Why Career Coaching? A Personal Take on Professional Growth

Let me share something with you. After 25 years in the corporate world and thousands of hours coaching professionals across the US and Canada, I've learned that most people don't need more information—they need clarity and direction. I'm Nick Rustad, and my journey from being the youngest of seven kids in Holyoke, Minnesota, to becoming an executive and career coach has taught me that success rarely follows a straight line.

My Approach to Career Coaching

You know what makes my approach different? I've lived the transitions I help others navigate. From studying music at St. Olaf College to pivoting into IT, and then moving into executive leadership—I understand what it means to remake yourself professionally. This isn't theoretical knowledge from a textbook; it's real-world experience that I bring to every coaching session.

What You're Really Getting When We Work Together

Let's be straight about what career coaching with me looks like. This isn't about generic advice or one-size-fits-all solutions. When we work together, you're getting:

Deep Professional Experience

- 25 years of corporate experience across multiple roles and transitions

- Thousands of hours coaching professionals at all levels

- Real-world strategies that actually work in today's job market

Practical, No-Nonsense Guidance

I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you:

- See your blind spots

- Identify real opportunities

- Navigate office politics effectively

- Make strategic career decisions

- Build confidence in your professional path

Who I Work With

Over the years, I've coached thousands of professionals, including:

- Fresh graduates figuring out their first career move

- Mid-career professionals feeling stuck or unfulfilled

- Executives navigating complex organizational dynamics

- People making complete career pivots (trust me, I know this one personally)

- Leaders building their executive presence

Real Results from Real People

Let me share some real situations I've helped clients navigate:

The Career Pivoter

Had a client who, like me, wanted to make a complete career change. She'd spent 15 years in healthcare but dreamed of moving into tech. Together, we:

- Identified transferable skills

- Built a strategic transition plan

- Worked on her professional narrative

- Developed a networking strategy

Within eight months, she landed a role at a leading tech company—with a 30% salary increase.

The Stuck Executive

Another client was a senior leader who felt stuck. Great salary, prestigious title, but completely unfulfilled. Through our work:

- We uncovered what really motivated him

- Identified where his values aligned (and didn't) with his current role

- Developed a plan to reshape his current role

- Built strategies for better work-life integration

He ended up restructuring his position to focus on the parts he loved while delegating the rest—and got a promotion in the process.

My Coaching Philosophy

Here's what I believe about career coaching:

1. It's About More Than Just Work

Your career doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of your whole life. Living in Minnetonka with my husband Travis and dad Vern has taught me the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment.

2. Authenticity Matters

I bring my whole self to our coaching relationship and encourage you to do the same. Being genuine—whether about your strengths, fears, or aspirations—is crucial for real growth.

3. Results Over Theory

While I stay current with leadership theory and career development research, what matters most is what actually works. My approach focuses on practical strategies you can implement immediately.

What Makes Working with Me Different

1. Personalized Approach

No two careers are identical, just like no two people are identical. I tailor my coaching to your specific situation, goals, and challenges.

2. Direct Communication

Growing up as the youngest of seven taught me the value of clear, direct communication. I'll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

3. Breadth of Experience

From my early days in music to IT leadership to executive coaching, I bring a unique perspective that helps you see opportunities others might miss.

The Coaching Process

When we work together, here's what you can expect:

1. Deep Discovery

We start by really understanding where you are and where you want to go. This isn't just about your career history—it's about understanding your values, motivations, and aspirations.

2. Strategic Planning

Together, we develop a clear, actionable plan for your career development. This includes:

- Short and long-term goals

- Specific action steps

- Accountability measures

- Success metrics

3. Ongoing Support

Career development isn't a one-and-done process. I provide:

- Regular check-ins

- Strategy adjustments as needed

- Support during critical decisions

- Guidance through challenges

Investment in Your Future

Think of career coaching as an investment in your professional future. My clients typically see returns in the form of:

- Increased salary (often 20-30% or more)

- Greater job satisfaction

- Better work-life integration

- Clearer career direction

- Stronger professional relationships

- Enhanced leadership capabilities

Is Career Coaching Right for You?

You might be wondering if coaching is worth it. Ask yourself:

- Are you feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role?

- Do you want to make a career change but aren't sure how?

- Are you struggling with office politics or workplace dynamics?

- Do you want to accelerate your career growth?

- Are you facing a major career decision?

If you answered yes to any of these, we should talk.

Taking the Next Step

I believe in starting any coaching relationship with a clear understanding of fit. That's why I offer an initial consultation where we can:

- Discuss your current situation

- Explore your goals

- See if my coaching style matches your needs

- Talk about practical next steps

The Bottom Line

Career coaching isn't just about getting your next job or promotion. It's about building a career that aligns with who you are and what you want from life. Whether you're making a major transition (like I did from music to IT) or looking to grow in your current path, having the right coach can make all the difference.

Remember, your career is too important to leave to chance. As someone who's navigated multiple career transitions and helped thousands of others do the same, I know the value of having the right guidance at the right time.

Ready to take control of your career? Let's talk about how we can work together to achieve your professional goals. If you are interested in working with me, lets talk. Here is a link to schedule a free consultation. https://letstalk.coretatic.net