Career Reflections on Turning Points

Most of us get at least 1 opportunity that changes our career trajectory; I am not referring to the biggest/ largest role we do but the role that prepares us for these bigger, larger roles. It is the role that sets us up for the future.   For me, it was moving from an HR Head role for a mid-size company in India where I managed a large team to an individual contributor role where I would work in a specialized area but at a global scale within the same company. I was advised by many not to pursue it but I was open. What was the attraction – it would allow me to work with HR & Business Leaders of over 50 countries and it was a new role; so I could shape it.   I got experiences I could have never imagined for myself. Conducting a goal setting workshop for the leadership team in Japan; piloting a leadership program for Western Europe and conducting a performance management training for the Bangladesh team. I worked with colleagues from so many different cultures and backgrounds. I changed – both personally and professionally. I was humbled with everything I didn't know. I learned how to adapt, I became less judgmental and a lot more open minded.   The role also gave me an opportunity to work with very senior leaders and it was a booster immersion in how they think; the questions they ask and how they make decisions. Most importantly, I learned to operate without authority. And that helped me do my next role better.   Here are 4 of my biggest learnings:   1. Don't judge roles by size/ scale; think about the potential to impact. A larger role (textbook definition) doesn’t always result in higher impact - the context is very important. 2. Careers are about skill stacking. And instead of mastering one skill, we need to take a step back from our core strength and build a winning combination of skill sets that are unique to us and make us more effective. 3. Experience is different from experiences. Too often we define learning very narrowly in the professional context. Joining a well settled team and making your place in it; managing demanding peers; building a team or keeping it intact in challenging times; navigating a large & complex organization; working for an inspiring leader; managing conflicting priorities of different stakeholders. These are all experiences. 4. Be open, take risks - it is a key quality in managing our careers successfully. And we all need some discomfort to help us reach our full potential. #experiences #careers

Losing my job 13 years ago was a turning point. It was the unexpected beginning of an extraordinary journey. Because of losing my job, I found clarity amidst chaos, transforming tears into triumph. Because of losing my job, I redefined fitness and joy, preparing for my dream wedding in peak shape. Because of losing my job, I ignited a spark to start my own business, turning a moment of uncertainty into a pursuit of passion and purpose. Because of losing my job, I embraced a pivotal opportunity at Google, propelling my business growth and enriching my experiences. Because of losing my job, I developed a deeper empathy, connecting with others in their moments of transition. Because of losing my job, I became a Global Speaker, Executive Career Coach, and Business Coach, building a business filled with fulfillment and impact. Looking back, losing my job was the BEST thing that happened. Here’s what I learned from that experience: → Embrace change, even when it’s hard → Find your passion and follow it → Build a strong network of support → Invest in personal growth and learning → Stay resilient and keep pushing forward → Focus on your well-being → Take calculated risks → Appreciate the journey, not just the destination This list may resonate differently with each person. Life events can shape our paths in unexpected ways. Always reflect on what’s important to you as you navigate your career.

A colleague recently asked me what I know today that I wish I would have known at the beginning of my career with the firm. I found it to be a profound and thought-provoking question, especially in light of everything I’ve learned during my 24-year career here. My husband has a theory that our lives are shaped by eight decisions. Those decisions are different and unique for each of us, but anyone of us can look back at any stage of their life and point to the eight critical decisions that made a huge difference. When I reflect on my eight decisions, they have to do with who I partnered with and, what I didn't know then but realize now, is the impact they would have. Joining Edward Jones is certainly one of those eight decisions – I believe that my life turned on when I came here. That decision felt like the right thing to do 24 years ago and has felt like the right thing every day since. (And as you can tell from the way my husband thinks, partnering with him and our family was the BEST decision ever!) With this perspective in mind, here are a few things I wish I’d known back then that I know today: - I should never disqualify myself or downplay my passions, enthusiasm, skills or ideas. I’ve got what it takes, and who I am today is enough. - At the same time, I recognize there is always a lot to learn, all the time, from lots of people. And yes, these first two things can both be true at once. - Being fearless is good…but fearing less is even better. What is there to fear? Making a mistake? Looking like I don’t know something? Those aren’t things to be afraid of. We all make mistakes, and I’ve never claimed to know everything. - Be bolder. Period. - You never know when you’re making an important difference for someone. An action may seem small, but it may happen at a meaningful time for someone else. Be fully present. Be where your feet are. Finally, and importantly, I understand that the opportunity to make a difference in the world is a blessing, and I can decide every day how much of a difference I want to make. When I arrange my commitments and my calendar according to my purpose and passions, I can make a bigger impact. And that’s what I choose to do. The ways that people at the firm have changed my life is something I aspire to do for others. I’m paying it forward. I’m grateful to the colleague who asked me this question. It created a wonderful opportunity to center myself on the blessings I have because of my career here, and the work we get to do together on behalf of the 8 million clients we serve.

The long road to career success is a two-way street between the efforts of the manager and the individual employee. We traversed one way in a recent post discussing ways in which managers can help their teams and employees succeed. Now, I would like to take a stroll to the other side and share some insights from my own experiences as well as suggest some ways people can forge their path.   The most important way to take charge of your own career is self-advocacy. It starts by picking a destination or at least direction. Then looking at the different roads that lead toward the industry or discipline of your choice so you can start advocating for opportunities to learn and to take responsibilities that will get you there.   While a “road map” is important, I also recommend keeping an open mind in the face of an unexpected detour or fork in the road. In my own career there were several pivotal moments where I faced choices that seemed less than ideal at first. But these detours turned out to be invaluable learning experiences that shaped my professional journey. One such moment came early in my career. I was working on payload fairings for rockets, a role that I thoroughly enjoyed and found engaging, but one that landed squarely in the middle of my comfort zone. Sure enough, discomfort came shortly, in the form of the Berlin Wall falling. The event triggered a domino effect of restructuring, program cuts and workforce reductions. I was asked to shift my focus to working on boosters — a task I perceived as far less exciting.   Reluctantly, on my manager’s advice, I decided to give it a shot. I embraced the work with curiosity and immersed myself into learning about composites design, stainless steel tank design, and leading a comprehensive test and development program. The decision proved to be a turning point in my career. We presented our findings from the test program I led to NASA and the Air Force, and the experience broadened my perspective and skill set in ways I never anticipated.   A well-prepared traveler also keeps abreast with the conditions not only on their planned path but also alternative routes. For example, having knowledge about manufacturing and products makes for a better engineer. Another aspect that determines the quality of one’s journey is their fellow travelers. As vast as the industry space seems, it can sometimes be a small world. Maintaining good relationships and not burning bridges keeps you from getting lost with nowhere to go and no one to help.   For anyone embarking a journey for career advancement, my advice would be to stay open to embracing new skills, opportunities, and people. Who knows where the road may lead? In the famous words of Dr. Suess - “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.” I look forward to your comments on your own career journeys! Happy travels!

Gone are the days of a linear career path. Not long ago, the idea of a successful career followed a simple formula: Choose a study field > land a job > climb the ladder > retire. But today, career paths are anything but linear. More professionals are weaving between industries, blending their passions and redefining success. I went from climbing the corporate ladder as an Accountant, to taking a leap into tech and creativity — aligning my career with my passions and purpose. At school, I gravitated towards structure and logic, which led me to study accounting. It seemed like a practical and stable choice — one that promised job security and a clear trajectory. But at the same time, I craved the creativity I found through studying art, IT and photography. So I decided to pursue a double degree in business and design. While studying at uni I kickstarted my career at an accounting firm, getting a head start in the corporate world. Meanwhile on the design side, a Fine Arts assignment led me to launch my photography side hustle. I soon found myself fitting creativity into the margins of my finance career and defying the belief that Accountants couldn’t be creative. I knew I had more to give beyond a traditional corporate career, but I wasn’t sure how to blend my skills and passions in a way that felt authentic. Then came the opportunity to work at Canva. This was one of those sliding doors moments. I found my sweet spot at a company that is values-driven and where I could contribute to doing good in the world, while seamlessly merging my analytical and creative skillsets. The transition from corporate to tech was huge, but it unlocked a whole new level of growth. I now apply my financial expertise while being surrounded by creativity, innovation and a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re feeling stuck or considering a career pivot, here is some advice: — Your passions matter. If you feel pulled in multiple directions, explore your intuition. Unexpected opportunities may follow. — Skills are transferable.  The analytical thinking I developed in public practice helped me thrive in tech, just as my creative background has shaped my approach to problem-solving. — Side hustles can open doors.  My photography business isn’t just a creative outlet — it has built entrepreneurial skills, connections, and confidence. — Growth happens outside your comfort zone.  The world of tech was unknown, but taking the leap led to profound learning and career development. — You don’t have to have it all figured out.  Each challenge offers learning and adds to your story. You know I love a unique personal brand! Your career doesn’t have to fit into a box — there’s value in taking the unconventional path. If you’re currently navigating a career change or thinking about one, I’d love to hear your story and help unblock your next step. Photo taken on my third day at Canva — which seems like a lifetime ago!

Career pivots are no longer dramatic events. They are just part of daily life. They happen quietly and often. They stem from a real disconnect between who we’ve become and the work we continue to do. I’ve known Lochan for a few years. We first connected when I was at IIM Ahmedabad. What stood out to me then was not the typical "what do you do?" discussion. It was the personal stories. Reinvention. The topics we often avoid in professional settings. At the end of one of those conversations, she said, “Gopal, I want to feature you in my book.” I asked her why. She responded, “Because people need to see stories like these.” That’s how my interview ended up in The Turning Point. Here’s the key point: this book is not motivational. It doesn’t push you towards a leap. It simply explains what happens when your career stops aligning with who you are becoming. Today, I see this theme everywhere. In talks with CXOs, managers, entrepreneurs, and even 22-year-olds who are more self-aware than we were. Everyone expresses some variation of the same thought: “Something in me has shifted, but my career hasn’t caught up yet.” This book captures that shift with 100 stories, each showcasing a unique way of outgrowing an old self. But Lochan delves deeper. She explores the archetypes within us that influence our decisions, like the ruler, the sage, the harmonizer, the strategist, the indomitable spirit, the artist, the maverick, the explorer, the visionary, and the protagonist. These archetypes don’t appear on résumés, but they emerge during every turning point. Most of us overlook them because we’re too caught up in appearing “stable and sensible” on LinkedIn. What I appreciate most is this: the book doesn’t dramatize career change. It presents it as it truly occurs, slowly, quietly, after months of realizing that something feels off, through 100 stories. Careers today are not lifelong identities. They are not solid structures; they are flexible. They evolve and need realignment. When that alignment falters, no title or pay can fill the void. That's exactly what I addressed in my TEDx talk too. Mid-career especially highlights this issue. You’re not lost.  You’re not “in crisis.”  You’re just tired of pretending. You want work that reflects who you are now, not who you used to be. That’s why The Turning Point is significant. It gives voice to a feeling many have quietly, without sharing it with anyone. It helps you recognize the part of you that seeks to move forward. If you find yourself in this phase, this book can help you understand yourself better. My own story is on page 101. Lot has changed since then, but the central truth about career pivots remains. That’s why you should read this book. Not for motivation. But for clarity, honesty and the courage to acknowledge what you already know. That's often where the next chapter begins. #careershifts #theturningpoint

I once thought career changes were just a fresh start. But I was wrong. Switching careers isn’t just a professional shift—it’s a small death of your old identity. That’s because every career shift isn’t just a step forward—it’s also the end of a chapter. You lose familiar routines, your professional identity, even a sense of belonging. We rush toward the next goal, burying our feelings under a pile of "new beginnings." But those unresolved emotions resurface as regret, doubt, or burnout. Here’s how to process career transitions like a pro: 1) Acknowledge the End ↳ Every career chapter deserves closure. Don’t rush past the emotions—acknowledge them. It’s okay to grieve what you’re leaving behind. 2) Extract the Lessons ↳ What did this role teach you about yourself, others, or life? List those lessons—they're the foundation of your next move. 3) Redefine Your Identity ↳ You’re not just your job title. Ask yourself: Who am I without this role? This question is key to discovering who you want to become. 4) Embrace the Uncertainty ↳ Transitions are messy, but uncertainty creates space for growth. Lean into it—it’s where breakthroughs happen. 5) Set a New Vision ↳ What’s your next chapter? Define your new direction, but keep it flexible—you’re evolving. 6) Celebrate the Courage ↳ Career changes aren’t easy. Recognize the bravery it takes to step into the unknown. 7) Build Your Support System ↳ No reinvention happens in isolation. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth. 8) Take Small Step Forward ↳ You don’t need to have it all figured out. Small, consistent steps build momentum toward your next path. Take this challenge: ☑ Spend 20 minutes reflecting on what your past role meant to you. ☑ Write down 3 things you want to take forward and 3 things to leave behind. Career changes aren’t just professional—they’re personal. And like any transformation, they deserve time, care, and space. What’s one lesson from a past career chapter that stayed with you? Share it below 👇 ------------------- I’m Jayant Ghosh. Follow me in raising awareness for mental health that inspires growth and well-being.

The Day I Mastered My First Financial Model: A Turning Point Every career has a “before” and “after” moment. For me, it was the day I mastered my first financial model. I still remember staring at my laptop late at night, frustrated that my model wouldn’t balance. What I didn’t realize then was that my approach needed a complete overhaul. Here are some mistakes I made—and how I fixed them: 1️⃣ Circular References in Interest Calculations - What I did: Ignored the circular dependency between debt and interest, leading to mismatched numbers. - What I changed: Used Excel’s iterative calculations and set up a clear interest schedule, dynamically linking debt and interest. 2️⃣ Hardcoding Assumptions - What I did: Hardcoded key inputs (like growth rates) directly into formulas, making updates a nightmare. - What I changed: Built a centralized Assumptions Tab, linking every input to one place. This made updates seamless and reduced errors. 3️⃣ Inconsistent Time Periods - What I did: Mixed monthly and annual data in the same projection, causing misaligned calculations. - What I changed: Standardized the timeline across all sheets, referencing a global timeline for consistency. 4️⃣ Lack of Error-Checking Mechanisms - What I did: Eyeballed outputs without proper checks, often missing small but critical errors. - What I changed: Added error checks like Balance Sheet balancing rows, conditional formatting for missing links, and flags for negative cash balances. The Turning Point: - When I fixed these issues and the model finally balanced, I realized financial modeling isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a dynamic, error-proof story with financial data. That night, I found my rhythm. Today, modeling feels second nature, but I’ll always remember the struggle and the breakthroughs that got me here. 💬 What about you? Have you ever had a moment where fixing a key mistake transformed your approach to work? Share your story—I’d love to hear it! #FinancialModeling #CareerGrowth #InvestmentBanking #SkillsThatMatter #investmentbanking

My Journey into Training: From Lecturer to Facilitator When I first started out in the world of learning and development, I thought being a trainer meant giving information. I stood in front of a class, delivered slides, and hoped the audience would remember what I said. But along the way, I realized something powerful — true learning doesn’t happen when I talk, it happens when learners reflect, question, and engage. I still remember the moment that shifted my thinking: attending workshops where I saw how student-centered learning transformed classrooms. Learners weren’t just passive listeners — they became active participants. Instead of me being the “expert with answers,” my role shifted to being a facilitator of discovery. This change didn’t happen overnight. It took reflection, experimentation, and yes — a bit of discomfort. But once I saw the spark in learners’ eyes when they connected ideas for themselves, I knew I had found the right path. Lesson learned: Training is not about transferring knowledge — it’s about transforming perspectives. That’s when I stopped asking, “Did I teach well?” And started asking, “Did they learn deeply?” I’d love to hear from my fellow trainers and educators: What was your turning point when you realized training is more than just delivering content? #LearningAndDevelopment #TransformativeLearning #AdultLearning #Facilitation

12 Books. 12 Shifts in Thinking. One Year of Intentional Career Design. In 2025, I made a conscious choice: to read fewer books—but read them deeply, reflect intentionally, and apply what truly mattered to my work and life. For professionals with 15–25 years of experience, the challenge is rarely capability. It’s clarity what to double down on, what to let go of, and how to stay relevant without burning out. Each of these books helped me think differently about careers, money, identity, and impact , in a world where linear paths are the exception, not the norm. Here’s what each one gave me: 📘 The Art of Spending Money – Morgan Housel A powerful reminder that wealth is not about accumulation, but about alignment between money, values, and peace of mind. 📕 The Turning Point - Lochan Narayanan Stories of real career transitions that reinforced one truth: clarity often emerges after action, not before. 📗 Designing Your Work Life - Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Reread it . Helped me actively prototype my portfolio career—treating life and work as something to be designed, not endured. 📙 Play to Potential - Deepak Jayaraman Shifted my mindset from chasing success to consistently playing at my strengths—especially in advisory and mentoring roles. 📘 Open When - Dr. Julie Smith A gentle but profound guide on emotional self-regulation—particularly useful during moments of uncertainty and transition. 📕 The 5 Types of Wealth - Sahil Bloom Expanded my definition of wealth beyond money—to time, health, relationships, purpose, and growth. 📗 Dark Horse - nilotpal mrinal A reminder that unconventional paths often require courage, patience, and faith—especially when the odds feel stacked. 📙 Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi - Vinod Kumar Shukhla A quiet, deeply human novel in Hindi, that finds meaning in ordinary lives. It reminded me that profound insight often lies in stillness, observation, and the unsaid. 📘 80,000 Hours - Benjamin Todd Brought rigor to my thinking on impact, career leverage, and where effort genuinely compounds over decades. 📕 The Scrapper’s Way - Damodar Padhi A masterclass on building big outcomes with limited resources. 📗 Mortal Secrets - Frank Tallis A chronicle of Vienna's Golden Age and the influence of Sigmund Freud on the modern world . 📙 The Corporate Circus - Mayank Sharma A sharp, often uncomfortable mirror on corporate life—reminding me why meaningful work matters more than titles. Reading helped me slow down, think better, and make more deliberate choices—in work and in life. My biggest takeaway from 2025? Careers no longer move in straight lines. They’re designed—through reusable skills, small experiments, strong relationships, and intentional reflection. If 2025 triggered questions about direction or what comes next in your career, you’re in good company. I’m glad to share how I think about career transitions and portfolio paths. Curious—which book or insight shaped your thinking this year?