Are you considering making a major career change? On a recent interview on the Sales for Nerds Podcast with Reuben Swartz, he asked me how I switched from being a “Recovering CPA” to starting my own business. In my former life, I used to be an auditor, then I did mergers and acquisitions for a publishing company. I made stops trying consulting and venture capital and my last stop in finance was working for a major bank.

When my boss at that bank became CEO of the Tokyo Branch, I went out to Japan to prep his new team. I hired a coach to go with me and help me with the process. I did everything she did and then some, and I loved it! I discovered what I was meant to do. At the end of the week I told the CEO I declared to the CEO, “I can do that!” He responded, “Okay, but you still have to do all your financial tasks!” and I said “Okay!” And the rest is history.

I credit my success in the conversation because I believed in myself a I advocated for what I wanted.

Advocating for yourself in that way is definitely challenging. But what was the worse that would happen – status quo. I was already there, so there was only upside.

Making the switch from a career you’ve settled into to taking on a new role or starting your own business definitely isn’t easy. You have to believe in the possibility and you also may need to skill up.

If you feel like you need an extra push to start advancing your individual impact, check out my courses on ACPEN. There are many options to improve your skills so you can get on the career path you want or improve the path you’re already on!

To be successful in elevating yourself, there are three key traits Confidence, Clarity, and Courage. Here are three ways to build those strengths:

• Confidence. You must have confidence in your belief that you’re able and capable of making the switch. For this, check out How To Get What You Want: Persuasion & Influence
• Clarity. Clarity on what you want to do, and what that looks like for you is essential. Develop a clear vision. Check out Develop Your Professional Presence & Personal Brand: Determine and Drive How Others See You
• Courage, The courage to ask for what you want and take the risk of going after it. Look into Negotiation Know How 

All of my courses are always available. CLICK HERE to check out the ones above and more!