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Forbes
3 days ago
- 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.
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Ways To Reignite Fulfillment When Recognition Stops Feeling Good
Articles are abundant online that teach you how to position yourself in the workplace to receive a promotion, maintain your value in the company, and attract the recognition in your career that you've been striving for. However, what happens when the goals you previously had have all been accomplished? How do you manage the guilt of seeming "ungrateful" if you no longer experience satisfaction from your accomplishments like before? One example of how leaders can rediscover meaning in their professional lives is by identifying specific aspects of their careers that bring them fulfillment and joy. A study conducted by Perceptyx aimed to address this, as it found that only 29% of employees experience all 8 out of the 10 attributes that make a career fulfilling. This statistic suggests that many individuals are pondering this question and are seeking a more profound sense of purpose beyond what others have defined as success. Research studies have also proven that when professionals feel fulfilled in their careers, they are less likely to leave organizations. The 2023 Global Culture Report supports this notion, finding that highly fulfilled employees stayed three years longer at their organizations compared to their counterparts who expressed feelings of unfulfillment. This statistic underscores the crucial role that fulfillment plays in the longevity of your career and its impact on long-term engagement in the workplace. One reason recognition stops feeling fulfilling for leaders is that it often focuses more on the outcomes they produce rather than on who they are as individuals. This reward system usually leaves people feeling commoditized and objectified for the results they deliver rather than the perspective and integrity they bring to their work. A recent Canva study supported this sentiment, finding that only 48% of employees reported that their workplace acknowledges and celebrates their unique qualities as individuals. These findings highlight the significance of reconnecting with fulfillment driven by personal values, rather than just professional recognition. In this article, we'll explore three emotional skills leaders can use to redefine what success means to them and rediscover joy in their work, even when recognition fades. There is often an unspoken shame that accompanies no longer feeling fulfilled by the things that once brought you success, especially when those things were highly praised or recognized by others. This disconnect often arises when we expect ourselves to maintain the same level of performance without considering how much we've grown, changed, or struggled. Fulfillment fades when your definition of success stays stuck in a past version of you. That's why it's essential to ask: What does success look like to me now, even if no one else is clapping for it? Reconnecting with your version of success, as opposed to the one that receives the most recognition, is a powerful way to reignite a more profound sense of fulfillment. 'Success can come in many forms, and it's up to us to define what success looks like based on our core values and the goals we've set,' says Miguel Echols, a corporate leadership consultant and trainer. 'We create success by being willing to put in the personal and professional development work consistently, and part of how we view success should factor in the current season and our efforts.' Have you ever heard the quote, "Don't turn your passion into a prison"? That sentiment applies here. When recognition no longer feels fulfilling, it's often because you've become disconnected from what originally made the work feel joyful. If the validation you're getting isn't lighting you up anymore, it's time to reconnect with the parts of your work that feel rewarding, regardless of whether they get acknowledged or not. By revisiting what you loved before the applause, you shift your focus to other aspects of your work that fuel you and give your work meaning. That's where real fulfillment starts to return. One way to rediscover fulfillment in your career is to recognize the impact your work is having on the people you serve. When you feel disconnected from the recognition that your job is receiving, this is often due to feelings of apathy and dissatisfaction. These emotions are a sign for you to expand your definition of what impact means. Impact is about more than financial outcomes, stakeholder approval, media features, or awards. Your expertise has also led to client breakthroughs, shifts in perspective, cultural changes, and a sense of psychological safety within your organization. The legacy you're building encompasses these micro and macro shifts that can't be measured and may not consistently be recognized. Measuring your impact through the lens of impact, instead of validation, is what helps you feel fulfilled in your work again. Now that you understand the emotional strategies that will help you rediscover fulfillment in your career, here's what you can do next. The next time you notice that the recognition you're receiving is no longer rewarding, integrate one of these skills into how you reflect on your work. Shifting your perspective on what constitutes success will help you reconnect with the aspects of your career that feel more meaningful, even if they aren't the elements that receive the most recognition.
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
6 Reasons Employers Are Unprepared To Support Your Career Goals
Young Asian businesswoman leading getty The rules of career management are being rewritten. You can no longer rely on your employer to place a premium on your professional development and career advancement, not only due to budget cuts but also because of the lack of knowledge employers have about their employees' specific needs. As such, this responsibility now lies directly in the hands of employees themselves. While organizations may offer training, resources, and guidance, the days of one-size-fits-all career development programs are long gone. And that's a good thing. This shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. Understanding why it has occurred and how to leverage the following six alarming realities employers are unprepared to support your career goals will determine whether you thrive or put your future at risk. Even the most well-intentioned employers struggle to design a personal development path perfectly aligned with your ambitions. Why? Because no one knows your inner world as well as you do. Organizations often operate at a macro level, focusing on company-wide industry trends and group goals. While these frameworks serve the greater organization's growth objectives, they cannot address the nuances of your unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges. Employers can't read your mind, nor is it their responsibility, it's yours. Yet, most employees are not willing to boldly share their career goals for fear of derailing the political capital or momentum they have created. To determine your growth path, you as an individual must develop a deep understanding of what you need professionally and personally to thrive. Ask yourself: 'Have I invested enough time understanding my own strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities to chart my path forward?' Before you point fingers at your employer, take a moment to reflect on yourself. Do you know who you are and what you truly want? Many employees chase external validations, such as promotions or salaries, without understanding if these align with their personal values or beliefs. Personal growth begins with introspection. In fact, when I've asked mid-career professionals the question, 'What are you chasing?', some of the most common responses include: happiness, survival, belonging, security, harmony, peace, respect, validation, self-trust, calmness, regaining faith in my abilities, and self-worth. Yet, while they know what they are chasing, they don't know who they are or what they stand for. As a result, they struggle to act confidently toward what they really want because much of what they have achieved has been the result of following a predefined path for years. I've learned that it takes time and immense focus for someone to uncover their unique passions and strengths. This requires an intensive process of unraveling internal and external factors, something an employer is not responsible for, especially when their priority is on financial goals and objectives. Now that employees are consumers with options, one of their most important choices begins with investing in themselves to understand the skills and capabilities they bring to the table. Employers are under immense pressure to drive growth, shareholder value, innovate, navigate volatility, and survive in highly competitive landscapes. Most career development initiatives are designed to address organizational priorities, not individual aspirations. For example, your employer might provide training programs to adapt to new technologies or meet immediate skill gaps. While these programs are valuable, they may not align with the long-term, personalized vision you might have for your career. In fact, as employers invest more in AI as a professional development tool to offset the cost of third-party vendors, employees must be aware of the risks of AI-driven standardization. This could dilute one's unique skills, capacities, and talents if the sole purpose of the tool is to emphasize skills that primarily benefit the organization—not the employee. The management of an employee's career goals is more complex than any organizational blueprint, especially when you consider a company with thousands of employees. It's reflective, adaptive, and deeply personal. To succeed, you must go beyond company resources and create your own plan for growth. When items 1-3 are at play, it's hard to enforce personal accountability for one's career goals. Yet, this is the world we now live in—if your objective is to get ahead of change before circumstances force it upon you. Gone are the days of waiting for your performance evaluation to discuss your career goals. By the time that happens, hundreds of growth opportunities may have already passed you by. Those with thriving careers are the ones who take matters into their own hands. They hold themselves accountable by continuously evaluating: Accountability makes you the owner of your career, especially when the workplace and its demands are evolving faster than ever. An important aspect that oftentimes goes overlooked is one's diligence to budget for personal growth and career goals. Investing in your career is no longer an option, it's a non-negotiable priority. We can no longer assume the degree you earned 10 years ago has a distinct competitive advantage anymore. I've learned time and again that the talent spectrum is getting flatter. It's no longer just about years of experience; it's about whether one has the skills, the will, and new ideas to solve today's challenges and realize growth opportunities for the present and future. Consider creating a dedicated line in your personal budget for career growth. When you make a financial commitment to yourself, it reinforces the idea that your growth is a top priority. It also solidifies that you are finally investing in yourself for the greater good. Owning your career goals doesn't mean navigating them all on your own. To continuously grow and evolve, you need the right people around you. It means using resources wisely and thinking strategically about the growth opportunities you pursue. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, friends, and family members who inspire and challenge you. The people you choose to associate with can either propel you forward or hold you back. Your circle of support should align with your goals and aspirations and share your hunger for growth. Stay close to the leaders and lifters and move away from the loafers and leeches. Growth requires you to assemble the right ecosystem of resources. Don't limit yourself to 2-3 resources you need at least 10-12 to continuously fuel your momentum and keep moving forward. Owning your career goals is neither simple nor fast, but it can be an incredibly rewarding journey if you put your mind to it. Never ask yourself again, 'What is my employer doing to support my career goals?' Instead, ask yourself, 'What am I doing to sustain the career path I desire?'
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
These are the 3 steps that every new graduate should take
You've just graduated, and it's time to get ready for your first adult job. This feels different from your summer jobs and internships—yet it's not. Take a pause, two deep breaths, and realize: you are not flying solo. Remember: in the workplace and throughout your career, a 'we, not 'me' mentality makes all the difference. None of us gets anywhere alone. Not even fiercely independent believers in rugged individualism. Many graduates think they don't have a personal board of directors and that they're starting their careers with an empty table. But I'm here to tell you that nobody starts from zero. It can be hard to recognize at first, but you already have a group of people invested in you and your professional journey. These are your go-to people: those you trust, respect, and who have demonstrated their commitment to your professional growth and success. Think of the 'board' as a figurative way to describe the individuals you turn to for guidance, support, input, radical honesty, and feedback. How to establish your board of directors First, start by setting some ground rules for your board: there are always open seats, and there are no term limits. Some people may only be on your board briefly; others may stay for a lifetime. These relationships shouldn't be transactional or one-way. They are respectful, thoughtful connections that you must nurture. Here are three actions you can take to strengthen your relationship with your current board members. 1. Start with an audit Ask yourself, who's already sitting at your table? Think about the people you call when you're in a personal or professional crisis, the ones who make you feel better just by talking. Think about the friends you trust to discuss school, career decisions, fashion dilemmas, or family stresses. Don't forget about teammates, club members, or organization peers whose advice you value. Reflect on those who have once sat you down to walk you through a critical decision. Even family members who offer solicited (and sometimes unsolicited) advice can be part of your board if you trust their input. These are the people who are already serving. 2. Be open to changing your board members Second, roll people off when necessary. Not everyone is meant to stay forever. As you grow and evolve, it's natural for board membership to change. Sometimes it's them, they might have life commitments that shift, which decreases availability. Sometimes it's you. You develop new priorities or outgrow the relationship. Sometimes, a person might break your trust, and a once-valued board member no longer feels like a safe person. Whatever the reason, honor the evolution. The right board changes over time to meet the needs of the person you are becoming. 3. Show gratitude Third, show gratitude. Ask yourself if you've truly done the work to nurture these relationships. Once you finish reading this, reach out to a few board members to say thank you. Whether you send a handwritten note, a text, an email, or make a phone call, be intentional. Share an update—let them know you've graduated and are starting your next chapter. Express your gratitude with a specific example of how their support helped you reach this milestone. And tell them that you'd like to stay in touch, if they're open to continued communication. This isn't a transaction—it's the ongoing work of maintaining and valuing real relationships. As you begin your new job, remember that there are always open seats at your boardroom table. Think about who you'd like to join next. What areas of growth could benefit from more support? For example, when I graduated from medical school, I wished I had someone to help me with financial literacy—someone who could have guided me through paying off debt and making smart financial decisions. Books, podcasts, and newsletters are helpful, but nothing replaces having a real person to call or email when questions arise. The most successful professionals don't achieve everything at once. They build careers by learning and applying micro skills—small, intentional behaviors that compound over time and can be implemented in real time. Congratulations, graduate. You already have a board. People are serving on it. Now it's time to reinforce, grow, and celebrate the support.
