Embracing the Liminal Zone: Navigating Career Transitions

I was recently privileged to be hosted by Mark Friedman on his podcast, The Marketing Playbook Podcast with Mark Friedman.

In the podcast we talked about:

00:00 Helping individuals transition from confinement to entrepreneurship.

08:02 Early excitement for interactive web technologies in 2006.

10:43 Eight social sellers formed a successful company.

14:42 Process of personal transformation to business launch.

17:38 Constant growth, shifting, and evolving in careers.

19:35 Discovered new purpose, creating company and content.

24:28 Transitioning to third act careers requires planning.

27:55 Tools and strategies to tease out potential.

32:47 Define yourself beyond early decisions, seek help.

So let's get started!

Unpacking the Journey Beyond the Dream Board

In a world where constant evolution is the new norm, and where we are feeling less and less fulfilled in our lives, my recent podcast with Mark Friedman offers pretty good insights on navigating career and life changes with grace and purpose.

As the founder of Beyond the Dream Board, I'm passionate about helping women, especially those transitioning from influential roles, embark on new and fulfilling ventures, developing and launching their Legacy businesses.

In this episode, we explored themes of personal transformation, the importance of mentorship, and redefining success beyond material achievements.

Jump in and listen to this episode and discover how to make meaningful pivots and embrace the next chapter of your career with confidence and clarity.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring discussion!

The Catalyst for Change: Recognizing the Need for Transformation

My career journey is all about embracing change.

From my early days as the "LinkedIn expert", as an author and speaker, co-founding the digital sales training (and later software) company, Vengreso, I've continuously pivoted to align my career with my true purpose.

When I transitioned from Vengreso to my current focus, I stressed the importance of recognizing when you feel out of aligment and confined. It takes courage to step into new ventures, yes - but it also becomes non-negotiable. You often hit a point where you just can;t keep doing what you are doing. (And it's best to leave before then if you can - because that path pften leads to dis-ease, addiction, breakdown, divorce and many other unsavory symptoms!

"Fear and excitement can often be perceived the same way," I explain, emphasizing the importance of reframing fear into excitement, which paves the way for change. This mindset is crucial in helping individuals navigate the discomfort and uncertainty that come with career transitions.

Mentorship and Community: Navigating Career Transitions

One of the cornerstones of my philosophy is the importance of mentorship and community. When charting a new career path, especially for older women, having a support system is crucial. Seeking mentorship, engaging in communities that foster growth, and investing in continuous education are invaluable.

My experiences underscore the need for aspiring entrepreneurs and executives to surround themselves with supportive peers and mentors.

I have found that tools like meditation, journaling, and leveraging personal intuition, have greatly helped my women redefine their purpose and find new ways to contribute meaningfully.

The Alchemical Process of Personal Transformation

Throughout my discussion with Mark, I shared some parallels between personal transformation and alchemy.

4 Stages of Alchemy

1. Nigredo (symbolic of the death of old ways of being)
2. Albedo ( symbolic of the process of rebirth and Soul consciousness)
3. Citrinitas (symbolic of the development of your Soul's legacy)
4. Rubedo (symbolic launchng your Soul's legacy into the world)

This can look like the of burning away the old self, finding one's true purpose, building something new and meaningful, and finally launching it into the world.

This allegorical approach resonates deeply with my audience, offering a structured yet fluid way of viewing personal and professional growth.

My end goal is to help more people share their truths on stage, empowering them to utilize their experiences and wisdom to inspire others.

Understanding the Liminal Zone: Embracing Uncertainty and Possibility

Mark and I also talked about the "liminal zone". (Not to be confused with The Twighlight Zone).. This is the very uncomfortable space between the past and the future, filled with both discomfort and possibility.

This concept is particularly relevant for individuals between the ages of 55 and 75, often termed a formless period due to longer life expectancy and changing retirement norms.

While in the liminal zone, it's important to keep the mind challenged and engaged post-retirement. Things like exploring new hobbies, learning new skills, and continually seeking new challenges help us to maintain mental agility and fulfillment, and find footing in this formless space.

Wrapping UP: Redefining Success and Seeking Help

I hope my journey and insights provide a valuable framework for those of you navigating career changes and personal transformation.

Success is not static, but an evolving concept that goes beyond material achievements.

By embracing the liminal zone and leveraging mentorship, community, and personal intuition, individuals can chart a path that aligns with their true purpose and bring their unique gifts to the world.

Here's the link again to the podcast - [listen now](https://youtu.be/WEtqvSiaNPY?si=tgHoL4SHHeGXbrNF).

Action Items:

1. Reframe Fear: Recognize that fear and excitement are often felt the same way. Reframe your fear into excitement to embrace change more easily.

2. Seek Mentorship: Engage with mentors and communities that support your growth. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and inspire you. My new Mstermind launches Sept 1st. Click here to find out more!.

3. Reflect and Journal: Take time to reflect on the labels and names that define you. Journal about their impact and find positive attributes to replace any negative labels. You can get started by getting my free journal here!

4. Stay Engaged: Continuously challenge your mind by exploring new hobbies, learning new skills, and seeking new experiences.

5. Share Your Story: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your journey and insights, inspiring others to embrace their authenticity and navigate their transitions.

By taking these steps, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, embracing your true identity and reclaiming your name.

Want to work with me? Send me a DM here on LinkedIn, or grab some time on my calendar at https://www.beyondthedreamboard.com/welcome

Don't stay stuck in a job that's slowly killing you! There's a better path out there!