Polished

Recognizing the interconnectedness of our personal and professional lives is crucial. Taking proactive steps to address personal issues is vital for career success and overall well-being. Life's unexpected moments can profoundly affect us, and how we respond is critical. In 2008, the loss of my cousin Rickey struck me deeply, leaving a void that felt like losing a limb. He was more than family; he was a cornerstone of my life. The impact of his passing, and its potential influence on my career, is a story I will explore later in this book. In 2020, I faced another profound loss when my best friend Brian, whom I wrote about in Polished: A Young Professional’s Guide for Success, passed away. This loss reignited the grief I felt for Rickey and left me feeling completely disarmed. From these experiences, I learned a vital lesson: as you carve your career path, strive to pursue what fulfills you, rather than merely what is expected by others. If certain roles don’t resonate with your values or ambitions, have the courage to stand firm. However, remain adaptable to shifts in business, technology, and methodologies, finding ways to align your career aspirations with these changes. It’s essential to document your experiences and develop systems for navigating similar situations in the future. These systems, which will evolve over time, serve as your toolkit for enduring success—much like updating your technical devices with the latest software. Successful individuals often rely on established systems to replicate their achievements. In this book, I aim to show you how to leverage personal experiences to create your own systems and toolkits, enabling you to thrive amidst the challenges and changes in your career and life. The insights gained from various life aspects can be applied across different situations. In the fourth quarter of 2023, I began outlining my vision for success in 2024. I planned to publish this book, resume speaking engagements, launch a new DEI manager simulation for IBM, and facilitate global discussions on psychological safety, mental health and wellness, and allyship for women. I had crafted packages for each topic and developed a marketing strategy to generate excitement. However, on March 12, 2024, I was blindsided by a layoff notice from IBM as they decided to redirect their DEI initiatives, leaving me with 30 days to secure a new position or face departure. The news sent me reeling, filling me with questions about what I could have done differently. But layoffs occur for myriad reasons, including downsizing, budget cuts, restructuring, performance issues, automation, artificial intelligence, outsourcing, mergers, seasonal shifts, job redundancy, and economic downturns. My role at IBM was a perfect fit, and I was making significant contributions to changing leadership mindsets globally. I received recognition for my efforts when I won IBM's Culture Catalyst Award for the first quarter of 2024—an honor that had once made me wonder what it took to be acknowledged. In a twist of fate, a VP I reported to was in Europe, and I learned that I was highly regarded and sought after by various teams, even though no positions were available to bring me on board. One pivotal belief to hold onto is that everything happens for a reason and in its own perfect timing, even when it doesn’t feel right. This philosophy became evident when the content I had prepared for this book before the layoff became a real-life test of its validity in 2024. I had to apply my own advice to navigate my circumstances, ensuring that the guidance I offer is practical and effective. While your circumstances may require some customization, this book serves as a starting point to build your toolkit.