Penelope Barr’s Post

Hey LinkedIn fam! Sharing a bit of a candid update today, as I reflect on my journey over the past few months as both a job seeker and a PhD hopeful. For months, I've scoured both near and far, navigating the twists and turns in pursuit of opportunity. As an early career professional, this journey has felt like an odyssey, driven by my fervent desire to unleash the knowledge and skills I've acquired thus far. In today's ever-evolving landscape, the health industry demands not just technical prowess but also finesse in navigating complexities. Amidst this backdrop, one skill shines brightest: cross-disciplinary collaboration. It acts as a bridge between pharmacology, public health, and beyond, igniting innovation in tackling global health challenges. But why does this matter, you ask? 1: Impact on Health Business: Enhanced collaboration streamlines processes, accelerates solution development, and ultimately enhances health outcomes. 2: Economic Implications: Efficient healthcare systems aren't just good for health; they're good for the economy too. By reducing costs, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration becomes the linchpin for driving economic growth and sustainability. 3: Future Development and Advancement: In the face of pandemics and antimicrobial resistance, collaborative approaches are not just beneficial; they're imperative. Investing in collaboration today lays the groundwork for future advancements, ensuring we're equipped to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. So, what's the key for early career professionals like me? 🎓 Building Networks: Seek out opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. These connections are invaluable, leading to insights and collaborations that transcend boundaries. 🗣️ Communication Skills: Clear communication is the currency of collaboration. Hone your ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and precision, fostering understanding and buy-in. 🤝 Adaptability: Embrace change and welcome diverse perspectives. In a world that's constantly evolving, adaptability is the cornerstone of success.

Yes, I was shy. And it didn't help my career at all. I remember sitting in meetings, heart pounding, ideas swirling in my head, but the words never made it out. I thought staying quiet kept me safe. But in reality, it kept me small. I used to believe that if I just worked hard, someone would notice. That I didn't need to speak up to get ahead. But that belief cost me more than I could have imagined. Listen, I get it. It's not easy to go from shy to hero. For me, it started with understanding my own value. I realized that if I didn't believe in my worth, why would anyone else? The little steps I took to step out of my comfort zone got noticed by leaders - and that recognition fueled my confidence. Confidence is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about being sure of your own voice and respecting yourself. If you are feeling unseen, undervalued, and overworked, I hope you know your voice matters. The world needs to hear it and more importantly, you need to hear it. Don't let silence screw you over. Take one small step. That's all it takes to start. --- 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 if you're ready to own your career 💪 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 if you know someone who needs this reminder ♻️ 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 for my newsletter (link in bio) for more career-boosting tips 🚀

10 days in Colorado confirmed something I've always known but haven't said (typed?) aloud… City life isn’t my calling (😱). To fuel my creativity and keep my nervous system in thriving, I need nature, quiet streets, and tall things to climb. -- When working with my career coaching clients, we practice "Friction Auditing". This is the process of identifying and minimizing current sources of tension, where possible. Friction Auditing was pivotal to my own burnout recovery years ago and remains a core part of my coaching with others. Tapping back into this tool (you can use it anytime, not just when burnt out!), I'm.... 🏡 moving out of central London next month 💻 limiting laptop time to 20 hours/week, which includes 12 coaching calls. Time to buy more notebooks! 🏔️ embracing the belief that global impact doesn’t require a global hub. More on this point to come... 👀 10 days in the mountains has given me business and career guidance ideas GALORE. I cannot wait to bring them to life from slightly greener and quieter pastures 🌳 ------------------------------------------------- I’m Gabriela - The Career Wellness Coach. If you’re ready to take action on your career—especially if you’ve been stalling on applying to new jobs for this autumn—let’s chat. Link in my Featured section. (I've blocked some days to pack 😉)

Seeking feedback from this community. New insights that we have created for the users to know about themselves: 1. Who am I? This is advising the user as to what kind of person he/she is? Based on their responses, what is the number 1 role they have scored maximum in? Answer: I am more of "Director" and less of "Maker" Who is a Director: Will be explained in the report. 2. What kind of professions are aligned with the "Director" role. What interesting insights you want us to uncover? Please comment on? We are trying to solve your journey to dream roles and make enriching careers that provide value to you and society!

Version 2.0 - Warning ‼️ New ''cons'' added. 🚀 **Diving Into New Opportunities: When Your Greatest Strengths Are the Job Market’s ‘Greatest Concerns’** As I navigate the quirky tides of the job market, I’ve noticed a peculiar trend: what we proudly brand as our strengths are often amusingly catalogued as 'liabilities' by some. Let’s dissect these so-called ‘cons’ with a dash of humour: **Cons:** - **Human**: Yes, equipped with empathy, creativity, and an occasional coffee IV drip. - **47 years old**: A treasure trove of insights and wisdom—you might say I’m practically a vintage classic. - **Overqualified**: Two decades in clinical training, yet apparently, too much expertise can scare the faint-hearted. - **Fast Learner**: Adapting at the speed of light—warning: may induce vertigo. - **Passionate about clinical training**: Obsessively empowering others and pushing healthcare boundaries. How dreadful! - **Tech-Whisperer**: I translate tech jargon into human speak; I apologize for making it look too easy. - **Wide network of KOLs and healthcare professionals**: Network so vast, you’d think I was the human version of LinkedIn. - **Flexible**: Willing to support business on Mars if required—yes, I’m that accommodating. - **Interpersonal skills**: So adept at communication, it’s almost suspicious. - **Working smart**: My middle name is Efficiency; sorry for making it look effortless. - **I have my price**: Because quality isn’t on clearance. - **No BS taker**: Straight talk only; fluff belongs on pets, not in professional interactions. - **Available**: Ready to roll at a moment's notice, like a secret agent. - **Open for a challenge**: Thriving on the thrill of the next big quest. Bring it on! - **Intolerant of incompetence**: Please review my CV before we chat. I’d hate for you to miss out on what I offer because you were distracted by Instagram. - **No Time to Die Waiting**: Endless recruitment processes? No, thank you. I prefer missions possible, not endless sagas. **Pros:** - **Open to new opportunities**: Looking for a team that appreciates a good blend of experience and genuine straight-shooting. If you’re in search of talent that’s as straightforward as it is skilled, and you enjoy a touch of wry humour, let’s connect! Ready to bring a refreshing perspective to your team and elevate our collective game. #OpenToWork #JobSearch #CareerChange #Healthcare #ClinicalTraining #InnovationInHealthcare

Quiet mouths don’t get fed (but you don’t have to scream to get noticed either). Let’s be real. If I could rewind to my corporate days, there’s a laundry list of things I’d do differently: → Share bold ideas without fear of rejection. → Speak my mind without overthinking every syllable. → Actually network with people outside my tiny bubble. 😏 Instead? I was the overthinker extraordinaire. I analyzed how others perceived me to the point of paralysis. I kept quiet even when I knew the project was about to derail. And "authentic self"? Don’t get me started—that buzzword was more confusing than helpful. Oh, and my LinkedIn profile? Total ghost town. The result? I passed up opportunities. Missed chances to refine my writing, speaking, and communication skills. ...stayed in the background, making others look like geniuses. If only someone had pulled me aside and said: "Your hesitation is valid, but it’s also a sign you need support." Fast forward to now—transitioning from corporate life to being CEO of my own business—I’ve learned this: Your GENIUS thrives in three areas: 🌱 Persistent focus (a.k.a healthy obsession/fascination) 🌱Pattern recognition—to find hidden opportunities in plain sight. 🌱 Applying genius to mundane problems I will be breaking down those concepts at a workshop event held by Great Careers Network. Here’s the kicker: You don’t need to be loud or quiet. You just need to be in your element. But the problem? When your genius is misplaced in the wrong context or environment, frustration builds, potential fades, and—well—it dies with you. Tomorrow, I’ll dive into this topic. Sharing my journey, my stumbles, and what finally clicked. Am I nervous? Heck yes. But here’s the difference today is that I’m less about “what happens” and more about “what’s possible.” Hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/eRjhcQ27 #workshop #careers #professionals #networking

When it comes to career change, people think they should be able to figure it out by themselves. This is often because we’re told, “Just follow your passion - it’s as simple as that.” But this only takes one factor into account. And the employment system works against us. Very few people have been taught how to design their career at school, university or within organisations. The well meaning people around us who offer advice generally have an agenda - they don’t offer impartial advice. The consequence of this is that many people are fed-up and stuck in roles that are a poor fit and they don’t know what the first step is to get unstuck and find a best fit role. If that sounds like you it stands to reason that you seek expert guidance, as you would for financial planning, health or car maintenance. The result will be clarity on what a best fit role is for you, a road map to make it a reality, and support through the process. So, if you’re feeling fed-up and stuck in your current role, and want a solution that will take you from stuck to a best-fit role, book in for a free 15 min chat: https://bit.ly/2XXkAUi

When it comes to career change, people think they should be able to figure it out by themselves. This is often because we’re told, “Just follow your passion - it’s as simple as that.” But this only takes one factor into account. And the employment system works against us. Very few people have been taught how to design their career at school, university or within organisations. The well meaning people around us who offer advice generally have an agenda - they don’t offer impartial advice. The consequence of this is that many people are fed-up and stuck in roles that are a poor fit and they don’t know what the first step is to get unstuck and find a best fit role. If that sounds like you it stands to reason that you seek expert guidance, as you would for financial planning, health or car maintenance. The result will be clarity on what a best fit role is for you, a road map to make it a reality, and support through the process. So, if you’re feeling fed-up and stuck in your current role, and want a solution that will take you from stuck to a best-fit role, book in for a free 15 min chat: https://bit.ly/2XXkAUi

Alright...where do I start.... Number #1 I cannot thank this community enough for the resounding support I was given after my announcement almost two months ago...which is wild because SO MUCH has happened in such a short amount of time, and I really have you all to thank for the good vibes, support, conversations, inspiration, motivation, and the list goes on! I am very fortunate to have started a long-term contract role and taking the lead on some pretty important #digitaltransformation projects for the team and the org. I will name names soon😉 While I was able to land back pretty quickly, I really really feel for the folks in this market that are still on the job hunt. For those still looking and rebounding from job losses my mantra to you is; Don't listen to the naysayers, don't trust and believe the negative feedback or ghosting or rejection letters. Doors will open for you. You are meant for something better. You are not JUST going to survive, but THRIVE! You have my support. Please reach out to me if you are in my network and I will try to make introductions and offer support in however I can. Okay other quick bullet points to share: -Applying to a law school program (will go into MUCH more in-depth about that decision in other updates to come). -Thanks to my friend and former colleague Nathan Poorbaugh's tutelage I am also diving more into understanding artificial intelligence and data science principles. More interested in Responsible AI advocacy but I think we all need to upskill to keep up with the pace, whether we like it or not. Samantha Ziegel can't wait to start working with our mutual personal branding coach come next month! After all the progress you both have made, I'm excited to see how the dots connect. Whew! Sorry for the long post but as many of you know, I don't stay down for long ❤️

Today is the first day in ten years that I haven’t had a job. To say I’m out of my comfort zone would be an understatement, but that’s where the magic happens, right? I want to preface this by saying that I am very grateful that this is a choice I can make, rather than a circumstance forced upon me. I am aware that many others have not been as fortunate in recent times and understand the stress that causes. So why did I decide to leave my stable, reliable job then? I have always struggled to see where I fit in the world when it came to my career. I knew I wanted to do something which created positive environmental change but wasn’t sure how that looked in a job. I couldn’t envision myself in any logical positions when I thought about where I might be in the next five to ten years. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and do something outside of my comfort zone. As well as being the first day in ten years I haven’t had a job, today also marks the first day of ever being fully self-employed. My real passion is sustainability and communicating it in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. What I loved most about my previous roles was making the science palatable to those without a scientific background, and translating jargon filled concepts into relatable content. My new venture will help product businesses understand where to start with sustainability and how to credibly communicate their impact. But before starting this next chapter, I am closing the last one out with a holiday. This week, my husband and I are off to Ireland and the UK for a month. We are long overdue a catch-up with much of the family we haven’t seen since before Covid and are hoping to catch some sun (forever the optimist… 🤞). To follow my journey and be the first to hear about the exciting news I have in store, subscribe to my Substack. https://lnkd.in/g6967ihk Right now, I’m embracing being outside of my comfort zone and looking forward to what this new venture will bring! #careerchange #selfemployed #sustainability #communications