Fraser Merrifield’s Post

6 things I’ve realized about jobs that I probably shouldn’t talk about on LinkedIn… [but I’m doing it anyways] 1️⃣ even a lengthy job description will not capture the whiplash of trying to keep up with each supervisors’ political agenda. 2️⃣ growth opportunities come to those who politic, not those who work harder. 3️⃣ a company that calls themselves a “family” will cross your boundaries. 4️⃣ most salaries are not reflective of the amount of labour required (especially in education). 5️⃣ innovative employees will be the celebrated pet, until they become the targeted threat. 6️⃣ in-person work is necessary to maintain a theatre of power, despite remote work being more productive. Despite the many challenges Some people love the game of a job. I did once too. In fact, I was great at it. Until I reached a point Where that job became stifling. So I quit to discover How to become my own boss. Here’s what I’ve learned: ↳ It’s possible to work less and earn more ↳ Anyone with expertise can launch a business using the internet ↳ It’s healing to choose your stress, rather than be handed it by a job ↳ You’re a business person if you value relationships with others >> what story are you telling yourself about why you need your job? What evidence do you have that it’s true? *** Hey, I’m Nat!👋 Along with my partner, Tom Schimmer, we help educators to launch their learning-based business. If you’re ready to go from crippling self-doubt to complete confidence in your value as you build your first pool of paying clients… … then the Unleash YES Bootcamp is for YOU! The fall cohort launches on Sept.14th. Send me a DM if interested.

Career advice for HR pros from 33 Chief People Officers & work experts ⬇️ 1. Try a different approach to HR (Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at Ethena) 2. Take your time (Helen Russell, Chief People Officer at Rivian) 3. Make more mistakes (Katya Laviolette, Chief People Officer at 1Password) 4. Create a leadership style portfolio (David Landman, Ph.D.) 5. Ask why (Crystal Boysen, Chief People Officer at Sprout Social) 6. Do what you love (Vanesa Cotlar, VP of People & Culture at PolicyMe) 7. Don't let ambition drive every decision (Alex Seiler) 8. Stay curious (Annie Dean, VP of Team Anywhere at Atlassian) 9. Go to bed (L. David Kingsley, Chief People Officer at Illumio) 10. Being a perfectionist is overrated (Nadia Vatalidis) 11. Assume you'll see people you're working with again in the future (Yael Irom, Head of Leadership & Professional Enablement at Tanium) 12. Do things outside of HR (Rich Jacquet, Chief People Officer at Coursera) 13. Get a hobby (Cara Brennan Allamano) 14. Run your own race (Katie Burke) 15. Be careful who you ask for advice (Christine Song, Chief People Officer at Knix) 16. It's ok to be in a supporting role (David Hanrahan, Chief People Officer at Flare) 17. Trust your core values (Sara Gorjão, Chief People Officer at tb.lx by Daimler Truck) 18. Be a multipotentialite (Kat Steinmetz) 19. Figure out what you're good at (Joris Luijke, Co-Founder at Pyn) 20. Be bold (Katherine (Kate) C Parente, Chief People Officer at Pegasystems) 21. Don’t compare yourself to others (Heidi Hauver) 22. It’s just work (Jim Bartolomea, SVP, Global Head of People, Legal, & Places at ClickUp) 23. Dream bigger (Bernard C. Coleman III, VP People at Swing Education) 24. You don’t need to have all the answers (Caitlin K., Director of People Growth at Envoy) 25. Trust the process (Lars Schmidt, Amplify Talent) 26. Bet on yourself (Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier) 27. Enjoy it (Jennifer Christie, Chief People Officer at Docusign) 28. Find balance (Tony Buffum, VP of HR Client Strategy at Upwork) 29. Travel more (Tracie Sponenberg) 30. Stick with the people who see your greatness (Amy Lavoie) 31. Be patient (Josh Bersin) 32. Embrace your authenticity (Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG) 33. Use every opportunity as an opportunity to grow (Kelly Keegan) ____ All of this & way more is free for your ears on The Modern People Leader podcast --> link in the comments to sign up for our weekly newsletter. 😊 ____ This is a document that continues to evolve over time. We will keep updating this list as more guests join us on MPL. #chiefpeopleofficer #careeradvice #podcast #HR #CHRO #humanresources #peopleleaders #peopleteams #peopleops #hrteam

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be a guest on Let's Talk Careers with Lisa Bauman. After the recording session was done (episode release date pending!!), the producer asked me what had drawn me to work for tech start ups and my own business in the past. It took a moment or two to think that through. I feel many people are excited by the risk of start ups (ha, or repelled, for that same reason). I could immediately tell him it wasn't that. I came up with two reasons: 1) Small teams and a very diverse workload. I love being able to do all kinds of things and have every day look different. That definitely happens in a start up. 2) My view of careers isn't linear. I see careers as presenting opportunities to go in all kinds of crazy, twisty directions, so going into a new role I have zero expectations that it will be 'the one that lasts forever'. Taking a job at a start up isn't risky to me when you get do exciting things and learn new skills that are going to support you to grow. And the labour market continues to show us that no industry, sector, or employer offers a guarantee of long term security. So who cares if it's a start up or an established company? It all comes back to doing work you enjoy for a company that can support you to build the work-life balance you need to be a productive, positive, and helpful human being in all areas of your life.

I’ve been observing some counterintuitive decision-making over the last couple of weeks in some people looking for new roles, new clients or a new purpose. What I know is you can’t panic and relax at the same time. We can’t be creative when we’re fearful. We have a choice, hard as it might be. Yes, it’s probably harder than it’s been for a longtime to find an ideal role or take a chance and start something new. But, our unemployment figures remain low and everyday on LinkedIn people are showcasing new roles, new succeses, new business milestones reached. I’m sure behind some of these successes is someone who got to the point where they just wanted to create some momentum and changed direction, or stopped, just before the finish line. But, tgey hung on. So, if you’re feeling like this, please take a breath and keep working towards your own safe landing. ✅ Keep going. ✅ You’ll find a new role. It might be taking a little longer but you’ll get there ✅ If you’re thinking about trying something new, do it. ✅ Times of upheaval offer opportunities. ✅ If you’ve got some twiddling-thumbs time, use that to work through what’s next, focusing on what you really want to do, while you have some space to think. 📣 I’m cheering you on. If you’re looking for support in your job search, the ProductYou Accountability Community could help And, if you’re thinking about what’s next, the upcoming ‘Career on your Terms’ Masterclasses could be for you. 🖐 Hit me up and let’s chat

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 It’s overpriced, entitled, and, in many cases, lagging in quality. Let me explain. At my agency, we offered a 50% profit-sharing deal to the right partner. The role was clear: handle 50% of the process, and you share in the upside. And we’re not talking about small projects—we’re landing £20K+ deals. This isn’t a handout; it’s an opportunity. Why do we do it? It’s part of our long-term strategy to attract top talent. Sure, we take a smaller cut, but we believe in building a team where everyone wins. But here’s the catch: the person has to prove themselves first. We start with a small, clearly defined two-week trial package. Recently, we gave a junior candidate a chance. They seemed excited at first but later claimed the workload was too much. It was a complete 180. We wanted to upskill them—give them a shot to level up. But it became clear they lacked the hunger and grit. It’s frustrating because I would have killed for this kind of opportunity a year ago when I was grinding on unpaid projects, sharpening my skills, and fighting to survive. Here’s what I’m seeing repeatedly in interviews with Western candidates: - Entitlement. - A belief that time runs on their clock, not the business owner’s. - A lack of understanding that I’m taking the risk, not them. Let me be clear: I’m happy to pay well—but not out of charity. If you bleed for my business, I’ll bleed for you. It’s a partnership, not a handout. Unfortunately, some people have an employee mindset rather than a partner mindset. That’s fine, but it won’t work here. The truth is, the talent gap is widening, and while some are coasting, others are hustling harder, learning faster, and delivering more value. To the few who are hungry, relentless, and ready to embrace challenges—keep going. You’re rare, and your time will come. To the rest? The market is shifting, and global talent pools are ready to outperform you on quality and price. The choice is yours: adapt or get left behind.

🌟 Reconnecting Through Shared Career Paths: A Tale of Client Side vs. Agency Side 📈   A few years ago, amidst the chaos of school drop-offs, I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow mom from the neighbourhood, Sonia Castiel. Our children shared a bond, and as fate would have it, we discovered a surprising connection—we both navigated the intricate world of research and insights. Who would've thought? Then, the pandemic struck, and our kids ventured off to different schools. Yet, thanks to the wonders of LinkedIn, we found each other again, reigniting a long-lost connection. Last week, we finally caught up, delving into a myriad of topics from family chatter to the heart of our professional endeavors.   Our conversation took an intriguing turn as we realized a fundamental difference in our career trajectories. Sonia, with her tenured career on the client side, offered insights into the immersive experience within specific organizations. Her unique vantage point includes being an integral part of strategic decision-making processes, utilizing insights to drive growth and innovation from within.  Across various roles, she’s had a direct impact with a steadfast long-term focus.   Personally, I've always thrived in the whirlwind of agency life—the rush of a dynamic environment fuels my passion. Delivering actionable insights and strategic recommendations to a diverse clientele has been my forte. The thrill of providing fresh perspectives and solutions as an external consultant resonates deeply with me.   Both paths—client side and agency side—offer unique opportunities for growth and impact in the realm of data and intelligence. It's essential to reflect on your strengths, aspirations, and preferred work dynamics to chart your career journey. And who knows? Never say never to exploring new avenues and embracing unexpected opportunities along the way! 😉   Now, it's your turn! Are you entrenched in the stability of client-side roles, or do you thrive in the dynamic world of agency-side ventures? Share your experiences and insights below! Let's continue our journey of learning and growth together. 🤝   #ClientSide #AgencySide #MarketResearch #Insights #GenuineConnections #CareerInsights

Many people delay the decision to leave a role, even one that hasn’t felt right for a long time. But putting off the decision, which is easy to do, is fraught with consequences. The longer you spend in a role that’s not a good fit, the more you will doubt your abilities and your employability. But you can make your dream role – a best-fit role that is energising and fulfilling - a reality. The right time to leave a role you feel stuck in is usually now. Employers hire to solve a problem in their business, and businesses face problems 12 months of the year. And the insights you need to get (1) clear on your direction, (2) the roadmap to make it a reality, and (3) the confidence to talk about it, are easily attainable. So, if  you’re feeling stuck in your role, book in for a free 15 min chat and find out what’s really possible: https://bit.ly/3ERWpfw

#TGIF #friends, #colleagues, #partners, #clients, #coaches, #mentors. What an amazing week it has been. Started, in #LasVegas, Google #GoogleNext with incredible announcements from our partners and clients about their outlook on what is coming, where they are going, and incredible shoutouts to the RE Partners team. Another thing in Vegas is the whole In-N-Out Burger thing that Valerie Kogan loves so much. Followed by a return flight to the East Coast with a stop in the country's capital, #WashingtonDC, to listen to our #possibilities from incredible c-suite stakeholders who are interested in hearing more from Alex Gikher and Valerie Kogan; how to leave the 30-year-old #outsourcing industry behind, and update the meaning of a #serviceprovider that has merit in today's world. Who would have thought? The work week is coming to an end on a very high note in #Norfolk, VA. We are lucky and fortunate to have clients who understand the need for change and how they want to be serviced. It starts with a partner who listens, invests in action, not slides, and is willing to share risk. What really made this week a week of #success is the attached video. This post would not have been posted if it hadn't been for Pavel Eksuzian. Thank you very much for letting us know why we are here. We demonstrate partnership by first being a true partner for our people and with our people for our clients. #leadership #family #womenintechnology #serviceprovider #empathyinaction #consultant #technologist #opentowork #hiring

From Launch to Profit: Your Seat Awaits This isn’t just about getting another executive job offer. It’s about leveraging the skills you’ve mastered at the highest level to build a business that delivers profit and impact. Our program is designed for executives ready to transition from the corporate world to launching and growing their own business. We’ll show you how to turn your expertise into a client-generating machine—because your skills deserve more than a desk in someone else’s office. 🚨 Seats are limited—don’t miss your chance to join a program that’s changing lives and careers. Reserve your spot now link in the first comment #BusinessLaunch #ExecutiveTransition #ConsultingBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessStrategy #CareerPivot

You'll look back in 10 years and regret the missed opportunities from today. Here are 6 actions to find and grab opportunities with both hands: 1. Build a diverse group of friends 2. Challenge conventions     3. Take different paths     4. Acquire new skills     5. Break the rules     6. Try new things     7. Go BIG! This is more than a 'Rah-Rah' list. Peripheral Thinking™ skills support each action. Take one action today! Do it again tomorrow. Make it a habit. In 10 years, you'll have fewer regrets. Heck, in 10 weeks or 10 days, you'll see results. Don't regret the opportunities that are available right now. Get to it! 𝘋𝘔 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥. Until next time... I'll be looking for you in the periphery. ====== I'm Paul. I help audiences and leaders apply new perspectives to thrive everywhere every time. 40+ years. 31 industries. 27 countries. 22K people. >$2.5B. 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀: https://lnkd.in/g_pERCUQ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀™: https://lnkd.in/g2xuMVEB 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: https://lnkd.in/gKqGFWpa #PeripheralThinking™ #BusinessInnovation #InnovativeLeaders #PeakPerformanceBooks 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦: 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢, 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘒𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘐𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥