuring long-term sustainability.

How AI Can Revolutionize Your Job Interview Preparation

By leveraging AI tools thoughtfully, it can become a game-changer for interview preparation. With more companies incorporating AI into their hiring processes, using these tools can give you a significant advantage. Here are 5 Ways To Leverage AI And Crush Your Next Job Interview:

1. Streamlined Company Research: AI tools can quickly synthesize information about a company’s culture, values, and industry challenges, saving you hours of research and providing valuable insights for your interview.

2. Skills and Attributes Identification: AI can analyze job descriptions to highlight the key skills and traits employers are seeking, helping you tailor your responses to match their needs.

3. Mock Interviews: By simulating real interview scenarios, AI allows you to practice answering questions, build confidence, and receive objective feedback on your performance.

4. Feedback on Your Responses: AI can help refine your answers, ensuring they are clear, concise, and impactful by analyzing them through frameworks like the STAR method.

5. Optimized Post-Interview Communication: AI can assist in crafting personalized thank-you emails and follow-ups, keeping you top of mind for hiring managers and reinforcing your professionalism.

While AI can boost your preparation, it’s the balance between AI insights and your authentic self that will make you stand out in interviews.

Recession-Proof Your Career: Strategic Steps to Stay Secure in Uncertain Times

With ongoing job cuts and economic uncertainty, recession-proofing your career is more important than ever. It’s not just about staying employed—it’s about staying adaptable, visible, and valuable. While no one can predict exactly what’s coming, here’s How to Prepare Your Job for a Potential Recession:

• Focus on what you can control: Take a proactive approach to your job performance and long-term career planning. Position yourself as a valuable asset that employers want to retain.

• Boost your visibility: Ensure your contributions are noticed, especially in challenging times. Stay connected with your team, share your achievements, and demonstrate your involvement.

• Make yourself indispensable: Take on work that impacts the company’s success. Volunteer for key projects and help improve efficiency or profitability.

• Invest in learning new skills: Continuously sharpen your skills and pick up new ones to remain valuable and future-proof your career.

• Be a team player: Foster a positive, flexible work environment. A supportive attitude increases your chances of being retained.

In addition to these strategies, prioritize networking, keep your online presence up to date, and, if you’re job hunting, do so thoughtfully. Don’t make hasty decisions or advertise your search—it can make you seem like a “flight risk.” A strategic, well-thought-out job search can open up new opportunities, even during a recession. By staying proactive, continually adding value, and nurturing relationships, you’ll not only survive a recession but thrive in it.

The New Challenge for Job Seekers and Hiring Managers

In a job market increasingly shaped by AI, professionals and job seekers need to be aware of a growing challenge: fake applicants. The article, Fake job seekers are flooding the market, thanks to AI, reveals how scammers are using advanced tools to build convincing identities—from AI-generated resumes and headshots to deepfake video filters for virtual interviews. These impersonators aren't just applying for jobs—they’re landing them, and in some cases, using their access to steal sensitive information or install malware.

One cybersecurity firm, Vidoc Security, discovered this the hard way when a candidate refused a simple request during a video interview—to place their hand in front of their face. It exposed a deepfake and led the company to overhaul its hiring process, requiring in-person interviews to verify authenticity.

For legitimate job seekers, this raises the bar. Companies are becoming more cautious, which may mean more rigorous screening and higher expectations for transparency. To stand out—and stand apart—it’s more important than ever to maintain a consistent, credible online presence and be ready to build trust beyond the résumé. As AI blurs the line between real and fake, authenticity becomes your most valuable asset.