Are You Bending Too Far to Fit In? 

One of my clients is making a job pivot. Turns out, he sensed for years that a major part of his once-thought “dream job” wasn’t actually a fit at all.

As he’s been exploring what’s next, he’s wrestled with how to position himself given his diverse range of strengths and interests. The exciting part about reimagining your future is you get to forge a completely new path! But it can also feel overwhelming, especially when uncertainty and self-doubt creep in.

This client in particular sees himself as more of a generalist, but applying to positions in a largely specialist world means reshaping his broad assets into a more narrow value proposition. Combined with the need to translate his skills and experience into new field-specific language, he felt twisted in knots. The process felt unnatural and inauthentic.

When he told me he was tired of contorting himself to fit new roles, it stopped me in my tracks.

“Did you just say contorting?!” I asked. “No wonder you’re uncomfortable about your future direction.”

It’s one thing to be in a period of discernment. It’s another to feel you must shape-shift aspects of your identity to appeal to potential employers. That's because you won’t find fulfillment unless you show up as your authentic self.

That doesn’t mean putting everything out there—but it does mean knowing who you are, what you bring, and how you can help.

Making choices gets easier when you’re grounded in what truly matters. That’s the power of core values. They serve as your north star, helping you spend your time and energy with purpose.

On Nov. 4, join me for a free webinar where you’ll uncover your core values and explore how to live them out in meaningful ways, at work and beyond. When your values lead the way, every “yes” feels aligned and every decision comes with greater ease.

As this client discovered, it’s much easier to find a fulfilling career path when you’re crystal clear on the core values that energize, shape and make your work meaningful. (Hint: If something feels “off” in your life or work, one of your core values is probably in conflict.)

Because when clarity replaces contortion, everything starts to come into focus. 🔎

Brain Food

“As a leader, you want your values to be clear as a bell. And you want to ring that bell loudly.” In Lead with Heart, Tom Gartland, CEO of Montway Auto Transport and former president of Avis Budget Group, North America, writes from experience. He transformed the culture of a Fortune 500 company into an engaged, top-performing organization during a significant growth period “You can tell a lot about a leader... by the values that they share out loud.” Talk about living authentically… and leading with heart. 

In the Spotlight
Free Workshop (In-Person)

Thanksgiving is just five weeks away, which means Hanukkah and Christmas aren’t far behind. The holidays often leave us overbooked, overspent, and overwhelmed with “shoulds.” We’ve all been there. But trying to be everything for everyone results in feeling exhausted instead of joyful. If you’re in the Lexington area, join me on Monday, Nov. 3, 5:30–7 p.m. at The Willow (825 National Ave.) to give yourself permission to say no, set bold boundaries, and design the holidays your way. Register here!

Real Talk

I recently joined PRSA Publications Director John Elsasser to talk about creating workplaces that value both high standards and sustainable workloads. Too often, high-achievers like you equate your productivity with their worth (you're not alone—I know from experience!). Watch the video to hear my thoughts on what it looks like in practice: from setting boundaries, to leading by example, to finally letting go of burnout as a badge of honor. 👋

Just You, Standing Tall

Whether it’s over your career or Christmas, no more twisting yourself into knots trying to be all things to all people. You deserve to lead, live, and show up as your best self!

If you’re starting to envision what 2026 could hold, let’s connect soon and talk about how to align your goals, your values, and your growth before the new year begins.

And remember, I’m always in your corner. 💪