You may remember, in the new year I announced my word for 2022 was RECONNECT. While that seemed ridiculous in the height of dark Omicron January, I stuck with it.

Rewind to 2021, I focused on my own programs and groups. I launched Career Command and continued to put new four-week group options into the world. The work was energizing and my clients were seeing tremendous growth. Yet, towards the end of the year, I was hungry for partnerships, collaborations and most importantly…community.

The 2022 theme of RECONNECT prompted a shift into a new phase for my business and my life. I began my reintegration into the world with the pandemic moving toward the background.

I’ve been calling it, The 2022 Expansion Plan.

I keep asking myself…

What can I do within my business and with collaborations to expand my impact?

How can I expand my own professional growth?

How can I expand my relationships with talented women who are creating the change I want to see in organizations and in the world?

And the answers, the changes, keep showing up.

One of the most exciting of these shifts has been partnering with Chief, a private network built to drive more women into positions of power and keep them there.

I’m thrilled to share that I’m now a Chief Core Guide, facilitating groups that enable Chief members to build powerful connections that serve as their own personal and professional board of advisors. The groups are specifically designed for senior women leaders to strengthen their leadership journey, cross-pollinate ideas across industries, and affect change from the top-down.

Yes, I know. This is my wheelhouse, my mission and I’m so energized to be part of this movement.

In addition to my work with Chief and stepping back into delivering in-person leadership workshops and programs, I will continue to see clients 1:1 and move forward with this newest cohort of Career Command Four-Month Shift.

With all this expansion going on, I’ve decided this will be my last cohort of Career Command for 2022. I’ve spoken to some women who were interested in a fall group so I want to give you a heads up that I won’t be running that group given all the exciting activities of The 2022 Expansion Plan.

For this reason, I have kept registration for Career Command: Four-Month Shift open through the end of today, so if this changes your plans at all and you decide you’d like to join us, there’s still time!

You can either sign up HERE by 10pm ET this evening or feel free to reach out to me with any questions

The pandemic is becoming something we’re learning to navigate in the background of our lives.

The women in my orbit are beginning to step out of survival mode and realize…I want more from my career. I want to get to that next level in my organization. I want to walk away from that toxic culture. I want to work in a way that works for me.

Career Command was designed to help these women define who they are and what path they need to take to grow closer to their vision. Then with the support of their coach (that’s me!) and their new squad of 15 women, they take action to make their vision a reality.

You’re someone I know who could use this group program filled with other supportive women who are proactive about their careers.

But here’s the reason I know I can help you. It’s because I helped Laura tap into what she truly wanted in her career and helped her realize it was nothing like the rigid box of a vision she thought she had to settle for.

You see, when Laura started working with me, she was stuck at her job of 11 years and kept looking for THE ONE next path. She was at a very niche job and knew that she wouldn't find another version of that role. She felt really limited and stuck with her options--like there was only one way forward.

So she sought me out.

What I told Laura is the same thing I’m going to tell you. Which is that there is not ONE right path out there for you. There are MANY!

By first looking inward at your strengths, what you want to learn and the impact you want to have in your career – we can then figure out the right roles that connect to what you want and get clear on all the transferable skills that can be used to position you for those roles.

It all starts with what YOU WANT.

Yes, Laura was as shocked as you are. And it was that very thing that broke her free, allowing her to leave her job of 11 years and start a new job in a different industry.

In her own words...

“Gaining a true understanding of my superpowers and passions was instrumental to this next step - Rachel was instrumental in guiding me through that.”

If you’re feeling stuck. You don’t know what you’re good at anymore. Or you’ve lost the spark that used to light up your vision.

I can help you find your answers. Your vision. Your spark.

The Career Command Four-Month Shift will provide you with a clear career pathing framework to lead you through every step of your transition.

With Four-Month Shift you’ll get access to:

• The Career Command Process: Video training and resources to help you shift your mindset, identify your superpowers, and create a solid networking and job search strategy.

• Weekly Live Video Support Calls: Dig into the lessons and modules within the Career Command Process, share insights with your crew and get real-time feedback from me, your Career Coach, on where you may be feeling stuck (Thursdays at 12pm ET.)

• One Private 1:1 Session with me and the option to purchase additional sessions at a discounted rate of $250.

• Curated Career Pods: Connect with a group of like-minded women who will be your team, your supporters, and your accountability partners.

• Resume & LinkedIn Audit: After reviewing resources on best practices for both your resume and LinkedIn profile, our team will provide you with customized feedback on how you can optimize both to maximize your search and your personal brand.

There are only a handful of spots left for this cohort of Career Command Four-Month Shift and registration closes on Sunday, April 3rd at 10 PM ET.

Do you want to feel energized and excited by all the new opportunities in your career, like Laura?

The women who have already joined this group are talented and creative…and hungry for a change, like you. I can’t wait to see you there!

Taking control of your career starts with a seemingly simple question: What are the five non-negotiables you need to make this next role or portfolio of projects feel meaningful, successful, energizing…on your terms?

A few months ago, my client was approached for an opportunity in an adjacent industry - one that had never been on her radar. So, using the list of non-negotiables we worked on together to make sure the role ticked all her boxes, she took the interview.

She was VERY passionate about the impact she could make with this work and the growth opportunities for her career. Plus - with her newfound confidence, she negotiated a $50k pay bump from her last role. No big deal.

This is why identifying your non-negotiables is central to the Career Command Process - because it is critical to setting the tone for your next career chapter.

If you’re ready to claim what you want in a meaningful, energizing career,
I can help you...

• Find the inner clarity to understand your terms and what you want next.

• Craft the authentic words to describe you, your experience and why you’re the right fit for this energizing role.

• Take intentional action to strategically use the time you have, activate your network and go after that next role with a focused roadmap.

Let me help you take back control in your career.
Shift into finding work that works for you and the life you want to live.

Join me and your new squad of 15 driven, meaning-seeking women in my next cohort of Career Command: Four-Month Shift. Doors are now open - I’ll be sharing more widely next week so secure your spot now.

Join Career Command Now!

Plus - I have something free coming your way next week. Here’s a hint: It’s about the rules you’ve been following for your career. It’s about the way we often don’t question those rules. It’s a juicy topic that I KNOW will get you thinking and rethinking, because…it’s my job to get those wheels turning.

I’m getting back into the swing of a full work week after my kids' midwinter break. We took some time to travel to Maryland and DC to visit family–some of whom we haven’t seen the entire pandemic. We went to a museum. Ate inside restaurants. It all felt like living in the world again. Slightly more, dare I say–normal.

We took the other days to make all the doctors and life appointments we put off in the height of Omicron. In fact, today I’m writing to you from a hair salon where my 10 year old is getting half her hair dyed purple. She’s been talking about this for months and saved up money to pay for half, so we’re heading into March a little brighter and tweenier.

In between all of my parenting adventures, I’ve been working on some exciting things for all of you that are coming in March and April.

I’m so thrilled to be opening up the registration for my next career transition group ️️ The Career Command Four-Month Shift️️– VERY SOON.

For those of you on the waitlist already - get ready, the wait is almost over! To those interested in joining this next cohort, get moving - I’ll be opening registration to the waitlist ONLY the week of March 7th. Check it out!

I will intentionally be keeping this group small at only 15 women so I can give everyone in our community all the coachy TLC they need to get over their career hurdles and step into big 2022 changes.

If you’d like to learn more and join the waitlist, commit to your own big career moves–and sign up here: rachelbgarrett.com/career-command

Also, you may remember, I’ve been journaling up a storm every morning since December. I’ve been loving this practice because it’s been helping me take time to answer some questions I have about directions for my business and truly…my life. It’s also breaking through some of that stagnant, depleted…bored pandemic energy. It’s freshening up my creativity which is a fun turn of events!

So, I decided to create something new and free and fun for you to do the same. The week of March 14, I’ll be sharing a 5-Day Journaling Sprint where you can begin to reflect on what is and isn’t working in your career. More on that very soon!

OK, back to purple tips and supervising (LOUD) teen sleepovers,
Rachel

Last week, my ten year old daughter, Roxanne, came home from school with an assignment that honored the 100th Day of School. I know, how did we get here so fast?

The assignment: Make a list of 100 things that bring you joy.

While we’re usually pretty hands-off when it comes to homework, the whole family jumped in and made this our evening activity.

Especially our older daughter, Jane, who has always been driven by her sense of wonder.

This exercise lit a fire in her that tapped into her innate joie de vivre.

For the next hour, she shared a steady stream of hundreds of things, moments, and ideas that brought her joy.

“Taking long walks in the park.

Jasmine rice

Getting presents.

Giving presents!

Using your parents’ logic against them.

When someone has the reaction you were hoping for.

Boggle! And not just because I always win.

When someone smiles at you.”

Then, with perfect comedic timing, Roxanne added: “Making a list of 100 things that bring you joy!”

It made our evening and our week.

It reminded us how much joy we can find in our lives in the smallest of moments. If we’re present. If we’re open. If we allow ourselves to savor life’s Boggle-sized gems.

I encourage you to make this list. With a partner, your family, with friends, or on your own.

Keep it handy. Read it when you remember. Add things to it often. And feel the joy again.

I hope you added a little extra joy or sweetness to your day yesterday. While I don’t go for grand gestures on gifts for my people, I do spend my time and creative energy on writing just the right words for each of their unique love notes. 

And as many of you know, that’s exactly how I honor my own desires for my business and my career. I write a love letter. I let those desires live outside of my head and my heart. 

I know many of you feel stuck. Like you want something new, but you don’t know what it is. Like you don’t even know where to start to figure it out. 

Well, here’s where you can begin. 

Honor what you want by sending your career desires some love. 

Talk to that part of you that is hungry for more meaning in your work. 

Talk to the part that wants to learn. 

Talk to the part of you who wants time and space to talk to this part of you. 

She is waiting for you. She has more to say than you are expecting she will. 

Sending career love and mojo your way,

Rachel

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

I’m excited to share that I’ve brought two of my most powerful career transition offerings together into one transformational private coaching program.

My 1:1 Career Transition Private Coaching now includes access to my Career Command Process Online Framework. 

The Career Command Process Online Framework offers anytime access to my career pathing and job search method with videos, worksheets and resources. These tools will help you find clarity in what you want next, powerfully position yourself with the right words and then give you a strategy to go out and get the role you want that’s on your terms. 

This private 1:1 career coaching package includes:

✅ Six 60-minute virtual sessions with me - your coach, motivator, and biggest fan

✅ Access to The Career Command Process - 10+ Modules of my signature career pathing process, supported by videos, worksheets, and resources

✅ Feedback on your narrative, positioning and elevator pitch

✅ Email accountability and support

✅ Resume and LinkedIn Audit

Here’s a way to learn more and sign up. I can’t wait to work with you! 

http://www.rachelbgarrett.com/coaching

Every January and February, I work with clients to assess their current situation.
I ask the question, “How’s work working for you?”

The gut response is often…”I’m not sure...”

So we get more specific by answering the following questions - allowing my clients to get honest with themselves about what’s working, what’s not, and what actions they need to take next.

Growth:

1. Have you identified what you’d like to learn in your role?

2. And/or what would you like to learn in your career in general in the next year?

3. Are you on track to take on projects, attend workshops or participate in programs to help you get there?

4. What are your biggest obstacles to going after the growth you want?

5. What are you doing about those obstacles?

Energy:

1. What percentage of the time in your role are you feeling sparky, fully alive, in flow?

2. What are those things that make you feel sparky in your role?

3. Is there a way to do more of them or spend more time on them?

4. What are the things that are currently draining you in your role?

5. Is there a way to do less of them?

6. What would your work feel like if you could do more of the sparky things and less of draining tasks?

Life Fit:

1. Is your work aligned with your values?

2. What are your top life priorities right now? (Money you need to make, flexibility you need, etc.)?

3. Is your work in sync with your priorities?

4. Are you able to spend time with family and friends?

5. Do you have time for creative projects or the things that bring you joy?

Set aside some uninterrupted time to reflect on your own answers. And then, without judging any past decisions or current desires, ask yourself - how’s it really going? What grade would you give your current work situation? And if it’s a C or below…what do you want to do next?

Reach out to me at rachel@rachelbgarrett.com let me know what showed up for you and where you want to go from here!

Goodbye, January 2022!

I haven’t been this happy to release a month since March of 2020. 

Emotions ran high. PTSD from early pandemic days loomed large. Decisions became impossible to make, to get right and to stand by. 

I drew my energy and my peace from my new daily writing practice (I passed my one month anniversary!), my work helping more women identify and claim their career desires (we just wrapped an exciting 4-week group program), our family Wordle competition (That somehow my 10-year old is winning. I want 10-year old neural pathways!) and of course, you know me…my podcast addiction. 

Here’s a round up of podcast episodes that are giving me the tools and the inspiration to keep moving forward and doing my best despite the big expectations I had for 2022. 

The Happiness Lab: Stepping Off the Path of Anxiety
https://www.happinesslab.fm/2022-new-year-mini-season/stepping-off-the-path-of-anxiety

First of all, I recommend the entire 2022 mini season that dives into the tougher emotions we don’t like to recognize or talk about like anger, anxiety, grief. In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos talks with Psychotherapist and meditation teacher Andrea Wachter about tools to acknowledge and quiet anxiety. Have a notebook handy for this one. I listened to it twice! 

On Being: Pico Iyer and Elizabeth Gilbert - The Future of Hope 3
https://onbeing.org/programs/pico-iyer-and-elizabeth-gilbert-the-future-of-hope-3/
This is part of a 4-part series of conversations around hope and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Having experienced the loss of her partner, Raya Elias, in 2018 Liz Gilbert connects lessons of surrender she learned from this loss to similar insights during the pandemic. I always find wisdom in Liz’s vulnerable observations and clear words that capture our humanity. 

Dare to Lead: The Great Awkward
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/the-great-awkward/

Brené always knows how to name the things none of us want to say. She and her sister Barrett discuss what “going back to the office” will look like and how inevitably it will be different than it ever was and we should expect it to be awkward AF. 

PS. This was the last episode Brené released before announcing she would hold off on releasing episodes until further notice. While she didn’t say it, this is clearly in response to Spotify continuing to give a platform to Joe Rogan and others who are spreading misinformation. Way to use your expertise and power to make change and stand in your values, Brené! 

CYG: Grief Companionship

https://www.callyourgirlfriend.com/episodes/2021/10/29/grief-companionship

This conversation is from the fall of 2021, but I thought it was so relevant as so many people are grieving both the people they lost in the past two years and also all of the things we’ve missed out on because of this damn pandemic. We have so little language and conversation around grief and this episode provides really practical things you can do for your people who are suffering alone right now. 

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Wordle is a daily dose of delight, despair, and sometimes smugness

https://www.npr.org/2022/01/24/1075352735/wordle-is-a-daily-dose-of-delight-despair-and-sometimes-smugness

For those of you who didn’t think you could create a new daily habit…you were wrong! If you’re like me and you haven’t missed a day since you started playing…I see you. This is some Worldle Nerdery that will make you smile all the way through. 

Enjoy this list and let me know some other favorites of yours that are getting you through! 

Quietly listening and wordling,

Rachel