I herald his beginning. I herald your end.

I haven't been much of a movie goer in recent years and somehow I ended up seeing two movies in two weeks... Superman and Fantastic 4. Even though I think I enjoyed Superman more... the line from the Silver Surfer in Fantastic 4 has haunted me since I heard it.

Someone's Beginning is Due to Someone Else's End

You see... over the past 10 years... my professional hobby has been helping others to find their next role. Sometimes I notice someone in my network is "open for work" and I reach out. Sometimes they reach out to me with "if you see something keep me in mind". Or lately it is introductions from others who say "you need to talk to Marcie".

In almost all the cases it is due to some unexpected change in Corporate America that they didn't see coming or just ignored the signs and hoped it would all work out. I think this is where the quote from the movie comes in.

I almost picture the HR person who conveys the news delivering the line as the new regime heralds the current leadership's beginning and signals the current team's end. It was certainly the case for one person I spoke with this week where it seems a whole team got wiped out... including his own role. Gobbled up by the universe... matter of fact... with other planets surviving but not their own.

It's also worth noting... when the silver surfer delivers the line... it is done with a melancholy and sense of resignation. It's not what she wants to do... it is what she knows has to be done. It gives others a chance to survive as this chapter ends for someone else.

Pivot Quickly to Solutions

So... to continue with the movie analogy... once you know that you are faced with clear and present danger... rather than just lay down and accept your fate... you need to switch to problem solving mode. What are the options you have and how do you proceed?

When I meet with those facing this reality... we spend about 45 min talking about where they want to go next (dream companies) and what roles they are targeting. We also talk about practical steps to move them forward and how I can help them. We talk about how we have to be specific in approaching others for assistance since most people have busy lives.

Here are the follow up bullet points I send to summarize what we will do together (if they so choose to take me up on my free help)...

• Send me the companies/positions you apply for and I will make as many connections as I can as often as you send them to me.

• Identify target companies. Then find people you know to make intros to people we know in those companies. Even better is if you find a job to apply for (even if it isn’t perfect) to have an excuse to talk to a recruiter who may be able to match up your skill set to their open roles.

• Use the Search tools on LinkedIn.  Play around with the LinkedIn search tools under Jobs and People to get used to how it can target the right contacts to help you. There is a blog post for everything!  Here is a link to the instructions on the search capability I demo’d for you Do YOU Know the Best Hidden Secret of LinkedIn? | LinkedIn

• Keep a spreadsheet.  In the spreadsheet keep track of positions you have applied for and any follow ups with people in your network.

• Don’t let the Bots stop you: Leverage the job applications to get connected to someone in that company to have a conversation. Find out more about what’s happening and any other roles that are open or are opening up.

• Tailor your resume for each application. Include as many keywords as you can when you are applying from the job posting – it increases the match score in the HR systems.  It is time consuming but required

In Closing...

It wouldn't be a super hero movie without an inspirational moment where the momentum shifts from "all is lost".... to "together we CAN make this happen".

In fact... every meeting I set up with someone has the title "Marcie: YOU Change the World" because that is what we aspire to do. I also apply some tough love to convey that this may be long and hard...but it will happen. In fact... when the right opportunity comes along... things happen fast. YOU just don't control the timeline as much as YOU would like to.

We all need that Super Hero hope to power us through the process. Our mental state in this humbling experience is important too. No matter how big a toll this career change is taking on you and your family... you have to approach every opportunity... interview... interaction as if this was the first exciting conversation you are having. Set up time with people that will coach you...lift you... and inspire you in between all the practical hustle you are demonstrating.

The key is to be "The Hero in YOUR Own Story" and bring your close allies into the loop for practical and moral support. There is a planet full of people rooting for YOUR success... YOU just have to find them and trust the process.

Leadership Questions of the Week for YOU!

1. Are YOU facing change in YOUR organization where YOU may benefit from it or Are YOU wondering if the changes negatively impact YOU?

2. How could YOU turn this unexpected change into an opportunity for personal or professional growth? Consider how this moment might open doors to roles, industries, or experiences you hadn’t previously explored. What new paths or possibilities excite you?

3. Who are the allies in YOUR network that could provide guidance, support, or connections, and how can YOU engage them thoughtfully? Think about people in your network who can offer advice, introductions, or encouragement. How can you approach them authentically and specifically?

4. What actions can YOU take today to move closer to the future YOU envision for YOURself? Focus on small, actionable steps you can take now—whether it’s applying for a role, reaching out to a contact, or refining your LinkedIn profile. What does progress look like today?

5. How can YOU maintain a positive mindset throughout this journey, even when faced with setbacks? Reflect on the strategies or practices (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness, connecting with uplifting people) that help you stay resilient and motivated. What will keep you energized and hopeful?

Thanks for reading….and remember…YOU make a difference!

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