Each month we feature inspirational women who've made it to the other side of career change. Learn how they did it and take away usable tips from their professional journeys!
Meet the wonderful Holly St. John, Director of Strategic Planning at Prudential Financial AND a Reinvention Collective alumnae!
Among her many superpowers are leadership, marketing strategy, campaign development, communication, and account & agency management.
Holly is an amazing example of successfully pivoting roles within the same industry. With over 15 years in marketing within the insurance sector, she made a leap to strategic planning and is thriving in her new role.
We're thrilled for Holly and her exciting new chapter! Read on to be inspired and find out how she did it.
What's your personal mantra, mission, or manifesto? To be fearless and true to myself!
What inspired you to launch your current career/launch your business?
Several years ago, I experienced what felt like a career crisis. I had worked for a large company for 15 years when my role was eliminated.
I was a high performer who was well-regarded. I was shaken up by the experience and my self-confidence suffered.
I quickly applied for a different role in the company and was hired but knew I needed to make a bigger change.
I joined the EvolveMe Reinvention Collective program and shortly after landed at a new company in my current role doing something completely different.
I am a work in progress and inspired by other successful women to push my boundaries, learn new things and take risks even when I am afraid or uncomfortable.
What’s one intention you have for your work this year? More discovery and self-reflection! Getting my current job was just one step on my career journey. I'm intent on figuring out what will truly make me happy.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up early and take my dog on a long walk (or what feels like a long walk - he sniffs more than he walks!) On most days, I'll follow guided meditations to help reset my thinking so that I have a more positive frame of mind and energy.
I work from home during the day, so I'm on video calls and working from my laptop. In the evenings, I might be at the gym or walking outside, cooking, learning to garden :) and volunteering.
What’s the one thing that has advanced your career in the last year?
Networking. Reaching out to new people primarily within my company but externally as well. I'm using these opportunities to get to know more people, broaden my perspective, learn about potential opportunities, and get engaged.
Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support?
My family, friends, and EvolveMe accountability group!
Favorite book, app, or podcast? I'm a podcast addict! For business inspiration and ideas, I like HBR's "IdeaCast" and "Product Thinking with Melissa Perri" (if you like product management and development) and Wondery's "This Is Actually Happening" for incredible, life-changing stories told by real people who experienced these events.
The advice I wish I had given to my 20-year-old self is… Don't be afraid to take chances!
The advice that I want to give to my 75-year-old self is... 75 is the new 55! So, what's next?
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