The Next Chapter Mastermind

This webinar was focused on the Next Step Mastermind, a 12-week program designed specifically for professionals currently employed in demanding roles within the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry, and looking for their next career step. Polly detailed the structure, objectives, and benefits of the program, and answered participant questions about how the mastermind can support career transitions, building confidence, and positioning for leadership roles.

Key Points:

1. Program Introduction:

   • The Next Step Mastermind is tailored for 8-10 professionals in similar roles, all currently employed and searching for new opportunities.
   • The program’s goal is to help participants manage the unique challenges of job searching while maintaining a full-time position.

2. Structure:

   • Participants are carefully grouped to ensure a balance of commonalities and diversity within the cohort.
   • The program lasts 12 weeks, including a 2-week prep period to complete the "Advancing Your Career Through a Job Search While Employed" course, followed by 10 weekly mastermind sessions.
   • The group meetings begin on September 23, 2024, and will continue until just before Thanksgiving.

3. Mastermind Format:

   • The group will meet once a week for 10 weeks. Confidentiality is a priority, ensuring that participants can discuss their job searches openly without concerns about competing interests or company overlap.
   • Participants will automatically expand their professional networks through the group.
   • Each meeting will be recorded, and Polly will provide a recap after each session.

4. Course Content and Key Strategies:

   • Polly outlined five core strategies that form the foundation of the mastermind’s success:
     1. Manage Your Mind – This is a critical skill, particularly when navigating the complexities of a job search. Staying grounded in a positive and professional mindset is vital.
     2. Favor the Future – Participants are encouraged to focus on where they want to take their careers, rather than dwelling on past experiences.
     3. Collaborate with the Humans – Networking is essential. Polly reframes this as collaboration, where participants are not just connecting but working together towards shared success.
     4. Tracking Progress – A customized tracking system will help participants stay organized and measure their success.
     5. Evaluate and Improve – Ongoing reflection is essential: what worked, what didn’t, and how can improvements be made?

5. Target Audience:

   • The program is focused on professionals seeking career advancement while employed. However, Polly is also considering developing a similar mastermind for those currently unemployed, based on interest levels.

6. Investment and Timeline:

   • The investment for the program is $1,500, which includes access to the Advancing Your Career course, mastermind meetings, and ongoing support.
   • Polly emphasized that this is an investment in both time and money that will help participants avoid the pitfalls of inconsistent job searching.
   • Applications are being reviewed, and groups will be finalized by September 9th, 2024.

Q&A Highlights:

• Confidence Building: Polly highlighted the importance of managing one’s mindset, especially for those whose confidence may have been dampened in their current roles. The mastermind will provide a supportive environment to rebuild confidence and focus on future success.
• Career Transitions: For participants seeking to pivot careers, the program will provide guidance on how to position their existing skills in new fields. Two current members of the mastermind are undergoing such transitions.
• Leadership Roles: For those aiming to move into leadership positions, the mastermind will offer support on framing messaging, building confidence, and taking targeted actions to stand out as leaders.
• Starting a Consulting Business: Polly mentioned that those seeking to branch out into consulting may benefit more from one-on-one coaching, as the mastermind is primarily designed for those pursuing corporate roles.

Polly encouraged participants to be brave in stepping outside their comfort zones and fully engage in the program. She reminded everyone that the greatest growth often happens when we move beyond the familiar, and the mastermind will offer the tools and support to make that leap.

Advance Your CPG Career through Job Search (the employed edition)—Ask Me Anything Webinar

Thanks for joining me for our recent ASK ME ANYTHING webinar.  Here's a recap of the Q&A

Navigating Uncertainty in Your Career--In an industry like Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), change is constant—whether it's acquisitions, layoffs, or strategic shifts. To stay grounded, focus on what you can control: your own performance and preparedness for future opportunities. Rather than worrying about what might happen, channel your energy into excelling in your current role and positioning yourself for advancement​​.

Balancing Career and Personal Life--Maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing career growth is challenging but achievable. The secret lies in mastering your calendar. Prioritizing tasks and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time allows you to excel in both areas. By focusing on high-impact activities, you ensure that your time is spent effectively, both at work and in your personal life​​.

Pursuing a Stretch Role--When considering a stretch role, the key is to leverage your existing skills and demonstrate how they can meet the demands of the new position. Even if you don’t tick every box on the job description, your ability to add value can set you apart. Networking remains crucial here—connect with people in the industry to bridge any experience gaps and showcase your potential​.

Networking Challenges--Networking is an ongoing process, not just a tool for job searching. It’s about building and maintaining relationships. High performance in your current role is the best networking strategy, as it naturally draws the attention of others who may later become your advocates. To expand your network, consider volunteering, joining boards, and staying active on platforms like LinkedIn​​.

Changing Industries--Transitioning to a different industry requires you to clearly communicate the value your skills bring. Often, industries are protective of their own, assuming that outsiders won’t understand their complexities. It’s your job to break down these barriers by translating your experience into the language of the new industry, and networking is essential to learning and making these connections​.

Building Confidence--Confidence isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about believing in your ability to figure things out. Competence comes with practice, but confidence is what drives you to keep trying even when you stumble. Focus on developing confidence in your capacity to learn and adapt, rather than fixating on getting everything right the first time​.

Standing Out to Employers--To stand out in a competitive job market, it’s crucial to identify what makes you unique and articulate that value to potential employers. Networking, once again, plays a key role in getting noticed. The more you can highlight your ability to execute strategic initiatives or bring fresh ideas to the table, the more likely you are to capture the attention of those making hiring decisions​​.

If you're truly ready to elevate your career, I highly encourage you to apply to the "Next Chapter Mastermind" program.

This isn’t just another course or a series of generic tips—it’s a transformative experience designed to empower you to take decisive action in your career.

Over 12 weeks, you'll be part of a select group of like-minded professionals who, like you, are determined to break through barriers and reach the next level.

In the "Next Chapter Mastermind," you'll gain direct access to personalized coaching, actionable strategies, and a network of peers who are as committed to growth as you are. Imagine having a dedicated space where you can openly discuss your challenges, receive tailored advice, and be held accountable to your goals—all while building relationships that will support you long after the program ends.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in your career, or if you’re balancing a full-time role while searching for your next big opportunity, this is the support system you’ve been waiting for.

By Thanksgiving, you can have a totally different view of your career! 

Take control of your career journey, and join us in the "Next Chapter Mastermind" to create the success you know you’re capable of. Spots are limited, so take action now to secure your place​​.

Here's what to expect:

Sept 9:   I will let you know if I have a group for you.  If so, and you want to join, make investment within 24 hours

Sept 10:  Begin learning and internalizing my Five Strategies

Sept 23:  We will meet on Mondays @ 6pm CT

Nov 25:  Final Meeting

Have questions? 

Join me this Friday, September 6, for the final Ask Me Anything Webinar  where we will dig into the program or set up a 1:1 Call HERE.

Advance Your CPG Career through Job Search the employed edition—Ask Me Anything Webinar

Thank you for registering for the recent webinar on "Looking for Another Role While You're Employed." It was a pleasure to connect with so many of you, and I hope you found the session valuable. I wanted to provide a recap of the key questions that were discussed and the guidance I provided.  

Recap of Key Questions and Answers

1. Feeling Stuck in Your Career--It's not uncommon to hit a plateau in your career. The key is to identify what aspects of your work you enjoy most and see how you can incorporate more of those into your current role. Additionally, consider opportunities outside your current company that align with these interests. It's about rediscovering what drives you and seeking roles that allow you to engage in those activities.

2. Busy but Not Productive-- It's essential to focus on strategic planning and identifying the most important activities that contribute to your success. I teach a time management system that has changed my client's relationship with their time.  In short, let go of tasks that don't add significant value, and prioritize those that do. Effective time management is about being proactive rather than reactive.

3. Pursuing a Stretch Role--Success in a stretch role requires self-awareness and strategic preparation. Even if you lack certain experience, position your existing skills as assets that can meet the demands of the new role. Always look for opportunities to grow and challenge yourself.  If you can't find it within your current company, look to other companies to value your current skills and to give you new growth opportunities.

4. Networking Challenges--Networking is more than just a job search tool—it's about building relationships. Focus on delivering top-notch performance in your current role, as this builds trust and opens doors. Additionally, use small talk to connect on a personal level with colleagues, even in a remote setting. Consider joining industry groups and attending virtual events to expand your network.

5. Overcoming Industry-Specific Barriers--Companies may have preferences, but your job is to highlight your strengths and how they can translate across categories. Networking is crucial here; meeting people within the company can help you demonstrate your value beyond what's on your resume and give you the opportunity to address the gaps in an effective way.

6. Dealing with Overqualification--If you're applying for roles where you're overqualified, address it head-on in your cover letter and interviews. Explain why you're interested in the role despite your extensive experience and how your skills can benefit the company. Frame your overqualification as a strength.

7. LinkedIn Recruiter Connections--If a job posting invites you to connect with a recruiter, take them at their word. Connecting allows you to express your interest directly and opens a line of communication. If you're serious about the role, connect with others in the company as well to increase your visibility.

8. Trending Skill Sets in CPG--In the current CPG landscape, skills in e-commerce, digital marketing, and category management are particularly in demand. There’s also a growing need for expertise in data analytics and consumer insights as companies seek to better understand and engage with their customers in a digital-first world.

9. Key Insights for Job Searchers in 2024--The biggest key to success in 2024 is leveraging human connections. While your resume and LinkedIn profile are important, your relationships and network play a crucial role in finding the right opportunities. Engage with people in your industry, seek referrals, and focus on building meaningful connections—they will significantly shorten your job search and lead to more satisfying outcomes.

Next Steps

If you're considering making a career move and want more personalized guidance, I encourage you to explore the "Next Step Mastermind" program. This 12-week program is designed specifically for professionals like you who are managing a full-time role while exploring new opportunities. You’ll gain access to a curated group of peers and receive targeted support to advance your career.

Here's the timeline:

Apply here

Sept 9:   Invitations sent to join a group—make investment within 24 hours

Sept 10:  Begin learning and internalizing my Five Strategies

Sept 23:  We will meet on Mondays @ 6pm CT

Nov 25:  Final Meeting

For more details, or if you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me directly. I'm here to support you on your career journey.

Polly Rowland |Advancing Your CPG Career through Job Search

317-362-2072 |[email protected] | Links to learn more about working with me

Advance Your CPG Career through Job Search--the employed edition

"Get Hired Quicker” Webinar

Thank you for joining us for our webinar.  I hope you found the session insightful and are now equipped with actionable strategies to accelerate your job search in the CPG industry. We believe that with the right approach, clarity, and confidence, you can achieve your career goals more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered during the webinar:

• "Be quick but don’t hurry” was a guiding principle of Coach John Wooden
  • Focus on what you can control.
  • Avoid hesitation and delays.
  • Set realistic goals; strive for quickness with control.
  • Rushing leads to mistakes; controlled quickness leads to achievement.
• Begin with your Strategy and be quick
  • Clarity: Define your unique value proposition. Understand what sets you apart and how you can bring value to potential employers.
  • Confidence: Be wiling to take imperfect action. Know that you have always figured it out.
  • Commitment: Approach your job search systematically. Focus your efforts on the higher return actions.
  • Connection: Leverage your network. Build and nurture relationships with industry leaders who can help open doors and provide valuable insights.

Action Steps:

• Identify and articulate what sets you apart in the CPG industry.
• Reach out to industry contacts, set up informational interviews, and reconnect with former colleagues.
• Focus on quality over quantity by applying to roles that align with your skills and goals.
• Create a job search schedule with daily or weekly goals (e.g., applications sent, networking calls made).

If you are ready to take your job search to the next level, consider applying for our Next Chapter Mastermind program, where you will progress your job search confidentially in a small community of other CPGers who are also looking for their next role while employed. 

Here's some details.

• Advancing Your CPG Career through Job Search Course: You will learn my proven five strategies to ensure you create the results you want!
• Group Mastermind Sessions: Collaborate with peers, share insights, and get support from a community of like-minded professionals.
• Exclusive Resources: Access to advanced templates, industry insights, and strategic tools.
• Ongoing Support: Continuous support through our community and regular check-ins to keep you on track.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Next Chapter Mastermind, Check out this link

Remember, your job search is a journey, not a race. With the right strategies, support, and mindset, you can achieve your career goals quicker and with greater confidence. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Polly Rowland |Advancing Your CPG Career through Job Search

317-362-2072 |[email protected] | Links to learn more about working with me

Get the Edge Now...

Looking for a job while you have a job is not easier!

In this webinar, I give you the reasons why it's not easier and help you address the common derailers of your success.

Be aware that the Job Search advice "out there" is not speaking to your unique situation.

I am committed to helping you find another job while you are employed.

If you are interested in the offer I made in this webinar, here's the link to apply for the my Next Chapter Mastermind.  We will start in September, and you will be ready for the First of the Year hiring surge (if you don't find something during the mastermind!)

Here's the timeline:

Apply here

Sept 9:   Invitations sent to join a group—make investment within 24 hours

Sept 10:  Begin learning and internalizing my Five Strategies

Sept 23:  We will meet on Mondays @ 6pm CT

Nov 25:  Final Meeting