Move Your Desk

Career Transitions can be tough. You have no idea what to expect, and it can be a time of questioning past experience, skills, and capabilities.

Veterans who transition from military to new industries and corporations may find additional challenges in this transition period. What may seem day-to-day expectations in a corporate environment (e.g. wearing a suit or responding to authority figures differently) can represent dramatic mindset shifts for those coming from the military way of life.

Jim Palmer is a Navy Veteran who successfully transitioned into civilian life and made his way into the executive suite in industry. He's combined his experience with career transitions with his coaching skills and tools to help others going through these transitions.

Join us as he shares his journey, trends in what he sees with others making these transitions, and encourages you to keep up your personal development efforts.

Part of the power of having conversations is the perspectives and insights that come out over the course of the interaction.

Such is the case with my conversation with David Bachrach a few weeks ago.

David is married to an extraordinary planner. He, on the other hand, feels like he is less of a planner and more of someone who has intentions and a few smart habits. We got to talk about a few of these habits and "see what happens" approach he uses to successfully navigate through his day-to-day life and work.

He brings up insights and points that I am exploring more since I am a big fan of using a set of habits to plan your time on a weekly basis toward meeting your goals or aspirations.

David also got into some of the habits he's seen in his work with government and corporations that is confusing and a detriment to many who work as contractors to these entities. I was reminded of my experiences on both sides of these equations and the frustrations, opportunities, and growth they present to those that are constantly seeking to offer up their best work. And, sometimes don't get to experience the reward of doing so.

Tune in to hear great examples of willingness to learn, focusing on a small habit, and using your guiding principles on your resume to uplevel your work.

This past week I met a new friend.

Sally Cross knows more about me than I know about her because she started listening to the podcast a few months ago.

But, through this interview I feel like I've caught up with an old friend and took away so many insights and wisdom that I know that we'll be talking again. Plus, we both have a connection to Michigan!

Sally Cross is an expert in all things human resources, training, development, coaching, and even geology! Even so, she's still on the journey to uplevel into a new role starting soon. She shared some of her angst about this next step which I think is important because it is a reminder that even experts still experience pain and anxiety when they uplevel again.

Sally shared so many insights about the importance of coaching and mentoring, not eliminating yourself from new possibilities, bringing your best self to work, and remembering to seek to uplevel on two fronts - within and within your current organization.

Thank you for reaching out Sally! It is a pleasure to know you and to draw from your wisdom.

Tune in to listen to my new friend today on the Move Your Desk Podcast.

Available through all major podcast services and https://pod.co/move-your-desk

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Some employees love their work, their job, their salary, and all that goes along with it.

Others feel a divine discontent in their work. They know they are meant for more, but the lure of the salary, benefits, and perceived security feels safe. And, the divine discontent gets buried amongst the accomplishment, busy schedules, and accolades.

PJ Jackson talks to us about having the courage to allow the divine discontent propel you forward into offering up your best work.

She even has a program to help you find and follow your soul purpose.

Connect with PJ Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pj-jackson-1077613/

It takes a lot of courage to open up about a private struggle related to mental health.

But, the stories and insights of the journey can help others that are finding their way toward personal solutions to improve their life.

Today Jody Oliverson opens up to us about his journey - the struggles, inspiration his wife had to change direction, and a sequence of nudges that lead him on the path he is on today.

If you are going through a private challenge, tune in and find some inspiration and hope as you figure out next steps.

As you make the decision to step into your best work, you may also be signing up for something that you didn't expect - more pain.

There will be new trials, challenges, and setbacks.

There may also be new fears, frustration, and doubt.

All are a normal part of the journey.

In fact, it sounds a lot like the hero's journey that endears us to so many characters in our favorite books and movies.

Robert Kennedy III is a storyteller in his personal life and he also teaches executives, organizations, and small businesses how to communicate and share their stories.

In this episode he generously shares his personal stories and insights on his journey into entrepreneurship these past few years.

Tune in to learn more.

Connect to Robert at https://robertkennedy3.com/ and @RobertKennedy3 on other social channels.

Sometimes we go through the process of upleveling to a new position, and then we realize that maybe there are some other work factors that we care more about. So, we take another leap.

I interviewed Brett last year when he was stepping into a leadership role. He got a seat at the table, learned and contributed to more strategic discussions, and discovered some new insights about his own desires and work preferences.

Tune in to hear where Brett is on his journey now. Some might think he took a step back. Brett feels he's moved forward with more understanding and commitment to his work.

It's tough when you are given the responsibility to enforce certain standards and laws and then you get mixed signals from management. Or, blatant guidance to go in another direction.

Add in the layer of public scrutiny, media coverage, and reduced funding and it can discourage even the most courageous and committed among us.

Harry Peless opened up about some of the challenges in his line of work - border patrol. It was surprising to hear some similarities in challenges, expectations, and culture even though we had worked in separate organizations within the government. And, he's dealt with real physical dangers.

This is only part of the interview because of some recording challenges on my end, and a few thoughts that I got to hear pre and post interview.

This interview was a reminder to me to seek out insights from people doing the job instead of relying on other sources.

The stories of those on the frontlines of tackling some of the most difficult challenges of protecting and defending a country and culture stand as a reminder that everyone is trying to do the best they can to care for their families, do an honest day's work, and find hobbies to keep life interesting through the tough moments.

If you are trying to uplevel at work and don't have anyone actively helping you in the process, you aren't alone. Many organizations don't have the resources to provide this to every employee seeking to get promoted or express their experience and talents in a new position within the company.

Others feel left behind as they notice the leadership coaching, mentoring, and growth opportunities offered to a select few.

Amber Sauer, M.Ed., SHRM-CP, is an experienced learning and development executive turned advisor and consultant. She joined the Move Your Desk podcast today to share her insights into coaching, mentoring, and moving into the next level of leadership.

She's noticed that it is especially difficult for women to ask for this support as they uplevel into a higher management or leadership role. And, she's on a mission to do something about it! She helps organizations set up the learning and development function within their organization and provides leadership coaching as well.

Tune in to listen as she shares her insights and wisdom related to seeking out mentors to help you on your journey to uplevel your work.

It's a powerful concept that requires you to take your learning and development into your own hands, regardless of what your organization is or is not offering you.

Connect with Amber Sauer directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersauer/

It's a special time on your personal journey when you start sharing the stories and insights that you've been yearning to share. And, you figure out how to find the time and courage to do it.

Stephanie Blamires joined me on this episode to talk about how she's taking the next step to share her stories and life lessons in a way that bring together her love of all things beautiful, her unique creative gifts, and her love of words together in a way that she loves. And, that resonates with those that join her on this journey.

Stephanie figured out a way to uplevel her work in a way that frees up the mental energy and time to pursue her dream of becoming an author in her free moments.

Anyone know a publisher? Stephanie is seeking one now.

Tune in to here so many insights and ideas about mindset, re-framing life experience, books, and embracing the creativity within.

Stephanie's space to share her creativity, love of words (and stories), and inspiration can be found at https://www.pinkowlpress.com/