7 Ways To Jumpstart Your Career Growth Today
7 key steps to jumpstart your career growth today
Getty Images
For many professionals today, the wish for more, different and better in their careers is palpable. Thousands want more impact, purpose, recognition, financial reward and stability. Yet despite their ambitions, countless individuals feel stagnant, especially in these rapidly-evolving times, where employee detachment is on the rise. They may have mastered their current roles, but sense they're meant for something different and aren't sure how to achieve the growth they need to build the next chapter.
In nearly two decades of coaching mid- to senior-level professionals, I've seen this moment arrive again and again: the turning point when an individual recognizes they need to grow—but fear, confusion, or even imposter syndrome hold them back from taking the necessary leap or growth steps.
What truly propels career growth? It's not just about acquiring more skills or updating your resume. The deeper work lies in more clearly understanding your unique talents and abilities, what you want most, and what's been potentially keeping you from going after something bigger and better for you.
Professionals often assume they're stuck due to a lack of time, energy, or clear direction. But more often than not, the real barriers are internal:
1. Fear of failing—or of succeeding and being held to higher expectations.
2. Fear of rejection, especially when asking for a raise, promotion, or new opportunity.3. Fear of being "found out"—a hallmark of imposter syndrome, which research shows affects 75% of executive women and many men as well.
These fears are not imagined. They're rooted in what I've identified are the 7 damaging power and confidence gaps—internal barriers that block us from reaching our highest and most rewarding potential. These include not recognizing our special talents, reluctance to speak up confidently and effectively difficulty asking for what we deserve, and a lack of strong, influential support networks.
Without recognizing and addressing these gaps, many keep themselves locked in a professional holding pattern for years.
Growth is always possible—and often closer than we think. But it requires intentional, committed action that stretches us beyond where we are today.
Below are 7 key career growth levers that have helped thousands of professionals expand their impact, income, and fulfillment:
Find and connect with people—inside and outside your organization—who you feel are 5 to 10 steps ahead of you doing inspiring work. Reach out for insights, share your goals, and ask for advice and introductions. But remember - before you reach out with your 'ask', to demonstrate your potential to them first, by being of help and support to them and/or their teams wherever you can.
Don't wait for a promotion to do the work of growth. Ask your manager now to assist in or contribute to new projects that will help you expand your limits, expose you to new stakeholders, and allow you to lead or contribute in a new capacity. Build a case for why you're ready for that new growth opportunity.
Enroll in great training, a certification program, or workshops that can help you fill gaps in your experience and skill set. Even better, make the strong case for your company to sponsor it.
Say 'yes' to supporting committees, task forces, or initiatives that are of interest to you but are outside of your current role. These opportunities offer visibility, new skills, connection to others you may not have had the chance to collaborate with, and allow you to test out what else you're great at.
Even if you're not planning (or wishing) to leave your current employer or role, interviewing outside the organization is a critical step in helping you understand more definitively your value in the market and what employers are seeking - and how we'll you're a match to the ideal roles you're looking for.
Ask your trusted peers, direct reports, and leaders what they believe you're doing well—and where you can grow. Candid 360 feedback can sometimes be uncomfortable to hear, but it's fuel for real evolution.
If you have a supportive manager, work with them to build a clear growth path—and get their commitment to help you stay on it. If your relationship with your manager is not as positive as you wish it were, take some new actions to repair the relationship - and take accountability for your part. Where possible, ask them for their help to access new ways to accelerate your growth that can support their success as well.
These are not one-and-done tasks, but ongoing practices that will help you build your career momentum and expand your confidence and impact. The more you engage, the more confident and competent you become—and the more opportunities you'll naturally attract.
Interestingly, some of our greatest assets for growth come from earlier in our lives. For example, research by Deloitte found that women who played competitive sports in youth achieved greater career success and leadership advancement. Why? Because participating in sports cultivates resilience, risk-taking, leadership and strategic thinking—all essential in today's workplace.
If you've ever led a team, competed, spoken or performed on stage, or taken on a big challenge in any area of life—you've already demonstrated some of the key traits necessary for career expansion and personal development. The task is to apply it now, in ways that matter most to your future.
Before leaping into action, reflect on your career to date. Ask:
What roles or tasks made me feel purposeful, positive, impactful and helped me make a meaningful difference?
What have I outgrown and want to leave behind now?
What do I long to do more of and why?Finally, what challenges have I successfully navigated well in life and work, and what do they reveal about my strengths?
These insights form your foundation. Knowing yourself better, and seeing your experiences and accomplishments in a new way will open doors to more growth.
Support is all around you—if you ask for it:
Mentors and Sponsors: Reach out to someone you admire. Say, 'Your work truly inspires me and I'd love to hear a bit more about your career journey—would you be open to a quick call?' Remember, in these mentorship conversations, ask these additional two questions after sharing a bit about what you're hoping for in the next chapter:
Do you have any ideas for me?Is there anyone else who might be helpful to speak with?LinkedIn: Follow thought leaders in your field whom you admire, and repost the thought leadership that they share (that speaks to you), offering your own insights. Start conversations. Opportunities often follow visibility.Recruiters: Research top recruiters in your industry. Share your profile and ask for a conversation about potential roles they see as a fit with your skill set.Manager or HR: If your workplace is supportive, schedule a conversation about your growth aspirations and how they align with the organization's goals. Offer to be in service in new ways.
You don't need to wait for someone to grant you permission to grow and stretch. That's within your ability to make happen now. You simply need to give that permission to yourself—and take the first brave step.
Real growth isn't just about titles or income. It's about expansion—of your skills, your confidence, your voice, and the important and rewarding ways you contribute to work that matters to you.
Start small. Choose one 'stretching' action today. And then another tomorrow. Over time, these brave steps will become more comfortable and help you build a new path to the career impact you're ready for.
Kathy Caprino is a career and leadership coach, author, trainer and host of the podcast, Finding Brave. Visit her digital coaching tool Kathy Caprino AI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Shuffle Board: Kering, Tailored Brands, Pendleton Name CEOs
Omnichannel specialty retailer Tailored Brands announced John Tighe as chief executive officer and board member, effective Aug. 5. Tighe, who served most recently as president of the parent company to Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, succeeds Peter Sachse, who will transition to executive chairman next month. Tighe joined Tailored Brands in May 2021 as executive vice president and chief customer officer and became president in March 2022. He previously served as president of Peerless Clothing and held leadership positions at J.C. Penney, including chief merchant and executive vice president, as well. Portland-based brand Pendleton Woolen Mills has appointed Jennifer Ingraffea as CEO. She succeeds John Bishop as the first female to hold the top position at the 162-year-old company. Bishop, who retired in February, will remain as CEO through July to work with the former Nike exec before transitioning to chairman of the board. More from Sourcing Journal GXO Cleared to Acquire Wincanton, Taps DHL Vet as New CEO Shuffle Board: Vera Bradley CEO Exits, Lectra Names Deputy CEO Shuffle Board: Better Cotton Names Nonprofit Exec Nick Weatherill CEO Luxury conglomerate Kering's board of directors, chaired by François-Henri Pinault, approved the appointment of Luca de Meo as chief executive officer of the group, as recommended by the appointments and governance committee. As part of a renewed governance structure, the role of chairman of the board of directors, held by Pinault, will be separated from that of CEO. OTB Group-owned label Marni confirmed the exit of creative director Francesco Risso after a decade with the brand, according to a press statement. The statement did not say when a new creative director would be announced. The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), a public-private partnership led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, announced that Dr. Eric Evans has been appointed as the new chair of the AFFOA board of directors. As chair, Evans will help lead the organization in its mission to accelerate the development and commercialization of textile technologies that integrate electronics and sensors, among other functionalities.
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nearly 100,000 Mattresses are Being Recalled Nationwide Due to Death Risk—Here's What to Know
Nearly 100,000 Mattresses are Being Recalled Nationwide Due to Death Risk—Here's What to Know originally appeared on Parade. If you've happened to upgrade any mattress in your bedroom recently and purchased it from Amazon, it may be time for you to reconsider its place in your space. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a popular mattress brand sold on Amazon has recalled about 100,000 units of multiple mattress sizes. Officially announced on June 18, the CPSC revealed that Crayan brand mattresses in both 10- and 12-inch Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes are being recalled due to their "failure to meet open flame flammability requirements in violation of federal safety standard for mattresses." The notice also goes on to reveal that the requirement failure poses a deadly fire hazard for anyone with the mattress in their possession. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 For general knowledge, the mattresses in question are single-sided, have a white knit quilted top and bear the brand's "Crayan" name on the gray side panel. Each mattress in question was sold in a compressed box and the fiber content, size and "WG/P Foundation" are all printed on a white label sewn onto the mattress one of the Japan-manufactured items were sold exclusively on and were purchased from July 2022 to June 2024 between the price points of $100 and $220. While there have been no incidents or injuries reported to date as a result of having the mattresses in consumers' possession, the CPSC urges those who have the recalled item to stop using it and contact the Crayan brand immediately to receive a refund. The brand will then instruct consumers to mark the mattress permanently with the word "Recalled" across the white top panel in large font before submitting a photo of the marked item to the brand via email at crayan_service@ to confirm disposal. Once the confirmation has been received and approved, shoppers will then receive a full refund. Though the brand is said to have notified all consumers who purchased the mattresses during the recall period indicated above, should you have any questions in regards to the recall, you can reach Crayan at 779-605-4458, Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. PT. You can also reach the brand at crayan_service@ 100,000 Mattresses are Being Recalled Nationwide Due to Death Risk—Here's What to Know first appeared on Parade on Jun 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump's Airstrikes on Iran Leave Oil Market Poised for Surge
(Bloomberg) -- The oil market has been wrestling for days with Donald Trump's next act in an escalating Middle East conflict. Now American jets have struck Iran's three main nuclear sites, a move that leaves traders preparing for a price surge — but still guessing where the crisis goes from here. Bezos Wedding Draws Protests, Soul-Searching Over Tourism in Venice One Architect's Quest to Save Mumbai's Heritage From Disappearing JFK AirTrain Cuts Fares 50% This Summer to Lure Riders Off Roads NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports Taser-Maker Axon Triggers a NIMBY Backlash in its Hometown In a wild week, Brent futures have jumped 11% since Israel attacked its nemesis, but with sharp moves up and down from one day to the next. That rise is expected to restart on Monday, after the US assault — which targeted sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan — dramatically raised the stakes in a region that accounts for a third of global oil output. From frenzied options markets, to soaring freight and diesel pricing, to a radical redrawing of crude's pivotal forward curve, all of that volatility is expected to intensify in the week ahead. 'Much depends on how Iran responds in the coming hours and days — but this could set us on a path toward $100 oil, if Iran responds as they have previously threatened to,' said Saul Kavonic, an energy analyst at MST Marquee. 'This US attack could see a conflagration of the conflict to include Iran responding by targeting regional American interests that include Gulf oil infrastructure in places such as Iraq, or harassing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.' The maritime chokepoint at the mouth of the Persian Gulf is a vital conduit for not just Iranian shipments, but also for those from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Central to everything is the Trump administration's ultimate intention in Iran, having joined Israel's attack. At one stage last week, it appeared more a question of when than if. That then changed late Thursday, when the US president said he'd mull his decision for two weeks. Then in the early hours of Sunday, Iranian time, he announced that Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were struck, and described a 'payload of BOMBS' dropped on Fordow, a key location of uranium enrichment. 'The market wants certainty, and this now firmly pushes the US into the Middle East theater,' said Joe DeLaura, a former trader and global energy strategist at Rabobank, adding prices were now expected to rise when oil reopens. 'But I think that this means the US Navy will be tasked to keep the Strait open,' he said, adding prices could head into the $80-to-$90 a barrel range. Still, so far there has been little sign of disruption to oil flows from the region. 'Should the US provide direct military support to Israel and play its part in removing the current regime the initial market reaction will be a price spike,' said Tamas Varga, an analyst at brokerage PVM Oil Associates Ltd, said at the end of last week. But his firm's expectation is that oil will not become part of the conflict because it's not in the interests of either side. The fate of oil matters because it drives fuel prices and inflation — something Trump said he would quell when he was campaigning for office. In times of extreme volatility, shortages of oil have even precipitated recessions. So far, there's been no meaningful curtailment through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's produced and consumed oil flows every day. Indeed, Iran even appears to be racing to lift its exports as part of its logistical response to the conflict. Avoiding a wider conflagration and preventing disruptions to supply would push oil prices lower, while also bringing down everything that spiked in tandem with them. Against that, America joining could be all-defining, calling into question security through the waterway and from the region at large. On Friday, Iran said it might consider adjustments to its enrichment program, driving down futures and reminding the world that Tehran's actions are important to petroleum markets too. Among assets roiled by the tension are options contracts, where traders paid enormous premiums to hedge against further price spikes. At times since the conflict began, they paid the most to protect against a rally since at least 2013. Record volumes of bullish call options have changed hands since the attacks started. Exiting Trades The market, though, was on edge even before Trump's announcement. Traders have been exiting futures positions at one of the fastest rates on record — an indication of both the stress that higher levels of volatility is placing on derivatives books, and the unpredictable path ahead. In total, the number of futures contracts held on the main exchanges plunged by the equivalent of 367 million barrels, or about 7%, since the close on June. 12, the eve of Israel's attack. Traders and brokers say the higher levels of volatility have made pricing deals harder over the past week. 'Traders and analysts should be viewing the current oil price gyrations in the context of speculative de-risking,' said Ryan Fitzmaurice, senior commodities strategist at Marex Group Plc. 'Going forward, market volatility and open interest will be key areas to watch.' The cost of hiring a ship to carry crude from the Middle East to China has jumped close to 90% since before Israeli attacks began. Earnings for vessels carrying fuels like gasoline and jet fuel have also leaped, as have insurance premiums. The danger to vessels in the region's waters was underscored when two oil tankers crashed into each other causing a fiery explosion — though on this occasion, the ship's owner asserted there was no link to the conflict. Still, almost 1,000 ships a day are having their GPS signals jammed, creating growing safety risks. The MICA Center, a French liaison between the military and commercial shipping, said the tanker crash was likely 'aggravated' by jamming. 'Next days will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution with Iran is possible and if the US might resort to military action,' it said in an update. 'Maritime trade is not being targeted. The situation might change abruptly.' The risk to flows from the region, coupled with the sharp increase in shipping costs, is bolstering demand for crudes from outside of the Persian Gulf. Pullback Risk The higher different prices race, the greater the risk of a pullback if the prospect of de-escalation takes shape. And even if tensions do remain high, there's precedent from a few years ago for a meaningful supply disruption to quickly get resolved. When an attack in 2019 on processing facilities at Abqaiq in Saudi Arabia knocked out 7% of global supply, it took just a few weeks for crude futures to trade lower than before the attacks occurred, as supplies were quickly restored and backfilled. That's one reason, coupled with a persistent threat of geopolitical risks that often don't morph into real supply curbs, why traders say prices haven't spiked more in recent days. 'This is the big one,' said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital, pointing to a $8-a-barrel risk premium as plausible. 'The market default on this development is higher. How high depends on Iran's response — or the realistic prospects of a meaningful response, which may not be there.' --With assistance from Stephen Stapczynski, Julia Fanzeres and Mia Gindis. (Writes through after Trump announces attack.) Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
