Invest in your career this year
Investing in yourself is personal and professional – professional “me time” is a form of self-care. It helps you to understand who you really are, to know what you really want - your goals - and to develop clear actions on how to get there. It also ensures you’re on the right career path for you, feeling confident and fulfilled every step of the way.
Here are a few ways that you can make this year the year you invest in your career.
Hire an Executive Coach
Executive coaching is a tailored practice that develops talent through one-to-one sessions. Coaching comes in many styles but all offer a safe and structured space for you to explore your hopes, dreams, strengths, weaknesses and to establish your goals, with a clear action plan for getting there.
Sue Leeson, Associate Executive Coach at Suzie Walker Executive Search, says, “I believe everyone can benefit from working with someone who can provide a good sounding board, establish a helpful thinking framework, and probe deeper with insightful questions. Being able to take that aerial view, to define outcomes truly wanted, and to work out how to achieve them with relative ease in a confidential and trusted place can be a game-changer.”
Ask your company to sponsor a leadership course
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) comes in many forms but a structured course with a respected training provider can give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to work towards the next step in your career. We work closely with The Pipeline, an organisation that supports high-performing female leaders to step into executive roles, through their leadership programme, Leadership Summit. The programme lifts participants to the next level by using high-calibre speakers and an experiential learning environment. This kind of learning is not just great for you, it also enables your organisation to deliver better results.
Find a mentor/sponsor
A mentor, or sponsor as they’re often now known, is an experienced and trusted advisor. They’re working at a level you would like to reach, offering a wealth of knowledge and guidance - their insights into career paths and professional situations are invaluable. Finding a mentor/sponsor can be challenging but start with your own professional network, either at your company or on LinkedIn, and be mindful of two key things: that they are successful in their field and that they will be great at giving feedback. If you’re open to constructive feedback, their guidance can help you to achieve your goals and to build useful connections along the way.
Attend learning lunches
One of our favourite events here at Suzie Walker Executive Search is our learning lunch, where we invite an inspiring speaker – usually a Chief of – to share their own career journey and tips from the top. Career stories are not only incredibly interesting but there are nuggets of wisdom that attendees can take away and use in their own professional journey. We also offer the opportunity to ask questions and to network with others. Just an hour of your day, away from your desk (as companies should always encourage you to do), can be well spent in the company of someone willing to share their knowledge for the benefit of others.
Give a little back by becoming a mentor/sponsor or speaking at one of our events
If you have reached a stage in your career where you want to support the next generation of leaders, why not put yourself forward as a mentor/sponsor or speaker. By sparing an hour of your time to share your career journey, the challenges, the joys and the lessons you have learnt along the way, it is hugely valuable to those who look up to you and want to progress in their own careers. These events are informal, conversational and enjoyable, and questions will be supplied in advance of the event so that you have time to prepare your responses. Simply come along, share your story and connect with some great people.
If you would like to attend or speak at one of our events, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
With warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing, data, digital and tech roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
