Kamala Harris is Giving Us a Masterclass in Navigating a Career Crossroads

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Now, on to today’s sermon....

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with Oprah, and of course, my eyes were glued to the TV. They covered sweeping issues that our country is facing—abortion rights, gun laws, and the work that lies ahead. But one part of the conversation struck me deeply: the moment when Oprah asked about Kamala’s turning point—that pivotal moment when she stepped into her power and embraced her next chapter.

There comes a time in every career when you know something has to change. It may start as a subtle whisper in the back of your mind or feel like a full-blown alarm. Regardless of how it shows up, this is your career crossroads—a moment that challenges you to step into your power or keep playing it safe. In my book, I outline the moments leading up to my own career crossroads and what it revealed. As Oprah described it, it’s as if a veil drops, and suddenly you’re faced with a choice: Do you stay where you are, or do you rise to the occasion and step into something greater?

Kamala Harris faced that moment in her career and rose to something greater. Her career path in the last few months gives us a powerful blueprint for all of us standing at our own crossroads.?

Let’s look at the five events that led VP Harris to her turning point and how you can use those same lessons to navigate your career transitions.

Five Events That Defined Kamala’s Crossroads

1. Joe Biden Received Criticism for His Debate Performance The pressure was building—there were questions about whether Biden should run for a second term or step aside. This marked a moment where tension and conflict, once ignored, could no longer be overlooked. Often, the first sign of a crossroads is tension. Maybe it’s frustration with your current job, continuously being overlooked, or external pressures pushing you in a different direction. When conflict surfaces, it’s a sign that you can’t stay stagnant any longer—it’s time to reassess your next steps.

1. Biden Stepped Aside and Dropped Out of the Race In one moment, the landscape shifted. This was Kamala’s opening, a single moment where she had to decide whether to step up or stay where she was. You’ll face a similar moment where circumstances force you to make a decision. A job opportunity opens up, a colleague leaves, or the industry changes. You can either step into your power or wait on the sidelines. The key is recognizing that this is your moment to act.

1. Kamala Announced Her Candidacy for President Just five hours after Joe Biden stepped down, Kamala made her bold move. She didn’t wait for anyone to validate her decision—she publicly declared her intentions to run for president. At some point, you must make a declaration of your own. It might be telling your boss you’re ready for a new role, submitting your resignation, or quietly making a decision within yourself. Whether you announce it publicly or privately, declaring your next move is a powerful step in owning your career crossroads.

1. Black Women Rallied Behind Kamala Within hours of Kamala’s announcement, Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women and an all-around exemplary figure of grace and power, rallied a community of over 40,000 Black women to get to work. This led to a series of Zoom calls organized by other groups; plans were made and the collective energy behind Kamala’s bid began to unfold. When you step into your purpose, the universe often conspires on your behalf. Once you've made your decision, you may find support, opportunities, and connections flowing in. When you accept your purpose, the right people and resources will show up.

1. The Path to November 5th is Still Unfolding We have yet to see what will happen on November 5th. The impact of Kamala’s decision is still unfolding but the ripple effect is in motion and will be felt for generations to come. Your crossroads aren’t a one-time decision. Events will continue to evolve, and new challenges will emerge much of which we cannot predict. This is where trust in the divine process comes into play. Like our ancestors who fought and died knowing they would not see the promised land, your right to dream is your birthright. It has already been bought and paid for. So while you may not see what’s ahead, know that you can open the door for others to follow so that they may continue the work.

How to Navigate Your Own Career Crossroads

So, what can we learn from this? Our next president’s journey offers valuable lessons for any of us facing a crossroads. Here are the steps you can take this week:

1. Recognize the Shift

Tension and conflict often signal that you’re approaching a crossroads. Pay attention to the friction in your career—whether it’s dissatisfaction, external pressure, or a feeling that you’ve outgrown your role. Take 10 minutes this week to sit quietly and reflect on the moments in your career that no longer feel aligned. Write them down and note how long you’ve been feeling this way—this will help you recognize if you’ve been at a crossroads longer than you realize.

2. Own Your Decision

When the moment arrives, make the decision to step up, even if it feels daunting. In fact, it likely will, but don’t wait for the “right time”—it doesn’t exist. There’s only right now.?What decision have you been avoiding? Why are you hesitating to take action? This week, make one decision—big or small—that aligns with your next step.

3. Tap Into Your Army of Angels

Once you say yes to your dreams, support will follow. Choose five people who believe in you, who see your potential, and who will rally behind your decision. Identify one person from your list this week—whether it’s a mentor, colleague, or friend—and set up a time to talk. Share where you are in your journey and ask for their support or advice.

4. Get Out of Your Head

You’ll need to act quickly and decisively. When my publisher approached me to write a book, I debated that decision for weeks. Believing I wasn’t ready to write a book almost cost me a dream I’ve had for years. Your brain will come up with all sorts of “valid” reasons to wait. The key is to keep moving, taking small incremental actions.?Identify that bold step and take it this week, whether pitching an idea, applying for a role that feels like a stretch, or reaching out to someone influential. Challenge yourself to act even if it feels uncomfortable.

Purpose & Responsibility

Vice President Kamala Harris says that she felt a sense of responsibility and purpose in doing what was right at that moment. I’ve said over and over in my book that going for your dreams is not about you. Yes, you get to benefit from being the steward of your dreams and leading a new pathway forward, but in actuality, it is the people around you who get to benefit. Your purpose won’t be for everyone, but it will impact exactly those who need it.

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