The Career Accelerator – will it work for me?
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
Wondering if the Career Accelerator coaching process will work for you?
Then take a look at how I’ve used it to help some of my clients.
(Names changed for confidentiality).
How to use your redundancy to uplevel your career
Client:
Alex– Senior Director and Board Member, Luxury Retail
Problem:
During the pandemic in 2020, Alex's role was made redundant after a restructure at the top.
Whilst he knew this was an opportunity to find something that suited him better, at times he took the redundancy personally. And not just that, Alex was frustrated that he was being 'pigeonholed' by recruiters.
Alex hired me to be his coach, sounding board, to hold him accountable and help him find his spark again.
Solution:
Full disclosure, Alex and I had worked together before. He’d asked for help in the past when he was being shortlisted for roles but not getting the offers he wanted. You’d think the headhunters he was working with would have spotted the reason, right?
Well, they didn’t but I did. Once we'd cracked it – he landed a new role with a substantial salary increase.
This time redundancy had given him a nudge to explore options and find a great culture fit.
Also, Alex isn’t a typical ‘Retail Director’ yet recruiters couldn’t see past his job title and that was frustrating.
So I challenged him to think differently. We delved deeply into leadership and integrity and what it meant for him to be an authentic leader. We made values-led leadership his North Star.
Job seekers are under pressure and they can be easily distracted by roles (even when they aren’t quite right). So when I’m working with clients we use a career roadmap to map out their own opportunities and creative solutions. Alex also used this process to prepare for important conversations and interviews.
Throughout our sessions together Alex and I focused on networking and leadership to build his confidence and professional profile.
Results:
In the middle of lockdown, Alex landed a new role. He changed sector found his passion and confidence and got his career is back on track with ease.
How to restart and reignite a failed job search
Client:
Mark – Director, Retail
Problem:
Mark had been job hunting for almost a year before he signed up to work with me. He had an income from an insurance policy but this had given him a false sense of security. His job search was a mess and he was stressed out.
Mark hired me to save his search.
Solution:
When I started working with Mark I knew I had my work cut out, he’d been applying for random jobs just to get that insurance money. There was no focus or strategy – he was wasting time and energy and he’d lost confidence.
I had to unpick everything he’d done and go back-to-basics on his CV, LinkedIn, cover letters, telephone screening and his interview technique. I gave Mark strict instruction not to apply for jobs without my go-ahead.
I even showed him how to write a cover letter and he was gobsmacked that it was the only one that he’d ever got a response and follow-up call from.
Once I’d gained his trust I taught him how to sell his experience without sounding over-rehearsed. Mark was upbeat and positive but he just wasn't telling the right story and now he also had a long job search to explain.
I’ve got a well-trained ear for this and after years of ‘selling’ candidates to companies, I’ve got it down to a fine art. I taught Mark how to position and sell his unique experience to recruiters and decision-makers all the while being natural and authentic.
Feeling well prepared for interviews helped Mark in more ways than one – his self-belief grew, the pressure lifted at home, and his luck changed.
Results:
The Career Accelerator was a stretch but he took himself seriously and the investment paid off. Mark took on my advice and guidance. He started his new role, in a new sector at the start of lockdown 2020.
How to revitalise your midlife career
Client:
Jo – Strategy Director, Media
Problem:
Jo has been working for the same company for over 10 years. She was worried that her career had plateaued and imposter syndrome was creeping in. Jo hired me as her executive coach to help her get unstuck.
Solution:
We worked together for six months.
At every session, Jo brought me her questions and concerns.
Jo was quite formal with me at first – a strategy she used to mask her insecurities. Once she warmed up that changed, she still shared her concerns but she loved challenging herself and sharing her wins. I’m holistic in my approach to personal and professional development. I introduced Jo to books and content that I knew she'd enjoy. If boring business books don't inspire you – find something that will!
You can absolutely be yourself and be professional. Through our work together, I saw that Jo gained confidence in herself and credibility in her role.
Results:
“Working with Tracy has been truly transformational. I felt stuck in my current role, underutilised, lacking confidence and fast approaching middle age - my resilience was at an all-time low. Tracy gave me the tools to reframe my experience, she helped me rediscover my value, my passion and uncover what drives me. Step by step Tracy helped me reset my narrative encouraging me to think about the type of leader I want to be and the impact I want to have. I have a new zest for work and look forward to the next chapter in my career.”
The Career Accelerator is strategic, creative and tailored for you. I’ll help you get clear on your next steps, teach you how to influence others, sell your expertise, and keep you on track for success.
Read more:
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight talk and career guidance get in touch – let's start the conversation.
And don’t forget to sign up to The Insider – behind the scenes of your executive career for my 'insider' tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.