Navigating Career Turbulence: My Reflections on the Higher Landing Career Transformation Program

Embarking on the Higher Landing Career Transformation Program filled me with hope and anticipation for the journey ahead. Over the course of 12 challenging weeks, I delved into introspective work and gained valuable insights about my passions and values. Discovering my WOW factors and gaining clarity on my unique value proposition and how that sets me apart from other candidates was enlightening. The program not only led me to forge meaningful connections with my cohort but also pushed me to confront fears, step out of my comfort zone and discover what I am capable of.

As I navigated through the program, I couldn't help but draw parallels between my experience and lessons learned during the Higher Landing program, and my sons pursuit of his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. Just like him, I realized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and self-discovery in following our passions and reaching our true potential.

My son Logan after completing his first solo flight in 2023.

Here are my top 5 reflections.

1: Preparation & Planning

Just as a pilot carefully plans out their flight path, fuel requirements, and assesses weather conditions before takeoff, individuals embarking on a career transition must also prepare by embarking on some self-discovery work to determine who you are and where you want to go, setting goals, acquiring new skills and researching potential employers and opportunities. Career transition preparation must also include creating an up to date and effective resume and updating social media and LinkedIn profiles to ensure consistent brand messaging.

2: Adaptability & Decision Making

Pilots must be able to adapt to changing conditions and make quick decisions in high pressure situations. Similarly, individuals navigating a career transition must be flexible, open to new possibilities and able to make informed decisions based on changing circumstances. In today’s job market with the emergence and fast paced development of AI, there is a greater focus on soft skills like adaptability, learnability and empathy that AI cannot replicate. How will AI affect your chosen field of work and are you ready to adapt? There is also the changing landscape of work location to consider. In office, remote and hybrid work environments are all things to consider when making a career transition.

3: Continuous Learning & Growth

Pilots undergo regular training, testing and certification to stay current with industry standards and regulations. Likewise, individuals in career transition can’t just stay on auto pilot at cruising altitude and wait for things to happen. Actively staying on top of emerging trends and keeping our skills current is vital to gaining meaningful employment. We need to prioritize continuous learning, skill development and personal growth to remain relevant and competitive in our chosen field.

4: Collaboration & Communication:

Pilots rely on effective communication with air traffic control and their crew to ensure a safe and successful flight. In a career transition, networking, building relationships, and effective communication with colleagues, and mentors, can help one to navigate challenges and achieve one’s goals. Effective communication is also required during interviews where you need to showcase the value you bring to a prospective employer.

5: Taking Flight

We all have dreams and aspirations that we aim to achieve and life’s journey can often be a turbulent ride. In order to soar to new heights, we must break free from our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. We must not let fear keep us grounded. We will encounter roadblocks, obstacles and setbacks that can affect our focus and motivation. It is important to remember that we can achieve anything we set our mind to if we proceed with persistence, determination and self-belief.

Photo Credit: https://stockcake.com/i/sunrise-flighttakeoff_321714_186797nbsp;

As Henry Ford once said: When everything seems to be going against you, remember that an airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.

An important part of completing the Higher Landing program is pitching in the Grizzly Den. Similar to TV’s Dragons’ Den, imagine if you will, a virtual panel interview “on steroids”, with a gallery of Higher Landing members watching you pitch yourself to and answer interview questions from, an esteemed panel of “Grizzlies”. As others in my cohort and many of the Higher Landing alumni can attest, it is very high pressure and quite terrifying to say the least! Definitely out of most people’s comfort zones. However once the pitch and interview is complete you receive invaluable feedback, and suggestions from the panel of business leaders and industry professionals on how to go to market (take flight) so you can land higher in your chosen field of work. By facing our fears and embracing change, we allow our spirits to soar so we can reach for new heights in our personal and professional lives.

In summary, by drawing parallels between a career transition journey and flying, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of preparation, adaptability, continuous learning and collaboration in achieving success in our professional endeavors. Dream big, aim high, and watch as you fly higher than you ever imagined. We are all capable of landing higher!

What have you done to face your fears, embrace change and spread your wings so you can land higher?

Flying Video

#higherlanding #womenrising #grizzlyden #jobskillsthatpaythebillsJan Wood Jackie Rafter, MBA Janelle Scott, P. Eng. Deborah (Deb) Ducommun Logan Proctor Ryan Mears, B.Mgt. Steven Leong Erin Wilkins Higher Landing