How to build a professional development plan

When Hadley Amann moved from Santa Barbara's cool coast to the dry desert of Joshua Tree, she faced a world completely different from what she knew. Adapting to the new climate was a process, especially when she and her husband decided to try growing tomatoes in such harsh conditions. Today, that thriving desert garden is a symbol for the way Hadley has cultivated her career, one that has also required adapting, growing, and making the best of unexpected environments.

As Principal Program Manager of Inclusive Design at Sonos, Inc. , Hadley's career path has been anything but linear. She started as a recruitment coordinator, made a shift into marketing, and then found herself driven to DEI work. And while many would see these moves as detours, Hadley embraced each role as part of her growth. "It's amazing to look back at my trajectory and say to myself, I did that", she reflects. "I owned my own career development, and Sonos enabled that growth".

Hadley Amann 's approach to career growth centers on a few essential principles. First, she's a big believer in aligning your professional development plan with interests that actually excite you. Flexibility is equally important, Hadley stresses the need to allow your plan to evolve as you do, making room for both setbacks and unexpected successes. She's also found incredible value in building a support network of mentors and allies who offer advice, encouragement, and a wider perspective when needed.

And perhaps most importantly, Hadley Amann advocates for the idea that career growth is not a sprint. In a fast-moving job market, it's easy to get caught up in titles, promotions, and quick wins. For Hadley, true growth comes from cultivating a career with purpose and patience, much like tending a desert garden. "I'm in this for the long haul", she says, focusing on longevity and adaptability over rapid advancement.

Ready to map out your own growth plan? In our full blog post, Hadley shares her step-by-step approach to creating a development plan that grows with you, whether you're just starting out or well into your career: https://bit.ly/48BcohN

Join Sonos and build your own career development plan! Explore Sonos' career opportunities here .