_{A Monthly Newsletter: September 2025}

Welcome to the September edition of my monthly newsletter! Recently I have been reflecting on the aspects of a job that might motivate us to apply. For some it is the salary or increased responsibility, for others it is the job title that carries importance, for others it may be a combination of factors but location is the priority above all else. This got me thinking though, what happens when the title (that we were so anxious to secure) no longer holds its shine and the one after that, even less. It can become overwhelming in trying to unpick what to do next. In this newsletter I break this down and share my thoughts on how this can be approached. I hope you enjoy it.

When the Title Is Not Enough Anymore: What Do You Do When the Next Role Feels Out of Reach?

I was reflecting recently on a common but tricky spot many leaders find themselves in at some point — where the next title or role just isn’t enough. You know, that moment when everything you’re supposed to do to step into a bigger role feels way outside your current strengths, and honestly, not very enjoyable. It becomes less about excitement or growth and more about pressure and obligation.

If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. But it also raises an important question: What do you do when the path ahead doesn’t feel like it fits who you are, or even what you want?

Pause and Reflect on What Really Matters

When the title doesn’t light a fire anymore, it’s time to pause and check in with yourself. What parts of your work bring you energy, satisfaction, or purpose? Are you chasing the next role because it’s the “expected” step — or because it aligns with what you truly want for your impact and growth?

Sometimes, stepping back from the external markers helps you reconnect with the internal drivers that make work meaningful.

Take Stock of Your Current Strengths and Gaps

Next, get clear on where you actually shine — and where you stumble. It’s normal (and okay) for new roles to stretch your capabilities, but if it feels like you’re working in a completely different language, that’s a signal to rethink how you grow.

Can you build stepping stones from your strengths toward what’s needed? Or would you benefit from more focused support and training before diving in?

Explore Different Paths to Success

Remember, the “next role” doesn’t always come in a neat upward step. It can be a lateral move, diving deeper into what you love, or finding ways to lead in ways that fit your style and strengths better.

What would success look like if it was measured by your joy, impact, and growth — not just titles or visible achievements?

Find Your Tribe and Get Support

Facing this kind of career crossroads alone is tough. Trusted mentors, coaches, and peers can be invaluable for honest feedback, encouragement, and perspective on options you might not have considered.

Sometimes, a fresh viewpoint is all it takes to see a path you hadn’t yet imagined.

Prioritize Wellbeing and Joy in the Journey

Most importantly, don’t lose sight of what keeps you energized beyond the job description. Whether it’s small daily wins, time away to recharge, or celebrating progress, prioritize the things that fill your tank.

Sustainable leadership happens when you bring your full self — strengths, curiosities, and humanity — to the role.

If you’re feeling the title isn’t enough and the next step feels daunting, take a breath. There are many ways forward, and they don’t all involve climbing a ladder. Give yourself permission to find the right fit — one that taps into your gifts and brings you real fulfillment.

Wishing you success in your career journey!

-Emma

 Want to dig into this more? Here are some resources that can help:

• Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
  A practical, design-thinking approach to imagining and building a career and life that fits who you are, beyond traditional ladder climbing.

• The Inner Game of Work by W. Timothy Gallwey
  Explores overcoming self-doubt and distraction to bring clarity and confidence to career and leadership challenges.

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
  Focuses on courageous leadership through vulnerability and wholeheartedness — helping you align your work with your values.

• Pivot by Jenny Blake
  Offers actionable strategies for making career shifts, especially when the path forward isn’t clear or feels uncomfortable.

Podcasts to Inspire and Guide Career and Leadership Transitions

• The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo
  Insights on mindset work, clarity, and coaching yourself through change and uncertainty.

• The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
  Practical leadership advice including navigating career growth, purpose, and managing pressure.

• HBR IdeaCast (Harvard Business Review)
  A wide variety of episodes exploring leadership, career development, and finding purpose in your work.

• The Pivot Podcast by Jenny Blake
  Conversations about intentional career changes and embracing uncertainty with curiosity.

ps. When you’re ready…..I help individuals and organizations through in-person team training, coaching, and facilitation.

Leadership Spotlight!

This month I am delighted to spotlight Stephanie Holko. Stephanie is a leader that I greatly admire and I was excited to get her insights on her own leadership journey!

Leading with Curiosity, Compassion, and Community: A Leadership Journey

Q: Could you share your career journey and the experiences that shaped you as a leader?
My career began in chemical engineering and heavy industry, where I entered the steel sector after graduating. Alongside my work, I pursued a part-time MBA in innovation and new technology—an area that ended up shaping much of my career trajectory.

Early on, I was promoted into leadership roles and quickly learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about how you show up during challenges. It’s easy to lead when things go smoothly, but true leadership shows when mistakes happen, deadlines are missed, or crisis strikes. In those moments, I found strength in creating space for people, supporting them through setbacks, and guiding teams productively.

After almost two decades in steel, I pivoted toward innovation-focused work, supporting Canadian manufacturers at Next Generation Manufacturing Canada. Later, I joined Innovation Factory, where I now not only work in the innovation space but also lead a team again—a role I missed deeply and am grateful to return to.

Q: What pivotal moments most influenced your leadership approach?
A few stand out:

• Learning from Mistakes: Early in my career, I once miscalculated a project measurement that created major issues. My leader at the time, Virginia, taught me a lifelong lesson: everyone makes mistakes—it’s how you deal with them that matters. She insisted I take responsibility, fix it with the team, and move forward. That shaped my philosophy that leadership is about character in difficult moments.

• Practicing Patience: Later, a mentor named Howard reminded me that not every problem requires immediate fixing. Sometimes, stepping back and giving situations room to breathe leads to better outcomes.

• Individualized Support: Over time I came to understand that every person on a team needs something different. A core responsibility of a leader is to tailor support, deliver clear yet caring feedback, and set people up for success.

• Leading Without Authority: I’ve also learned you don’t have to be “in charge” to lead. Leadership happens through influence, collaboration, and lifting others from within the team.

Q: What values guide your leadership?
Relationships are at the center of everything. I don’t believe in punitive leadership. Instead, I’m committed to building trust, supporting people, and helping them thrive—even through challenges. Leadership is nothing without the people you’re leading, so cultivating strong relationships is paramount.

Q: How have your experiences shaped your overall philosophy?
Working in high-pressure environments showed me that adversity can either fracture a team or bring people closer together. My role as a leader has been to rally people around a shared purpose, painting the “big picture” so everyone sees how their contributions matter.

I also believe in transparency—while leaders can’t always share everything, explaining your decision-making process and where input is welcome helps people feel included and engaged, even when answers aren’t immediate.

Q: Who have been some important mentors in your journey?
Virginia and Howard were foundational in shaping the kind of leader I strive to be. Beyond that, mentorship has come from colleagues, volunteer boards, and peers who were further along in their careers—people like Allison, Marilyn, and Sonya. Having a supportive network to call in moments of uncertainty has been invaluable. Leadership can feel lonely, but with the right community, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Q: How do you foster diversity, inclusion, and innovation on your teams?
Diversity and inclusion are built in both policy and practice—but also in the small, everyday actions. For example, in team meetings we begin by checking in personally, which creates understanding and connection beyond tasks.

Team assessments, like CliftonStrengths or Enneagram, also help. When done through a team lens, they give colleagues a shared language to appreciate differences, recognize strengths, and collaborate more effectively.

More broadly, culture is critical. At Innovation Factory, we actively create a workplace where people feel valued for the perspectives they bring, which fuels both inclusion and innovation.

Q: What advice would you share with aspiring leaders?

• Lean on others. Whatever challenge you’re facing, someone else has been through it before. Don’t stress in isolation—seek support, whether from mentors, peers, or a coach.

• Build your network early. Internal networking is valuable, but building community outside your organization is just as critical. It creates opportunities and support when you’re ready for new chapters.

• Lead authentically. There’s no single mold for effective leadership. Stay true to your values, even if you don’t look or act like everyone else at the table. If collaboration and compassion resonate with you, build systems that allow you to live those values consistently.

Q: Any final reflections?
Leadership, at its heart, is about community. When challenges feel overwhelming, don’t go it alone. Reach out, ask for help, and contribute back. Leadership grows stronger through connection.

-Thank you Stephanie, for taking the time to share your wonderful insights!

Stephanie is the Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth at the Innovation Factory. you can check her out through her LinkedIn profile here.

Leadership Course Starting Again Soon!

Thinking about enhancing your leadership skills to be ready for that next opportunity, all within a supportive setting? My course could be what you are looking for.

We will be covering the following topics:

• Leadership styles and how to leverage for situations

• Emotional intelligence - how to grow it.

• Leading through change and uncertainty

• Networking for purpose

• Building your personal brand

The logistics:

• Kick off - Wednesday, November 5th @9am

• Meeting weekly for 7 weeks between 9-10am over zoom.

• Small cohorts - maximum 8 people.

• Workbooks and material for each week.

To pre-register for the event and secure early bird pricing of $400, drop an email to the address below. Places are already filling up, so don’t miss out!

[email protected] 

Referring Someone in Your Network

It makes sense that you trust your colleagues and friends to provide great professional contacts. So, if someone in your network could use coaching and/or team training support, please introduce us!

My LinkedIn profile for sharing is here.

I’m very grateful for everyone who connects me with their colleagues and friends. Thank you!

Emma