Here's how you can overcome career obstacles using strategic thinking.

The first law of metaphysics - What is is. Are you assessing what is? This is a good question to ask often. Theory and academic knowledge often falls short of practicality and usefulness. We need to assess reality, current state, and immediate needs. From there we can leap, but we need a foundation first to leap from.

Consider a scenario where you consistently fall short in securing a promotion at work. Instead of assigning blame or becoming discouraged, a clear and honest assessment is crucial. Facing repeated setbacks in securing a promotion, a clear and honest assessment is essential. Objectively evaluate your skills, identify knowledge gaps, and consider external factors influencing your situation. This perspective enables strategic planning to address weaknesses, enhance skills, and navigate challenges effectively, ensuring a more targeted approach to career advancement.

To advance my career as a thought leader in the tech industry, I first conducted a thorough self-assessment & gathered feedback from mentors. This helped me identify my strengths, areas for improvement, and clarify my long-term goals in AI ethics & influencing industry standards. Based on this assessment, I set a SMART goal to publish two authoritative articles on AI ethics. Specifically, I plan to allocate 10 hours per week for research & writing, aiming to submit the first article by January & the second by April to reputable journals & platforms. This goal is not only achievable within the given timeframe but also directly relevant to establishing my thought leadership in AI ethics & contributing to shaping industry practices.

In my opinion as a thought leader set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They'll guide team’s career path, keep them focused, and track progress, ensuring motivation and clarity through challenges

In my journey of transitioning from a technical role to becoming a thought leader within my current company, I faced challenges such as limited experience & competition from senior colleagues. To overcome these hurdles, I pursued a multifaceted approach: enrolling in thought leadership training programs, seeking mentorship from seasoned leaders, and leading cross-functional projects to showcase my innovative ideas and expertise. Actively soliciting feedback & exploring opportunities in related fields further bolstered my readiness. This comprehensive strategy expanded my skill set, enhanced visibility, and strategically positioned me for advancement into a thought leadership role within the organization.

If you give someone a singular choice you will receive either a yes or a no. However, when you can provide options, not endless options as this can become overwhelming, but a few specific options tailored to the individual or organization… success of an option being chosen is far more likely.

??Personally I would have into consideration monitoring my progress and reassessing my options regularly to ensure you're still on the right track.

I explored various career paths in the tech industry with a focus on digital transformation, research and development. After weighing options like joining a large tech firm, pursuing further education, or joining a Tech startup, I opted for the startup route. This choice aligns closely with my career goals, offering rapid growth and hands-on experience in Digital transformation. Despite the inherent risks of startup life, my robust educational background and financial stability support this decision. It positions me to quickly build expertise and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of IT sector, aligning perfectly with my long-term professional aspirations.

In the True Colors / Personality Dimensions program I tend to score Green first. Though far from a direct science, Green tends to be intellectually focused, in other words we can have a tendency to overthink or think too much. Luckily my next Color is Orange which tends to be more experiential and action oriented. I have learned to allow this part to come out and play more often, to trust my gut, and take action. A great skillset for the over thinker to acquire.

As a thought leader launching a new product in a competitive market, strategic thinking guided my clear direction & value proposition. Yet, it was converting these insights into actionable steps through meticulous planning that ensured success. By setting deadlines, executing diligently despite challenges, and adapting strategies based on feedback, I demonstrated the critical link between strategic vision and effective execution in achieving our goals swiftly and effectively.

??Always consider assessing whether you're on track to meet your objectives and identify any deviations or areas for improvement! Most importantly , appreciate the progress you've made and use these moments of success to fuel your motivation for the next steps.

??Analysis is important because by analyzing outcomes, you can identify what worked well and areas that require improvement. →→I strongly believe through this can inform future decision-making and increase your chances of continued success.