Jamie’s Career Transformation – From “Climbing the Ladder” to Crafting a Role That Truly Fits
When Jamie began the 1:1 career coaching programme, she was following a career trajectory that many would consider a success – steadily moving up the ladder, ticking the traditional boxes of advancement.
But while the promotions kept coming, the satisfaction didn’t always follow.
Through the coaching process, Jamie realised she had been measuring opportunities by the wrong yardstick. Instead of asking whether a new role was something she genuinely enjoyed, aligned with her values, or added to her skillset, she was focused on whether it was the next rung she was “supposed” to reach. That shift in perspective became one of the most significant outcomes of the programme.
Jamie says her approach is now focused on “thinking through each new opportunity, whether it's what I enjoy, what sits with my values, and what adds to my toolkit – as opposed to thinking, is it the next rung on the ladder that I'm ‘supposed to’ climb by some other arbitrary rules”.
Building a career on her own terms
Since completing the coaching, Jamie has finished her degree, moved into a relevant role, and then progressed into a C-level position that makes full use of her skills – not just those developed during her career change, but her broader professional experience too.
This was more than a series of promotions. It was about stepping into a role that brought together all parts of her capability, in an environment that supports how she works best. The process also gave Jamie clarity on what was getting in the way of enjoying aspects of work she’d once thought she didn’t like.
Jamie says an unexpected benefit or realization from the coaching was “ that I enjoy varied roles, and that often it's not that I don't enjoy certain aspects of a role (say leading people) but that it's the support, environment, and my own skillset that could be holding me back and making it hard.”
She says she now steps back and asks the question "what is making me dislike what I usually enjoy?"
Values as a foundation
One of the tools Jamie still uses regularly is her values framework. It’s become a reference point not only for her own decision-making, but also in how she works with others – from her personal trainer to colleagues and team members. She’s used it to start conversations about how different people work and what drives them, creating stronger collaboration and understanding.
Jamie has also learned to recognise when her values are being challenged. In a past role, she felt bored and unmotivated – which she later connected to her strong value of Growth. Without opportunities to learn and develop, she became frustrated by repetitive tasks and uninspired work. Recognising that value was the key to making changes, both in and outside of work, that restored her energy.
Career wellbeing gains
Jamie’s career wellbeing has improved in three important areas – confidence, self-awareness, and values alignment. She’s now more intentional about identifying work environments and roles that are a good fit, and she backs herself in making career decisions that reflect what matters most to her.
Of course, change isn’t always easy. Jamie admits she still has to catch herself when she falls into a downward spiral of frustration. But the difference now is that she has the tools to step back, analyse the situation, and shift her perspective – even if it takes some effort to move out of the initial emotional response.
Advice to others
When asked what she would say to someone considering the coaching, Jamie’s answer was clear:
“If you need to understand yourself at work more, if you feel stuck, if something isn't fitting, or you just want to improve your personal skillsets to help your own people, take a look at these coaching sessions.”
Jamie’s story shows that career progression doesn’t have to follow someone else’s definition of success. By understanding what drives her, aligning her work with her values, and making intentional choices, she’s built a role that fits – and a way of working that feels sustainable.
To hear more about Jamie’s career transformation, listen to her interview on the Make it Count podcast.
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If you’re ready to make a change in your career – whether you want to clarify your next step, build confidence, or take a bold leap into something new – my Career Refresh programme and 1:1 career coaching can help you get there.