Episode 25:
For this episode of the Intentional Greatness Podcast, I’m joined by Ali Stieglbauer. Ali is the co-author of my book, Chasing Perfection: Shatter the Illusion; Minimize Self-Doubt & Maximize Success. Ali is a remarkable and driven leader and the Marketing Manager at my company, YESS! Your Extraordinary Success Strategies, Inc. And most importantly, Ali is my daughter.
Ali has spent five years with YESS! She believes it’s finally time for her to move on to bigger and better things, and I couldn’t be happier for her. She’s a true testament to how strong women look in the workplace. She has plenty of advice for women in business, especially those faced with a tough transition period or career decision. She’s wise beyond her years, and every duocast, I do with her is a delight!
What You Will Learn:
- The challenges and mixed emotions that come when you transition from one job to another
- How to have that tough conversation with your boss (especially when your boss is your mom!)
- Ali’s approach to her job search and our advice for women in business who need a change
- Some signs that it might be time for you to leave your job and how you can let go in a healthy way
- Why it’s important to remember that nobody is irreplaceable
- Having faith in the face of tough decisions in your life
- Learning whether your career journey is aligned with who YOU are
Resources:
- Chasing Perfection by Sue Hawkes and Ali Stieglbauer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1599328461/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_OpudDb6ZQMAYJ
- Whole Life Challenge website: https://www.wholelifechallenge.com/
- Maximizing Success Journal: Text JOURNAL7 to 44222
Advice for women in business | Trusting Yourself Through Tough Decisions, with Ali Stieglbauer
Making a Career Change
Career changes are never easy. That’s why 85% of Americans stay in jobs that they’re not happy in, and that’s a trend I have a problem with. If your job is standing in the way of your personal growth and fulfillment, it’s time to shed that career and start fresh. That’s exactly what my daughter Ali is doing, and she has some advice for women in business looking to do the same. 
Ali has been the Marketing Manager of YESS! for as long as I can remember. It’s her first real job, it’s a job she’s grown in, and most importantly, it’s a job that has brought her comfort. Lately, however, Ali has experienced some unrest. She’s voiced that to me, but recently she decided it’s high time she does something about it. She told me she’s actively searching for other jobs, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
I’m sad to see such a valuable employee go, but I’m also extremely proud of Ali’s introspection and wisdom in making this decision. She was agonizing over the decision; she had trouble eating, had a constant pit in her stomach, and she was just downright sad. Ali realized that this situation wasn’t good for anybody, and decided it was best for her and the company if she moved on. It was obviously tough for her to make this decision, and I admire her resolve and tenacity like nobody’s business.
Recognizing Your Potential
Ali isn’t happy in her role anymore, and that could be for a number of reasons. The crucial fact that she remembers is that she has tremendous potential regardless of the role she fills. As she begins her job search, Ali calls to mind her many skills and uses those skills to narrow down her search.
Don’t feel boxed in by the fact that you’ve held the same role for a long time. There are SO many skills, like writing, creativity, client interaction, and so forth, that are highly transferable to a number of new careers. Ali knows how great of an addition she would be to any new company, and all of you need to believe that you’ll be just as great.
Letting Go and Having Faith
It’s easy to grow attached to a company you’ve been at for a while. It’s even easier when it’s a family business! One of Ali’s biggest roadblocks was guilt. She thought that things would fall apart if she left the company and felt an obligation to stay and meet client and organizational needs. To that, I share some of the best advice for women in business I’ve heard: nobody is irreplaceable.
That connection, attachment, or even guilt that rears up when you leave a company is totally normal. It also could be holding you back from pursuing your dreams. To your credit, there is not another you out there, just like there isn’t another Ali. But, there is someone out there who can do the things you do and fill your place. You aren’t leaving your company high and dry by respectfully bowing out and doing what’s best for you. You’re benefiting the company and opening the door for another great candidate to step into your shoes.
Still, it can be tough to step out into the unknown and leave the comfort of what you’ve known for five, ten, or twenty years. All Ali and I can say is this: have faith. You are making a life-changing decision; there’s no right or wrong. Face the challenge with confidence and zest, and no matter what choice you made, you can make the choice right for you. Find out your dreams. Find out what aligns with who you are. And go after it.
Download Your FREE Chapter of Chasing perfection
Get the first chapter of Sue’s book, Chasing Perfection: Shatter The Illusion along with the companion toolkit, the Maximizing Success Journal!
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