The Mid-Career Makeover Show
The show where mid-career professionals learn how to take control of their story, elevate their career brand, and unlock the success they deserve. Through actionable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories, we help you navigate your next career chapter with confidence and purpose.
The Mid-Career Makeover Show
The Power of Career Pivots
The Power of Career Pivots – The Mid-Career Makeover Show
Sponsored by Get a Better Job Career Branding (getabetterjob.work)
🔹 Introduction
This episode is all about one of the most transformative career moves: the career pivot. Whether you're shifting industries, exploring a passion, or redefining your professional path, this episode will equip you with the inspiration, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to take the leap.
🔹 What is a Career Pivot?
A career pivot is a strategic shift in your professional direction that leverages your existing skills and experiences. It’s not about starting over but rather repurposing your strengths to align with new opportunities that fit your evolving goals. Like a basketball move, you keep one foot grounded while changing directions toward a better career fit.
🔹 The Rise of AI and the Need to Pivot
With AI rapidly transforming industries, the skills that got you here may not be enough to keep you competitive. The good news? A pivot can position you in future-focused industries like AI ethics, data analysis, or digital marketing. Whether upskilling in tech or creatively integrating AI into your field, embracing change keeps you ahead of the curve.
🔹 Real-Life Pivot Success Stories
- Chris Donovan – From telephone repairman to high-end shoe designer in his 50s.
- Julia Child – Discovered her love for cooking in her mid-30s and became a culinary icon.
- Mark Cuban – Went from bartender to billionaire entrepreneur by embracing opportunities.
- Howard Schultz – Transformed Starbucks from a small coffee company into a global brand.
These stories prove that it's never too late to pivot into something extraordinary!
🔹 A Personal Story of Pivoting
Host LaVonne McIver James shares her own journey from public relations to career branding. By recognizing her transferable skills in storytelling and messaging, she built a fulfilling career helping mid-career professionals craft their personal brands. Her pivot wasn’t about starting over—it was about refining her purpose.
🔹 Your Breakthrough Moment
Mid-career is your turning point. Take that first step:
✨ Enroll in a class
✨ Reach out to a mentor
✨ Start a side hustle
Success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about taking action.
🔹 Final Takeaway
You are more capable than you realize, and the best chapters of your career are ahead of you. Don’t let fear keep you stagnant—embrace your pivot, take bold action, and own your success!
Get Your Copy of "Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand That Accelerates Your Success"
Available on Amazon—your guide to standing out and taking control of your career.
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a nudge to pivot!
For more career inspiration, visit yourbreakthrough.app
Thank you for listening! For more information on mid-career transformation, visit AI4CareerSuccess.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Episode three The Power of Career Pivots This day is too late now The Your shines behind ya But wisdom's in your gaze Passion on fire You've got stories to tell And dreams to inspire Rise above the noise Take your place high This episode is sponsored by Get a Better Job Career Branding In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye Your resume is more than just a piece of paper.
SPEAKER_03:It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper, but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.
SPEAKER_04:For more information on Get a Better Job, visit getabetterjob.org.
SPEAKER_00:Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career brand that accelerates your success, Levon McKyver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand that Accelerates Your Success Today, and start building the brand and life you deserve available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_04:Welcome to this week's episode of the Mid-Career Makeover Show, where we're talking about one of the most transformative career moves you can make, a pivot. Whether you're contemplating a shift into a new industry, exploring a side passion, or completely redefining your professional path, today's episode is for you. You'll hear inspiring stories of bold career moves, explore practical strategies for making a pivot, and address the fears that might be holding you back. So let's dive in. What is a career pivot, you ask? A career pivot is a deliberate and strategic change in your professional direction, typically involving a shift to a different role, industry, or area of expertise. Unlike starting a career from scratch, a pivot leverages your existing skills, experiences, and strengths while aligning them with new opportunities that better suit your evolving goals, values, or interests. It's like a basketball move, you're staying grounded on one foot, your foundation, while changing the direction of your career to aim for a new goal, the basket. It's about finding transferable skills and repurposing them in a way that allows you to succeed in a new context. Think of it this way: you're not abandoning your career, but building on what you've already accomplished. A pivot involves identifying transferable skills that apply to your new direction. Often, career pivots are driven by a desire to find work that aligns more closely with your personal values, passions, or lifestyle changes. It's a chance to step into something more fulfilling, challenging, or exciting. A career pivot is a courageous step toward redefining your professional identity. It's about seizing the opportunity to grow and create a career that truly resonates with who you are and what you want. So if you've been thinking about making a change, you're not alone. One of the most significant drivers of pivots today is the rise of artificial intelligence. AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. For many mid-career professionals, this means the skills that got you here may not be enough to keep you employed or competitive. But here's the good news a pivot can be your chance to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Think about roles like data analysis, digital marketing, or AI ethics consultants. These didn't even exist a decade ago. Embracing change can help you position yourself in exciting, future-focused industry. If you're already in a tech-heavy role, you might need to specialize further or upskill in areas like machine learning or cloud computing. For those in creative fields, AI tools can enhance what you do rather than replace it, giving you more ways to express your ideas. With industries changing rapidly due to technology, globalization, and shifting economic priorities, the idea of staying in one career for life feels outdated. Pivoting allows you to grow, evolve, and align your work with your passions and values. But let's be real, pivoting can feel scary. Maybe you're worried about starting over, facing financial risks, or dealing with judgment from your peers or family. These fears are natural, but they're also manageable. Here's an example that might inspire you. Did you know that Vera Wang didn't design her first wedding dress until she was 40? Before that, she was a figure skater and journalist. Her story proves that it's never too late to pursue your passion. Take a moment to reflect. If you could start any career tomorrow, what would it be?
SPEAKER_00:Think about it. Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In how to think like a leader to build a career brand that accelerates your success, Levon McKyver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand that Accelerates Your Success Today, and start building the brand and life you deserve available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_03:In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye, your resume is more than just a piece of paper. It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.
SPEAKER_04:To learn more about Get a Better Job, visit getabetterjob.org. Now let's dive into some real life stories of people who made bold career pivots and found incredible success. Take Chris Donovan, a former telephone repair man who always had a passion for sketching shoes. In his 50s, he took a leap of faith and enrolled in design school. Today his high-end shoe designs are celebrated globally. Chris's story shows us that it's never too late to follow your creative passions. Then there's Julia Child. She worked in advertising and media for years before discovering her love for cooking in her mid-30s. She enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and the rest is history. Her pivot transformed her life and inspired millions of aspiring chefs. And how about Mark Cuban? Before becoming the billionaire entrepreneur we know today, Mark worked as a bartender and a software salesperson. His pivot into technology and entrepreneurship came from a combination of curiosity, hard work, and recognizing opportunities others didn't. Each of these stories highlights something important. Whether it's leveraging existing skills, following a passion, or embracing curiosity, there are multiple paths to a successful pivot. For me, one of the most exciting aspects of a career pivot is the chance to finally pursue your passion. For many people, the idea of doing what they love feels like a dream. But a well-designed pivot can turn that dream into reality. What's something you've always been drawn to? Something that lights you up, whether it's writing, helping others, creating art, or building things, I have found that my clients often have a passion waiting to be pursued. A pivot gives you permission to step away from what's familiar and move toward what truly excites you. One great example is Howard Schultz, who left his job in sales to join a small coffee company called Starbucks. Schultz had a vision for what Starbucks could become, and his passion for community and coffee turned the company into the global brand we know today. The beauty of pursuing your passion is that it doesn't just change your work, it changes your entire outlook on life. When you're aligned with your passion, work feels more like purpose. The energy and creativity that come from doing what you love can be transformative. If you're listening right now and feeling like your current job doesn't align with your passion, I want you to know it's never too late. Start small, take a class, join a community, or dedicate time to your passion outside of work. These small steps can lead to something incredible.
SPEAKER_00:Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In how to think like a leader to build a career brand that accelerates your success, Levon McKyver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand that Accelerates Your Success Today, and start building the brand and life you deserve. Available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_04:A story about my own career pivot. I transitioned from public relations to career branding, and it's been a journey full of growth, challenges, and ultimately a lot of fulfillment. It's a story that's close to my heart because it represents the power of transferable skills and finding your true calling. Now, I know career pivots can sound daunting, but I'm here to show you that with the right mindset and strategy, they can lead to incredible opportunities. It all started with my foundation in public relations. In PR. You're essentially a storyteller, right? You help brands craft compelling narratives, build relationships, and establish trust. It's all about presenting the right message to the right audience. That's something I absolutely loved, and it's something I've carried with me throughout my entire career. But like many people, life changed. I decided to step away from my PR career to focus on raising my family. During that time, I really had the chance to reflect on my skills and where I wanted to go next. While I was teaching business writing at the college level, I realized something huge. I had the opportunity to teach my students how to write resumes, cover letters, and create digital portfolios. And here's the thing: watching them land jobs after implementing what I taught them was incredibly rewarding. That sparked a new passion in me. I wanted to help people present themselves with confidence, just like I had helped my students. I realized that all those skills I had developed in PR, crafting messages, building brand awareness, and telling compelling stories could be applied in a whole new way. Instead of helping companies position themselves, I could help individuals position themselves, their careers, their value, their story. And that's when I made the decision to pivot into career branding. It wasn't just about changing careers, it was about redefining my purpose. I wanted to empower people to recognize their own worth and help them tell their career stories in a way that captured their potential. So I started coaching mid-career professionals, helping them craft their unique value propositions and build their personal brands. I used the same storytelling techniques that made me successful in PR. But this time I was helping individuals get seen, get heard, and ultimately get hired. Today, I'm lucky enough to work with amazing clients, helping them create careers that truly reflect their skills, passions, and potential. And let me tell you, there's nothing more fulfilling than watching someone step into their full career potential. If you're feeling stuck or unsure about where you're headed in your career, remember that a pivot doesn't mean starting from scratch. It means building on everything you've already done and using it to create something even bigger and better. So if I can do it, you can do it too.
SPEAKER_03:In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye, your resume is more than just a piece of paper. It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.
SPEAKER_04:To learn more about Get a Better Job Career Branding, visit getabetterjob.org. A successful career pivot often starts with the right mindset. It's not just about having a plan, it's about believing in your ability to adapt and thrive. One essential mindset shift is embracing curiosity. Instead of thinking, what if I fail? Try asking, what could I learn from this experience? Viewing your pivot as a journey rather than a destination can help you stay open to possibilities and reduce the pressure to have everything figured out right away. Resilience is another critical piece. Pivoting often comes with setbacks, but those setbacks are opportunities to grow. Consider JK Rowling. Before becoming a best-selling author, she faced rejection from multiple publishers. Her resilience and belief in her story kept her moving forward. And today she's an inspiration to millions. You'll also need to cultivate self-compassion. It's easy to be hard on yourself during times of transition, especially if progress feels slow. Remember, pivots take time. Celebrate small wins along the way, and don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Of course, no pivot is without its challenges, but you can overcome them. I find that some of my clients fear the financial risk of pivoting, and that makes sense. Before making a leap, most of us have to create a financial cushion and even consider a side hustle to supplement our income. And then there are the skeptics. You know, the people who crush your dream before you even get started. Sometimes family, friends, or even coworkers won't understand your vision. But really, their doubts often stem from their own fears or lack of understanding, not your ability. Here's how to handle them. First, focus on your why. Be clear about why this pivot matters to you and what you hope to achieve. When you're anchored in your purpose, it's easier to stay confident. Second, share your vision selectively. Not everyone needs to know your plans, especially in the early stages. Share with those who are supportive or have valuable insights. Third, find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential and encourage you to pursue your goals. Join communities, attend events, and connect with mentors who have made similar pivots. Remember that your success doesn't require everyone's approval. Trust your own journey. It's yours. And guess what? It doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
SPEAKER_00:Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In how to think like a leader to build a career brand that accelerates your success, Levon McKyver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand that Accelerates Your Success Today, and start building the brand and life you deserve. Available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_04:It's a turning point, a chance to pivot towards something extraordinary. It's your opportunity to redefine success on your terms. I want you to imagine waking up each morning excited about what lies ahead. Picture yourself not just doing a job, but living out a purpose that resonates with who you are. That reality isn't reserved for someone else. It's within your reach. You just have to take that first step. Think about Howard Schultz, who saw more than a coffee shop in Starbucks. He saw a community. Or J.K. Rowling, who wrote her first Harry Potter book as a single mom on welfare. Or me, who pivoted from public relations to career branding with nothing but my belief in the power of storytelling to help others. We all had no guarantees, only our belief in what could be. You too have the potential to pivot and create something remarkable. Here's the truth. You don't need to have it all figured out to begin. Small steps lead to big transformations. Enroll in a class, reach out to a mentor, start a side hustle. Each action you take brings you closer to your pivot. Mid-career is your turning point, your chance to dream big, take bold action, and own your success. Don't let fear or inertia hold you back. You are capable of more than you realize, and the best chapters of your career are still ahead of you.
SPEAKER_03:In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye, your resume is more than just a piece of paper. It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.
SPEAKER_04:To learn more about Get a Better Job, visit getabetterjob.org. The biggest risk is not taking any risk at all. That's a quote from Mark Zuckerberg. And it's a powerful reminder that staying stagnant is often riskier than trying something new. Today, I challenge you to take one actionable step toward your pivot. Research a new industry, update your resume, or reach out to someone in your network who inspires you. Thank you for tuning in to the Mid Career Makeover Show. If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a little nudge to pivot. Remember, you're here because you're ready to grow. And that's an incredible first step. Until next time, dream big, take bold action, and own your success because the best is yet to come.