Erin Gifford’s Post

🌟 Embracing the Journey: From Layoff to New Opportunity 🌟 Life can take unexpected turns, and after being laid off 2 months ago, I faced a challenging journey filled with constant applying, countless rejections, and self-doubt. It was tough to stay motivated during those moments of doubt, but I chose to view each setback as a step closer to my next opportunity. Through perseverance, self-reflection, and support from my family, friends, and LinkedIn network, I honed my skills and stayed focused on my goals. Today, I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a new position that aligns with my passion and aspirations! More details on that tomorrow. To anyone currently facing similar challenges: keep pushing forward. Every "no" teaches you valuable lessons and brings you closer to the right "yes." Surround yourself with supportive people, and never lose sight of the end goal. Here’s to new beginnings! 🚀

"My Journey: From Failure to Learning It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that my business, Rashiv Fashions, didn't work out as planned. I had left my corporate job in 2017 to pursue my dream, combining my grandfather and grandmother's names to create something truly special. But, despite my best efforts, it seemed like I had failed. Covid-19 hit, and I was left with nothing to do. I felt lost and defeated. But, I didn't give up. I started a new job in a new industry - real estate. And, that's when it hit me. My business wasn't a failure; it was an experience. A valuable learning curve that taught me so much. Joining the real estate industry has been a game-changer. It's taught me new skills, introduced me to new people, and shown me a new perspective on business. And, with each passing day, I realize that my business venture was not a mistake. It was a stepping stone to where I am today. I'm proud of myself for taking the risk, for believing in myself, and for not giving up. I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the experiences gained. And, I'm excited for what's next."

After a well-deserved break even if I do say so myself, it's time to get back in the game! As I consider my next career move, I'm reminded of the importance of learning from past experiences. When evaluating potential opportunities, there are a few key factors that I have taken into consideration. First and foremost, I need to know that the company is stable and trustworthy. Without a solid foundation, it's impossible to build a successful career. Additionally, I look for organizations with a clear strategy in place. It's important to know that I'll be working towards a common goal with my team. Of course, the product or services offered by the company also plays a critical role in my decision-making process. I want to be sure that I'm joining a team with a product / service that's ready to take the market by storm. Finally, I need to evaluate the senior leadership team. Are they competent and capable of delivering against the strategy? Will they support me in my role and help me succeed? With all of these factors in mind, I'm happy to say that I've found my next opportunity! I've ticked off all the boxes on my list and am excited to see where this new adventure takes me. Stay tuned for updates!

It is amazing to watch adult children fly... and this son of ours is flying high! I use the phrase, "Grab the popcorn" when good stuff is happening in their lives. And good stuff is happening with John Linford! 🎉 I love being John's mom, and! it is a blast to be peers with him in the business world learning with and from him. This man is going places and so is Deckability! Grab the popcorn! 🍿 and if you are in the business of needing what they do: --> deep-dive analysis --> strategic alignment --> brand articulation --> laser-focused messaging (decks & more) grab your spot in line before the wait list gets too long (and their prices go up)!

Sharing in the event you're in need. Top tier talent. If you worked with me you know I am only sharing because I know results will matter and they will be here with Arti's focus on excellence. Her and I go way back so ring me or her to get connected. Her Focuses: Experience Design, Customer Experience, Product Management or Product Strategy

After 25 years I’m moving on to new and more adventures.

Excited to Begin a New Chapter in My Career! After a meaningful journey of exploration and reflection, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined the Mariani Group! This opportunity marks the next step in my professional journey, and I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to the incredible work being done by the premier landscaping company in the industry. Reflecting on my job search, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons that I’d like to share: Your network is everything- When I shared my career update earlier this year, I was humbled and overwhelmed by the response from my network. The connections, advice, and introductions I received were invaluable, leading to enlightening conversations and opportunities. While not all were the right fit, they ultimately guided me to this exciting new role at Mariani, John Barbato, Thank You! The job market is evolving- Navigating the open market presented its challenges. I found that many organizations were uncertain whether they needed a manager or a leader—two distinct roles with different impacts. Additionally, I observed a heavy focus on hard skills during interviews, often overlooking the vital importance of soft skills in leadership. This process has room for improvement, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this. Ageism is real but not insurmountable- As a candidate over 50, I encountered challenges. However, perseverance, authenticity, and a strong professional foundation helped transform potential roadblocks into manageable speed bumps. Communication needs improvement- One of the most frustrating aspects of the open market was the lack of clarity and follow-through during the hiring process. Interestingly, this was not an issue in conversations facilitated by my network, where communication was clear and concise. This experience underscores the value of strong connections. Ultimately, this journey reinforced the importance of building a solid reputation and nurturing genuine relationships. I’m immensely grateful for the support of my peers, mentors, and colleagues throughout this process—your encouragement and guidance have been invaluable. To anyone navigating their own career journey: your network, persistence, and adaptability will be your greatest assets. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting work ahead at Mariani! 🌱✨

New milestone to my career path.

Starting a new role

Since graduating from SUNY Oswego at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, I embarked on a journey I never imagined—into the trucking industry. Like many graduates during that challenging time, opportunities in my field were scarce, and I decided to step into a career I had never considered. At first, it was daunting, but over the past four years, I’ve come to see this decision as one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Through the highways and byways of this country, I’ve met extraordinary people and discovered communities I once misunderstood due to stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Traveling to places like Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana—places I once feared—has expanded my perspective, taught me empathy, and reinforced my belief in the shared humanity that connects us all. This journey has been more than a job; it’s been a lesson in resilience, understanding, and breaking free from the narratives that divide us. The trucking industry has shown me that everyone, no matter their background or where they’re from, shares the same hopes for peace, respect, and connection. As I look to the future, I’m excited to take the skills I’ve learned—adaptability, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for diversity—and apply them to new challenges. If we can all move beyond fear and embrace each other’s humanity, I truly believe we can build something beautiful together. I’m ready for my next chapter, eager to contribute, grow, and bring these values to a new role.