This article is a part of our monthly Women Evolve(d): How She Did It Series
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 career journeys! This month, we're proud to feature Katie Fogarty who fully embodies the spirit of reinvention.
Katie runs a personal rebranding group and career communications company called The Reboot Group, where she teaches clients tell better brand stories. She is able to help others grow their brand and transform their identities in the professional world.
Katie also recently started a new podcast! Read our interview and gain from her insight.
Current occupation/pursuit/passion?
Career coach, small business owner, newly minted podcast host
What is your personal mantra, mission or manifesto?
Your professional story is your currency. Telling your story well opens doors and unlocks opportunity.
What inspired you to launch your current career/launch your business?
I am a superfan of career evolution.
I've had multiple careers and know you can too! After a 20-year-career in media, PR, and news, I recognized the need for busy professionals and small business owners to be better at telling their professional stories. Here's a reality check: the average U.S. worker changes jobs 12 times over a career.
Whoa.
To be unstoppable in your career – to move up, move on, pivot, grow, build, and scale – you need a story that works as hard as you do.
In 2014, I launched The Reboot Group to help companies and professionals grow through better career and brand stories.
Since then, I am proud to have worked with 1,500+ leaders from companies including American Express, Condé Nast, Dow Jones, FleishmanHillard, Fox News, iHeart, Mastercard, Morgan Stanley, NBC Universal, Oath, WarnerMedia and more.
My clients are leaders at amazing companies. My work ensures their professional stories are amazing too.
What is unique about returning/pivoting in midlife? Challenges & opportunities?
Since having kids, I've exited and re-entered the paid work world twice. I first relaunched when my kids were three and 6-months. And then again, when my kids were 9, 6, and 2 and I was 40. Relaunching often feels like an uphill battle. I am here from the frontlines to tell you it CAN be done. Be confident in what you offer. Re-skill to offset gaps. Volunteer strategically. Network like hell. And be realistic. Get your foot in the door, any which way you can and once you've wedged your foot in, kick that door open. And keep it open for other returners; once you've landed somewhere, offer a helping hand to the woman behind you.
Recently, I was featured as the LinkedIn expert in Mika and Ginny Brzezinski's book, "Comeback Careers: Rethink, Refresh, Reinvent Your Success at 40, 50 and Beyond." The book is chock full of fantastic advice - if you are reinventing - check it out!
What are you most passionate about right now?
My new podcast! It's A Certain Age -- a series for 50+ women. We talk career, beauty, family, money, purpose, wellness, fashion, and fun.
Super-duper proud to have gotten this podcast off the ground 35 days shy of my 51st birthday, as I meant to do it smack dab at 50. Better late than never!
The advice I wish I had given to my 20 year old self is…
This Too Shall Pass. And when I say, "This Too Shall Pass," I see it as a double-sided coin. The hard stuff - colicky newborns, making new mom friends, returning to work - will all eventually pass, will all smooth out. But so too does the good stuff. The delicious baby days, the family dinners with all your kids around the table. It will all end. Focus and be present and soak it all in. No feeling is forever.
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