Here's how you can navigate obstacles and challenges in your career.

Leadership isn’t just about embracing change. It’s about knowing how to inject change when things are too fixed and static, AND how to impose stability when things are changing so rapidly and so widely the conditions have become unstable and chaotic. Most calls to embrace change miss this complex both/and reality.

Develop a continuous learning plan that identifies upcoming industry trends and necessary skills. This plan should include regular training sessions, online courses, and attendance at industry conferences to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.

Change is the only constant! Rest assured that life will treat you to more than you can imagine amounts of change! No deliberation and sense of control in the world will enable a career without change. Reminding myself and others about this axiom of career progression everyday is a way to prepare the brain for any defensive threat reaction that might occur when faced with change. Open-mindedness, curiosity and mental agility are key ingredients to embrace change. Find your mantra that enables you to become a master at change-ability!

Let's say you're enjoying a lovely summer day. The weather is perfect, you're having a great time, and then suddenly it starts to rain. You might think, "I can't believe it's raining! My day is ruined! Why does this always happen to me!" But that won't change the reality of the situation. Or you could choose to accept it and think, "Huh, it's raining. Now what should I do?" Good or bad, change is hard. It shows us exactly how little control we have over the trillions of variables in our lives, but when we decide to accept it, we can then make a choice as to how we want to respond to it which is the only thing we can actually control. Nothing goes according to plan. Learn how to adapt and improvise and you'll go far.

Break down big problems into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Seek advice from mentors and colleagues who can offer different perspectives and solutions. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.

Practice outcome visualization techniques to better anticipate the consequences of different strategic choices. This way, you can refine your strategies to be more effective and resilient.

Strategic thinking is not just about long-term planning but also about the ability to be agile and adjust your strategy as needed. Use the "future scenarios" methodology, where you envision different possible futures and prepare for each of them. Tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can help you better understand your current position and how it may evolve. Another tip is to apply the concept of "emergent strategy," where you remain open to new information and ready to adjust your plan as the business environment changes.

Strategic thinking goes beyond anticipating potential roadblocks and devising contingency plans. It also involves considering the nuanced aspects that can disrupt a great plan—the unexpected, curveballs, and the dynamics of people. Focus on understanding both yourself and the people around you. If you overlook either, they could become your greatest obstacles. However, if you give due consideration to both, they could become your greatest assets and opportunities.

Establish or join formal mentorship programs within your industry. These programs can provide structured opportunities to connect with experienced mentors who offer guidance, support, and potentially open doors to new opportunities.

To maximize the value of your professional network, consider not only seeking help but also being a valuable resource for others. Organize themed networking events or discussion groups focused on specific issues in your industry. Share interesting articles, insights, and development opportunities with your network. Additionally, think about reciprocal mentorships, where both you and your mentor learn from each other. By strengthening these connections in meaningful ways, you create a mutual support ecosystem that benefits everyone.

For me, continuous learning should be structured and intentional. Create a personal development plan with clear and measurable goals, reviewing and adjusting it regularly. In addition to seeking technical knowledge, invest in soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, which are crucial in any career. Participating in communities of practice or study groups can provide a collaborative learning environment. Finally, adopt a "growth mindset," where you view challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than obstacles.

Building resilience involves not only bouncing back from setbacks but also constructing a "culture of resilience" around you. Create self-care routines such as meditation, physical exercise, and hobbies that bring you joy and balance. Develop a "resilience toolkit" with specific strategies you can use in times of high stress. Additionally, practice daily gratitude, which can help maintain a positive outlook. By integrating these practices into your daily life, you not only strengthen yourself but also inspire and empower those around you.

True resilience comes from knowing oneself exceptionally well. It transcends beyond mere 'mental toughness' and a 'positive' outlook. It involves viewing every situation as an opportunity to learn or a problem to solve, where you are the orchestrator of the solution and the learner. By drawing on the strengths that make you unique, you can withstand any storm. Your 'roots' are deep and strong, holding you firm through challenges.

One of the most important things to remember about resilience is that it's not just about getting back up, it's about adapting when you do. Get up, and look at how you respond to what happened - what can you learn? what was the gift? What wouldn't you know or have now had you not experienced whatever made you fall? Sometimes the gift takes some time to see, but the more we practise recognising it and learning the reframing skills to be able to do that, the more we trust that the gift is coming and cam therefore respond rather than react to circumstances.

Challenging are the stuff of life. You need not worry about failing because it is an inevitability. Sometimes you will fail privately, and other times publicly. And the more you do so, the more respect others will have for you. Seem counterintuitive? People at their core are compassionate and respect others who can adapt, reflect, wipe off the dirt from their lapel, and start afresh. Knowing that others will encourage you, allow yourself to see that what really mattes is learning the lesson. For everything that doesn’t work out, ask yourself, how can I use this to get better? Then forget about it, use your learning, and move on!

First and foremost, when navigating challenges and obstacles...be true to yourself. And through your actions and intentions, be proud of that reflection in the mirror. If you are having challenges in your career, take a breath and ask if this is still something you want to do, or if overcoming this challenge makes you become someone that you wouldnt like. Maybe you are going through this challenge because you need to change jobs, companies, or professions? Better to ask, and honestly answer, now vs tomorrow. Routinely reassess where & who you are on your journey. Dont just blindly follow a career decision that you made years ago. Things change. You can too. And be better for that reassessment and the validation or the redirection.

You don′t have to overcome your obstacles alone. Get a coach. Get a mentor. Every CEO, every great leader as a coach/a mentor to reflect & to find new solutions.