My Story

It was a dream job. I was working on a prestigious magazine, under a well-respected editor. I’d taken the job because it was a great career stepping-stone—and, frankly, the position was an ego boost.

Then, a few months after I started, the housing crisis of 2008 struck. The bottom dropped out of many markets—including the market for advertising in home-related magazines like the one I worked for. And just like that, my dream job was in jeopardy. And a mere 13 months after I started, I learned that the magazine would be closed. The entire staff would be let go. And because my boss was out of the country, it would be my job to deliver the message to my colleagues.

When I learned this shocking news, I was told I would have the chance to stay at the company, and needed to decide by 5 p.m. which of two new roles I would accept. Either way, I would agree to a 20% pay cut, move back at least 5 years in my career, and lose my office with a door.

 The morning of the layoffs, I went to the hospital at 6 a.m. where my mom was having open-heart surgery (did I mention my mom had a heart attack the week this was all going down at my work?). As soon as we got the all-clear from her surgery team, I headed to the office for the terrible announcements. All my colleagues would be gone by the end of the day.

Over the next few weeks, I was tasked with closing out the business and documenting it. Then I moved to my new job. Trying to be enthusiastic while mourning my dream role. Trying to give it my all while knowing I was taking a huge step backward.

It was sucky. But I committed myself to learning. I spent the next 18 months finding the parts of this job where I could build new skills (even as some parts were mind-numbingly tedious). I was determined to be a valuable partner to my new team, and to avoid the bitterness that I had watched others drown in. 

This wasn’t the first time in my career that my own plans were highjacked by corporate decisions. And it wouldn’t be the last. Nor would it be the last time I had to figure out how to make lemon bars out of lemons.

But those are the skills that have allowed me to pivot, accept new roles, get promoted, and build a reputation as someone who gets shit done—and is worth keeping around.

Today I use those skills to guide other women who are navigating their careers. I love being able to help women manage professional change, and emerge from each challenge with what’s important to them.

It’s why I’ve become a coach and mentor. And why I look forward to meeting you.

Click here to get in touch.