NEW: From One-Trick Pony to Swiss Army Knife

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From 2022 to now, I have published 43 articles, each a step in my journey of growth and discovery. Here's the vision behind the new name. I have a passion for turning data into compelling stories. Imagine the data as squares. My storytelling weaves these squares together, finding the golden nuggets that reveal leadership breakthroughs and dispel limited beliefs—those are the circles. Through my work, I help you transform these limited beliefs into circles of possibility and growth. If you shake your phone or move your head around, you'll see the squares becoming leaves, symbolizing growth and transformation. That's the impact I aim to make on the world—helping you see beyond the data, discover hidden insights, and turn potential into reality.

For years, I felt stuck because I believed my path to success was to become the best Drive to Retail Marketing leader ever. This belief was deeply rooted in what I learned in school: to get ahead, you must be the best at one thing. This mindset drove me to pursue a Master's in Economics and take an academic excellence approach to my career.

For close to a decade, I consistently received the highest work performance reviews. I took immense pride in these top scores, viewing them as validation of my A+ status. However, I needed to understand the difference between high performance and high potential.

I was obsessed with Drive to Retail, working late nights, weekends, and even until 7 pm on Christmas Eve to ensure marketing materials were ready for Boxing Day. As a former hyper-achiever, I wore this as a badge of honour. But in reality, I was using work as an excuse to avoid loneliness in a city without family. My stress was evident to my mom, who often bore the brunt of my frustrations over the phone.

Tip 0: Burnout

Despite my dedication, I was miserable and depressed. I felt like a cog in a 20,000-person machine, unappreciated and taken for granted. My burnout was evident to everyone but myself, a result of my upbringing that emphasized hard work above all else.

Conflicts were frequent, particularly with Brand Marketing counterparts. My decisions were gut-driven, ignoring insights and straining relationships with colleagues. My focus on targets overshadowed the importance of teamwork. I'm sorry!

My 7-Year Recovery Journey

Tip 1: Leadership Self-Awareness

I had yet to learn of high performance versus high potential. A seasoned colleague, Sheryl, introduced me to the strategy of balancing acquisition, engagement, retention, and win-back. I learned that aggressive acquisition could attract customers only interested in heavy discounts, not long-term loyalty.

Another mentor, Cheryl, emphasized understanding the customer care organization. Taking her advice, I participated in Walk-a-Mile programs in call centers and stores to grasp customers' real needs. The experience opened my eyes to the broader world of customer experience and digital products.

Tip 2: Understanding People Dynamics

A decade ago, I invested $750 in a career coach who taught me about people dynamics and the Triad Triangle to understand motivational drives and perspectives. Recognizing that my value drivers differed from others, I began to appreciate the importance of people.

I transitioned from managing a cross-functional team without direct reports to leading a team of nearly 30. Growing leaders became the most rewarding aspect of my career, surpassing even sales growth. Watching my team members grow and get promoted reinforced the value of our relationships and their increasing independence.

Tip 3: My Swiss Army Knife Transformation

My career soared when I realized I had more than one expertise. Embracing versatility allowed me to explore various roles and industries. I discovered that we are all more than one thing and have the potential to excel in multiple areas, including the ERG work of being the Pride Chair at work.

Conclusion: The Path from High Performing to High Potential

My journey from a one-trick pony to a versatile leader taught me invaluable lessons about self-awareness, the importance of people, and the power of embracing diverse skills. Remember, there is more than one thing that defines you!

See you next time.