CareerSteps Insights - APRIL Edition

This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about pace. In a world that rewards doing more, faster, it takes real courage to pause, reflect, and learn. That’s where the magic often happens. Whether in my coaching sessions, workshops, or posts, one theme kept surfacing: the power of intentional growth—especially in the face of change, pressure, or uncertainty.

Expert Advice

What Stops Promotion-Ready Professionals from Getting Promoted?

In coaching conversations this month, a pattern emerged. Some clients were doing everything right—yet not getting the recognition or role they wanted. We explored how being too driven can backfire. When you’re constantly "looking for the keys," you overlook the space where they naturally appear.

This insight, reinforced by tools like the Leadership Circle Profile and Robert Kegan’s immunity to change theory, reminded us that less effort, more alignment often leads to better outcomes.

➡ Ready to step into leadership differently? Book a call

Client Success Story

Mei Lin (name changed for privacy), a mother of two, was constantly juggling back-to-back meetings and putting out fires at work. Every session began with another crisis she had resolved—she prided herself on being the fixer. But something didn’t add up.

She spoke with energy, but not joy.

I noticed the disconnect—the absence of spark in her eyes as she listed win after win. So I gently asked, “What actually brings you joy?” Her face softened. “Travel,” she whispered, almost surprised by her own answer. Then, just as quickly: “But I don’t have time.”

We explored what travel could look like in her current life. Maybe not a month-long adventure, but… trying a new cuisine, joining an online community, planning a short weekend trip.

Those small steps reconnected her to what made her feel alive. And as she realigned with her values, something shifted—she brought more calm, creativity, and presence to both her team and her family.

Because when we stop chasing urgency and start listening to what lights us up, everything changes.

Practical Tips

How to Build Resilience During Uncertainty

This month’s Navigating Change webinar brought together professionals navigating career shifts, reorganizations, and leadership pressure. Here’s what we explored across the April 8  and April18 posts and during the actual webinar:

• Job loss isn’t the end—it’s often the start of something better.

• Understanding the change curve helps you process and adapt.

• Resilience is not about toughing it out. It’s about honoring emotions and staying flexible.

Want a practical next step? Try this: next time change hits, pause and name your stage—shock, resistance, exploration, or commitment. That awareness alone creates momentum.

Industry Insights

Technical skills get you in the room. Human skills move the room forward.

This month, in coaching sessions and reflections, one theme kept coming up: the critical need for human-centered leadership.

Psychological safety, emotional intelligence, trust-building—these aren't "nice to have" anymore. They are among the top three competencies organizations look for when promoting into people management roles.

Research backs this up:

A Google study known as Project Aristotle found that psychological safety is the #1 predictor of high-performing teams—even more important than individual technical skills.

Yet too often, leaders unknowingly disengage their teams by ignoring the human side. They listen... but don't hear. They consult... but don't connect. They act... but skip building trust first.

I saw this clearly in three places over the past weeks:

• Coaching a leader to start her workshop with connection before action—which completely shifted the dynamic.

• Helping clients recognize how DISC communication styles shape collaboration and trust.

• Reflecting on a past experience where fake "employee engagement" efforts—offering a budget for office improvements but rejecting every suggestion—completely eroded trust.

Whether leading in person or remotely, leadership today means tuning into the invisible currents: emotions, values, unspoken needs.

It’s no longer enough to manage tasks—you need to lead people.

And it starts with one simple but powerful question:

"Am I building trust, or just pushing for results?"

Personal Reflections

Mentor Flash: Why One Call Can Change Everything

I launched something new this month—Mentor Flash, a 20-minute laser-focused mentoring session. To my surprise (and joy!), the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

People appreciated having a fast, focused, and confidential space to talk through one sticky issue. It’s amazing how much progress we can unlock in just one conversation—especially when backed by 20 years of experience and action-oriented coaching.

Sometimes, all we need is someone to see what we’re not saying.

Feeling stuck on a decision?

Curious how one conversation could move things forward?

Try a Mentor Flash session—20 minutes, focused, and just for you. 

📍 Use code Newsletter25 to get 50% off and pay only 20 CHF. 

🎟 Book your session here (limited to the first 10 signups)

Because clarity shouldn’t take hours—it just takes the right conversation.

Book and Resource Recommendations

This month, I want to share three powerful resources to help you not just survive change—but truly thrive through it:

• Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes by William Bridges

  A classic guide to understanding that change is external, but transition is an inner journey. Perfect for anyone navigating personal or career shifts.

• Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David

  Practical, research-backed advice on staying flexible through life's twists and turns. A must-read for building resilience in both leadership and life.

• Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee G. Adams

  An eye-opening look at how the questions we ask shape our experiences. Essential for anyone facing tough decisions or trying to lead through complexity.

Which one speaks to you most right now?

Feel free to reply and let me know—I always love hearing what resonates!

Questions & Answers

“How do I stop procrastinating and actually make progress on my goals?”

Great question—and perfect timing.

Join me on May 7th at 12:00 CET for Mastering Productivity: Simple Tools to Stop Procrastinating. We’ll explore proven techniques like the 5-second rule and Pomodoro method, plus a mindset shift or two.

👉 Register here

Got a career question? Hit reply—I’d love to feature your question in the next edition!

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

As April closes, I’m energized by what’s ahead.

In May, I’ll be traveling to Malta to attend the Toastmasters District Conference and deliver a workshop on Influence—a skill every leader needs to master. I’ll also be hosting a webinar on May 7th on a topic many of us wrestle with: how to stop procrastinating and get more of the right things done.

Growth doesn't happen in isolation—it happens when we stay curious, seek support, and take that next step. If you're ready to build momentum in your leadership journey, I’d love to support you.

Don’t miss out!

✅  Feeling stuck on a decision? Curious how one conversation could unlock clarity? → Try a Mentor Flash session—20 minutes, focused, and just for you. Book your session here (limited to the first 10 signups) and use code Newsletter25 to get 50% off and pay only 20 CHF.

✅ Want to beat procrastination and build better habits? → Register for the May 7th webinar here

✅ Attending the Toastmasters District 109 Conference in Malta —or thinking about it?→ Register for the full conference here (available both online and on-site) and don't miss my workshop on Influence—a key skill for every leader!

Let’s make May the month you move forward with impact.

PS: If you received this newsletter through a colleague or social media, I’d love to stay in touch. Sign up here to receive CareerSteps Insights directly in your inbox every month!