“Your ability to get things done is exactly what we need.” or How do I find the next Chapter of my professional journey?

From Recognition to the Next Chapter

Throughout my career, I’ve worked hard to consistently deliver results, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful projects. Time and again, I’ve been told by colleagues, clients, and collaborators how much they value my skills, expertise, and dedication. It’s gratifying to hear things like, “I wish we had someone like you on our team,” or, “Your ability to get things done is exactly what we need.” Yet, when the time came for me to transition into the next chapter of my career, I encountered a frustrating disconnect. Despite these affirmations of my value, the opportunities I had hoped for didn’t materialize.

This experience is one I know many professionals face: being recognized for your contributions while actively working but struggling to turn that recognition into tangible opportunities when you’re ready to make a change. It left me reflecting on why this happens and how both individuals and organizations can bridge this gap.

What Proven Talent Brings to the Table

When I look back on my career, I see a record of success that I’m proud of. I’ve been in the trenches, solving complex problems, driving innovation, and delivering results that improved operations, enhanced client satisfaction, and built lasting partnerships. I bring not just technical expertise, but also the ability to strategize, collaborate, and execute with precision. These are the same qualities that led people to value my contributions in the first place.

Proven professionals like me don’t just fill roles—we elevate teams and bring a fresh perspective informed by our diverse experiences. We understand what it takes to navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. We’ve done it before, and we’re ready to do it again, often with even greater impact.

Why Opportunities Don’t Always Materialize

Despite these strengths, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations sometimes hesitate to act. Timing often plays a role. When I began looking for my next opportunity, some of the people who had previously recognized my value weren’t in a position to hire. Budget cycles, hiring freezes, or shifting priorities got in the way.

In other cases, organizations seemed reluctant to step outside their established hiring processes. They wanted someone who checked all the boxes on a predefined job description, rather than recognizing the broader value I could bring. Others assumed I would quickly find another opportunity elsewhere, and so their expressions of interest didn’t translate into action.

Turning Recognition Into Opportunity

Navigating this has been both a challenge and a learning experience. I’ve realized that while being recognized for your value is important, it’s not enough. You must actively remind people of your strengths and demonstrate how your skills can solve their current challenges. For me, that has meant reaching out to those I’ve worked with, having honest conversations about my career goals, and showing how I can contribute to their teams.

It’s also about staying visible and present. Sharing my experiences, insights, and achievements has helped ensure that people continue to see me as a valuable resource, even after we’ve moved on from our initial collaborations.

What Organizations Can Do

On the other side of the equation, organizations have an opportunity to think differently about how they engage with proven professionals. Hiring someone whose success you’ve witnessed is a low-risk, high-reward decision. These are individuals who can hit the ground running, bring fresh ideas, and inspire the people around them. Organizations should be more proactive in building pathways to bring in people they know can deliver value, even if it means creating new roles or adapting processes.

A Strategic Advantage for Everyone

For me, this journey has underscored the importance of persistence, adaptability, and clarity. I’ve learned to be more vocal about the value I bring and to focus on aligning my skills with the specific needs of potential opportunities. At the same time, I’ve seen how organizations can benefit from embracing proven talent and translating recognition into action.

Hiring someone like me—someone with a proven track record, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for making an impact—is more than a practical decision. It’s a strategic advantage that can drive growth, innovation, and success. The key lies in recognizing the opportunity and acting on it. For both professionals and organizations, turning recognition into opportunity isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about creating partnerships that lead to remarkable outcomes.

Marie-France Laurin, MBA