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155 | Career Rebranding – Isaac Lake, Hilton

Episode 155 is live! This week, we talk with Isaac Lake in Memphis, TN. Isaac is a Manager of Brand Performance Support at Hilton. Previously, Isaac worked at the University of Memphis where he was the Manager of Facilities and Programs at the University Center. This is Isaac’s second time on the Copeland Coaching Podcast. He’s a former client and a friend. On this episode, we check back in with Isaac after 3.5 years at Hilton.

On today’s episode, Isaac shares:

  • The biggest differences between working in a corporate environment and at a university
  • Which transferable skills (and side hustles) helped him to transition into corporate
  • The role of networking in the job search
  • Advice for others looking to make a major career shift

Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

To learn more about Isaac, you can find him on LinkedIn.

Thanks to everyone for listening! And, thank you to those who sent me questions. You can send your questions to Angela@CopelandCoaching.com. You can also send me questions via Twitter. I’m @CopelandCoach. And, on Facebook, I am Copeland Coaching.

Don’t forget to help me out. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave me a review!

The Downside of the C-Suite

Have you ever wished you were the top executive in your department? For many, becoming a C-level executive can be a lifelong goal. Whether it’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, or Chief Financial Officer – the C-suite has real perks.

Let’s start off with recognition. Making it to the C-suite means that people respect you. Not only do you know about the subject matter at hand, but you’re a strong leader and you make a big difference to the company. Then, there’s the pay. C-level execs often make exponentially more than other employees.

Making it to the corner office can often take years of hard work and sacrifice. When you make it there, it’s like you’ve found your destination. You’re where you were always meant to be. The climb is over. It’s time to get to work, making a lifelong contribution.

I suspect there as a time when this was true. But, generally speaking, that was a time before me. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of C-level executives at work. And, as I reflect back on those great folks, they’ve all switched jobs since I first met them.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the average tenure for a Chief Marketing Officer was 3.5 years in 2016. The average tenure of a CEO was 7.2 years and the average tenure of a CFO was 5.7 years.

These tiny numbers make some sense. As companies are pressured to make money, they constantly revise their business strategies. And, new strategies require new strategists.

The problem is, when a company changes their corporate guard, the executives left without a job are hit hard. It can take them months, or years to find new employment on the same level. It most certainly leaves the impacted executives wondering what’s wrong with them.

In reality, nothing is wrong. It may have taken them ten or twenty years to land the title of Chief. That period of hard work was like a long interview. And really, each company only needs one CEO, one CMO, and one CFO. They are both the most coveted roles and the rarest.

So, what’s the point of all of this? I don’t want to discourage you from a corner office dream. But, if this is part of your future career, take today’s business environment into account with your personal career plan. The C-suite has changed. Once you do land a top spot, carefully plan your financial future. By living below your means and creating a financial safety net, you loosen the corporate handcuffs that can otherwise hold you hostage.

If you’ve already made it to the top and you find yourself without a job, remember that you’re not alone. This is a phenomenon that many executives are facing today. To make it through with the least number of bumps and bruises, give yourself a generous amount of time to land your next big gig.

Angela Copeland, a career coach and founder of Copeland Coaching, can be reached at copelandcoaching.com.

Copeland Coaching Expands Services: Corporate Outplacement Services & Corporate Recruiting Services

Dear Friends,

I hope your 2018 is off to an excellent start! I hope you had a great holiday season and are making progress on your New Year’s resolutions.

This is my New Year’s resolution! I wrote to you last November to say I’m expanding my career services. This email is a follow up to that message, to provide more information.

First, you should know that I am continuing to focus on career coaching. If you are an individual job seeker, nothing will change for you. I look forward to continuing to support you through your job search in 2018 the same as in 2017.

If you are a hiring manager, I am now available to help with your corporate recruiting and placement. And, if your organization is going through a restructuring and you would like help with your impacted employees, I now offer outplacement services. I will also continue to offer public speaking and classroom teaching.

A number of folks have asked WHY I have decided to expand my services. The answer is this. For some time, I have been providing corporate outplacement services to organizations that have gone through layoffs. I’ve met with a number of large groups and have worked with individuals at some of the organizations you’ve heard about on the news. But, before now, I haven’t publicized this information. Similarly, for the last four years, hiring managers have leaned on me for help when they need to find great candidates. In other words, these are services I have been providing, but had not officially announced.

If I can help your organization, please don’t hesitate to email me, or to call me at 901-878-9758. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also learn more about my corporate outplacement services and corporate recruiting services on my website (where you will also find downloadable PDFs about each).

Again, if you are an individual job seeker, nothing will change. I look forward to helping you to achieve your goals in 2018 through career coaching!

My current list of career services includes:

  • Individual career coaching
  • Corporate outplacement services
  • Corporate recruiting services
  • Corporate public speaking

Thank you for all your support! And, thank you for pushing me to expand my service offering. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Sincerely,

 

Start 2018 Strong

Happy New Year’s Day!

Can you believe it? 2018 is finally here. Regardless of your political leanings or any other views, 2017 was a long year. LLOOONG.

There were times when it felt like it would never be over. Right?

I mean, how many times did you consider defriending that overly opinionated friend on Facebook? How many times did you watch the train wreck of the morning news and think, “How is this happening?” How many times over the holidays around family did you think, “I better just keep my mouth closed about this topic right now.” “And, how many times did you think, “Oh my – I don’t think I can do this job one more day!”

The good news is, we made it. We made it TOGETHER. (Minus a few Facebook friends.)

So, let’s take this opportunity today to turn over a new leaf. It’s January 1st. It’s a Monday. Let’s start off a great new week to a great new year.

It’s time to refocus on our priorities and establish new goals. After all, that’s what the New Year is good for, right? Setting a few resolutions to help us target our energy.

But, first, let’s work on accepting a few things as they are.

  • If you did a great job in 2017, but didn’t get the raise you should have, it may be time to find a new job
  • If you asked for a promotion in 2017 and your boss had no interest, it may be time to find a new job
  • If you had no work life balance and were working crazy hours with little or no time off, it may be time to find a new company
  • If your work is boring / unfulfilling / soul sucking, it may be time to find a new job

I know, I know. You may be thinking, “But, Angela – I was planning to stay at this company forever. I want to work my way up to the top of my organization. I want to retire here.” I hear you. And, if you’re happy and things are going according to plan, great! You are in a dream job scenario.

But, if it’s not working… if you are dragged yourself to work every day in 2017… if you’re hoping each and every day that your boss will finally “get you” – it’s time to rethink the plan. Remember too – companies aren’t the same as they once were. Staying with one company forever is becoming the anomaly, not the norm.

People who switch jobs (and companies) more frequently are paid more. They go up the ladder. And, their bosses actually buy into them.

Why is this? Well, when your current boss is the one who recruited you, they did it because they liked you. They saw your potential. They didn’t simply inherit you from someone else. And, they probably fought to get you – so they offered you more to join their company than they would have if you were just getting an annual raise internally.

Moving around also helps to diversify your experience. It helps to expand your network. For many industries, it can help to reduce the risk that you will one day be unemployed.

Okay, so you get the point… With all of this in mind, what are you going to do differently in 2018?

The very first thing is to decide if you want to find a new job. And, if so, when do you want to find a new job? What’s your target and how will you get there?

But, keep in mind that if you’ve been with one company for a while and your pay is high, it will take longer to find your next high paying senior level job. It’s been estimated that for every $10,000 you make, it will take 1 month to find a new job. So, if you make $80,000 now, it may take you 8 months to find something new. EIGHT MONTHS! Wow!

So, if you’re even thinking of finding something new, this is the time to start. Don’t wait. Set your goal. Set your resolution. And, let’s get going!

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach

 

Thank you for 4 great years! Copeland Coaching turns 4. 🎁🎁🎁🎁

Dear Friends,

It’s with great excitement that I write to you today. Copeland Coaching is officially four years old! As I think back on this important birthday, I want to thank you.

Thank you for all your support! Thank you for your business, your referrals, your ideas, and most of all, your friendship. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Thank you to my wonderful clients. You have let me into a very private part of your world, and for that, I’m grateful. You make every day both joyful and meaningful.

The past year has been filled with many milestones, including releasing my print book, Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job, giving my TEDx Talk, and being invited to join the Forbes Coaches Council.

But, the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ve been asking for more, and I’ve heard you! In 2018, I will be expanding to also include corporate services, including:

  • Recruiting
  • Corporate Outplacement

Look for more information coming soon about both recruiting and corporate outplacement. And, if I can help you in these areas, please let me know!

Thank you again for all of your support. I look forward to an awesome 2018. Stay tuned, and happy hunting!

Sincerely,

Angela

140 | Engineering to Ministry – Rev. Dr. Courtney Pace, Memphis, TN

Episode 140 is live! This week, we talk with Rev. Dr. Courtney Pace in Memphis, TN.

Rev. Dr. Pace became a professor at the Memphis Theological Seminary in the fall of 2015. Her research interests include race and gender, Baptist History, the Civil Rights Movement, and social justice in American religion. Previously, Courtney taught religion at Baylor University, and was the Assistant Director of Student Success there.

On today’s episode, Rev. Dr. Pace shares her personal story of transitioning from engineering to ministry, and her passion for competitive figure skating. She shares what motivated her to transition her career, how she made the successful transition, and what it’s like to search for a job in ministry.

Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

To learn more about Rev. Dr. Courtney Pace, visit the Memphis Theological Seminary website here: http://memphisseminary.edu/dr-courtney-pace/.

Thanks to everyone for listening! And, thank you to those who sent me questions. You can send your questions to Angela@CopelandCoaching.com. You can also send me questions via Twitter. I’m @CopelandCoach. And, on Facebook, I am Copeland Coaching.

Don’t forget to help me out. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave me a review!