Developing Adaptability Skills

At the executive level, you might delay a swift career move if you primarily rely on job boards to get seen. ➡ The ABC's of Job Search – "Always Be Connecting" ⬅ Executives, relying solely on online applications is not the key to finding your next opportunity. 🔑 I am sure you already have found that the “spray and pray” method—mass submitting résumés—yields poor results. Instead, focused networking is a strategic investment that increases your odds over time. Yes, it may feel awkward to ask for help, especially when you’re used to being in charge. However, many people enjoy sharing their wisdom, so seeking informational conversations to gain insights and guidance demonstrates your curiosity and humility. Networking isn’t about being pushy—it’s about building relationships and staying connected with people in your field. Relationships matter even more if you’re shifting careers or targeting roles where your experience doesn’t align perfectly on paper. Instead of applying online, double down on relationship building and gaining introductions. Remember, opportunities often arise before they’re posted. In this “hidden job market,” leaders find roles through trust, advocacy, and internal recommendations. And your goal? 🌟 To get seen. 🌟 Don't wait for the perfect job posting to appear. Stay active in your network, build meaningful connections, and be known for your unique value. The hidden job market belongs to those who invest in relationships. What is one thing you can do each week through the end of the year to strengthen your network? #jobs #careers #management

Most people think networking is how you get ahead - NO. Strategic Project Leaders create value and leaders seek them out; hence, their network grows— that is why they rise. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. Executives and decision-makers are not impressed by flattery or forced small talk. They are moved by : ✔️clarity, ✔️ relevance, ✔️your ability to help them think differently or move faster toward a goal. This is where most professionals get it wrong: They network to be seen, instead of networking to be of service. When you shift your mindset from “How can this help me?” to “How can I create strategic value for this person or organisation?”—everything changes. 🪀Doors open. 🪀Conversations go deeper. 🪀Opportunities multiply. Strategic networking is not about volume—it is about intention. It is not only about visibility—it is about value to others. That is how I built relationships with leaders I once thought were out of reach. That is how you position yourself as someone worth aligning with. 👉Not just a professional. 👉Not just a contact. 👉A catalyst. Want to learn how to create value that builds networks like a Strategic Project Leader? Let’s talk. I will show you how I do it—and how you can too. #FolaElevates #StrategicLeadership #Networking #ProjectLeadership #StrategicElites #CareerAcceleration #ProjectIntelligence ----------------------- Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, also notes that successful networking is not about climbing the social ladder but creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This aligns with research from the Journal of Management Studies, which found that leaders with diverse networks are better positioned to identify and leverage new opportunities.

The Class of 2025 faces unprecedented challenges—but your greatest asset isn't just your degree, it's your capacity for transformation. Research consistently shows that sustainable career success emerges from internal motivation: ↳ 68% higher employment satisfaction when work aligns with personal values, according to Workforce Analytics ↳ 2.9x greater career resilience when skills development is self-directed, according to Harvard Business Review ↳ 81% improved interview performance when candidates articulate authentic purpose, according to PSYCHOMETRIC RECRUITMENT LIMITED To activate your career transformation engine, master these five essential components: 🔹 Design your "Skills Acceleration System": Map your learning against emerging industry needs. Graduates who dedicate 5 hours weekly to strategic upskilling secure roles 40% faster (LinkedIn Workforce Report). 🔹 Craft your "Rejection Resilience Protocol": Convert interview feedback into growth opportunities. Candidates who implement structured feedback review processes receive 3x more follow-up interviews. 🔹 Develop your "Network Cultivation Rhythm": Create systematic touchpoints with industry connections. Professionals with consistent relationship-building practices receive 57% more unsolicited opportunities. 🔹 Create your "Opportunity Visibility Framework": Establish daily practices that position you where serendipity happens. Graduates in 3+ industry communities encounter 4x more "hidden market" roles. 🔹 Formulate your "Professional Identity Narrative": Craft and practice your unique value proposition until it becomes second nature. Candidates with coherent personal narratives advance 2.5x faster in early career stages. That's how you become career-resilient in a competitive landscape—by systematically building the professional identity that creates opportunities where others see only obstacles. What's one step from this framework that sparks your curiosity? Share below. Coaching can help; let’s chat. Joshua Miller #Classof2025 #CareerAdvice #Executivecoaching

Hard Skills, Soft Skills, Career Skills, Life Skills...call them what you like...the terminology isn't as important as your awareness of specific skill requirements and your application of them. Skill requirements in the workplace have changed and they will continue to change. A 2022 HBR study found that skill-based hiring is on the rise! Employers are looking beyond qualifications and thinking carefully about the capabilities they are looking for. The seven C's outlined below are considered as key skills by many employers. 🚨 So what does this mean for people? What is the CALL TO ACTION ? 🚨 There are three basic ways that people can develop their skills in any area: 1. Self-reflection and self-awareness: Developing life skills starts with understanding yourself better. Take the time to reflect on your values, goals, strengths and development areas. Self-awareness allows you to identify areas where you can improve and focus your efforts. Seeking feedback from others can help enhance self-reflection and self-awareness. 2. Continuous learning and education: Lifelong learning is essential for skill development. Identify the specific life skills you want to develop and seek opportunities to learn and acquire knowledge in those areas. This could involve reading books, attending workshops, taking courses, or finding mentors who can guide you. Look for both formal and informal learning opportunities to expand your skill set. 3. Practice and real-world application: Life skills are best developed through practice and real-world application. Actively seek opportunities to apply the skills you want to develop in various aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, and personal endeavors. For example, if you want to improve your communication skills, engage in conversations, presentations, or join a public speaking club. Embrace challenges and push yourself outside your comfort zone to gain valuable experience. #skilldevelopment #careerdevelopment #lifelonglearner Image Source: https://lnkd.in/edXHCsMA

In today’s interconnected world, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 has become an invaluable skill for professionals at all levels. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth. Here are some key strategies for effective networking: ① 𝗕𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲: Authenticity is key in building trust and rapport. Approach networking with a genuine interest in others, and focus on creating meaningful connections rather than just expanding your contact list. ② 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: Think about how you can contribute to others before seeking what you can gain. Offering help, sharing knowledge, or connecting people can make you a valuable contact and strengthen your network. ③ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities to expand your reach. ④ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Regularly update your profile, share insightful content, and engage with others’ posts to stay visible and relevant. ⑤ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽: After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message to reinforce the connection. Staying in touch and showing appreciation can turn a casual acquaintance into a lasting professional relationship. ⑥ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Look for ways to create win-win situations. Networking should be mutually beneficial, where both parties gain value from the relationship. ⑦ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁: Building a strong network takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and remember that quality is more important than quantity. Strategic networking is more than just collecting business cards; it’s about creating a supportive community where knowledge, opportunities, and growth are shared. By investing in your network, you invest in your future success. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮? 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬! Ruta Pathak Santosh v #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessConnections #StrategicNetworking

Most people think career resilience means ‘toughing it out.’ That’s a trap. True resilience? It’s the ability to grow through pressure—not just survive it. After burning out early in my career (twice), I finally stopped asking “How do I bounce back?” And started asking: “How do I bounce forward?” Two things helped me most: 1. I got serious about reflection. After every success or setback, I ask: What worked? What didn’t? What did I learn? Then I zoom out—weekly, monthly, quarterly. Patterns start to emerge. Growth accelerates. 2. I read like my future depends on it. Because it does. Every problem I’ve faced? Someone has already solved it—and written about it. Books gave me mentors I couldn’t afford and mindsets I didn’t grow up with. One quote I revisit often: “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” — Mark Twain Resilience isn’t a trait. It’s a habit. If you’re rebuilding after a rough season— Or just want to lead with more grit and grace— What’s one strategy that helps you stay resilient? #CareerMoment

Networking can help you make ANY career transition ↔️ I've made a handful of small/minor career pivots myself, and I have friends & family who have made even BIGGER career pivots. There is one common element that helped each career pivot/transition story, and that is NETWORKING ✨. This Forbes article by career expert Caroline Castrillon captures this element perfectly and discusses how strategic networking efforts can help you make a career change or pivot! Remember, networking should be a consistent effort, almost like a habit. Don't just start when you need a job or when you have some obvious agenda. When you try to network with an alternative or hidden agenda, it comes across as inauthentic and disingenuous. With that said, here are the high-level of Caroline's five tips for networking for a career transition and my take on them + real stories of how they actually work 💁🏻♀️ ~ 1️⃣ Give contacts a chance to help. Reach out to people you already know and let them know that you're transitioning, or even make a post about it on LinkedIn! Let the world and the universe know your status and what you're up to! You'd be amazed at the people that come out of the woodwork and want to help you. When I started putting it out into the world that I wanted to do more speaking engagements, opportunities started coming my way! Just try it and see what happens! 2️⃣ Get valuable career advice. When my Dad realized that law school was something of interest, after a full engineering career (30+ years, 2x PE & MBA), he talked to lawyers he knew, including one of his former colleagues at his previous job. A good question to ask, specifically if you're making a career change, is, "If you were just starting out, what actions would you take to kickstart your career?" 3️⃣ Meet other career changers. Talk to other people who have transitioned into your target career, and if you can, find someone with a similar path/trajectory i.e SWE ➡️ PM. This way, you can learn about proven, tested strategies that have actually worked for people. 4️⃣ Practice your transition statement. I like to think of this as an edited, curated version of your "elevator speech," and remember to frame it as a story. Storytelling is crucial in interviews, and when you're making a career change, it's important to tell that story in a compelling way. 5️⃣ Build confidence. I think Caroline captured it perfectly when she said, "...confidence is not an innate, fixed characteristic. It’s a skill that can be developed." When my mom was transitioning from civil engineering to real estate sales, she built her confidence by working under another broker and building her resume. I built my confidence through a product fellowship and 2 product management internships! TL;DR Build confidence through experience and projects! https://lnkd.in/gA8ihBtu

Most professionals wait for job postings then compete with hundreds of applicants. Strategic professionals build relationships with hiring managers before positions become available. Your systematic approach to connecting with hiring managers: - Research decision-makers at target companies - focus on department heads, VPs, and team leads rather than just HR - Follow their LinkedIn profiles and enable notifications for their content - Engage meaningfully on their posts with thoughtful insights that add value to the conversation - Attend industry conferences, webinars, and events where they speak or participate - Share relevant industry content and tag them when genuinely appropriate - Join professional associations and LinkedIn groups where they're active contributors - Comment thoughtfully on their articles with your own informed perspective The objective is becoming a recognized contributor in their professional network, not immediate self-promotion. When they consider talent needs, you want to be someone who naturally comes to mind. This approach works because hiring managers prefer candidates they already know and trust over unknown applicants. It's relationship building through genuine value creation over time. The professionals who consistently access the best opportunities often secure them through conversations that began months before official postings appeared. Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/47i5m #networking #jobsearch #careeradvice #hiringmanagers #careerstrategy #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #professionalnetworking

In the digital age, continuous learning is the key to staying ahead. As a LinkedIn personal branding expert, I've embraced LinkedIn Learning as a treasure trove for growth. Here's how you can too: Embrace Lifelong Learning: Dive into courses that align with your career goals. Whether it's honing a current skill or exploring a new domain, every course is a step forward. Showcase Your Progress: Don't hide your light under a bushel. Display your completed courses on your profile to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Share Your Insights: After completing a course, share a post about your learnings or how you plan to apply them. It's a great way to spark conversations and position yourself as a proactive learner. Inspire Others: Encourage your network to invest in their growth by sharing your favorite courses and the impact they've had on your career. Continuous learning fuels your personal brand's engine. Start today, and let the world see your dedication to excellence. #LifelongLearning #PersonalDevelopment #LinkedInLearning 📣 What's your next learning adventure on LinkedIn? Share your learning goals and let's inspire each other to grow! 👇✨

I’ve spent 22 years building my career—12 of those with the same organization—and recent talk of layoffs has me—and many colleagues—asking: Should I be worried? Last week, a seasoned leader (20+ years in the industry) shared his perspective with me. It got me thinking: there’s a world of difference between “doing the same thing for 12 years” and “evolving through progressive roles.” The former can lull you into a comfort zone; the latter keeps you agile and market-ready. But here’s the hard truth: even top performers aren’t immune to layoffs. Organizations make decisions based on broader factors—strategy shifts, cost pressures, restructuring—and performance alone won’t shield you. If you’re concerned about your role or future prospects, don’t wait for a formal notice. Take control with these proactive steps: 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 Continuously refresh the core skills that make you indispensable—whether it’s domain expertise, technology certifications, or leadership methodologies. 𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 Identify the trends shaping your industry (AI, cloud, digital transformation) and invest in targeted learning to stay ahead of the curve. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 Cultivate relationships both inside and outside your organization. Meaningful conversations with peers, mentors, and industry groups can open doors you didn’t even know existed. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 Set aside an emergency fund to cover 6–12 months of expenses. Peace of mind lets you focus completely on your next opportunity. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 Time spent on personal growth—whether it’s executive coaching, public speaking, or passion projects—yields lifelong dividends. By staying curious, adaptable, and financially prepared, you ensure that your next chapter—whether inside your current company or beyond—will be driven by choice, not chance. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵-𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺? 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵s.