In our previous Spotlight, we discussed How Ghost Jobs Are Haunting the Job Market – Dec #22.  If you missed that one you can read it here. This month let’s explore tips for Taking Charge of Your Career.

Leadership is all about action—making moves, solving problems, and staying ahead of the curve. But what happens when it’s your career that needs a strategic breakthrough?

Here’s a concept worth thinking about: Imagine the masterful strategy and preparation that goes into running a Formula 1 race. Every turn, every pit stop, and every acceleration is planned with precision. And yet, it’s the driver who takes the wheel and makes the split-second decisions that lead to victory.

When it comes to landing your next tech leadership role, you’re that driver. And success depends on how well you prepare and execute your race strategy. So how do you move the needle? Here are three practical tactics to get in front of hiring managers and position yourself for your next big win:

1. Build Your Personal Pit Crew: Behind every Formula 1 driver is a team of experts ensuring the car is race-ready. Your network serves the same role in your career. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers who can share insights or even make introductions. Engage with their posts on LinkedIn, set up coffee chats, and don’t shy away from asking for advice—people enjoy helping those they respect.

I wrote about this in last month’s newsletter you can  check it out here.  You have to continually nurture your professional network. 

2. Make the Qualifying Rounds Count: Before the big race, drivers compete in qualifying rounds to secure the best starting position. Your LinkedIn profile and resume are your qualifying rounds. Are they optimized to showcase your achievements and leadership story? Use clear metrics and results, like “Delivered $15M in cost savings through operational enhancements” or “Led a team of 25 engineers to launch a product now used by 10 million users worldwide.” Ensure your personal brand reflects the value you bring.

3. Take the Inside Lane: The best drivers know how to find opportunities in the tightest of spaces. Similarly, you can bypass the traditional job application process by targeting companies directly. Identify organizations that excite you and connect with decision-makers, such as CTOs or VPs of Engineering. A brief, tailored message expressing your enthusiasm and how you can contribute can be the start of a powerful conversation.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail (And What to Do Instead): As the New Year begins, many people set ambitious resolutions, much like amateur soldiers rallying with loud motivational speeches before a battle. They declare how they’ll “crush it” in 2025, diving headfirst into their goals.

But here’s the reality….

Statistics show that New Year’s resolutions tend to fade quickly for most people. Some key findings:

• 23% of adults quit their New Year’s resolutions by the end of the first week of January 10
•  88% of people who set New Year’s resolutions fail them within the first two weeks
• By the end of January, 43% of adults have abandoned their resolutions
• Only a staggering  9-12% of people feel they are successful in keeping their resolutions by the end of the year

Being a bit of a history buff, this reminds me of two opposing approaches to battle preparation.  Remember the Spartans…?

Is your job search strategy that of a professional or amateur?

On one side, you have the professionals—calm, methodical, and focused, like the Spartans who quietly donned their armor and advanced with intention. On the other side, the local amateurs—fueled by excitement and “fake courage” that quickly crumbles under pressure.

The lesson? There’s a professional way to approach change. Instead of relying on a motivational high, focus on building a sustainable strategy. Break your goals into actionable steps, prioritize consistency, and lean on your ‘Pit Crew’ to keep you accountable. It’s not about a burst of energy but about steady, deliberate progress.

You’re running a marathon.  Not a sprint.