A conversation with Natalie C.

Maya: Natalie I think of you as a person who has made bold moves.  What choices have you made that required thoughtful deliberation? 

Natalie: I have made several bold career moves in my lifetime.  These moves have allowed growth in my outlook on life which I believe have made me into a more evolved person.

Maya: Describe what has driven your bold career moves?

Natalie: “Faith-based guidance, prayer, opportunity, acceptance, love, humility, connections and outreach have driven the career leaps in my life, which include:

• Teaching Science to Coordinator of a Graduate Engineering Training Program;
• Coordinator of a Graduate Engineering Training Program to Not Working (relocation from DC area to Arizona);
• Not Working to Public Relations Specialist;
• Public Relations Specialist to Public Involvement Manager;
• Public Involvement Manager to Certification Acceptance Coordinator; and finally
• Certification Acceptance Coordinator to Education Advocate.

Maya: Would you say that your career choices have been fulfilling?

Natalie:  The amazing opportunities enumerated above afforded me experiences which propelled me towards a lifelong goal that was left dormant and unnoticed.  As I think back over my life and career, I subconsciously stated that I would no longer work after the age of 50 and give back in the form of a community servant/education advocate.

Maya: Did you have a plan for your career?

Natalie:  I believe nothing in life is by chance.  Our experiences whether professional or personal are all mapped out and we can decide to pursue and expand the experiences to our full potential or we can just BE.  Possibly in my latter professional experiences, I was just “being.”  I allowed the environments to dictate my actions. Although, there was career advancement and experiences that I would not have had- I subconsciously thought of the dormant plan and prayer.  As I got closer to that age requirement, the challenges lined up.  The time off increased.  The weight-gain of stress produced health issues. Relationships were challenging.  Volunteer roles were meaningless.  I was subconsciously and consciously confused about who I was and where I was going.  At the time, I believed it was an “I World.”  It was all about me and in reality, I was not the nicest person to be around.  All of this was a sign to STOP and really evaluate my life personally and professionally.

Maya: That level of self-awareness is rare.  How do you recommend leaders adopt a sense of accountability and plan ahead so they glean from acareer what they desire?

Natalie: I would suggest, if someone decides to make a career move please consider some of the following tips:

• Be honest with yourself about what YOU really want both professionally and personally;
• Develop a plan, possibly for 30 days, six months, one year, 18 months, two years etc.;
• Ensure your plan is tangible, thought provoking, meaningful and prayed over;
• Execute your plan by conveying it to those individuals that can assist in your career or personal move i.e. I see myself spearheading the … program, I am willing to sit at your feet for a year to learn from you and possibly lead my own team, I have a Master’s degree in that area and am willing to use it to advance my role at this firm in the area of… etc.;
• Deciding to move can be tricky, be willing to settle with a caveat that allows for upward mobility;
• Don’t shy away from challenges;
• Pray constantly; and last but not least
• Love.

Maya:  Now that you have become a community advocate, as you look back upon your career would you have done some things differently?

Natalie:  I would have listened more and fully vetted my ideas and concepts with management.  Additionally, I would have engaged in sidebar conversations with leaders to determine how my ideas could be executed.    I would have arranged meetings to understand management’s needs and then communicate how my ideas could fit into the long-range strategy and plans.  I gave others carte blanche to take my ideas.  I own that. I needed to learn the culture where I worked to leverage my knowledge, and to position myself for career advancement.

Ultimately, I learned not to settle with the status quo in an organization.  Your team leader should be clear about your path and expectations. Be intentional about the roles you play in the organization and what the future holds.  Ask your supervisor where the opportunities are in the organization and pursue those that align with your goals.  You should be intentional about your role in an organization and what your future is in the organization.  Ask your supervisor where the opportunities are in the organization and pursue those that align with your goals.

Maya: What lessons learned would you share with female leaders?

Natalie:  Make sure you state your objectives and goals with your leadership continuously.  Never take for granted that management knows your desire to take on challenging roles.  You should be your own advocate.

Maya: You are an inspiration to me Natalie.  Your tenacity, strength, faith, and wisdom are what draws people to you.  What inspires you?

Natalie:  The children of our future inspires me to look at life through a lens of the “future possibilities.”  The youth of today have ideas that are so different from my youthful thoughts.  These youth are anxious to put their mark on the world whether small or large. They take challenges and make lemonade.  I enjoy sitting at the feet of youth and learning how they intend on making strides for their life.  It is very “Awe Inspiring.”

Natalie Clark is a community activist and philanthropist.  I hope her words of wisdom inspire you to examine your career goals.  If they align with your expectations opt to do nothing (I certainly hope you opt to continuously refine your goals).  But if your career does not align with your vision, make the changes necessary to live an inspired life.  Thank you for taking the time to share in this leadership conversation.

Maya