The Power of Your Story.

I had another interesting conversation this week, this time with a (newish) friend. Hearing about my work history, she commented that I seem to always leave my “dream job”. Listening to how she perceived my career path, I can understand why my friend might make that interpretation. In reality, she was far off the mark.

There is a quote from Steve Jobs:

​"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
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This quote rings true for me.

I won’t deny that I have had some really amazing roles in my career. I am truly proud of them. Some highlights:
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• I was part of a team at Intel that brought smart phones to market.
• While at Microsoft, I worked with companies to advertise using paid search, when it was just coming to market. Here, I developed my foundational skills in training and coaching.
• Through my role as a lead facilitator at Insights, I truly embedded the Insights Discovery program within Microsoft. I also led programs for Google, eBay, Boeing and Nike.
• Whole Foods Market taught me what conscious leadership really means and I helped bring that concept to life in the Pacific Northwest – the work also incorporated mission-based programs, which really got to the heart of business.
• At Whole Foods Market, I led and developed an amazing team. I smile daily when I see where many of them have taken their careers since our days at WFM, I love knowing that I had (and continue to have) a huge piece in helping them in their successful careers.
• Amazon allowed me to develop standard operating procedures for both Amazon Go and Amazon Books. I also led the training strategy for concept stores, which brought an entire new challenge (and excitement) to my world as a trainer.
• My non-profit experience is grounded in my role with The Woodmark Group, where I developed and led the implementation of a strategic learning plan for the philanthropy teams of 26 premier children’s hospitals.

As I list these highlights, I have a tremendous amount of pride – and yes, I realize how anyone on the outside would think that I left truly amazing opportunities – “dream jobs”.

What’s hidden is that I took every single job with one “dream job” in mind –  to eventually have enough experience to start my own business. I carefully stepped through my career, keeping an eye on specific skills and experiences that I needed to get to my ultimate “dream job” which was to have a consulting practice that supports the development of professionals and leaders. There were two other things I wanted to do: be involved in university-level teaching and support high school and college students in preparing for their careers.

Those who know me well, know that my “dream job” has always been to start Thinking People Consulting. To fulfill that dream, I needed:
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• Depth of professional and leadership coaching, training and facilitation experience.
• Proven track record of tying training needs to the business objectives.
• The ability to articulate that training isn’t the biggest impact; it’s creating a culture of learning and development.
• True understanding of operations, the supply chain, and profit and loss.
• A strong network.
• A few gray hairs, a bit of maturity, and financial stability.

 
You know the interview question, “What’s your 5-year plan?” or “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I have always nailed the answer to that question. Well, I have always nailed it in my head – it’s not something I’ve always shared.

Yet, talking with my friend this week, I finally nailed the explanation too –  why I have taken this circuitous path in my career.

Although I can look back and see the reason for every single step of my journey, it wasn’t always so clear while I was living it. There were hard times. There were times when I left a job before I really wanted to. There have been hard managers. Difficult colleagues. Stressful hours. There have been a lot of mistakes.

Yet, this is what I have learned and truly stay grounded in: your journey is your journey. And, your journey becomes your story.

Your story is a very powerful asset.

​Thank you for reading about a piece of my story.