Summer of Success Series: Empowering Your Career: Lynne Varner's Insights on Embracing Opportunities

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by Lynne Varner, CEO of Washington STEM, who shares her journey of pivoting from politics to journalism and higher education, highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's uniqueness. The conversation touches on imposter syndrome, mentorship, and the value of having a supportive network that advocates for your growth even when you're not in the room. 

Lynne discusses the concept of the "kitchen cabinet," a network of trusted individuals who provide guidance and support, drawing parallels to mentorship and sponsorship. They emphasize the importance of being open to opportunities, not playing small, and taking calculated risks in one's career journey. Lynne shares her personal journey from journalism to higher education and CEOship, emphasizing the significance of being fearless and embracing change. 

Are you looking to identify your "kitchen cabinet," seek connections, and ultimately strive for growth and success? Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that unpacks the ingredients for a recipe of achievement and fulfillment.

Timestamps

[02:56] Lynne’s background

[04:53] Career changes and the challenges they entail

[07:24] Managing career transitions and fostering employee engagement during life changes 

[10:48] Transitioning into the real world after school and the value of real-life experiences 

[14:12] Lynne’s experience participating in programs like Close-Up

[18:01] Managing people-pleasing, imposter feelings and the pursuit of self-improvement

[20:20] Building a kitchen cabinet for authentic mentorship and guidance

[25:47] Fostering connections and relationships to form a strong support network

[27:46] The importance of building reciprocal relationships, seeking and offering help

[35:28] Embracing opportunities, recognizing the value of being open-minded

[38:03] Understanding various degrees associated with career pivots

[41:52] Embracing the value of seeking advice and perspectives from mentors and peers

[46:46] How to support Lynne

Notable Quotes

• When planning to jump ship, think about your safety and taking care of yourself just like you would if you were physically going to jump off the ship; you wouldn't be announcing and telling people and talking and chatting. You would be planning for your security. 
• I don't have to prove I don't have to prove anything. I don't have to become anything because I'm already enough. They hired me, they saw me. And so if you remember that, you're already enough when you walked in the door, didn't hire someone else, and came in. No, they hired you.
• You have to be you. You have to be you because you are who they want. You start trying to be someone else and are now in trouble.
• Your kitchen cabinet: They want what's good for you. They're rooting for you. So they're not like just any old, you know, people that you meet, strangers, or even just people that you know tangentially. These are people who they're in your corner.
• You need people to speak for and speak up for you when you're not in the room.
• When you are taking an opportunity, it doesn't mean you're now wedded to that decision. You can change it and change. It doesn't, um, it's not a sign of failure. It's simply a sign that this didn't fit. And that's why you do want to have a two-way opportunity. You want to be able to turn around, pivot, and go in the opposite direction if you need to.

 

Resources

If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends!

I