I’m an Executive and Career Coach Pivoting Back into Tech

This photo was taken when I launched my website many years ago — a really exciting time, just after my second daughter’s birth, when I decided to build my coaching practice. For several years, I’ve run my business as an ICF certified Executive and Career Coach helping Senior Leaders in Tech and other fast evolving companies/high pressure roles be successful without burning out.

My career journey hasn’t been traditional — I’ve been a professional singer/actor, an Operations Leader early->growth stage companies, a founder of a start up, and even a Fitness Instructor before a Business Owner/Coach. Now I’m pivoting back to an in-house tech role after feeling the pull to return (that’s another post hehe).

My decision has been intentional, thoughtful, and exciting, but not without the fear, stress or anxiety. What a rollercoaster. I began my search in April, feeling all the things my clients describe firsthand.

I have a lot more empathy for what my clients go through today. And as a coach, now I have better tools to navigate this process without losing myself:

Know Your Numbers

Know your financial runway and make necessary adjustments to your budget even if temporarily. Understanding your timeline removes unnecessary pressure and lets you make strategic decisions vs. coming from a place of panic. I check my finances at least once a week, because I know a trigger of mine, is running out of money. Half the time, this is based on the fear, not the practical reality.

Build a Life Vision

Don’t just plan your career — envision your whole life in this next chapter. What values and priorities matter most? What do you want your life to look and feel like in 5–10 years and why is that important? Who is with you, how do you feel, and where are you? Once you have the abstract idea, you can reverse engineer the tactical milestones that get you there — -your next role should move you in that direction.

Strategic Time & Energy Management

I decided not to do any more outbound sales while I began my search, and I also reduced my time teaching at CycleBar. Reprioritize temporarily to focus energy on your search, and consider well-being fundamental to your strategy, not an afterthought. Plan for rest, and for a life outside the search, and be methodical about your search. Time and energy are finite.

Network with Curiosity

Engage with your existing connections through authentic conversations, and reach out to strangers. This is a great time to reconnect with people in your network you respect, have informational interviews, or to help others with what they need. As much as these people may be able to offer a role referral or make an introduction, helping them will expand your energy, and you just never know what you will find from these conversations.

Do the Inner Work

Career transitions trigger deep questions and issues around self-worth, our fears, identity, and legacy. Create space to notice them when they come up, and get support when they show up. This might be via a friend, therapist or coach. The bigger the emotional/physical response, the bigger the sign this is something to work on in yourself as a means to unlocking your potential, or something keeping you stuck in your search.

Embrace the Learning in Your Process

I started off with a few ideas of roles I wanted to seek: Chief of Staff, Head of Operations, or potentially moving into the People Organization. The more conversations, applying, and research I do, the more clearly I see where I am going, the more I learn about myself, the market, and what I need to do. Clarity emerges gradually through exploration. The path reveals itself in real time.

Seek Honest Feedback Even When Scared

I got rejected from a VP of Ops & Chief of Staff Role that I was very excited about. I got a lovely follow up from the Exec Recruiter, so I asked him if he could share why they passed. As much as you can, welcome constructive criticism, even when difficult to hear. Ask your trusted mentors for “advice” on what gaps, concerns they’d have if they were hiring, what strength areas you possess in their views, and more. These insights illuminate blind spots and accelerate growth.

Address Actual Skill Gaps

Identify genuine skill deficits, not the gaps you think you have due to Imposter Syndrome, and thinking you need to excel in every bullet point on a JD. Apply anyway/apply first, get market feedback, then strategically develop needed areas. They’ll build your confidence in addition to the skills themselves.

Quality Over Quantity

More hours searching doesn’t equal better results. It only leads to burnout. Instead, focus on targeted outreach rather than blind applications to a number of different roles. Build a list of ideal companies, and people you know that are connected to them. Focus on 1–2 max roles that align with your skills. Very important — limit your time on social media, and limit what you consume. Same is true here. It’s easy to fall into the vortex.

Craft Your Story

Now that you have clarity around what you want, now’s the time to craft your resume and story in a way that that highlights your unique journey. Focus on your narrative, and how all your skills and experience over the years position you well for the roles. The more clarity you have in your story, the more confidence you’ll have in your conversations and interviews.