Hello Reader
Welcome to Level Up Weekly newsletter, where I leverage 19 years in Stanford tech to help emerging leaders think strategically, build influence, and execute with confidence - so you’re seen, heard and valued where it matters most.
This July, we’re focusing on how to move from chaos to clarity—whether you’re looking for your next job, aiming for a promotion, or making your mark in your legacy institution.
Each week, you’ll get practical tips on:
✅ Building networks that open doors
✅ Speaking up for your growth
✅ Leading through discomfort and ambiguity
✅ Being strategic with your energy and time
Today at a glance:
You’ll learn how mapping your energy and brand brings clarity to your next move and two quick exercises to get started.
We often think clarity will come after we start applying for jobs. But here's the thing:
Without knowing what energizes us – and how we want to show up – we risk landing in yet another role that drains us.
Even if you’re looking for a stopgap job, why not use this moment to reflect on where you truly want to go?
Question: What if a 20-minute reflection today could save you months of wasted job search energy?
Take time to map what energizes you
Most people start their job search hoping clarity will show up along the way. But the truth?
Clarity comes before momentum
If you don’t know what actually energizes you—and how you want to show up—you might land in yet another job that leaves you exhausted.
Even if you just need a stopgap job, it’s worth pausing to figure out what you really want next.
The Cost of Skipping Reflection
I’ve seen this over and over, even at the executive level.
It doesn’t matter how senior you are—if you’re unclear, you start chasing roles that are wrong for you.
And eventually, you end up asking yourself:
“How did I land here again?”
A Real Story: From Overwhelm to Intention
A senior leader came to me after a layoff, feeling totally stuck.
She said, “I feel so chaotic right now. I’m all over the place, pulled in so many directions. I don’t even know where to start.”
Sound familiar?
When we slowed down, we realized she only knew what she didn’t want—not what would actually fuel her next chapter.
She was overwhelmed by all the advice: take any interview, apply everywhere, just get back on the horse.
But blanket applications often lead to more overwhelm.
You might get a few responses, but they don’t feel aligned.
You’re left questioning yourself.
Your confidence takes a hit.
You start wondering if you’re being too picky—or worse, if you don’t even know what you want anymore.
So here’s what we did instead:
First, we mapped her energy:
- What work made her feel accomplished, even after a tough week?
- Which tasks felt like heavy lifting, even if she was good at them?
- When did she find herself in flow?
Then, we clarified her brand:
- What did she want to be known for?
- Which stories did she love telling about her past work?
- What impact did she want to have in her next team?
Her search went from chaotic to clear.
She stopped scrolling endless job boards at midnight, wondering if she was missing something.
She knew what fit and what didn’t.
Two Reflection Prompts to Map Your Next Move
Here’s what I ask every client who feels this way:
“Before you chase another title, can you get clear on what gives you energy?”
Try these two prompts today:
1. Review Your Past Jobs
Look at your last 3-5 jobs (or projects, if you’ve been consulting).
For each one, jot down:
🌱 The job title
🌱 3 things you genuinely enjoyed doing (not just what you were praised for)
🌱 3 things you dreaded or found draining
Important: Focus only on tasks, roles, and responsibilities – not people or culture. This reveals what energizes or drains you in the work itself.
2. Define Your Ideal Job
Search for a job posting that feels like your ideal role, even if it feels out of reach right now.
Ask yourself:
🌱 Which responsibilities and challenges get you curious?
🌱 What parts would you want to delegate or avoid?
🌱 Where are the real gaps you want to bridge in your next chapter?
This simple visual mapping shows what excites you, what drains you, and where you might want to go.
Why This Matters
You’ll start to see patterns:
Maybe you light up when building new teams.
Maybe your energy comes from solving tough process problems.
Maybe you crave more creativity, or prefer clear targets and KPIs.
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Don't Lead on Autopilot
Let’s name the elephant: searching for a new role almost always throws you into autopilot.
You start scanning job boards, polishing your résumé, taking every coffee chat that comes your way.
It feels like action—but it’s often just motion.
That kind of scramble can leave even smart, seasoned leaders chasing the wrong things.
A short pause to map your energy and brand cuts through the chaos.
You stop reacting and start choosing.
Because leadership isn’t about proving you’re ready.
It’s about being clear on what you want to lead next—and why.
