The Two Archetypes Holding You Back from Your Personal Pivot

As a newly minted pivot mentor, I wanted to share some observations from my recent consultations with those looking to start something new. So far, I have identified two primary “personas” who struggle to make the leap.

Type 1 : The Corporate Acrobat

This person has enjoyed a successful corporate career for decades. Now that they want to define their personal drive and build an authentic brand, the long-ingrained habit is getting in the way : the tendancy to mold themselves into whatever shape their employer requires.

You can say that they have lost their ability to build something from within without any external direction or an “order” from above. Many in this position have optimized their bodies and minds to be the ultimate, contributers within a large organization. Often, they lack personal hobbies or interests outside of occasional activities to keep fit.

Type 2 : The Multi-talented Wanderer

This person is relatively younger and understands that today a “good career” requires much more than just being a loyal employee. They are curious and experimental, from trying out new digital tools, absorbing the latest trends, getting involved in social media and witnessing their peers carving out different paths as entrepreneurs.

In fact, their challenge is the opposite of the Acrobat: they have too many passions and talents. They are frozen in front of many choices, unable to decide which spark should light the fire of their personal brand.

How I help them pivot

Do you recognize yourself in one of these two types? Well, here’s how I’d consult them.

For the Corporate Acrobats

I strip them back to their naked selves - I let them see who they really are without their job titles, appraisal sheets, and LinkedIn profiles. These personal assets will continue to be there and play a role. But there is another, even more important layer that lies beneath all that. And that must now be excavated. This digging and redefining is the focus for the first type of people.

For the Multi-talented Wanderer

We create a "talent inventory." We list every topic, skill, and passion they possess, then determine the relationships between them. I believe that one’s life is a talent competition of one’s multiple talents all vying to be expressed. Our goal is to live out all of them, but the secret lies in the order and logic: which talent do we engage with now, and which do we save for the next stage of life?

Join the journey

Does one of these personas resonate with you? If so, I urge you to explore my workbook, <My Personal Pivot>, which is designed to help both types find their footing. I am also available for 1:1 mentoring sessions to help you navigate your unique transition.