Quick question: How do you stay grounded when things are uncertain and wobbly? How can you move with clarity when everything around you is changing? These are the questions that drove a recent webinar presented by the fearless Cara North, founder and chief learning consultant at The Learning Camel.
In this article, let’s unpack the key ideas and frameworks Cara shared in her session: real-world strategies for leading with intention, navigating disruption, and fueling your career growth without burning out. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, these principles will help you lead from a place of purpose, not panic.
Disruption Without Direction Is Just Noise
Disruption is everywhere: new tools, strategies, organizational change, economic uncertainty. It’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed by it. Without a clear purpose, disruption is just chaos.
The antidote is intentional disruption. That means asking three foundational questions whenever you’re faced with change or a new challenge:
- What are we trying to achieve?
- How will this impact others?
- What legacy are we building?
Framing disruption this way transforms it from noise into opportunity.
Leadership Is Fueled by Connection
Leadership is often described as a journey, but it’s not one you take alone. Meaningful relationships are essential, not just for career growth, but for resilience as well. How do you create connections that matter?
- Be present. Show up fully in meetings, conversations, and opportunities to connect.
- Be of service. Look for small ways to support others, whether that’s curating a resource, offering feedback, or just listening.
- Be memorable. Bring your authentic self to your work. You don’t need to overshare to be real, but showing up with personality builds trust.
People don’t just promote talent. They promote people they know, trust, and want to work with.
Advocating for Yourself Is Not Optional
One of the hardest skills to build—and one of the most essential—is self-advocacy. It’s tempting to believe your work will speak for itself. We’ve all heard that anecdote a thousand times, but the truth is: silence doesn’t get you promoted.
Here are three ways to start owning your value:
- Track your wins. Keep a running log of accomplishments, impact, and feedback. It’s easier to advocate when you have receipts.
- Speak up. If you led a project, say so. If you had the idea, own it. Replace “we” with “I” when appropriate.
- Negotiate without apology. Ask for what you need, whether it’s more resources, a promotion, or a new opportunity. If you don’t ask, the answer is always “no”.
Remember: You’re not being pushy. You’re being clear.
Use a Compass, Not a GPS
When navigating your career, it’s easy to follow someone else’s map. But in a disruptive world, a GPS approach—reacting to step-by-step instructions—can leave you dependent and disoriented.
Instead, think of it like a compass. Set a direction based on your values, goals, and strengths, and allow yourself to navigate creatively. A compass mindset helps you make decisions that serve your long-term vision, even when the path isn’t clear.
This shift from reactive to intentional leadership is what helps professionals thrive in fast-changing environments.
The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
Mentorship is important. But it’s only half the equation. To truly grow your career, you need both mentors and sponsors.
Mentors guide. They offer feedback, wisdom, and support.
Sponsors advocate. They say your name in rooms you’re not in and open doors to new opportunities.
While mentorship is more common, sponsorship is often what accelerates careers. Especially for underrepresented professionals, seeking and becoming a sponsor can be a powerful act of disruption in itself.
Take the Project You Didn’t Ask For
Sometimes the best opportunities come in disguise, wrapped in projects you didn’t choose. Maybe they stretch your skill set. Maybe they feel outside your comfort zone. But they often become the very things that catapult you forward.
Be willing to say yes to the unexpected. What starts as “why me?” might turn into “I’m so glad I did that.”
Keep the Flame Alive
Your passion, drive, and creativity are like a flame. To lead through disruption, you have to protect that flame, fuel it, fan it, and watch out for burnout.
Leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about knowing what matters, setting boundaries, and refusing to let your light be dimmed by the noise around you.
Shine bright, people.
If you want to dive deeper into the full discussion—including the audience Q&A, real-world examples, and more insights—you really need to watch the webinar.
Click here to learn how ELB Learning’s consulting services can help your organization lead with purpose, despite the disruption.
Disclaimer: The ideas, perspectives, and strategies shared in this article reflect the expertise of our featured speaker, Cara North. Grab her book, “Learning Expertise Design Essentials,” and be sure to follow her on LinkedIn to explore more of her insights.
View the original article and our Inspiration here