In this short interview, Vice President and Program Manager, Susan explains her career change journey and how executive coaching with us has helped her to move forward in her career. 

Susan, what challenges were you experiencing prior to working with Executive Connexions?

I wasn’t happy with what I was doing and couldn’t see a way to change the direction. I also didn’t know what direction I wanted to take my career.

What were the reasons you chose to work with Executive Connexions?

I connected with Steve through LinkedIn and found him to be easy to speak to and flexible to my schedule.  His way of working matched more of who I was and how I worked, so working together through some hard topics was much easier.

What difference has coaching made to you?

I have a direction where I want to go and I have been working to adjust my skill set and education to get me to where I want to be.  I have already received invites for lecturing events and plan to continue that in the future.

What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself?

For me, it is where I what to go, and how I want to leave my mark on the world.  I had a lot of independent thoughts about this, but the coaching helped me consolidate them and focus on what I wanted to achieve for myself.

What was the biggest surprise in your job search?

Not sure there were any surprises in the job search, more surprises about myself and the things I achieved, but failed to recognize them for the achievements they were.

How have your career goals changed with coaching?

I am redirecting my career to work with others and move towards training others and improve their worklife.

What are you doing now?

I am currently contracting and gaining necessary experience to move me closer to my goals.  I continue to network and speak to likeminded people in the field I want to move into.   I am also building my own confidence by taking on challenges for myself that I previously thought were out of my reach – Cycling 100 miles in a day, 12km Obstacle course race, being a leader for others and watching them achieve their own successes.

What advice would you give to someone seeking their next senior role?

Don’t look for a role you can already do today, look for a role you want to get to in the future.  If you have the skills, the interviewer(s) will see them.  Be confident in your own skills and your ability to flex your knowledge and experience to meet the new challenges you want to take on.

If you would like to find out how career coaching can help you to get the results you want, please contact us for a complimentary conversation with one of our experienced career coaches on +44 (0) 203 384 4188 or email [email protected]