Latest news with #professionalGrowth
Forbes
09-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Risky Career Moves That Are Worth It
Taking bold career risks—like switching paths or starting your own venture—can lead to long-term ... More growth, even when the next step feels uncertain. getty Sometimes, it's easier to play it safe than to take risks, especially when it comes to your career. Whether it's fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, or simply fear of failure, you'll want to keep the status quo and be content with it. But here's the thing: not taking risks is riskier than you might think. A survey from Resume Now showed that 60% of workers were stuck in roles longer than they wanted. And among the 66% who believed that changing careers would make them happier, only 13% made the switch. So, if you want to keep growing personally and professionally, here are some risky career moves that may soon pay off. Ideally, you should be working in an environment where you have received enough training, exposure, or experience. However, there will be times when you'll need to test new waters and learn as you go. For example, you may have to fill in for a team member in charge of client management while they're on leave. One department might need an extra hand in an area that you're not confident in, like graphic design, writing reports, or resolving customer complaints. By taking on the challenge, you're not only helping the team; you're also showing your flexibility, professionalism, and commitment to growth. As you welcome reasonable work outside your field, you may discover your other strengths and even better opportunities. Enriching yourself with new skills is always worth it, but focusing on hot skills is even more rewarding. Have 30 minutes or an hour of spare time? Spend it on learning about AI, robotics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and other in-demand skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the employment of software developers, personal financial advisors, and database architects is expected to increase by 18%, 17%, and 11%, respectively, between 2023 and 2033. These figures only show how AI is an essential skill across different industries, helping increase productivity and provide better business solutions. While these skills could be intimidating, there are plenty of resources to help you, including books, podcasts, tutorial videos, and even free online courses. So, start building essential skills to future-proof your career . Potentially Taking A Pay Cut Accepting work that potentially comes with a pay cut is a huge financial risk many people wouldn't want to experience. But sometimes, it's exactly what you need to achieve long-term growth. If lower pay means gaining new skills, expanding your network, experiencing work-life balance, and doing more meaningful work, then it's worth the risk. I once took a pay cut when I moved from consulting to recruitment, and it's one of the best decisions I've made. I learned what hiring managers want and need from applicants, and I use those insights to help our clients at Workhap land careers that align with their passions and goals. It wasn't the most financially rewarding choice at the time, but that transition helped me and thousands of people grow. Moving Abroad International moves are one of those risky career decisions that you really have to think through. Besides missing your family and friends, you should prepare yourself for higher living expenses, culture shock, and the unknown. But moving abroad lets you experience things you may never encounter if you stay within your comfort zone. You'll meet people with diverse backgrounds, widen your perspectives, develop resilience, and gain more confidence in handling difficult situations. According to SavvyNomad , over 9 million Americans are living abroad for various reasons, including better career opportunities and more freedom. If you want to be a digital nomad , make sure to do your research, including the cost of living, the skills you may need to develop, and certification requirements to avoid surprises. Going All In On Your Own Thing Have you accomplished enough with your corporate career and built a solid safety net? Maybe it's time to try doing your own thing. Open a business based on your specialty and interests. For example, if you're in digital marketing, why not open an agency? If you've been working on event management, put up an event planning company. With my experience in management consulting and talent development, I established a career coaching company that helps people find and thrive in careers they love. Sure, building your own business is full of uncertainties, but it can lead you to more opportunities for growth and a different sense of fulfillment. Every career move comes with risks, but it can also have positive long-term effects. Whether it's potentially taking a pay cut, learning unfamiliar, hot skills, moving abroad, or starting your own venture, your courage can go a long way. Take that bold move now. You've got this!
Fast Company
08-07-2025
- General
- Fast Company
Stop trying to ‘feel confident'
When professionals tell me they want to be 'more confident,' I usually give an answer that catches them off guard. 'I have no interest in helping you feel confident,' I say. 'None whatsoever.' That tends to get their attention. Especially because—as a coach to CEOs, presidential candidates, and professionals across industries—I've seen what actually builds confidence, and it's not waiting around for the right feeling to arrive. Instead, confidence is a behavior. It's something you can do. If you've ever walked out of a meeting thinking, 'I knew what I wanted to say—I just didn't say it right,' this shift might be the key to your growth. You don't need to feel confident to sound confident. And if you learn how to do the latter, the former often follows. The real reason 'don't be nervous' never works There's a moment early in nearly every coaching relationship where someone tells me about a past flop—an interview, a pitch, a panel presentation where they froze or rambled. They'll say something like, 'I just wasn't confident,' and assume the solution is to fix how they felt. But that's a mistake. Trying to improve your performance by fixating on feelings with ineffective self-talk like 'don't be nervous' or 'don't think about your imposter syndrome' is a textbook case of thought suppression —the mental equivalent of telling yourself, 'don't think about a pink elephant.' You do. Every time. That's how the brain works. The more you try to suppress feelings of anxiety or awkwardness, the louder those feelings tend to get. It's not your fault. It's neuroscience. But it is your responsibility to approach communication differently if you want different results. You don't need inner confidence. You need outer tools. Let me tell you about Jim. Jim was a midlevel marketing executive with great ideas and terrible delivery. He'd mumble, rush, and avert his gaze any time a high-stakes moment arrived. His team loved him, but they couldn't put him in front of clients. He was passed over for leadership roles, because his physical and vocal presence screamed, 'I don't belong here.' Jim didn't need therapy. He didn't need a new personality. He needed tools. One of them was a wine cork. Yes, a cork. Jim started practicing his key messages with a cork between his teeth; the impediment of the cork forced him to work harder to enunciate. He had to open his mouth, breathe more, and move his lips with intention. It didn't take long before something clicked: he wasn't worrying about sounding confident anymore. He was sounding confident. And just as important? His team noticed. So did his boss. Jim got promoted. What to do instead of 'trying to be confident' Here are three tools from my book Don't Say Um that anyone can use to build communication confidence physically—not emotionally. The first tool (the same one Jim learned) is a time-tested one that goes back thousands of years; the others are ones I invented working with executives in high-stakes communication situations over the last two decades. The Cork Drill Take a sliver of a wine cork (or a pencil, the tip of your finger, or a soft candy) and place it gently between your teeth, just on the side of your incisors. Use this object as an impediment and read aloud from a paragraph or practice a short pitch. Force yourself to enunciate as expressively as needed to enunciate every syllable. Then take the impediment out—and notice how much clearer and more resonant you sound. The Lego Drill This drill is about building your tolerance for silence—a key behavior of exuding confidence. Grab a few Lego (or Duplo) blocks and place them on your desk. Pick one up, and while holding it, speak one complete thought. When you finish that thought, place the block down in silence. Only after the block is clicked into place can you pick up the next one and deliver your next thought. This simple, tactile ritual forces you to pause, breathe, and reset between thoughts. It trains you to slow down and get comfortable with the kind of deliberate silence that powerful speakers know how to wield. Because when you stop filling every gap with 'um' or nervous rambling, you actually have time to evaluate what you want to say and what your audience needs to hear. Silent Storytelling One of the quickest ways to unlock free and released gestures is to tell a story with your body—without saying a word. Try to explain how you make coffee in the morning, or what your commute looks like, or what happened yesterday at work—but do it without making a sound. Mouth the words, allow expressions on your face, and move your hands as expressively as necessary to communicate your ideas, but do so silently. (You can think of this like being muted on TV.). You'll find your hands and face moving naturally describing shape, motion, sequence, or scale. That's silent storytelling. It bypasses self-consciousness and trains the body to express clearly, without overthinking. When you do speak again, your gestures will feel more connected, less stiff, and more expressive—not because you 'got them right,' but because you got out of their way. Confidence isn't a prerequisite for good communication. It's often the result. So stop trying to feel confident. And start doing what communicators do when they feel confident.
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CNA
02-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Work It - Colleague at a new job giving the cold shoulder? Here's how to break the ice
Work It You just joined a company and there's an uncooperative colleague who sees you as competition. What can you do to ease the tension? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at]
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Become The CEO Of Your Own Career
Portrait of a confident young businesswoman working in a modern office Lorraine K. Lee, global keynote speaker and bestselling author, remembers the excitement of landing her first promotion to 'news editor' at LinkedIn, after just one year at the company. In her new role, she worked on high-visibility projects, was well-liked by her peers, and earned a reputation as a go-to teammate. But despite all that, her career plateaued. She'd done everything 'right,' so why did she feel stuck? She had said yes to every opportunity and delivered on major initiatives, but a promotion never had been on the table. After some honest reflection, the answer became clear: Lee had been reactive, not strategic. Her 'let-the-work-speak-for-itself' mindset wasn't enough to push her career forward. She hadn't been thoughtful about her professional presence—i.e. how and where she was seen. This is a common realization for many early- and mid-career professionals, who often believe that hard work alone will lead to success. In the summer of 2021, Dr. Kate Lister, a British author, tweeted, 'How old were you when you realized your original plan of being really nice, working really hard, and taking on more than you should, hoping you'd be automatically rewarded, was totally flawed?' The tweet resonated— over 400,000 people liked or retweeted it. For Lee, this moment of clarity changed everything. After moving to a new company, she shifted her approach. She got clear on what leaders were looking for, made her wins visible, and communicated her goals openly. Within a year, she was promoted again— this time to director— and knew she had truly earned it. Lorraine K. Lee holding a copy of her book, Unforgettable Presence, and smiling Lee's experiences inspired her new book, Unforgettable Presence, (an Amazon #1 bestseller and #1 Amazon new release). Through her work, she helps others shift their mindset at work so that they can go from overlooked to unforgettable. Here's how she reframed her beliefs to take ownership of her career: Before: Hard work alone will pay off. After: If no one sees my work, it will be like I didn't do it. I need to actively share my accomplishments. Before: My network will grow naturally. After: I need to make sure I'm actively building relationships, not just when I need something. Before: Feedback comes during annual reviews. After: Feedback should be continuous if I want to grow faster. Before: Promotions and raises happen with enough time. After: I need to advocate for myself at every opportunity. Lee takes these new mindsets a step further: She believes that every person should be the CEO of their own career. According to Lee, 'Bringing the outlook of a CEO to my career changed how I interact with people on a day-to-day basis. It made me proactive, rather than passively letting things happen to me. It made me think more strategically about my career by being more vocal about my goals and intentional with building relationships. I began examining company metrics and considering how my work contributed to the bottom line. It boosted my confidence, allowing me to feel more in control, and ultimately put me in the driver's seat of my career.' So, how can you become the CEO of your own career? In order to figure out how you want to be seen, you first need to understand how your colleagues currently perceive you. If you're unsure, 360 reviews can help you gather feedback about your performance and reputation from different levels of colleagues and managers. You can then use this information to help you understand what others think about you. What's the gap between how your colleagues see you now and how you want them to see you in the future? Once you're aware of that gap, you can figure out the steps to move from where you are today to where you want to be. Lee recommends dividing a piece of paper into two columns: on the left, write adjectives for how your colleagues currently describe you, and on the right, list adjectives that represent how you actually want to be seen. 'Self-reflection can sometimes be a challenge,' Lee says, 'but going through the steps can help you become more aware of your brand and identify what others might not see.' Once you've defined your brand, you need a way to communicate it effectively. That's where your unique, powerful introduction (UPI) comes in. 'Introductions are one of the most important situations to create a strong impression, but so many people miss this opportunity,' says Lee. She suggests crafting a UPI that includes any of the following: Lee's UPI from her time at Prezi evolved from: 'Hi, I'm Lorraine. I lead the editorial team,' to: 'Hi, I'm Lorraine, and I lead the editorial team. We collaborate with business leaders to create content that educates and inspires millions of users.' This new phrasing not only clarified her role and what she did but also added credibility by showcasing the scope and impact of her work. Your UPI should help you stand out, and can change depending on where you're using it, too. For example, if you were to use it in your LinkedIn headline or in a LinkedIn post, it can open the door for opportunities like media interviews or speaking engagements, Lee says. When your UPI transcends company walls, 'It's free brand awareness for your company and amazing visibility for you.' Once you've clearly defined your professional brand, focus on nurturing your network. Lee recommends checking in with key and new connections every few months, even if it's just to share something helpful you've learned that you think will benefit them in their role. Another option is to create a networking tracker to stay organized and ensure you're regularly maintaining important relationships. 'Just like setting aside time for family and friends, you have to create time to nurture your professional relationships,' Lee says. 'There's nothing inauthentic about doing a good job at keeping in touch.' Nurturing your network means staying in touch and fostering genuine, long-term relationships. It's not just about being there when you need something— it's about ensuring those connections are strong and mutually supportive. Being intentional with how you communicate is crucial for your professional presence. Lee suggests that minor adjustments to your phrasing can make a significant impact on how you're perceived. Instead of saying, 'I'll try to get it done next week,' say, 'I will get this done by Tuesday' to come across more confident and on top of things. Removing your use of minimizing language like 'just' or 'sorry' can help you avoid sounding unsure of your point (and yourself). Lee also emphasizes that avoiding upspeak—where your voice rises at the end of sentences as if you're asking a question—can make you sound more confident and authoritative. The way you phrase your requests and communicate can reshape how others perceive your authority and leadership, putting you in greater control of your career, according to Lee. By applying these steps, along with many others outlined in her book, Lee was able to raise her profile both internally and externally, strengthening her brand within and outside her organization. In her new book, Unforgettable Presence, Lee teaches readers how to take control of their career trajectory and build a professional presence that leaves a lasting impact.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
25 Inspiring Podcasts To Supercharge Your Career In 2025
Podcasts can help you build the skills, mindset, and network you need to succeed in your career. Whether you're commuting to the office, working from home or squeezing in learning during your lunch break, podcasts are an accessible and powerful way to fuel professional growth. Since 2014, the average time spent listening to podcasts has grown by 450%, according to Edison Research. Today, 47% of Americans ages 12 and up listen to podcasts monthly, and 34% tune in every week. The right podcast is more than just background noise. It's an investment in your career, offering fresh perspectives, actionable strategies and the motivation you need to make the most of your workday. From deep dives into the science of productivity to candid conversations with successful entrepreneurs, these shows offer something for every stage of your career journey. Here are 25 carefully selected podcasts to help you build the skills, mindset and network you need to thrive this year. WorkLife delves into the science of work and explores how to make it better, featuring unique stories and research-backed strategies from world-class organizations and thought leaders. Adam Grant explores hidden aspects of work culture, creativity and leadership to help you thrive. Host: Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, bestselling author and Wharton professor Best For: Ambitious professionals, managers and lifelong learners Why It Stands Out: Insightful, practical and full of useful takeaways, each episode unpacks the habits and mindsets behind the world's most effective teams and leaders. Tim Ferriss interviews high achievers from a range of industries, including investors, authors, athletes and entrepreneurs, to uncover their routines, tools and mindsets for success. The show is a masterclass in optimizing performance and finding unique career shortcuts. Host: Tim Ferriss, bestselling author and early-stage tech investor Best For: Growth-minded professionals, innovators and anyone seeking productivity or life hacks Why It Stands Out: Tim's deep-dive interview style reveals the real-world habits, failures and philosophies of some of the most successful people on the planet. A blend of science, stories and practical advice, Happier helps listeners create habits and mindsets that boost happiness both at work and in life. Rubin and her co-host share simple strategies to find more joy and fulfillment, even on the busiest days. Host: Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and happiness expert Best For: Professionals seeking more work-life balance, personal fulfillment or habit-building strategies Why It Stands Out: Accessible, research-based tips delivered with warmth and humor, making self-improvement feel both doable and fun. Lewis Howes brings on world-class guests to explore what it means to live an extraordinary life and achieve your biggest goals. Episodes focus on leadership, overcoming adversity and the habits of top performers in business, sports and entertainment. Host: Lewis Howes, entrepreneur, author and former professional athlete Best For: Professionals motivated by personal stories, practical inspiration and real talk on success and resilience Why It Stands Out: A motivating blend of raw honesty, expert insights and tangible lessons from some of the world's most accomplished people. Ed Mylett interviews leaders, athletes and innovators about peak performance, mindset and the art of self-mastery. The show is packed with motivation and high-impact stories for anyone striving to unlock their potential. Host: Ed Mylett, entrepreneur, performance coach and bestselling author Best For: High-achievers, leaders and professionals seeking inspiration to elevate every aspect of their work and life Why It Stands Out: Fast-paced and energizing, each episode delivers both inspiration and effective steps for pushing past limitations and reaching new heights. This podcast brings listeners inside real executive coaching sessions, where host Muriel Wilkins helps rising leaders navigate workplace challenges and unlock their full potential. Host: Muriel Wilkins, executive coach and leadership advisor Best For: Managers, executives and professionals aspiring to leadership roles Why It Stands Out: Offers authentic, unscripted conversations and practical leadership lessons straight from the trenches. Each episode delivers concise, ready-to-use strategies for communicating with confidence, managing teams and leading through change. Host: Tom Henschel, executive coach and communications expert Best For: Professionals aiming to improve executive presence, influence and communication Why It Stands Out: Bite-sized episodes packed with tools to help you lead with clarity and credibility. Leadership legend John Maxwell and his team share wisdom on influence, vision and personal growth, helping listeners develop as both leaders and people. Host: John Maxwell, renowned leadership author and speaker Best For: Leaders at all levels, from aspiring managers to seasoned executives Why It Stands Out: Blends time-tested leadership principles with practical application, making it relevant for every stage of your career. Packed with useful career strategies, this podcast features experts sharing advice on communication, productivity, leadership and problem-solving for the modern workplace. Host: Pete Mockaitis, career coach and speaker Best For: Knowledge workers, new leaders and professionals seeking practical ways to excel Why It Stands Out: Each episode is a "how-to" for thriving at work, delivered with clarity and good humor. This show helps professionals redefine success, discover meaningful work and make bold career changes, even mid-career. Host: Scott Anthony Barlow, career coach and entrepreneur Best For: Professionals considering career pivots, job changers or anyone seeking more purpose Why It Stands Out: Real stories and tactical advice on designing a fulfilling, values-driven career. Cal Newport tackles the challenges of deep work and meaningful productivity, answering listener questions and sharing science-backed insights on how to stay focused in a distracted world. Host: Cal Newport, computer science professor and bestselling author Best For: Knowledge workers, creators, and anyone seeking to work with greater intention Why It Stands Out: Provides a thoughtful, research-driven approach to productivity without resorting to hustle culture clichés. This podcast examines how high achievers can excel at work and achieve success in life without burning out. Each episode features strategies for achieving more by prioritizing what matters. Host: Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller, leadership experts and authors Best For: Busy professionals and leaders seeking work-life balance Why It Stands Out: Proven advice for maximizing results while maintaining well-being. Host Erik Fisher interviews productivity experts and practitioners, revealing the real-world tactics that help people achieve their goals and get things done. Host: Erik Fisher, productivity podcaster and coach Best For: Anyone looking to improve habits, systems and daily efficiency Why It Stands Out: Practical tips and honest conversations about what actually works (and what doesn't) in the world of productivity. Start your day with quick, evidence-based productivity tips designed to help you make the most of your morning and set a positive tone for the rest of your workday. Host: Laura Vanderkam, time management expert and author Best For: Early risers, busy professionals and morning routine enthusiasts Why It Stands Out: Super short episodes, perfect for even the most hectic schedules. This show inspires listeners to wake up early and take control of their day through routines, habits and positive energy. Host: Jeff Sanders, productivity coach and author Best For: High performers, ambitious professionals and anyone curious about the power of morning routines Why It Stands Out: Energizing advice and interviews for making the most out of every day, starting at sunrise. Get your daily dose of artificial intelligence news and insights condensed into quick updates that keep you informed on the latest breakthroughs and trends. Host: AI Daily team Best For: Tech enthusiasts, business leaders and anyone tracking the AI revolution Why It Stands Out: Short, info-packed episodes perfect for staying ahead in the age of AI. A daily rundown of the most important stories in tech, from Silicon Valley to startups and everything in between. Host: Brian McCullough, tech commentator and entrepreneur Best For: Professionals in tech, digital media or anyone wanting to stay current Why It Stands Out: Fast, comprehensive tech news that fits into your commute. Interviews with CIOs, tech executives and digital innovators about the future of business and the strategies driving digital transformation. Host: Peter High, technology strategy advisor and author Best For: Business leaders, IT professionals and forward-thinking managers Why It Stands Out: Real-world lessons from top tech leaders who are shaping the next era of business. Hosted by the team at Andreessen Horowitz, this podcast explores tech trends, business models and ideas from startup to enterprise scale. Host: Andreessen Horowitz partners and special guests Best For: Entrepreneurs, investors and professionals interested in innovation Why It Stands Out: Features conversations with top founders, investors and thinkers in tech and business. Explores disruptive ideas, change management and the science of creativity with global thought leaders and visionaries. Host: Aidan McCullen, innovation and transformation consultant Best For: Change-makers, creative professionals and innovation enthusiasts Why It Stands Out: Deep dives into the mindsets and strategies behind lasting innovation. Dr. Laurie Santos shares the latest scientific research and inspiring stories to help you live a happier, more fulfilling life at work and beyond. Host: Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and psychologist Best For: Anyone seeking to boost happiness, resilience and emotional well-being Why It Stands Out: Combines science, storytelling and practical tips in an engaging, evidence-based format. Mel Robbins delivers practical strategies, personal stories and tough-love motivation to help listeners take charge of their work and life. Each episode features honest conversations about overcoming setbacks, building confidence and finding everyday success, plus advice you can apply right away. Host: Mel Robbins, bestselling author, speaker and behavior change expert Best For: Professionals seeking practical tools, motivation and honest insights for personal and career growth Why It Stands Out: Her blend of energy, science-backed advice and real-world stories makes each episode relatable and empowering. Expect direct answers, inspiring guests and proven tools to break through obstacles and boost your momentum. Jay Shetty offers wisdom and practical tools for finding purpose, improving relationships, and achieving success, blending ancient philosophy with modern science. Host: Jay Shetty, author, coach and former monk Best For: Professionals craving meaning, purpose and personal growth Why It Stands Out: Inspirational guests and life lessons for unlocking your best self. This podcast delivers motivational advice and mindset shifts to help you overcome obstacles, increase focus and achieve your goals. Host: Rob Dial, mindset coach and speaker Best For: Professionals needing a boost of motivation or a new perspective Why It Stands Out: Quick, practical episodes with a positive, no-nonsense approach. Marie Forleo shares candid conversations with world-class guests, blending business advice with personal development tips to help you build a career and life you love. Host: Marie Forleo, entrepreneur and author Best For: Ambitious professionals and creatives balancing work, life and purpose Why It Stands Out: Warm, energetic delivery and effective strategies for thriving in all areas of life. The most successful careers are built through consistent, intentional learning. With these podcasts, you're not just consuming content; you're engaging with it. You're gaining practical tools to navigate workplace challenges, enhance your leadership skills and find greater career fulfillment. Start by choosing one podcast that speaks to your current needs, subscribe and begin investing in your most important asset, yourself.
