Redirecting.work
Amy Wilson
Redefining Success on Her Own Terms
I met Amy while doing ROI and value engineering work for PeopleSoft. Our paths didn’t cross a lot as she was in product and I mostly worked with marketing and strategy people. But she’s in one of my book clubs, and we’d connect from time to time over the years. Most recently, as she left her role at SAP, I realized that she would be doing a significant pivot, coming out of corporate work. Plus, over the years, her LinkedIn posts were always so incredibly thoughtful that I just wanted to talk with her.
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The Catalyst for Change
Amy's focus on building financial freedom allowed her to reconsider keeping a traditional corporate role. Her mission to be a role model for aspiring women leaders kept her going
for years as a tech executive. However, now she is pursuing her mission on her terms.
A New Direction
Amy's new direction, after spending some time traveling, relaxing, and as a "Chief Exploration Officer", is to assemble a portfolio career based on her passions and interests. Namely, to continue supporting women and underrepresented groups, being a role model, and leading a better way to lead, work and live.
Living below her means has given her the financial freedom to pursue meaningful opportunities without the pressure of earning more money.
Advice for Successful Pivots
Amy's journey offers valuable advice for those considering a career pivot:
1. Craft Your Identity: "Craft in your own head your identity, values, what you care about, what you do," Amy advises. Specifically, craft your identity outside of your specific job or company. Understanding who you are and what you stand for is crucial for navigating career changes.
2. Financial Stability: "Solid financials are critical to have a sense of not being beholden and not feeling desperate," she emphasizes. Living below your means provides the freedom to make career moves based on passion rather than necessity.
3. Be Loyal to People, Not Companies: "Being loyal to a company does not make sense. Being loyal to people does," she says. Relationships matter more than corporate loyalty.
4. Maintain Independence: Amy's experiences taught her never to let her identity be dictated by a role or a corporation. "Never let my identity be dictated by a role or a corporation," she asserts. This independence has given her the strength to pivot confidently.
5. Embrace Change and Take Risks: Amy's courage to leave secure positions and pursue new challenges has been a hallmark of her career.
Conclusion
Amy's story is a powerful example of redefining success on one's own terms. Her journey from a high-powered corporate executive to a portfolio careerist reflects a deep commitment to personal values and a desire to make a meaningful impact with financial independence as a core foundation. By crafting her identity, maintaining financial stability, and focusing on relationships, Amy has created a fulfilling and purpose-driven career. Her advice to others considering a pivot is clear: know yourself, stay financially secure, and be loyal to the people who matter. Amy's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of joy and meaning in work and life.