Controlling your own professional narrative is especially important when you’re changing career paths. Proactively taking control of your own narrative helps you ensure that your unique value and aspirations come through clearly and convincingly.

On episode 94 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, HR adviser turned executive coach Maura Lightfoot shares her thoughts on finding your voice in an environment where you’re an outlier and the importance of identifying the common thread across all your diverse professional experiences.  I also share some thoughts on the importance of owning your own narrative during the Mental Fuel® segment.

Key Career Takeaways

1. Working abroad gives you an opportunity to find your unique voice when you are an outlier and minority in your workplace.
   
2. When you’re proud of the work you do and an organization values someone with your unique skillset and background, that’s a sign you’re working for the right employer.
   
3. Working in a mission-driven world doesn’t preclude you from burnout. In fact, you may be more susceptible to burnout because you’re so passionate about your work.
   
4. Find the common thread across your work. Everyone has the power to author their own story.
   
5. Often, you must go through a bit of messy upheaval in your career before you eventually find your way. It’s just part of the journey.
   

Listener Challenge

My challenge to you is to take some time to identify the common thread across all the work you currently do and have done in the past. What’s been your common motivation across your roles? What’s the singular purpose that gets you out of bed each day? Try to capture it in words and see how it sits with you. Share that statement with others to see how it lands with them.

Making an effort to articular this can hopefully provide you with some clarity and direction when exploring new opportunities and communicating what you bring to the table in those situations.

About Maura Lightfoot, Executive Coach

Maura Lightfoot knows a lot about taking control of your professional narrative. Consistent throughout Maura’s career has been her drive to empower others in their work. From human resources in the Middle East to financial services management consulting in London to nonprofit organizational culture in Washington D.C., Maura’s international experience equips her with a unique perspective that’s both grounded and global.

Now an executive leadership coach, Maura works with clients around the world including North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Learn more about Maura’s coaching work or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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Wise is the world’s most international bank account. It lets you hold and convert multiple currencies all in one place, offering a smarter, easier way to move money internationally without the typical bank fees or foreign exchange commissions. I’ve used it for years myself to handle many of my own international transactions. Try Wise for free at CareerRelalunch.net/wise.

Interview Segment Music Credits

• Podington Bear – Bountiful
  
• Podington Bear – Many Hands
  
• Ookean – Paintings
  
• Podington Bear – Pink Gradient
  
• Podington Bear – Loll
  
• Podington Bear – Leftover Fog
  
• Bio Unit – Aerial