Phil Beresford-Davis’ Post

Take the Bull by Its Horns: Forge Your Own Path Sometimes, life pushes us to the edge of our comfort zones. A string of disappointing interviews. Roles that seemed perfect on paper but turned out to be mirages. Moments where you left the room feeling like your presence was just another tick in someone else’s box. We’ve all been there—chasing opportunities that seemed preordained for someone else, or falling victim to those all-too-frequent “ghost jobs” accompanied by the equally ubiquitous ghosting recruitment company. (You know the ones—the ones too cost-constrained or lacking the perseverance to sustain meaningful dialogue with candidates. Heaven knows, if they can’t practice the vital art of interpersonal communication, how on earth can they engage in meaningful conversations with their clients? Anyway, I digress…) What if those setbacks weren’t endings, but beginnings? What if, instead of waiting for the next opportunity to present itself, you created it? Imagine building something entirely your own—a business, a project, a vision that fuels your purpose. Yes, your boss in this new venture might be tougher than any manager you’ve ever worked for (spoiler: it’s you). But the rewards? They’re yours to earn, yours to define. No limits. No quotas. No HR boxes to tick. Taking this leap isn’t easy. It demands courage, grit, and a dogged determination to bet on yourself. Yet, the value you bring—to yourself, to your family, and to everyone you inspire—is immeasurable. You hold more potential than any rejection letter, ghost job, or recruiter misstep could ever diminish. So, why not take the bull by its horns? Define your path. Take the chance to do something extraordinary—not for a company, but for yourself and those you impact. The journey won’t be smooth, but the view at the top is breathtaking. And when doubt whispers, remember these words from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Your trail awaits. Will you take the first step? At Advisory Nexus, we help businesses and individuals turn aspirations into action. Whether you’re just starting out or need guidance to refine your vision, we’re here to simplify the way you work, inspire your journey, and help you create something truly extraordinary. Let’s make your next step your best step.

It’s hard to find a job when you are the one holding yourself back. Here are three steps to get out of your own way. I spoke to three clients yesterday and each of them was making the same critical mistake in their job search. Instead of taking the actions they knew they should be taking to secure their next job They were letting their fear of failure and rejection keep them stuck. They were not following up with job leads. They were not reaching out to their network. They were not listening to their own truth about what they really wanted. They were worried about: What if I bother them? What if they don’t want to help? What if they ask about my layoff? What if I don’t know what to say? 🙋🏾♂️How many of us can relate to letting our fears, worst case thinking, and completely made up rules stop us from taking actions we know we should be taking?🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ In our sessions we discussed: 1. Reflect on your fears to think clearly. We unpacked their fears. - Where do they come from? - What makes you think that? - How do you know this will happen? - What if you make a mistake? They each recognized that their fear based thinking was a perspective. It was not the truth. And even if something went wrong they could see it was not the end of the world. We don’t want to let unclear thinking stop us from making progress. 2. Create a first draft approach to avoid perfectionism. - What would you say in your email? - How would you start the conversation? - How would you start to learn more about this new career path? Perfectionism paralyzes. In an effort to get it right we don’t make any progress. I had each one tell me how they would get started and they each were able to clearly articulate a plan of action. These are smart professionals who know what to do but their fears were stopping them. The first draft approach made it easy for them to not have to be perfect. 3. Commit to one clear action immediately. Once they articulated what they would do we identified one step to get them into action. The small step made it less overwhelming and by this point they saw the benefits of taking action versus staying stuck. 🔥If you found this post valuable share your thoughts below. If you are getting in your own way and need to get unstuck then send me a DM and let’s talk. #jobsearch #careerchange

How to fire your boss I’m sure you’re wondering, “How exactly do I fire my boss?” Well, calm down….. I’m here to answer your questions 😊. But before you rush in with “I’m done!” and leave your boss in shock, let’s break it down. Step 1: Diagnose the Wahala Is it really your boss, or is it the job itself? Ask yourself: • Is your boss the stress minister, or the entire company ? • Is it a growth problem? Maybe you’ve outgrown the role. Know the root cause of your unhappiness—it’ll help you decide your next steps. Step 2: Secure Your Backup Plan This one is crucial! Don’t fire your boss without Plan B o. In this economy? Abeg Shine your eyes well o before you say na me send you message🤲 You should first of all : • Update your CV and LinkedIn profile: Make it look like you’ve been winning awards since NYSC. Start interviewing for other jobs. Recruiters are everywhere; position yourself well on LinkedIn. • Financial backup: You can’t fire your boss with an empty bank account. Make sure you’ve saved enough money to survive the trenches of job hunting. Hunger must not humble you after firing them. • Side hustle: If Plan B no complete, find something else to manage while you plot your exit. Step 3: Add Value to Yourself If your current job is not giving what it’s supposed to give, use it as your sponsor. • Enroll in courses or certifications. • Attend networking events. (You can’t meet your next boss by sitting at home watching Big Brother highlights.) • Build your skills so that even if your boss vexes and fires you first, you’ll land on your feet. Step 4: Exit Gracefully No drama, no long story. Simply: 1. Write a polite resignation letter. 2. Say your “It’s not you, it’s me” speech. 3. Thank them for the “opportunity.” (Even if they were terrorizing you.) Leave with a smile—don’t spoil your rep in case you need a reference later.😂 If they try to beg or guilt-trip you, just smile and say, “It’s not you, it’s me.” Then leave with your head held high. Step 5: is Learn and Move On Take the lessons from this experience. A bad boss teaches you patience, boundaries, and what not to tolerate in the future. Use that wisdom to choose a better environment next time. Firing your boss isn’t about dragging them on Twitter or throwing a tantrum. It’s about taking charge of your life and moving toward better opportunities. Remember: Na who plan well dey fire boss with confidence. Ps: Are you ready to fire yours? Or do you need a Plan B first? #linkedin #wednesday

Featured Article: The Job Seeker Mindset: Embrace Rejection, Become Unstoppable In today's competitive job market, searching for employment can be a daunting and often discouraging experience. Rejection letters pile up, unanswered applications accumulate, and self-doubt begins to creep in. However, for those who are able to embrace rejection, the job search process can be transformed from a series of disappointments into a journey of growth and resilience. Adopting the right mindset is crucial, and with the right approach, job seekers can become unstoppable in their pursuit of career success. More: https://lnkd.in/gd-tsRhN #jobsearch #jobsearchtips #christian #careercounseling #christianjobs #jobconsultation #jobcareer #jobhunt #jobsearchstrategies #careeradvice #jobcoaching #jobchangers #careeradvisor #careercounselor #careers #christianposts #jobsearcharticle #jobsearch2024 #jobchange #jobsearchingtips #jobsearchjourney #careercoach #careercoachingtips #CareerBoost #CareerTransition #jobsearching #jobseekers #careerdevelopment #careerchange #careercoaching #jobinterviewtips #jobsearchmotivation

Have you been rejected recently? Then think about - Rejection as Redirection. #Rejection can feel devastating, especially when we’re attached to the idea, job, or opportunity on the other side of that “no.” But what if we chose to see each rejection as a pivot point rather than a dead end? Each “no” brings us closer to the right “yes”. When we look at rejection as an opportunity to redirect our efforts, gain insights, or refine our #goals, we start to understand that these experiences aren’t setbacks - they’re stepping stones. Every “no” teaches us something, reshaping us to be more resilient, more resourceful, and even more aligned with what we truly seek. I've heard from several people in my network who experienced this firsthand in their #careers. Many described the job hunt as far tougher than they anticipated. One of my graduates applied for over 300 jobs! Not a method I would recommend for sure. Over months, they faced rejection after rejection, often for roles that seemed like perfect fits or just a job. Each “no” was discouraging, but they shared how adopting the SWSWSWSW mindset - Some Will, Some Won't; So, What - Someone's Waiting - made a difference. They used each rejection as #motivation, refining their resumes and refining interview skills through coaching with each try. And in the end, the #persistence paid off: they landed roles that suited them even better than the jobs they initially applied for. Their “no’s” became stepping stones, leading them exactly where they needed to go.   Rejection isn’t the end; it’s often the first step toward success. What was a “no” that led to your next big opportunity? Drop a comment and share your story - it could inspire someone else to keep going. #Resilience #GrowthMindset #OvercomingRejection #GrowthMindset #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvocate

It's Okay Not to Be Okay Job search rejections can have a more profound impact than simply missing out on a specific position. From personal experience, here's a deeper look at the potential effects: Demoralisation and self-doubt: Constant rejection can chip away at your confidence and self-esteem. You might start questioning your skills, experience, and even your overall career path. Anxiety and stress: The uncertainty of the job search coupled with repeated rejections can lead to increased anxiety and stress. This can manifest in difficulty sleeping, lack of focus, and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Imposter syndrome: The feeling of being a fraud or not being qualified enough can intensify with each rejection. You might start doubting your accomplishments and question your place in your chosen field. Social comparison and isolation: Social media feeds showcasing others' career successes (especially on LinkedIn) can create a distorted reality and fuel feelings of inadequacy. You might withdraw from social interactions or feel isolated in your struggles. Reduced motivation and productivity: The constant application-rejection cycle can be draining. You might lose momentum and struggle to stay motivated to continue searching and applying. It's important to acknowledge that these are all valid responses to a challenging situation. The job search is a marathon, and taking a toll on your mental well-being is perfectly understandable. But here's the thing: you are NOT alone. Millions of qualified individuals face rejection. It doesn't diminish your value or capabilities. Here are some things I've learnt to do: Reframe rejection: View it as a learning opportunity. Analyse what might not have resonated and tailor your approach for the next application. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your progress, even if it's just a completed application or a positive interview interaction. Build your support system: Lean on friends, family, or career mentors who can offer encouragement and advice. Focus on self-care: Prioritise activities that nourish your mind and body. Rejection shouldn't define you. Remember, the right opportunity is out there. Keep your head held high and keep searching! #JobSearchStruggles #MentalHealthMatters #RejectionIsNormal #CareerGoals

Ever feel like you're your own worst enemy when it comes to job searching? You're not alone. There are often powerful "invisible barriers" holding us back from taking the leap - unhelpful thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and self-sabotaging behaviors we're not even fully aware of. For many, it starts with fixed mindset thinking - the belief that our capabilities and potential are static, rather than something we can continually grow and develop. When we view ourselves through this lens, putting ourselves out there for new roles can feel downright terrifying. Then there are the limiting beliefs we've internalized over the years - "I'm not good enough," "I don't have what it takes," "Who am I to go after that dream job?" These Greatest Hits constantly play on loop, keeping us stuck in our comfort zones. And finally, there are the self-sabotaging behaviors we fall into as a result. We procrastinate on updating our resumes. We let our networking efforts lapse. We avoid networking events entirely. All in an unconscious effort to escape the emotional discomfort of putting ourselves out there. Sound familiar? If this resonates, you're certainly not alone. But awareness is the first step. Once you understand what's really holding you back, you can start dismantling those invisible barriers. That's where we come in at the Career Transition Center. Our coaches will help you identify your personal roadblocks, replace limiting beliefs with an empowered growth mindset, and build the resilience to power through rejection and discomfort. It all starts at our free intro session on 5/22 at 7pm - 8pm come learn about our holistic approach to overcoming what's really holding you back: https://lnkd.in/eKtFyAZT Don't let those invisible barriers keep you stuck any longer. Your dream career is waiting.

Ever feel like you're your own worst enemy when it comes to job searching? You're not alone. There are often powerful "invisible barriers" holding us back from taking the leap - unhelpful thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and self-sabotaging behaviors we're not even fully aware of. For many, it starts with fixed mindset thinking - the belief that our capabilities and potential are static, rather than something we can continually grow and develop. When we view ourselves through this lens, putting ourselves out there for new roles can feel downright terrifying. Then there are the limiting beliefs we've internalized over the years - "I'm not good enough," "I don't have what it takes," "Who am I to go after that dream job?" These Greatest Hits constantly play on loop, keeping us stuck in our comfort zones. And finally, there are the self-sabotaging behaviors we fall into as a result. We procrastinate on updating our resumes. We let our networking efforts lapse. We avoid networking events entirely. All in an unconscious effort to escape the emotional discomfort of putting ourselves out there. Sound familiar? If this resonates, you're certainly not alone. But awareness is the first step. Once you understand what's really holding you back, you can start dismantling those invisible barriers. That's where we come in at the Career Transition Center. Our coaches will help you identify your personal roadblocks, replace limiting beliefs with an empowered growth mindset, and build the resilience to power through rejection and discomfort. It all starts at our free intro session on 6/3 at 11am - 12pm come learn about our holistic approach to overcoming what's really holding you back: https://lnkd.in/eKtFyAZT Don't let those invisible barriers keep you stuck any longer. Your dream career is waiting.

Stop rejecting yourself We’ve all been there — staring at that dream job listing, the one that seems tailored just for you. You begin reading the qualifications, imagining yourself in the role. But as you scroll further, that familiar inner voice starts to whisper: - Am I really qualified for this? - There’s no way they’d hire me with my experience. - I’m not good enough. Before you know it, you’re already convinced you shouldn’t apply. You self-select out of the process, convincing yourself that rejection is inevitable. But here’s the thing: the employer hasn’t rejected you. You’ve rejected yourself. While you second-guess your achievements and abilities, there are people with less education, work ethic, and intellect who are applying and getting hired. They aren’t necessarily more qualified, but they aren’t overthinking themselves into a rejection. It’s time to stop the cycle. What is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve your success or that you’ve somehow fooled people into thinking you’re more competent than you really are. Even the most successful professionals, including people at the top of their fields, face this battle. Despite accolades and achievements, they feel like impostors. Why You’re Your Worst Enemy Many of us sabotage ourselves by preemptively opting out of opportunities we’re qualified for. We overthink everything: - I don’t have 100% of the required skills. - My resume isn’t polished enough. - I don’t have experience with that particular tool or technology. These self-imposed limitations are often baseless. Research shows that men will apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women often hesitate unless they meet 100% of the criteria. This means that you might be leaving the door wide open for others who may not even match your level of expertise — but they’ve applied, and you haven’t. The Mindset Shift: Apply Anyway Stop waiting to be “ready.” The reality is, no one ever feels completely ready for their next big role. Growth comes when you stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. In fact, employers often look for potential, not perfection. When you apply for your dream job, you are not making the final decision. That’s up to the employer. Your job is to put your best foot forward. Let  them decide if you’re the right fit. The worst outcome? They say no. But imagine if they say yes. Even if you don’t get that dream job, the process of applying sharpens your skills, builds your confidence, and puts you on the radar for future opportunities. Adopt the mindset that it’s better to try and fail than to not try at all. The goal should be to make the employer reject you. Don’t take yourself out of the running before you’ve even given yourself a chance. Apply today — your future self will thank you. #CareerGrowth #ImposterSyndrome #JobSearchTips #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #CareerAdvice

Ever feel like you're your own worst enemy when it comes to job searching? You're not alone. There are often powerful "invisible barriers" holding us back from taking the leap - unhelpful thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and self-sabotaging behaviors we're not even fully aware of. For many, it starts with fixed mindset thinking - the belief that our capabilities and potential are static, rather than something we can continually grow and develop. When we view ourselves through this lens, putting ourselves out there for new roles can feel downright terrifying. Then there are the limiting beliefs we've internalized over the years - "I'm not good enough," "I don't have what it takes," "Who am I to go after that dream job?" These Greatest Hits constantly play on loop, keeping us stuck in our comfort zones. And finally, there are the self-sabotaging behaviors we fall into as a result. We procrastinate on updating our resumes. We let our networking efforts lapse. We avoid networking events entirely. All in an unconscious effort to escape the emotional discomfort of putting ourselves out there. Sound familiar? If this resonates, you're certainly not alone. But awareness is the first step. Once you understand what's really holding you back, you can start dismantling those invisible barriers. That's where we come in at the Career Transition Center. Our coaches will help you identify your personal roadblocks, replace limiting beliefs with an empowered growth mindset, and build the resilience to power through rejection and discomfort. It all starts at our free intro session on 5/13 at 11am - come learn about our holistic approach to overcoming what's really holding you back: https://lnkd.in/giMkqS6b Don't let those invisible barriers keep you stuck any longer. Your dream career is waiting.