Navigating Your Next L&D Role with Sarah Cannistra: Tips for Career Clarity and Success

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cannistra, longtime L&D leader, coach, and the author of “Land Your Next L&D Role: Creating a Career that Works for You.” With more than 15 years of experience across every facet of learning and development, both as a practitioner and as an entrepreneur. Sarah brings hard-won perspective and actionable advice to help professionals navigate career transitions in today’s talent market.

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In this lively and practical conversation, Sarah opens up about her journey from internal L&D roles to running her own coaching and consulting business, and why she ultimately chose to return to an in-house corporate role—even while writing her book. She candidly shares what she’s learned about the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of stability, and the value of continual growth (plus, the underrated joy of a regular paycheck).

In this episode, Sarah covers:

• Her “ABCDs of Career Success” framework—Alignment (finding your niche), Branding, Community, and Development—to help L&D professionals land their next role and build a truly rewarding career.
• Why clarity about your skills, interests, and values is more important than chasing specific job titles or credentials.
• How intentional job searches yield better, faster results than “spray and pray” applications, plus ways to sidestep the common pitfall of endless rejection cycles.
• The critical role of mindset and personal branding—how to be seen for your unique value instead of just another applicant in a crowded field.
• Tips for leveraging community (without getting trapped in negative job-seeker echo chambers), and why surrounding yourself with the right people is vital for growth.
• Real-life exercises for defining your legacy, honing your career story, and advocating for new opportunities—whether inside your current organization or beyond.

If you’re planning your next move in L&D, wrestling with tough market conditions, or simply want more control over your career journey, Sarah’s actionable advice and relatable stories will help you move forward with confidence.

Sarah’s book, “Land Your Next L&D Role,” is available now from ATD Press, Amazon, and all major booksellers. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and strategy!