The concept of being the CEO of your own career takes on special significance for women, who have historically navigated unique challenges and opportunities in the workplace due to their gender.
As a career coach, I have seen firsthand the full gamut of challenges women face at work – from underrepresentation in leadership roles, to unconscious bias and discrimination. Yet despite these unwanted and at times, unjust obstacles, I have seen women surpass the expectations of organisations and entire industries, simply by making a conscious decision to become CEO of their career trajectory.
What does this mean exactly? Well, just as a Chief Executive Officer drives an organisation’s growth and strategy, women can take ownership of their career narrative, defining their goals and forging a path that aligns with their passions and ambitions.
The transformative journey of adopting a CEO mindset for women, means strategically advancing despite the unique set of challenges you may face – from balancing work and family responsibilities to overcoming gender biases.
Often, engaging the services of a professional career coach can be instrumental in this process, acting as a guiding force to identify areas of growth, set achievable objectives, and provide an objective third party sounding board, to keep you competitive in ever-evolving industries.
Specifically, a career coach partners with you to determine a clear plan and a strategy for achieving your goals, empower you in making better decisions, based on your strengths, weaknesses and values and keep you motivated and focused on your vision, when times inevitably get tough, and support is thin on the ground.
They can also often help you build your network by connecting you with people who can help you achieve your goals and encourage you to more fully accept and know your worth, which is critical when negotiating your salary and benefits. During times of career transition or when you feel stuck and unsure of where you want to go, a coach can also be a valuable asset to help you gain clarity and confidence in taking control of your career and manage transitions smoothly.
How to know when it’s time to call in the support of a professional coach to help you become CEO of your career:
- You are unhappy in your current job: A career coach can help you identify a new career path that’s a better fit, while simultaneously helping you manage any self-doubt.
- You’re actively looking for a new job: A career coach can help you with your job search, including guidance with CV tweaks, strategic networking and interviewing.
- You’re starting your own business: A career coach can help you build personal resilience, develop a business plan, set goals, and guide you in financial management.
- You’re facing a career change: A coach can help you feel less daunted about what needs to happen, for you to make the transition smoothly.
If you feel like it’s time to take ownership of where your career trajectory is heading and are considering working with a career coach, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Do your research and find a coach who is qualified and experienced with professionals in your situation.
2. Be clear about what you hope to achieve from coaching and be sure to communicate this to your coach.
3. Be prepared for honest feedback and be determined to put in 110% to realise your goals.
In a world where women’s contributions and impact are vital, adopting the mindset of a CEO when it comes to shaping your career is a powerful assertion of leadership. Women can redefine the narrative, challenge norms and pave the way for future generations, but only if we stand up and make conscious, proactive decisions about what level of success and influence is possible and acceptable for our gender.
By partnering with a career coach who understands the unique journey of women at work, you can proactively advance in your organization, shatter glass ceilings and emerge as a leader in your chosen field. The journey may be challenging, but with a strategic approach and the right guidance, the rewards are well worth it.
Veronica Jones is Founder of The Life Coaching Co. With a wealth of expertise as a Career Coach, Life Coach, Results Coach, and NLP Practitioner, Veronica serves clients globally. Discover how Veronica’s signature career coaching program can help unlock your potential at www.thelifecoachingco.com.au/elevate-your-career-coaching
