The Career Mistake Even Smart Leaders Make

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only at the past and present are sure to miss the future."  ~ John F. Kennedy

 January 6, 2026

Happy New Year, Audie!🎉

After nearly six years of sending a monthly newsletter, I’m making a small, but intentional, shift in how I show up in your inbox this year.

Instead of longer, multi-section newsletters, each monthly email will focus on one strategic insight I’m seeing right now in the job search market, along with a clear takeaway and next step.

My goal is simple: to respect your time while helping you move forward in securing "what's next" with more clarity, confidence, and momentum.

So here’s the first...

The Career Mistake Even Smart Leaders Make

January often brings a natural pause, a chance to reflect on where you are in your career and where you want to go next.

Many of the career paths we were promised no longer exist. Waiting for someone else to manage your growth simply isn't a strategy anymore.

If you know you're capable and ready for more but aren't sure how to move forward intentionally and effectively in today's employment market, this is an important insight to consider: high-performing leaders don't make job/career moves alone.

Working with an experienced executive job search/career transition coach will dramatically shorten the time it takes to land the right next role, and reduces the stress and self-doubt that often comes with it.

Here's how the right coach helps mid- to senior-level corporate leaders/executives:

• Understands your unique challenges -Providing advanced strategies that will help you uncover (or create) and secure highly competitive, sought-out roles.
• Clarity in the chaos - Clarifying your direction, strengths, value and messaging/branding so your next move aligns with what truly matters.
• A personalized, strategic plan - A clear roadmap built on a proven framework, tailored to your goals, with 1:1 guidance and support every step of the way.
• Stronger positioning - Crafting a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile that clearly communicates your value and helps you stand out in a competitive market.
• Smarter networking - Learning how to secure meaningful conversations, expanding your network strategically, and uncovering hidden job opportunities.
• Interview confidence - Preparing for interviews from the candidate's side, knowing how to answer tough questions, telling your story and assessing fit.
• Just-in-time support - Having a trusted advisor who knows your situation and is highly adept in 'all things' job search to reach out to between calls when questions, doubts or curveballs arise.

Job/career transitions are rarely linear. Roadblocks and self-doubt are common. A coach helps you stay focused, confident and moving forward, without caving to frustration or second-guessing.

Your Next Step

Every successful athlete, performer and senior executive has had a coach at some point in their journey. Coaches accelerate progress, provide perspective and help you avoid costly missteps.

If you explore coaching, look for someone who:

• Specializes in working with mid- to senior-level corporate leaders, and has walked in your shoes before.
• Works 1:1 (not just in groups)
• Has a proven, cohesive framework that helps you throughout every phase of your search, from gaining clarity into "what's next" all the way through assessing/negotiating offers and successfully onboarding in your new role.
• Has a proven track record of consistently helping clients land equal or better roles, typically with significant increases in total compensation.
• And, most importantly, feels like the right fit for you.

After personally working 1:1 with 1000+ mid- to senior-level corporate leaders through job and career transitions, I've seen firsthand how clarity and strategy change everything.

If this resonates with you and you're open to a private, confidential conversation, feel free to reply to this email. I'm always happy to speak with you.

All the best,

Audie

PS If you know a mid- to senior-level corporate leader who's considering a job/career change or feeling stuck in their search, I'd truly appreciate an introduction. Referrals and introductions mean more than you know.🤗