Level Up or Pivot? Navigating Career Changes

Brown Girl Trending

Summary

In this conversation, Meera and Sara discuss their experiences in the corporate world and the importance of finding fulfillment in your career. They talk about the challenges they faced, including being undervalued and facing gender bias. Sara shares her transition from a successful corporate career to a role in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) that gave her a sense of purpose. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, learning, earning, and finding passion in your work. They also discuss the need for support, mentorship, and open communication in navigating career transitions.

Takeaways

• Finding fulfillment in your career is important for overall satisfaction and happiness.

• Challenges in the corporate world, such as being undervalued and facing gender bias, can be overcome with determination and support.

• Self-reflection and learning are key in identifying your career aspirations and making successful transitions.

• Earning enough to sustain your desired lifestyle is important, but it's also crucial to find passion and purpose in your work.

• Seeking support, mentorship, and open communication can help navigate career transitions and overcome obstacles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shared Frustrations

02:39 Transitioning to a Career Aligned with Values

04:57 Starting a Women's Group in a Corporate Setting

09:04 The Importance of DEI and Overcoming Challenges

12:37 Challenging Power Dynamics in the Workplace

15:35 Intro and Discussion on Toxic Work Environments

24:13 Self-Reflection in Career Transitions

26:22 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Career Transition

30:41 Networking and Seeking Guidance in Career Transitions

34:22 Dealing with Emotions and Fears in a Career Transition

ABOUT MEERA HARDIN

Meet Meera, a seasoned professional and passionate advocate for women's empowerment and career success. As an immigrant who has faced her share of career setbacks, Meera's journey to the top has ignited a profound sense of purpose within her. However, her story is not just one of personal triumph—it's also about giving back.

Driven by the challenges and hardships she has overcome, Meera is determined to ensure that others do not have to endure the same struggles. This conviction fuels her mission to empower others to achieve their goals with confidence and speed. Meera's life is a testament to her unyielding spirit and her commitment to making a lasting impact on those around her. Tune in to learn more about Meera's transformative journey and her dedication to helping women thrive in their careers.

Connect with Meera:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/browngirltrending

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@browngirltrending

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@browngirltrending

Website: https://www.browngirltrending.com

ABOUT SARA AXELBAUM

Sara Axelbaum is the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and an Executive Sponsor at a major media company. In this role, Sara leads a global team dedicated to making inclusion a core value of the company and fostering a sense of belonging for every employee, both present and future. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Sara was named a Top 100 DEI Professional by OnCon and honored as one of the Top Women in Media & Ad Tech as a DEI Champion in 2022. Her work in DEI has also been acknowledged with an honorable mention from the Ragan Awards for Wellness in 2023 and as a finalist at SXSW.

Before joining her current company, Sara served in a dual role as the SVP of Client Services for the Digital Advertising team and as the Executive Partner for Diversity and Inclusion at a major broadcast network. She pioneered the creation of Women@21CF New York, an Employee Resource Group, and helped launch other ERGs across the East Coast offices.

In addition to her professional achievements, Sara is an entrepreneur, an avid crocheter, a theater enthusiast, and a food-loving mom to two joyful little kids.

Connect with Sara:

https://www.instagram.com/axelbaumchickabaumbaum/