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Mid-career professional reflecting on career strategy and future career goals for 2027

Start Positioning Your Career for 2027 Now

This summer, while you lie in that lounge chair or on the beach, possibly with sand in your toes as you gaze into the distance, will you imagine your future, your career in 2027? Think about where you are now. What do you want for your future? What do you have to offer to an…

African American woman with a thoughtful look

Who Are You When No One Is Looking?

By Brenda Goburn Smith

I recently attended a funeral. The ceremony was uplifting. I was deeply struck by the impact we have on the lives of those around us, often without even realizing it. The woman who passed away was the wife of my favorite cousin. I knew her well and recognized her talent; she was an incredibly gifted…

A man in a suit sits at a desk, hands clasped in front of his face, looking thoughtfully to the side. He has short hair, a trimmed beard, and wears a smartwatch. The background is softly blurred, creating a focused, contemplative atmosphere.

What Will Everyone Think? The Real Reason Established Professionals Fear Changing Careers.

By Brenda Goburn Smith

You’ve spent years, maybe even decades, building something real, a reputation, a track record, a professional identity that others know and respect. But now, something inside you has changed. Maybe it began with a sense of restlessness—a thought you brushed off as just a tough week. But it kept coming back. The work that once…

A woman wearing a brown blazer sits at a desk, writing in a notebook with a pen. She appears focused and thoughtful, with her head resting on one hand. An open laptop and a small potted plant are on the white desk in front of her.

Stop. Back Away from the Keyboard. Before You Update Your Resume, Know Who You Are.

By Brenda Goburn Smith

You’re staring at a blank document. Cursor blinking. You know you need to update your resume, but the words won’t come. Or worse, they come out sounding like everyone else’s resume. Generic. Forgettable. Nothing like the talented professional your colleagues know you to be. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know something: You’re…

A middle-aged man with light skin, short blonde hair, and glasses looks thoughtfully to the side. He rests his chin on his hands and wears a light blue collared shirt. The background is plain white.

You Are the CEO of Your Career

By Brenda Goburn Smith

Let’s talk about something you already know but maybe haven’t said out loud yet. If you’re waiting for your employer to map out the next step in your career, you’re going to be waiting a long time. I’m not saying this to be harsh. I’m saying it because it’s true, and pretending otherwise doesn’t serve…

A bearded man with a shaved head, wearing a dark jacket and blue watch, sits at a desk with an open laptop. He looks over his shoulder and smiles at the camera. The background shows office furniture and a glass cabinet.

If You’re 40-47, You’re Likely at the Peak of Your Career. But Are You Prepared for What’s Next?

By Brenda Goburn Smith

If you’re between 40 and 47, you’re likely in the strongest season of your career. You’ve built expertise. You’re known for something. You’ve earned a reputation. But here’s the real question: What’s your plan for the next 10–15 years of work? Even at 50, most professionals are still vibrant, capable, and contributing at a high…

A confident woman with medium-dark skin and short, dark hair gazes at the camera, resting her chin on her hand. She wears a black blazer with white trim over a white top, along with a delicate necklace and bracelet. The background is bright and softly blurred.

Is it Time to Recalibrate Your Career?

By Brenda Goburn Smith

You have a job. You show up. You do good work. You’re moving forward… right? Maybe not. Having a job and building a career that actually fits who you are now—those are two very different things. And if you’ve been operating on autopilot, convinced that simply having employment equals progress, it might be time to…

A close-up of a bearded man wearing a striped shirt, holding a white mug with both hands and sipping from it. His expression is thoughtful, and bright natural light softly blurs the background.

Are You Being Strategic Enough About Your Career?

By Brenda Goburn Smith

If you’ve ever thought, “I should be more strategic about my career,” this is your moment. Was it just yesterday? You had your cup of coffee in hand, staring into space as thoughts bounced from one to another about today’s workplace, recent organizational restructuring, how industries are evolving, the impact of AI, and what could…

A woman with long brown hair and a light sweater looks directly at the camera, slightly raising her black-rimmed glasses with one hand. She has a confident, inquisitive expression. The background is white and uncluttered.

Play the Percentages for the Best Job Search Strategy

By Brenda Goburn Smith

We’re heading into the final quarter of the year, and the job market is shifting. Companies are making tough decisions about budgets and staffing for 2026, and many are in active cost-cutting mode. If you’re considering a job search, whether proactively or because your position feels uncertain, now is the time to get serious about…