Each month we feature inspirational women who've made it to the other side of career reinvention. Learn how they did it and take away usable tips from their professional journeys!
We're thrilled to introduce Emily Lamia, Founder of Pivot Journeys. Emily's goal is to help people make smarter, more strategic decisions about their next career move using a combination of tools, exercises, and a design-thinking approach to "figuring out their career."
Emily is a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach whose work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Thrive Global, idealist.org, and Career Contessa. In 2020, she was selected as one of the most innovative career coaches by Business Insider.
And lucky for us, Emily is a Contributing Expert in EvolveMe's Reinvention Collective program for women reinventing their careers in midlife, speaking about leading with your strengths! Read on to be inspired and find out how Emily reinvented her career and helps others do the same!
What is your personal mission? My mission right now is to help people feel more engaged and energized by their work – whether that means finding work that better aligns with their strengths and interests or working more effectively with their team members in their current job.
What inspired you to launch your business? Years before I started my business – Pivot Journeys - I had run a career development association for folks working in progressive politics and just loved coaching and supporting folks navigate their next career move. I was excited to double down on that work and expand it outside of just Democratic politics, and that led me to start Pivot Journeys.
What is unique about returning/pivoting in midlife? Challenges & opportunities? I think the most challenging thing about pivoting in mid-life is sharing your transferable experience in a way that shows you can stay at the same senior level and not take a step back or down in your career. That’s why networking and an effective narrative are such huge components of a successful mid-career pivot. But for those who undertake a pivot, I’ve seen a whole new level of energy, and enthusiasm for work and life emerge because you often care less about what others think!
What’s one intention you have for your work this year? To be more intentional about what I say ‘yes’ to, and get better at saying ‘no’ – whether that’s to certain clients, opportunities, or business strategies.
What are you most passionate about right now? How to build more engaged workplaces with leaders that are authentic, intentional, vulnerable, and people-oriented.
What does a typical day look like for you? I usually start client sessions at 9 am as I’m on the west coast and many of my clients are on the east coast clients. Monday through Thursday I’m on client coaching sessions throughout the day, and in between am answering client emails with questions that come up for folks, or reviewing a draft of their updated LinkedIn profile – things like that.
I usually do one ‘sales call’ a day, meeting new people to see if there’s a good fit for the coaching they’re looking for and what I can help them with. Fridays I try to reserve for deep work where I need large chunks of time uninterrupted. The time difference often works in my favor as most of the time my calls are done by 4 or 5 pm PT!
Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support? There are a few other coaches out there who I talk with every few months. The ability to talk shop with them is invaluable. It helps me remember what I do know when I’m feeling a little imposter syndrome, and it’s super helpful when working through a challenge I’m not sure how to tackle.
Favorite book, app, or podcast? Way too many to name! My favorite books I’m constantly recommending are Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead, Oliver Burkman’s Four Thousand Weeks, Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu, Designing your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, and The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker.
You’re granted an extra hour in the day, how do you spend it? Going on a walk and calling my mom or a good friend to catch up.
The advice I wish I had given to my 20-year-old self is… Do not stress about getting a B in Constitutional Law or Geology.
The advice that I want to give to my 75-year-old self is... Do some Pilates and strength training.
Your theme song that played every time you walked in a room would be? Applause by Lady Gaga
Best career advice for other women? Why not you? Go for it.
When did you feel you got “you” back? I feel most like I’m in my sweet spot and on top of the world after a great workshop – usually in person – where I can see the nodding heads, smiles, and ‘ah ha’ moments light up people’s faces.
What’s up next? My husband and I just spent 3 weeks working and playing in London, and it was great – we want to do more of that! So I’m working on being more intentional about when and how much I work, where I decide to travel, and what other personal and professional projects I dedicate time to.