Thinking of a Career Move? Here are 3 Powerful Tips from 3 Powerful Women Leaders.
Are You In Need of A Change?
Written By: Taylor Scally
First I want you to ask yourself this:
What makes you want to get up in the morning? Are you feeling stagnant in your current position? When you think of the present and your future what do you see? What do you need to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally?
It can be confusing and scary to think about these things in the face of a change. But don’t worry you are not alone! Here are 3 of the best stories and tips from others to help you:
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
There is risk and then there is reward… but when your happiness is involved is it really a choice?
“I could clearly see my life in advertising and it was lonely and sad and long hours – and just not what I wanted to be doing. I had no idea if it would work out (...) But I’m a big believer in, you will regret more the things you do not do than regret the things you do and possibly fail at.”
After realizing what a career in advertising really meant, Stephania Varalli left her job to work as an editor at Sweetspot with Joanna Track. Even though there was the possibility the business wouldn’t take off, she decided to take the chance anyway, not wanting to regret not trying. Her instinct paid off as they were eventually bought out by Rogers. Now Stephania is the co-CEO of Women Of Influence and is happier then ever!
2. Take Yourself Seriously and Others Will Follow
It can be hard to stray away from what everyone else considers “safe”. But do it right and soon enough everyone else will be asking you for advice!
“I was doing baking out of my home for like, 3 years, before I actually opened my first store location. Primarily because I didn’t take it seriously, I did not think that baking or owning a bakery would be a viable career choice (...) I had this perception of what owning a bakery would be like.”
A childhood love of baking with her grandmother and later influenced by the reality show Cake Boss, Rebecca Hamilton leaned into her creative side and tried her hand at cake decorating. At first, she pursued this as a hobby on the side, while also training to become a police officer. But soon it came to a point where she had to choose – and she chose to pursue her hobby, despite previous warnings from family and friends. Now with multiple bakery locations and a published book “Million Dollar Bakery”, Rebecca is thriving professionally, doing what she loves.
3. You Don’t Have to Be an Expert
Shh… let me tell you a secret. Nobody knows everything, so don’t be afraid to start form the beginning. Passion can drive you further then expertise.
“I was working in a Bay Street investment firm as an intern and I just kind of had that ‘aha moment,’ that didn’t excite me. I’d always been passionate about lifestyle and content and more creative pursuits, that’s how I ended up here. But most of my childhood was in the math book.”
An aptitude for math since a young age led Joanna Track to pursuing it as a career. Majoring in math at Western University and then doing an MBA, she realized it didn’t excite her. Although she had been encouraged to go into accounting or finance with her skills, it wasn’t her passion – it just happened to be something she was good at. After turning down a high-paying job at an investment firm, she ended up starting from the beginning in a low-entry job in marketing – and she’s never looked back since. She has founded several successful companies and works as a VP today!
Making a change can be daunting, but as long as you take the time to really listen to yourself and find what you want both personally and professionally you will succeed. We hope these stories and tips have helped you, for more inspiring stories from strong women listen to Power In Heels on Spotify and Apple Music.
