This Is Not The Career I Ordered™ Blog
Savvy Professional Career Wisdom by Caroline Dowd-Higgins
This is Not the Career I Ordered is read by thousands of careerists around the globe. With savvy tools, inspiration, and resources, this timeless book empowers you to enjoy your career, and love your life!
Stop Burning Out Your Best People: 5 Ways to Nurture Yourself (and Your Team) Without Reducing Workload
With burnout on the rise, it’s crucial to act now. Seventy-six percent of employees experience workplace burnout, and the cost of an employee leaving is usually equivalent to one year of their annual salary. You can’t afford to treat a severe injury with a Band-Aid. Throwing more time off at the problem doesn’t work (most […]
How RADICAL CONFIDENCE Can Empower You in 2026
The word “radical” has become a part of the world-of-work lexicon to mean something that is new, beyond the norm, and extraordinary. Perhaps you have heard about Radical Candor or Radical Transparency as workplace concepts meant to provide an environment for developmental growth and building trust. I’m introducing the idea of Radical Confidence to empower […]
Make People Feel at Ease in 30 Seconds: A Guide to Psychological Safety
With burnout rising and only 23% of employees engaged globally (Gallup), you can’t leave psychological safety to chance. Google’s Project Aristotle identifies it as the single biggest driver of team effectiveness, and 70% of high-performing teams share it. The upside? You can change the social temperature of a room in 30 seconds. Psychological safety isn’t […]
How to Support Your Overstressed Team
With burnout on the rise, it’s crucial for leaders to step up their support for employees. Burnout isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s been long-standing, especially with current political and economic uncertainties coupled with anxiety about AI’s impact on jobs. A Gallagher report reveals that two-thirds of leaders express concern over stress and burnout in their […]
My Hell Yes! or Hell No! Approach for 2026
🌟 A new year is a fresh start to set intentions, let go of what’s not serving you well, and focus on the clean slate of a new beginning. Some people choose a word to be their guiding thought for the year, others set resolutions and goals. There is no singular way, so honor what […]
Bending Without Breaking: Finding Stability During Hard Seasons
Life can throw numerous challenges our way—be it personal loss, health issues, or financial instability—and navigating these times can be overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain balance between professional obligations and personal well-being. However, there are practical strategies to help you set boundaries and care for yourself during difficult periods. Here’s how to maintain stability […]
From Work/Life Balance to Work/Life Integration: The New Normal
The transition to remote and hybrid work has blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives, reigniting discussions about work/life balance. As companies push for employees to return to physical offices, many are experiencing heightened stress and a dwindling sense of balance. It’s becoming evident that the traditional concept of work/life balance — a […]
The Critical Moment for Women in the Workplace: Key Findings from McKinsey’s 2025 Report
The McKinsey/Lean-In 2025 Women in the Workplace Report was just released and Corporate America stands at a crossroads. For the first time in nearly a decade, the momentum toward gender equality in the workplace is stalling—and in some areas, actively retreating. The report reveals troubling trends that demand immediate attention from business leaders. The Warning […]
The Power of Proximity: Extraordinary Leaders Are on The Front Lines
You know that moment when you realize the most profound leadership lessons aren’t found in boardrooms, but in the trenches? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as I watch so many executives retreat further into their corner offices while their companies struggle to stay connected to what really matters. There’s this beautiful […]
The Gift of Gratitude
✨ This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving through simple acts of kindness! Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor, leaving a heartfelt note for someone you appreciate, or donating to a local charity in need, every small gesture can make a big difference. I love this idea from @Stephanie […]
Beyond Wellness: Why Your Burnout Solutions Aren’t Working (And What Actually Will)
I’ve been having the same conversation repeatedly with clients lately – and frankly, it’s alarming. Talented, driven professionals are burning out faster than ever, despite their organizations rolling out wellness apps and lunchtime yoga classes. If you’re nodding along, wondering why your team still seems exhausted despite access to meditation apps and mental health days, […]
Leading Through Uncertainty: Why Clear Communication Matters More Than Having All the Answers
As I reflect on the challenges facing leaders today, one thing has become crystal clear: we’re navigating unprecedented turbulence, and traditional leadership playbooks simply aren’t enough. Recent research from MIT Sloan Management Review reveals something powerful—clarity doesn’t require certainty . When 80% of employees struggle to stay focused during disruptive periods, the antidote isn’t having all […]
The AI Career Reality Check: How to Future-Proof Your Professional Path
Let’s get real about AI and your career. While tech leaders have been reassuring us that AI will simply “enhance” our jobs, the headlines tell a different story. With nearly 950,000 job cuts announced this year and middle management taking the biggest hit, it’s time for an honest conversation. The truth? AI is reshaping the workplace […]
How Leaders Shape Team Stress – And What to Do About It
We’ve all been there – walking into a team meeting where the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. You know the feeling: shoulders hunched, energy depleted, and that collective sigh that seems to echo around the room. As leaders, we often think stress is an individual challenge, something each team […]
