Career Briefs: Navigating the Future of Work, Evolving Leadership, and Building Resilience

Earlier this week, I overheard a woman at a coffee shop say, “I feel like I blinked and landed in May—and I’m not sure what I’ve actually done this year.”

I smiled to myself because… same.

It’s a strange season, isn’t it? We’re nearly halfway through the year, yet many people I talk to still feel like they’re waiting for something. Maybe it’s waiting for things to ‘click’. A sense of motivation that returns. Or simply the relief of steadier ground beneath their feet.

2025 hasn’t been easy. Not in ways that grab headlines, but in quieter, more persistent challenges. Plans have shifted. Paths have diverged. People have pivoted—and then pivoted again. It’s taken a toll, in different ways for everyone, but the common thread is fatigue—fatigue from holding it all together, from trying to stay optimistic, from constantly having to shift courses.

And yet.

There’s still a quiet momentum that builds when we keep showing up. This is the time when we’re preparing, planning, and laying the groundwork. When we update our resumes. Take the calls we weren’t sure about. Ask the tough questions. Reach out even when we’re unsure of the words. No one claps for this part of the process, but it matters. It’s the uncelebrated work that moves us forward, even when the progress feels invisible. As they say, "Not every season is for harvest—some are for planting and tending."

So, if this year has felt strange, slow, or stalled—know this: you’re not behind. You’re not alone. You’re not done. You’re learning, adjusting, and evolving—and there’s real power in that.

Wherever you are, keep going. You’re doing far better than you think.

P.S. We’d love your input!

Nearly a decade ago, I launched Briefcase Coach with a simple mission: to help executives navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of supporting over 1,000 executive job searches—and we’re just getting started.

As the market evolves, we want to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we’re asking for your insights on today’s job market, executive search trends, and modern resume writing. Your feedback will help ensure Briefcase Coach remains a trusted industry leader for years to come.

Take our quick survey—it only takes a few minutes, and as a thank you, we’ll randomly select two participants to receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Reimagining the CMO: Rethinking Marketing Leadership for a Digital Age

The Chief Marketing Officer role is in flux, as companies rethink how marketing fits into broader commercial and growth strategies. Titles adjacent to marketing have grown rapidly: chief product officer (up 80%), chief commercial officer (78%), chief sales officer (75%), and chief revenue officer (73%)—a title originally coined in Silicon Valley to complement tech-driven CEOs with commercially minded partners (Russell Reynolds). The rise of the chief growth officer, whose scope often spans innovation, strategy, operations, and finance, further reflects this shift. A McKinsey survey found that only half of CMO-CEO pairs at the same company agreed on the primary role of marketing (McKinsey), while Spencer Stuart noted that many top marketers at Fortune 500 firms don’t even carry “marketing” in their titles (Spencer Stuart). Increasingly, responsibilities once owned by CMOs are distributed across roles like chief revenue officer, chief growth officer, and chief creative officer—signaling a redefinition of marketing leadership in the C-suite.

Preparing for Pay Transparency: What the EU Directive Means for Employers

The EU Pay Transparency Directive Is a Gamechanger explains sweeping changes to pay equity across the European Union, mandating a high level of transparency from employers. Effective by June 7, 2026, the Directive requires EU member states to implement legislation ensuring employees understand how compensation is determined and that gender-based pay disparities are addressed. Employers with 100 or more EU-based employees must regularly report gender pay gap data, including median and mean pay differences, the distribution of variable pay, and gender composition across pay bands. A pay gap exceeding 5% that lacks objective justification must be investigated and remediated.

Employers will need to share details on initial pay levels/ pay range for any advertised position (including bonus and benefits entitlement)

These regulations are poised to influence hiring practices beyond Europe, especially for multinational companies that will need to standardize compliance across regions. As the Harvard Business Review notes, global firms may adopt EU-style transparency measures more broadly to streamline operations and meet growing expectations around pay equity (HBR, 2023). According to Reuters, countries like Canada and the U.S. are already seeing increased calls for similar legislation, suggesting the EU directive could set a new global benchmark (Reuters, 2023).

Managing Mindset in the Job Search: A Curated Career Conversation with Sarah Henning

In a recent conversation I had with Sarah Henning, we explored the pivotal role mindset plays in the executive job search, particularly amid today’s climate of layoffs and career uncertainty. Transitions, especially unexpected ones, can challenge one’s identity and ignite self-doubt, particularly for executives whose professional roles are closely tied to their self-worth.

Sarah, founder of Shiftive—a company that helps high-performing professionals and teams shift from stress to clarity—highlighted the power of mental fitness tools like Positive Intelligence. These tools help executives identify and reframe negative thoughts with curiosity and self-awareness, fostering resilience and maintaining emotional grounding.

We also discussed the importance of community. Reaching out for help often feels vulnerable, yet Sarah reframed networking as a process of curiosity-driven exploration rather than a plea for assistance. This shift opens the door to more authentic, collaborative connections, enriching both mindset and opportunities. Read or listen to our full conversation here: Managing Mindset in the Job Search.

50 Influential Women Paving the Way for St. Louis

St. Louis is home to an exceptional group of women who are leaving an indelible mark on the region's future. Across a variety of sectors—including business, education, healthcare, technology, the arts, and public service—these women are not only achieving remarkable success but are also driving meaningful change in their communities. Their leadership is characterized by bold innovation, a commitment to service, and a passion for breaking barriers. These women are redefining excellence, ensuring that the path to success is paved for future generations.

The stories of these 50 Women Shaping the Future of St. Louis highlights resilience, purpose, and the power of representation. Much like other cities that have celebrated female changemakers, such as Atlanta and Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis is now elevating the voices and accomplishments of women who are shaping the region’s identity. From empowering the next generation to championing diversity and inclusion, these leaders are more than trailblazers—they are visionaries who inspire others to reach for new heights. This curated list celebrates the incredible contributions of women in St. Louis, embodying excellence, empowerment, and advocacy in ways that will resonate for years to come.

Strategic Follow-Up: Navigating the Overwhelming World of Recruiters

The hiring process, in its current state, is undeniably flawed. Job seekers often experience the frustration of being ignored, while recruiters—despite their best efforts—are inundated with overwhelming responsibilities. In 2023, talent acquisition teams were hit hard by layoffs, resulting in skeletal crews managing multiple, often conflicting, demands. And The Harsh Truth About Following Up with Recruiters is that recruiters are no longer able to dedicate the time to each resume or applicant, as their primary responsibility is to quickly curate a shortlist of candidates who align with the hiring manager’s immediate needs.

For job seekers, understanding the realities recruiters face is crucial. Following up with recruiters is no longer a mere courtesy; it has become a strategic imperative. To rise above the competition, candidates must be visible, proactive, and persistent—while maintaining professionalism and restraint. After submitting an application, a concise and personalized message to the recruiter on LinkedIn can help establish rapport. Post-interview, a timely thank-you note and follow-up are essential, especially if the agreed-upon timeline has passed. Consistent, thoughtful follow-up demonstrates initiative, communication skills, and a strong sense of professionalism. In an environment where recruiters are stretched thin, a well-timed, respectful nudge could be the key to moving your resume from the "buried" pile to the "top of the inbox."

Revolutionizing Communication: Essential Skills for the Modern Workplace

In today’s era of hypercommunication, the ability to master modern communication methods is no longer optional—it’s essential for success. As virtual meetings, artificial intelligence, and video content dominate how we collaborate and influence, adapting your communication style is crucial. Here are the Five Critical Skills And Mindsets To Master For The New World Of Work:

• Mastering Virtual Meetings: Virtual meetings have become ubiquitous, necessitating a conscious effort to engage your audience. Maintain eye contact, present yourself with confidence, and eliminate distractions to create meaningful connections.

• Navigating AI Interactions: Artificial intelligence is an indispensable tool. To harness its full potential, engage in thoughtful, conversational exchanges, crafting clear and specific prompts to refine responses and align them with your unique voice.

• Harnessing Video Communication: Video transcends traditional communication by fostering authenticity and emotional connection. It ranks higher in search algorithms, allowing you to convey complex messages more effectively and stand out from the crowd.

• Excelling in Virtual Presentations: Virtual presentations demand a higher level of energy and expressiveness. Use storytelling, varied media, and interactive elements to keep your audience engaged and leave a lasting impression.

• Perfecting Brevity and Clarity: In a world of shrinking attention spans, brevity is paramount. Convey your message succinctly, using simple, impactful language to ensure clarity and maximize your audience's understanding.

By mastering these essential skills, you can navigate the evolving communication landscape and enhance your professional influence.

The New Hiring Reality in Corporate America

Amid growing economic volatility, Corporate America Is Leaving More Jobs Unfilled and enacting widespread hiring freezes, signaling a marked shift in workforce strategy. Major employers—including T. Rowe Price, JetBlue, Polaris, and institutions like Harvard and Duke—are pausing recruitment to mitigate risk and reduce costs. Rather than initiating mass layoffs, companies are choosing to leave roles vacant, deploying what many describe as a “recessionary playbook” in response to a confluence of pressures: trade instability, waning consumer confidence, and sweeping federal funding cuts in research, education, and science.

This strategic restraint is not isolated to one industry. From financial services to manufacturing and higher education, executives are voicing a common theme—hiring will be conservative, if not frozen entirely. The integration of automation and AI further dampens demand for new talent, as companies explore technological efficiencies over expanding headcount.

The ripple effects are being felt most acutely by entry-level workers and those reentering the labor force, for whom job prospects are narrowing. Recruiters report dramatic slowdowns, with hiring-related business in some firms down by half compared to last year. As companies grow increasingly cautious, hiring freezes have become a clear barometer of corporate unease—underscoring a broader reluctance to commit to long-term growth amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Strategic Steps for Job Seekers After a Layoff

Experiencing a layoff is challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your career. Three recruiters explain how to bounce back from a layoff and the key lies in swift action, clarity, and resilience. The first critical step is to avoid prolonged inaction. Although it might be tempting to take an extended break, recruiters strongly advise against waiting too long before restarting your job search. The longer you delay, the more difficult it becomes to re-enter the workforce.

Job seekers should also be adaptable. Define your goals clearly, but remain open to different roles, locations, or salary expectations. Flexibility can be a powerful asset, as accepting a slightly lower position or salary can accelerate your return to the industry. Moreover, recruiters recommend adjusting your expectations around compensation in light of market conditions—showing a willingness to accept a more modest offer can help you land a position faster.

Above all, authenticity is key. When discussing your layoff with potential employers, be forthright. Acknowledging the broader macroeconomic factors at play and framing your layoff as part of a larger trend demonstrates transparency and maturity. By owning your story, you convey resilience and increase your chances of finding a rewarding new opportunity.

Career Lessons from the Gold Rush: Building a Resilient Career in Volatile Times

In uncertain times, investors have historically turned to gold as a safe haven. The lessons from gold’s enduring stability can be applied to your career, which is likely your most valuable asset. Here’s 5-point checklist to make your career successful and reliable like gold:

• Long-term Planning & Risk Management: Like investments, career choices should be deliberate and thoughtful. Choose roles and educational paths that offer long-term stability and value, rather than chasing short-term trends.

• Value, Scarcity, Resilience: Gold’s lasting appeal lies in its scarcity and resilience. In the same way, cultivate rare skills and maintain trustworthiness. Those who offer reliability, ethics, and consistent results thrive in volatile times.

• Diversify & Hedge: Just as investors spread their risk across various assets, professionals should diversify their skills and income sources. Learn new technologies, freelance, or pursue side hustles to protect against industry shifts.

• Education as an Investment: High-value degrees, particularly in STEM, data analytics, and finance, continue to offer solid returns. Avoid trend-driven programs that may lose relevance quickly, and consider global options for education based on visa stability and return on investment.

• Human Skills: The Golden Asset: As technology disrupts many industries, human skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and conflict resolution remain invaluable and irreplaceable.

A strong career, like gold, offers timeless value. Adapt, diversify, and invest in skills that ensure your success in any market.

Adapting Leadership for a Changing Workforce: Navigating Flexibility, Well-being, and Employee Engagement

Organizations have undergone significant changes in recent years, including restructuring, downsizing, outsourcing, and remote work, all aimed at staying competitive. While these changes are understandable, they have left employees feeling uncertain about their long-term job security and workplace stress takes a toll as employees seek better work/life balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the workplace, pushing workers to remote setups and altering work-life dynamics. This shift has influenced worker psychology, with many now prioritizing well-being, balance, and purpose over traditional high-pressure work environments. A significant portion of the workforce reports stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits, with some even citing work-related stress as a leading cause of death. Employees increasingly seek flexible work arrangements, like remote or hybrid schedules, to improve health and work-life balance. Some organizations have seen success with four-day work weeks, but debates over remote work's impact on productivity continue, with some managers fearing a lack of visibility leads to fewer promotions.

Effective leadership is crucial in this environment. When leaders demonstrate empathy, actively listen, and create a psychologically safe workplace, it fosters innovation, engagement, and retention. Leaders must focus on improving interpersonal skills, fostering transparency, and

The Risk of Relying on AI in Job Applications

A study by CV Genius reveals a growing skepticism among hiring managers toward AI-generated job applications, reporting that 80% Of Hiring Managers Discard AI-Generated Job Applications. Additionally, 57% are significantly less likely to hire candidates who rely on them—often dismissing such applications outright. The core concern? AI-generated submissions frequently come across as generic, repetitive, and devoid of personal connection, signaling a lack of effort or authenticity.

Hiring managers favor applications that reflect genuine interest and individuality. While AI can help job seekers brainstorm or polish content, it should never replace human input. CV Genius advises applicants to use AI as a tool—not a crutch—by fact-checking output for accuracy, adding personal anecdotes and motivations, avoiding robotic phrasing, and maintaining a consistent tone across the resume, cover letter, and interview. Using AI-detection software can also help applicants avoid being flagged prematurely.

Ultimately, job seekers stand out by showing they’ve researched the company, understand the role, and are passionate about the opportunity. In an increasingly automated world, it's the human touch—authenticity, personality, and purpose—that resonates most with employers and opens doors to new opportunities.