In the ever-evolving landscape of work, how do successful professionals navigate unexpected career shifts and emerge stronger?

I recently explored this compelling question on Why I Left in my conversation with Selena Ng, a seasoned HR professional whose career is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into Selena’s transformative career experiences and the lessons she’s gleaned from them.

Embracing Change

Selena Ng’s career trajectory is anything but conventional. From her beginnings in an HR rotational leadership development program to her bold move from Canada to the UK, Selena’s journey is infused with purpose-driven decisions and strategic risks. Faced with the vibrant challenges of a startup in hyper-growth mode, Selena mastered the art of adaptability—a skill that proved invaluable during the tumultuous pandemic years.

Her decision to embrace an international opportunity in London was not only about career advancement but about life enrichment. “We didn’t have a house here, we hadn’t had children yet and so nothing was really rooting us down to Canada,” Selena shares, emphasizing the importance of seizing the right moment for change.

Selena’s experiences navigating the shifting tides of a startup environment during the pandemic highlight the crucial role HR professionals played in steering organizations through unprecedented challenges. Her ability to pivot quickly and strategically, exemplified by her response to a sudden mandate to hire 400 employees just before the onset of COVID-19, underscores the value of resilience and proactive problem-solving in today’s dynamic workplace.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

1. Resilience and Adaptability are Key: The rapid changes in the workplace demand professionals who can adapt to new environments and challenges. Embracing flexibility as a core skill can position you to thrive amid uncertainty.
2. Build Authentic Relationships: Selena emphasizes the power of cultivating genuine connections at work. Whether it’s sharing a chat over coffee or engaging in team-building activities, fostering those personal bonds can become the backbone of professional success.
3. Define Your Career Path on Your Terms: Selena’s story is a reminder that your career should align with your personal goals and values. Whether it means relocating to a new country or pivoting industries, strategic career moves can lead to fulfilling experiences.

Actionable Steps for Career Growth

• Leverage Your Strengths and Build Connections: Strengthen your adaptability by seeking diverse roles or projects within your current position. Engage with colleagues across departments to understand different perspectives and expand your network.
• Embrace Change as an Opportunity: Approach challenges with a mindset of growth. Identify areas where you can apply your skills uniquely and consider pursuing additional training or mentorship to enhance your capabilities.

In Closing

Selena Ng’s story reminds us that while the path to career fulfillment may be nonlinear, each twist and turn offers valuable learning experiences. As her journey illustrates, change is not just an obstacle to be overcome; it is an opportunity to pivot toward a more rewarding and aligned professional life.

Are you ready to embrace change and redefine your career trajectory? 

Watch this full episode using the link below and visit our website to subscribe to Why I Left on your favorite podcast platform. Embrace your next career leap with confidence!

Join the conversation on social media, share your thoughts, and connect with others navigating similar career adventures.

Stay Curious,

Brian

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Brian Aquart is a Healthcare Executive, Advisor, and Executive Producer of Why I Left, a podcast chronicling real stories from real people about why they left their jobs. Stay up to date with Brian on LinkedIn.