Welcome to another episode of “From a Woman to a Leader.” Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Laurie Swanson, an inspiring woman who has embarked on a remarkable journey of career transformation. From her early days as a software engineer to her current role as a coach for women, Laurie has experienced the ups and downs of the tech industry and has successfully navigated the challenges of resetting her career. In this article, we will delve into the key themes discussed in our conversation with Laurie, exploring the process of resetting one’s tech career, the signs that indicate a need for change, and the importance of mindset in achieving career fulfillment.
The Journey of Resetting a Tech Career
Laurie’s journey began as a software engineer, a path she pursued after graduating with a degree in business with an emphasis on information technology. However, she soon realized that software development was not fulfilling her and decided to make a change. This pivotal moment led her to transition into recruiting, where she found joy in helping others navigate their careers. Eventually, she started her recruiting firm, driven by a desire to serve individuals who were seeking a career transformation. After experiencing burnout and reflecting on her career, Laurie became a certified coach, focusing on helping women reset their careers to align with their current passions and goals.
Recognizing the Need for Change
One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation with Laurie was the importance of recognizing the signs that indicate a need for change in one’s career. While disruptions such as layoffs or relocations can be obvious triggers for a career reset, there are also more subtle signs that should not be ignored. Laurie emphasized the significance of paying attention to one’s health and well-being, as feelings of lethargy or overindulgence can indicate something is amiss in one’s career. She encouraged individuals to reflect on their level of fulfillment and joy in their work, highlighting the importance of finding a career aligning with their values and passions.
The Four Stages of Career Change
Laurie introduced us to the concept of the four stages of career change, a framework that she uses to guide her clients through the process of resetting their careers. The first stage is disruption, which can occur at any point in one’s career and is often triggered by external factors such as layoffs or life events. The second stage is contemplation, where individuals take a step back to reflect on their current situation and identify what is no longer serving them. The third stage is discovery, where individuals explore new possibilities and gather information to make informed decisions about their next steps. Finally, the fourth stage is finding a career aligning with one’s passions and values, leading to fulfillment and purpose.
Exploring the Possibilities
One of the challenges individuals face when considering a career reset is the difficulty of envisioning new possibilities. Many people feel stuck and unable to see beyond their current circumstances. Laurie emphasized the importance of seeking support from mentors, coaches, or trusted friends who can provide an outside perspective and help individuals see the potential within themselves. She highlighted the value of tools such as the Passion Test and the Energy Leadership Index assessment, which can help individuals clarify their passions, strengths, and values. By exploring their transferable skills and reflecting on their past experiences, individuals can uncover hidden talents and discover new paths that align with their true selves.
The Power of Mindset
Mindset plays a crucial role in the process of resetting one’s tech career. Laurie stressed the importance of challenging limiting beliefs and cultivating a positive mindset that empowers individuals to believe in their abilities and potential. She shared her own experience of overcoming imposter syndrome, a common challenge faced by many women in the tech industry. Through thought work and mindset coaching, Laurie helps her clients reframe their thoughts and choose beliefs that support their growth and success. By shifting their mindset, individuals can overcome self-doubt and confidently embrace new opportunities.
Embracing Change Within Corporate America
While starting one’s own business is a viable option for a career reset, Laurie acknowledged that it may not be the right path for everyone. She highlighted the importance of finding ways to infuse passion and purpose into one’s current role within corporate America. Individuals can create a more fulfilling and enjoyable career by seeking opportunities to align one’s work with personal passions. Laurie shared the story of a client who initiated a cat shelter drive within her organization instead of leaving her job, tapping into her passion for feral cats. This initiative brought her joy and opened doors to new opportunities within the company.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Resetting one’s tech career is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It requires individuals to reflect on their passions, values, and strengths and to explore new possibilities with an open mind. Individuals can gain clarity and confidence in their career reset journey by seeking support from mentors, coaches, and tools. Mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming self-doubt and embracing new opportunities. Whether it involves starting a business, changing roles within a company, or pursuing a new path altogether, a career reset can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. As more women in tech embrace the power of career reset, we can expect to see a positive impact on the industry, with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas shaping the future of technology.
About Laurie
Laurie studied business and information technology at the University of Texas. First job? A computer programmer! Then she followed her true nature and shifted into Technology Recruiting and Software Sales. She founded The Laso Corporation in 1995 and grew it to a multi-million dollar, boutique Information Technology search firm. Around 2010, Laurie began to feel the tug towards doing something new. She was evolving and knew that Laso and recruiting had run their course. After considering many different ideas over years, what Laurie knew for sure was that she loved supporting women to live their dreams AND she was an entrepreneur at heart. Coaching was the clear path.
Laurie got certified in 2015 and rebranded Laso as InspiHER Tech, a career coaching firm for women in tech and tech-related careers, who have been dreaming of resetting their careers but are not sure where to start, supporting Laurie’s mission to empower women to create the careers and lives they love through a spirit-centered approach.
Laurie is a giver. She delights in giving back and was on the board of her local chamber. She volunteered at her city’s Community Relations and Fine and Cultural Arts Commissions, with the People’s Resource Center, and in the Junior Achievement and Incubator EDU schools.
If you want to reset your career like Laurie, check out when our upcoming Career Reset cohort opens up. www.inspiHERtech.com/career-reset.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiHerTech/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspihertech/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieswansoncareercoach/
