So I’m not asking, “How do I protect my current job?”

I’m asking, “What do I need to build now to make myself more valuable five years from now?”

Most people are putting off thinking about this. You have the real chance to start scheming now so you are set up for your future.

AI makes short-term career planning riskier. Stop optimizing for your next job and start building the skills, experiences, relationships and reputation you'll need several moves from now.

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Every career move should buy you something.

A job can buy you:

Skill. Experience. Credibility. Relationships. Distribution. Optionality.

If a career move isn’t giving you at least one of those, ask why you’re making it.

I did this 7 years ago when I taught myself data analytics. That set me up for a path to senior leadership at a young age.

Now, it’s time to pivot and make a new plan for the AI era.

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1. Where do you see yourself?

It’s hard to figure out what you want to do when you don’t know yet. Spending some time each quarter brainstorming is so worth it. This is what I call “career self-care.”

Here’s some questions to ask yourself to get started:

• What problems do you want to be trusted to solve?

• What decisions do you want to make?

• What rooms do you want access to?

• What do you want people to come to you for?

Write a list of the things that give you energy at work or when you’re learning vs the things that drain your energy.

At the end of this exercise, write one sentence: “In 5 years, I want to be the person companies call when they need ______.”

You deserve to find work that you love. This is just the first step.

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2. Find your Blueprint

Search on LinkedIn for 10 people who have the job you’re looking for. Review their career paths; do you still see yourself there?

Look for patterns:

• What jobs did they have before the role you want?

• What experiences keep showing up?

• Did they manage people?

• Own revenue?

• Build something?

• Work internationally?

• Develop technical expertise?

• Change functions?

• Have a graduate degree?

• Build a public reputation?

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One person's career is a story. 10 people's careers start becoming data.

Now, that you have an idea on the career path - it’s time to have some conversations.

Find people in your network to chat with or someone who can introduce you to your role model.

Ask them about the projects and experiences that taught them the most. How did they stand out among thousands of applicants?

If you were trying to get this job five years from now, what experiences would you prioritize getting today?

The lasting value in these conversations occurs when they don’t end here.

Bring my career slide template with you and email it afterwards so you are remembered.

The more you are remembered the greater likelihood your name comes up when a role opens. This is what will help you get closer to your dream career.

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3. Get your Advantage

Think about the subjects that interest you. AI gives us the ability to learn a little about a lot of subjects.

In the AI era, it’s a great time to go deep on a subject. You can be the expert.

Think about the gaps that AI can fill in this area and how you can take it further.

How can you use AI to become a leader in this space?

What unique value can you add that AI can’t? Divide your work into 3 buckets:

• AI can do this.

• AI can make me dramatically better at this.

• This still requires me to own the judgment/outcome.

If everyone in my field suddenly became 5x faster because of AI, what would separate the best person from everyone else? Go deep there.

This is your moment. Make it Count.

It is stressful to be working and planning your future in a time of so much change. On the other hand, you have an immense opportunity to change your life.

There’s no stopping AI. It’s going to alter every company.

You have the chance to decide if you’ll be affected by AI or if you’ll be leading the change.

I’m plotting how to gain my seat at the leadership table, are you?

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4. Build Proof

Knowing what you need to work on isn’t enough. You need proof that you can actually do it.

Look at the gaps you identified in your career blueprint and ask yourself:

What would make someone believe I’m ready for the next level?

If you need leadership experience, volunteer to lead a project before you have the title.

If you want to become more technical, learn the skill and find a real problem where you can use it.

If you need more executive exposure, take on work that gets presented to senior leaders.

If you want to become known for something, start sharing what you know.

If you need experience you can’t get in your current role, look for a stretch project, side project, volunteer opportunity or even your next job.

The goal isn’t to collect random accomplishments. Every move should be helping you close a gap between where you are and where you want to go.

Your career gaps aren’t your identity. They’re your to-do list.

Now, Make Your Move

You do not need to predict exactly what AI will do to your industry to start preparing for it.

You need to know where you want to go, understand what it takes to get there and start building the skills, experiences, relationships and proof that give you more options in the future.

Your career plan will change. Your dream job might change. Some of the jobs we’re planning for today might look completely different five years from now.

That’s okay.

The goal isn’t to create the perfect 15-year plan.

The goal is to make sure the moves you’re making today give you more choices tomorrow.

While everyone else is waiting to see what happens, you can start positioning yourself now.

Where you are today doesn’t define where you’re going.

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Want to actually map yours out?

Free subscribers get my career strategy. Paid subscribers get the tools I use to execute it.

Below, I’m giving paid subscribers my Career Plan Framework to work backwards from the career you want, identify the gaps in your résumé and decide what you should start building next.

Grab your résumé, LinkedIn and a blank page.

We’re playing chess.

Your Career Chessboard:

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The good news is you don’t have to.

You can change your mind whenever you want to.

I did 6 times.

I promise it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

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Here’s the 60-second summary of my 6 career pivots:

1. My first job was in operations. I would route trucks and create spreadsheets.

   1. I taught myself data analytics to get promoted and move out of this job.

2. Next up: Senior Data Analyst in Delivery

   1. I got my master’s at MIT in supply chain to rebrand.

3. I came back to the same company in Delivery, but I led product management on a high visibility team. I got to present to a VP every week and build out big ideas.

   1. Presenting to solutions to executives helped me pivot into pricing.

4. In pricing, I got to manage strategy for a billion-dollar business and work with merchandising.

   1. An adjacent group that works with merchandising is planning. I used this experience, my data analytics background, and my supply chain master’s to pivot into Director of Planning at Nike.

5. All my experiences helped me land my dream job that brought it all together: Category Merchant Manager at Amazon.

   1. I took on big projects, grew my network, and launched new programs in this role.

6. I got promoted into running a bigger business at Amazon. Then, my tech experience I gained from side projects grew and it helped convert my entire role into Product Manager.

That’s my story. Let’s build yours.

The key is to make little changes. Don’t change everything at once.

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Here’s the things you can change each time you make a career change:

1. Your location: settling into a new city takes it out of you

2. Your Industry: it’s a shift to go from selling shoes to enterprise AI packages

3. Your Function: this is the type of work that you do - pricing, product management, etc.

The fewer things you change at once, the easier your transition will be.

Stepping into your role and performing well will set you up for the next role.

When leadership looks for potential in talent planning conversations, they could care less about the type of business you own or the function you do.

The most important characteristic they look for is that they can easily find confidence that you will be successful.

You don’t want to risk your reputation as a leader by taking on too much change at once.

This isn’t just so that you will make a smooth transition into your new role.

It’s also easier for the company and the hiring manager to envision you in the role. This increases your odds of landing the dream job.

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I know you probably don’t want to hear this:

• Sometimes this means going for a similar job to the one you have now but in a better company.

• It could be taking a pivot inside your company to a completely new role.

• Maybe you’ll take a leap into a new city in your company in the same function.

This is where playing the long game comes in.

You don’t have to love your next job. You may even have to pretend to like it.

You have to scheme your baby steps to get to the job you love.

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It can be painful to wait or take jobs you hate.

Trust me, I’ve been there. Your pain is not wasted.

You need to view it as doing research.

Taking steps as you go helps confirm your interest. Take notes of what you like and don’t like in this job.

As you get closer to the dream mind, check in and see if you’re still interested. If it’s still on your mind, that’s a sign to keep going.

Learning more about the surrounding functions will also only make you better.

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You have to stay focused even when you’re in the trenches.

Here’s what you can do to stay on the right path:

• Keep having coffee chats with people currently in your dream job.

  • What to do: Ask for advice. Gain perspective. This could be your hiring manager later.

• Listen to your gut. Stay aware of the pros/cons of each job you do.

  • What to do: Keep a journal and make a list.

• Get credit for putting the time in for your future.

  • What to do: Update your resume and LinkedIn.

Sharing your story will help you gain exposure, so you can plot your next big move! Make sure you have a clear elevator pitch of what you’ve learned and where you’re going when it comes to chats and personal branding materials like your resume.

It can be overwhelming.

It can feel like you’re so far behind.

Personally, I think you’re already further ahead than you think.

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Knowing you’re ready to make a change is so much better than staying stuck.

Most people never find the courage to admit they want something bigger.

Don’t let where you’re at now keep you from getting where you want to be.

I can’t wait to see everything you will achieve. Stay in touch on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. and let me know how it goes! Leave this article a like if it was helpful.

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For my paid subscribers - Here’s the guide I use to Plan a Career Pivot:

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Now, you’re sending an executive deck and searching healthy foods that aren’t green in the same 5 minutes. It feels like multiple personality disorder, but it’s actually just motherhood.

They say something switches in your DNA during pregnancy.

I think your personality shifts too.

It has to.

How else are we supposed to survive?

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The constant switching between toddler speak and executive mindset is something no human was built for.

It feels wrong to be shapeshifting with so much intensity, but it’s what’s required of us to carry on.

• You’re negotiating a budget one minute and negotiating with a two-year-old over the blue cup the next.

• You leave a leadership meeting to answer a daycare call.

• You rehearse a presentation while cutting strawberries.

• You switch from giving performance feedback to singing “Wheels on the Bus.”

Motherhood used to mean focusing on the task at hand - raising kids, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the home. Keeping your brain in toddler or cleaning mode.

Now, it means switching between spreadsheets, cleaning, play time, and quick slack messages all within the same 30 minutes.

It makes you feel like you’re roleplaying the reality of your life.

We are the first generation to follow our dreams without giving up motherhood.

There is no roadmap for us.

My mom was a stay at home mom. Her mom was an administrative assistant - not her dream, but it made ends meet. My grandmother on my dad’s side was a stay at home mom.

Sometimes I envy the simplicity of having no choice.

I also feel guilt that they had to endure the limitations of their lives.

There’s also no chance I’d like who I was or be a remotely good mom without my dreams at work.

I also don’t want to raise a tiny human to believe giving up your dreams for your family is something that must happen. It’s not normal.

It’s inhumane that we expect women to sacrifice so much.

It’s also absurd that we expect working moms to carry on in this system of constant fight or flight, just to survive.

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No one tells you what you can expect as a Corporate Mom.

I have heard horror stories of replying to emails while at the Children’s Hospital.

The current system will not work for us.

It’s unfortunately our burden to build our own plane while flying it.

Sometimes I daydream about being a Gen Alpha parent, when hopefully all of the logistics are figured out.

In the meantime, I am paving my own way forward.

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The horrors persist and so do we.

Although the modern mom has no example to rely on, at least we have each other.

You have to find ways to become your own chief of staff, family manager, and career coach without sacrificing the most important things to you. Here’s things that help me feel like I have it together in this exact order:

1. List the most important moments you can’t afford to miss

2. Do not let anyone or anything take those moments from you.

3. Ask for help for the things that don’t matter to you.

4. Pay for help for the things you can’t ask someone to do.

5. Feel zero guilt on how you choose to survive.

I decided my non-negotiable in my son’s first year of life was a monthly birthday party. Every month on his birth date, I bought a cupcake. I had a candle. I took his photos. We celebrated and did a special activity - just me and him.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve declined a meeting over lunch to get his cupcake that day. I’ve logged off early in order to celebrate with him and worked late the day afterward to catch up. I’ve taken PTO to go absolutely nowhere, just to be with him for the day.

At first, I felt silly.

A cupcake, candle, and photoshoot every month?

Looking back, I will cherish those photos for the rest of my life.

It felt very un-executive of me to be so sentimental in these moments. I also felt the constant burden of not being “enough” as a mom. I would give myself absurd standards like, “Does it really even count if you don’t make the cupcake from scratch?”

In the end, I was able to find my middle ground that gave me what I needed.

Sometimes I catch myself checking a slack during bath time or I have to fight my urge to respond in my “mom voice” during a work conflict.

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I’ve come to accept that I will never be the perfect chameleon.

I’m more concerned about the time I will lose while switching.

Time is a thief and it is constantly pulling on you as a working mom. You have to protect your time like your life depends on it.

I will never remember the meetings I reorganized or the days I worked late to catch up. I will never forget our 12 birthday parties together.

As someone who is inherently ambitious and deeply sentimental, I pay for more help than I should. I splurge on things I could save on.

The reason it works?

I don’t fault myself for who I am or what I need.

I’m old enough to know that I will not change my personality to fit a mold.

Working motherhood is a constant shifting imperfect balance.

Take what you need. Let the rest go.

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If you enjoyed reading, please leave me a like or share this article with someone you know. Stay in touch on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

For my Paid Subscribers,

Here’s the exact systems I invest in that make my life easier as a working mom:

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When ChatGPT first came out, I thought success meant finding more things to automate.

Lately, I’ve changed my mind.

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The quality of AI's output is becoming less important than the types of problems you choose to give it.

Last week, I caught myself opening ChatGPT to summarize an article that would have taken me two minutes to read.

I stared at the prompt for a second and realized I wasn’t actually saving time anymore.

I was avoiding the work of thinking.

That was the moment I realized I had been measuring AI success the wrong way.

The goal isn’t to use AI more. The goal is to know when AI creates the biggest advantage.

Most people are obsessed with writing better prompts. I’m becoming more interested in asking better questions.

AI is getting good enough that almost anyone can generate a decent answer.

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The advantage is knowing which problems deserve AI in the first place.

Giving AI a task that doesn't improve your thinking rarely creates much advantage.

Giving AI a decision that saves you two weeks of work is.

That’s the change I’m making.

Those who learn how to use it now will gain an unfair advantage in their career. The executives of the future won't be the people who know the most about AI. They'll be the people who know where AI creates the most value.

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I built my career by learning data analytics.

I taught myself SQL, Google BigQuery, Tableau, Power BI and Python because I believed technical skills would be my biggest career advantage.

They were. Those skills helped me become a director at Nike by 26 and later break into a senior role in big tech.

But something has changed.

I’m no longer spending my career trying to become better at pulling data.

I’m spending it learning when AI creates the biggest advantage.

The goal isn’t more AI.

There’s a growing trend of treating AI like a productivity scorecard. More prompts, more models and more usage must mean you’re ahead. I don’t think that’s true.

The people who get the biggest advantage from AI won’t be the ones who use it the most. They’ll be the ones who know which problems are actually worth giving it. Every prompt should have a return on investment. If AI helps me make a better decision, challenge my thinking or save hours of research, it’s worth it. If I’m asking it to do something I could Google or write in two minutes, it probably isn’t.

I’m not optimizing for AI usage. I’m optimizing for impact.

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How to make AI your Advantage

Instead of asking yourself, “Can AI do this?” Ask whether using AI would provide the biggest advantage. Would you be better off running this through a Google search or spending 15 min on it?

Examples of Bad Usage:

• Running quick searches that you could Google

• Confirming information you already know

• Rewriting something that already sounds good

• Summarizing a quick one-page read

• Creating generic content or strategies without context

If something takes two minutes to understand yourself, outsourcing that thinking teaches your brain nothing.

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AI dependency is real.

The thing that surprised me most wasn’t how smart AI became.

It was how quickly I caught myself reaching for it before I had even tried thinking through the problem.

Not because I couldn’t solve it. Because I had stopped tolerating the discomfort of sitting with uncertainty.

That’s dangerous.

Some of the best decisions I’ve made started with ten minutes of staring at a blank page.

AI should remove busy work. It shouldn’t remove the struggle that teaches you how to think.

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Examples of High-Value Usage:

1. Deep research on a complex topic you know nothing about

2. Identifying leadership questions to anticipate after your presentation

3. Asking AI to disagree with you or find blind spots in your strategy

4. Develop an automation to draft responses, prioritize, and summarize your email so you can quickly identify issues

5. Understand an industry and your unique value-add prior to a pitch

Not every problem deserves AI. The people who get ahead will know the difference.

Most people make the mistake of waiting until they have 100% of the information perfectly laid out to make decisions. The most successful people know how to move fast with just 80% of the information.

You can use AI to run that 80% and pair it with your judgement to move fast.

The more senior you become, the less people pay you to produce answers.

They pay you to decide which answers matter.

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There’s never been more pressure to understand how AI changes the way we work.

Many companies set goals on AI adoption, but the real challenge isn't getting employees to use AI.

It's helping them know where it creates the most value. Even leaders like Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, have emphasized that the opportunity isn't simply using more AI; it's learning how to integrate it into the way we work.

That’s why we’ve seen a surge in new “go-to-market” or GTM roles. These are the translators being hired to integrate AI into actual company processes.

Everyone will have access to AI. Not everyone will know when to use it.

That difference might become your biggest advantage.

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AI shouldn’t replace your thinking. It should enhance your thinking.

I'm not learning AI because it's trendy.

Companies are increasingly looking for people who know how to use AI, and that skill is becoming a competitive advantage across industries. That means more roles opening at higher salaries with a small talent pool to fill them.

I'm learning it because the people who know when to use AI will build careers that are much harder to replace.

AI is changing everything; are you going to lead the change?

Here’s the framework I actually use.

Everything above explains how I think about AI.

Paid subscribers can access the checklist I run through before every prompt, plus examples from my own week showing when I deliberately chose not to use AI.

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The AI ROI Guide I use before every prompt:

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A lot of people get blamed for not knowing how to play the game… but no one ever taught them.

There’s hidden messages to decode. Secrets to learn. Mysteries to unravel.

And rules for what you can and absolutely cannot do.

The stakes are high.

Your ability to make an income. Your chance to support your family. Your option to gain success and influence. It’s all on the line.

Everything hinges on your ability to play the game.

You have to think about your next move at all times.

Those who scan the possibilities, analyze the motivations, and anticipate the reactions are the ones that will win.

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Stay observant! Remain on high alert! Watch your back!

If you don’t know your way around, you’ll lose the game. For example, what you see at face value isn’t the reality:

• You hear: Your manager is there to help you

  • Reality: You’re there to help your manager.

• You hear: We’re like a family!

  • Reality: If you died tomorrow, we’d post your role same day.

• You hear: Work is fun! Enjoy it!

  • Reality: If you have too much fun, you’ll risk your reputation forever.

Most people make the mistake of reading the first without assuming what comes next. Can we blame them?

The people who struggle with this are not stupid. A lot of them are actually really smart.

School teaches you to follow the instructions. Answer the question. Ask for help when you need it. Tell the truth. Complete the assignment.

Then, you get to work and suddenly no one is grading the assignment. You’re supposed to figure out why the assignment exists, whether it actually matters, who cares about it and what happens if you don’t do it.

The instructions are rarely the whole assignment.

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A lot of people are bad at work because no one taught them which problems they’re allowed to say out loud.

They don’t teach you this level of finesse in school.

Personally, I learned the hard way.

I worked late nights and into the weekends because I didn’t know how to say I had too much work.

I was 21. I thought everything was urgent.

I laugh looking back at the early Saturday morning log ons I did to build a dashboard no one was really needing.

It was just an idea someone threw out. But I didn’t know that yet.

I didn’t know that sometimes someone saying, “It would be interesting to see…” did not mean, “I need this by Monday.”

I didn’t know I could ask when they needed it. Or what I should deprioritize to get it done. Or if it was actually important at all.

So I just did everything.

That was my way of being good at my job. No one even knew I was working on Saturday.

I was solving problems no one urgently needed solved because I didn’t know how to ask the questions that would have saved me hours of my life.

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Unfortunately, most learn from experience. The lucky ones learn from others’ experiences.

Here’s some examples:

• You can’t say: I have too much work.

  • You can say: Can you help me prioritize? I want to make sure we’re aligned.

• You can’t say: They’re being impossible - I need you to talk to their manager.

  • You can say: I’d love your support in getting this over the finish line.

• You can’t say: I think it’s probably maybe because of …

  • You can say: I don’t know. I’m going to research and I’ll follow up.

• You can’t say: This is not my job.

  • You can say: How can I gain more visibility for this stretch assignment?

• You can’t say: I want more money.

  • You can say: Similar roles at competitors pay [Insert dollar amount]. I love it here and I’d like to stay. Can we close the gap?

You have to understand what you need and translate it into a problem the other person is motivated to solve.

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When you say:

“I have too much work.”

You are handing your manager a problem.

When you say:

“Can you help me prioritize?”

You are asking them to make a decision.

When you say:

“They’re being impossible.”

You sound emotional.

When you say:

“I’d love your support in getting this over the finish line.”

You are giving your manager a role to play.

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The game is not learning how to hide everything you feel.

It’s learning that the way you say something changes what happens next.

Re-framing your emotions into opportunities will take you far in your career.

Understanding what people really want will make you a better negotiator. Learning why people are feeling stressed will unlock the answers.

Playing the game is not:

• agreeing with everyone

• letting people walk all over you

• never saying what you think

• being fake

• pretending everything is fine

It is knowing when to push, when to let something go, when to ask for help, when to document something, when to escalate and when winning this one tiny battle will cost you something much bigger later.

Sometimes the person who wins the argument loses the game.

They proved they were right. They got the last word. Everyone knows the other person was wrong.

And now no one wants to work with them.

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You don’t always have to win the argument to win the game. Great leaders lose some.

They’re not afraid of compromise or hearing the opposing point of view. That’s the nature of the game.

You have to build your strategy for longevity. The best leaders are able to carry on.

They make sure nothing can point back to them not collaborating or being a team player, even if they hate it:

• They are always responsive to emails.

• They show up to the meetings with a smile.

• They find a level of common ground with opponents.

• They keep their cool during highly debated topics.

• They offer support to find a middle ground and move on.

They never let a fight prevent them from getting what they want done.

They close deals. Move projects forward. Achieve goals.

That’s winning.

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Thank you for subscribing.

If this was helpful, leave a like so I know to create more content like this.

I share career advice, lessons from working in tech, and the things I wish someone had told me earlier every week across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and here on Substack.

Leave a comment below or come say hi on social. Some of my favorite newsletter ideas have come directly from conversations with readers.

The best is yet to come. We’re in it together.

- Liz

After college, your friends spread out.

Work gets busy.

The weeks start blending together.

Before you know it, you’re wondering where your community went.

I’ve moved from Atlanta to Boston, back to Atlanta, then Portland, and now Seattle.

Here’s the guide I wish I had earlier on to build a life that feels bigger:

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1. Cultivate your Community

You’ll need to put the work in here first. It can feel awkward, but I promise you that it’ll be worth it.

A good place to start is by finding “third” places.

These are the spaces you spend time in when you’re not at work and you’re not at home. Think a Starbucks, but customized to your interests.

This is a big reason I built my virtual community, Supply Chain Gals. This is your sign to join us here!

Other places I’ve found community include community tennis leagues, work out studios, volunteering opportunities, alumni associations, and creator meet-ups.

2. Say Yes more than Feels Comfortable

The key to creating more opportunities in your life is saying “Yes.”

Even if you don't see a clear outcome, put yourself out there anyway.

This could look like accepting a coffee chat request or going to an event you have no interest in.

It could be volunteering to lead the “fun committee” at work.

You never know what will come from these random side quests.

Every side quest could lead you to something bigger.

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3. Stop Waiting for Invitations

You have to ask for a Yes before you’ll get the chance to accept an invitation.

You’ll have to actually initiate the meet-up with the Bumble BFF stranger who could turn into one of your closest friends.

The chances may show up in small moments like creating the group chat or organizing an apple picking day.

Once you get momentum, the invites will start flowing.

You’ll find your calendar quickly filling up.

This is the key to avoid becoming stuck. The biggest trap of starting over is allowing yourself to fall into a rut when you should be beginning again.

If I’m honest, it can be exhausting. (Especially if you’re an introvert like me!)

The best things worth having don’t come easily. You have to work at it.

Build a Life before you NEED it.

Once you build the muscle, you’ll find it becomes natural. One day, you’ll wake up with texts from your new friends, events on your schedule, and opportunities knocking on your door.

You can’t live the same way and expect the same outcome. You can take it slow and put yourself out there. Set an achievable cadence like once a month for a new adventure. You can talk to someone new once a week. You can spend 15 min a day brainstorming your next idea.

For my paid subscribers: 10 Things That Created the Most Opportunity in My Life

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The reactions were exactly what you’d expect.

• “Big mistake.”

• “I would’ve taken the equity.”

• “You must think about that all the time.”

The truth is I’ve been thinking about it after the recent IPO.

I couldn’t have predicted the future back when I had to make this decision.

In 2020, I was finishing my master’s degree in supply chain management at MIT.

After 10 interviews, a technical presentation, and an onsite just outside of Los Angeles, I finally had an offer from SpaceX.

The package included an $85,000 base salary, $100,000 in equity, and a $5,000 signing bonus. At the time, SpaceX had an estimated valuation of $36B.

Today, based on SpaceX’s estimated IPO valuation of $1.75 trillion, that equity could be worth roughly $4.8 million.

At the time, it was just a job offer. A really good one.

That’s what made the decision so difficult.

SpaceX wasn’t just another company. It was one of the most exciting places I had ever interviewed. The people were brilliant. The mission was inspiring.

The pace of innovation was unlike anything I’d seen before.

Every conversation left me energized. These were people trying to build things that didn’t exist yet.

I remember leaving the interviews thinking, “These are exactly the kinds of people I want to be around.” I wasn’t saying no to a company I didn’t believe in.

I was saying no to one of the most exciting opportunities I’d ever been given.

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The reason I ultimately turned it down had nothing to do with whether I thought SpaceX would be successful.

I thought it would be.

The question I was wrestling with was whether it was the right next step for me.

Before MIT, I was a Senior Data Analyst. The SpaceX role would’ve taken me deeper into analytics. And honestly, it would’ve been a great next step.

The problem was that I hadn’t gone to MIT to become a better analyst.

I went because I wanted to change the trajectory of my career.

• I wanted to get closer to the business.

• I wanted exposure to product management.

• I wanted to understand how decisions were made.

• I wanted to lead cross-functional teams.

I wanted to own a P&L someday.

The more I thought about the offer, the more I realized I wasn’t deciding between a good opportunity and a bad one.

I was deciding between two different versions of my career.

Around the same time, I received an offer from The Home Depot.

The role paid $120,000, significantly more than the SpaceX base salary in a lower cost of living in Atlanta.

The work sat on a customer experience transformation team focused on helping The Home Depot better serve professional contractors and B2B customers.

For the first time, I would get exposure to product management.

• I would work on enterprise transformation.

• I would present to senior leaders every week.

• I would learn how technology, operations, and customer experience fit together.

The role checked every box I had gone to MIT hoping to check.

It also fit the life I was trying to build. Atlanta was more affordable than Los Angeles.

My husband had stronger job opportunities there. And for the first time, becoming a homeowner felt realistic.

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Less than a year after accepting the role, I bought my first home.

Looking back, it’s easy to focus on the equity.

At the time, I was focused on everything else.

The Home Depot role ended up changing the trajectory of my career.

• The experience helped me become a director at Nike by 26.

• It inspired me to start creating content and launch Supply Chain Gals.

• That community eventually grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined and helped me earn a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Later, the combination of business and technical experience helped me break into tech at Amazon.

The interesting thing is that none of those outcomes were visible when I signed the offer letter.

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People often ask whether I regret turning down SpaceX.

Honestly, I don’t know.

Maybe I’d have more money today. Maybe I’d have an even better career.

I’ll never know.

What I do know is that the Home Depot role gave me exactly what I was looking for at that stage of my life.

• It helped me build new skills.

• It helped me buy my first home.

• It opened doors I couldn’t see at the time.

And it set me on the path that eventually led to Nike, Amazon, and Supply Chain Gals.

The hardest part about career decisions is that you only get to live one version of the story.

You don’t get to compare the life you lived with the life you didn’t.

You just make the best decision you can with the information you have and then do everything possible to make it the right one.

For my Paid Subscribers: How I Evaluate Job Offers Today

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“How do you do all of this?”

The truth is that I don’t work 24/7. I also don’t do everything on my own.

I have a full-time career in tech, run Supply Chain Gals, create content, write this newsletter, travel for speaking engagements, and somehow still make time for my family.

People often assume the answer is working longer hours.

It’s not.

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What I’ve learned is that every new opportunity creates more complexity. More meetings. More follow-ups. More decisions. More things to remember.

Most people solve that problem by working longer hours. I’ve spent the last few years solving it with systems instead.

Over the years I’ve become obsessed with reducing mental clutter. If something requires me to remember it, there’s a good chance I’ve built a system for it instead.

Not because I want to optimize every second of my life, but because I want more space to think, create, and build.

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Here are the systems I rely on most.

1. The System I Use to Manage Up

One of the biggest career accelerators in my career has been making it easy for my manager to understand what I’m working on and where I need support.

Earlier in my career, I’d walk out of a 1:1 and immediately remember three things I forgot to bring up. I’d also spend way too much time pulling together updates before meetings.

That’s what led me to create a simple OneNote system for tracking wins, blockers, priorities, and follow-ups. I still use versions of those same templates today.

My tool of choice is OneNote, and honestly, it’s probably one of the least flashy but highest-impact systems I have.

The biggest benefit is that I’m rarely scrambling before meetings because I already have a place for everything. Over time, this has made it easier for my managers to support me, advocate for me, and understand the impact of my work.

📌 Want the exact template I use to prepare for every manager 1:1?

👉 Get my Manager 1:1 OneNote Template here

Leading team meetings is another area where a simple system makes a huge difference. I use the same structure every week to keep projects moving, document decisions, and make sure everyone leaves with clear next steps.

📌 Want the exact template I use to run weekly team meetings?

👉 Get my Team Meeting OneNote Template here

When I needed a win for my performance review, I started leading team meetings. It’s an easy way to show you are influencing without authority and making a difference. Most people underestimate how much consistency matters over the course of a career.

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2. My Content Creation Hub

People often assume content creators spend all day creating content.

I don’t.

One of my highest-performing videos started as a note I typed into my phone while waiting for coffee. That’s usually how it happens.

A lesson from work. A conversation with a friend. A comment that makes me think, “I wish someone had told me that five years ago.”

The moment I have an idea, I capture it.

I use Notion to organize content ideas, newsletter concepts, speaking topics, and future projects. By the time I sit down to create, I’m usually pulling from ideas I’ve already collected rather than staring at a blank screen.

This has completely changed my relationship with content creation.

The system does the remembering so I can focus on the storytelling.

3. The Networking System That Creates Opportunities

People assume networking happens at conferences.

I’ve found most meaningful relationships are built one conversation at a time.

For me, networking usually looks like coffee chats.

I keep a running list of people I’d like to learn from and use Calendly to remove the friction of scheduling. It sounds small, but making it easy for people to connect has probably led to hundreds of conversations that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.

Supply Chain Gals has become a huge part of this system too. Some of the sponsors, speakers, and friendships that have come through the community started with a single LinkedIn message.

👉 Become a Supply Chain Gals member here

Almost every major opportunity in my career can be traced back to a relationship.

That’s why I invest in them long before I need anything.

4. The Personal Brand System

When I was laid off while pregnant, I learned a lesson I’ll never forget:

You don’t own your job.

You do own your reputation.

That’s why I invest time in LinkedIn, this newsletter, and content creation.

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I also use ManyChat to automate conversations that happen after I post content. If someone comments for a resource, guide, or template, they can receive it instantly instead of waiting for me to manually respond.

That allows me to help more people without spending hours managing DMs.

A personal brand isn’t about becoming an influencer.

It’s about making sure opportunities can find you.

5. My AI Assistant

Every week I have ideas, emails, meeting notes, sponsorship conversations, content concepts, and random thoughts floating around.

I’ve learned that my brain is great at creating ideas and terrible at storing them.

That’s where AI comes in.

I regularly use ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to organize information, summarize notes, brainstorm ideas, and draft first versions. They’re often the starting point, not the finished product.

A lot of people ask if AI is replacing critical thinking. For me, it’s done the opposite.

It’s removed enough of the repetitive work that I can spend more time thinking strategically, making decisions, and focusing on the parts of my work that actually require human judgment.

I think of AI as the world’s most affordable assistant.

The Real Reason These Systems Matter

If everything disappeared tomorrow, I’d probably keep ChatGPT, Notion, and LinkedIn. Those three tools alone would allow me to rebuild almost everything.

But the truth is, the tools aren’t the reason I’m productive. The systems are.

One thing I’ve realized over the last few years is that none of these systems exist so I can cram more work into my day.

They exist so I have the capacity to build things that are important to me.

• Supply Chain Gals started as an idea.

• This newsletter started as an idea.

• Content creation started as an idea.

Most of the opportunities I’m grateful for today started exactly the same way.

The challenge is that ideas rarely arrive at convenient times.

Supply Chain Gals started as one of those ideas.

At the time, I had a demanding job, a long list of reasons why it probably wouldn’t work, and no real roadmap for how to build it.

I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Looking back, that’s true of a lot of the opportunities I’m most grateful for. They didn’t start because I had everything figured out. They started because I gave myself permission to begin before I felt ready.

That’s why I’ve become so obsessed with systems.

Not because I care about optimizing every minute of my day, but because systems create capacity.

1. Capacity to pursue an idea.

2. Capacity to reach out to someone interesting.

3. Capacity to take a chance on something that might not work.

One of my favorite mindset shifts is asking “why not?” instead of immediately looking for reasons something won’t work.

Most of the best things in my life came from that question.

The systems didn’t give me certainty. They gave me enough space to start.

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If this was helpful, leave a like so I know to create more content like this. If you’d like to join the conversation, upgrade to a paid subscription to access the comments and group chat.

I share career advice, lessons from working in tech, and the things I wish someone had told me earlier every week across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and here on Substack.

If you’re navigating a promotion, job search, career pivot, layoff, difficult manager, or simply trying to figure out your next move, you’re in the right place.

Leave a comment below or come say hi on social. Some of my favorite newsletter ideas have come directly from conversations with readers.

The best is yet to come.

We’re in it together.

xoxo,

Liz

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The uncertainty of stepping away from your job and returning as a completely different person with a new life can keep you up at night. I remember having recurring nightmares about losing my job while I was pregnant.

And then it actually happened.

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At 14 weeks pregnant, my role was eliminated in a layoff. What followed was a whirlwind of job searching, negotiating an offer, and switching health insurance, all while pregnant.

During maternity leave, life didn’t slow down. I sold my house, moved, and adjusted to becoming a mother.

When I returned to work, I knew I couldn’t approach my career the same way as before. I needed a strategy that reflected my new reality and my new priorities.

Nine months later, I was promoted into a bigger role. I landed an opportunity I had been working toward through all of it, while breastfeeding, moving, and learning how to be a parent.

It was not easy. Not even close.

But it taught me something I did not fully understand before. You are capable of far more than you think, even in the most overwhelming seasons of life.

Here is the advice and guide I wish I had during pregnancy.

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1. Before your Maternity Leave

This is your time to make yourself known.

Build your relationships with your manager, team, and stakeholders. It’s important to have something you can rely on before you go out.

While you’re building your personal brand, you also need to do your research. Every company is different.

Learn the benefits, policies, and accommodations available to you. Get in contact with your leave team, which is separate from HR. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

Chat with other moms and get their advice. Build a system that works best for you.

2. While you are Out

This is not the time to worry about work.

While you’re out, people are likely wishing they could ask you questions. They will find a way on their own. Don’t spiral about the day-to-day operations. It’s just work.

Spend your energy adapting to your new life. Take care of your body and mind. Bond with your baby.

If you don’t take care of yourself now, returning to work will be more difficult.

Your role may shift while you’re out. Your coworkers may form new habits. You will likely have to rebuild your influence. You will definitely need to listen and learn to catch up.

You can do all of that later.

Trust yourself. You brought a life into this world. You can adapt. Moms can do anything.

3. Coming Back from Maternity Leave

If you can take one thing away from this guide, it is this. You do not need to make up for your time out.

The biggest mistake you can make is rushing. Don’t take on too much right away. Give yourself the space to ease back in slowly.

The key is grace. Your new life requires a new version of you and that takes time.

The voice in your head that says you are falling behind is lying to you. You are adjusting. You are growing. You are figuring it out.

Build your support system intentionally. Therapy, a new mom friend group, your village at home. You cannot do this alone and you were never meant to.

Keep tweaking your schedule, your childcare routines, and your workload until it makes sense for you. Connect with other moms. Ask for advice. You never know what could be the unlock for you.

All that matters is steady persistence over time.

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4. The Long Game

Here is the part nobody talks about.

Becoming a mom does not make you a less effective leader. It makes you a better one.

Motherhood teaches you empathy, patience, and the ability to prioritize ruthlessly. You learn to make decisions faster, protect your time fiercely, and show up for the people who need you. Those are leadership superpowers.

Do not count yourself out before anyone else has the chance to.

When you feel ready, raise your hand. Tell your manager you want growth. Get visible with the people who make decisions. Build your influence back one relationship at a time.

The same year I went on maternity leave I was selected for a bigger role. I gave myself 60 days to ramp back up and by the end of that year I had a new title.

I did not do it by rushing. I did it by trusting myself.

You can do this too. This is what becoming quietly powerful looks like.

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Thank you for subscribing. Leave me a like so I know this was helpful. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat.

If you found this helpful, I share unfiltered career advice for ambitious women every week on Instagram and TikTok. The tips I share there are things you will not find anywhere else. Follow along so you do not miss what is coming next.

Stay in touch. I’m here to support you if you’re feeling stressed in your career.

Leave me a comment below or find me on LinkedIn, Instagram,and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

The best is yet to come. We’re in it together.

xoxo,

Liz

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It’s no secret that the job market is tough right now. Every day there’s another company announcing layoffs, the market is flooded with candidates, and the number of open roles feels smaller than ever.

Job searches are taking longer across the board. Even candidates with strong technical skills are taking an extra month or more to land something. At the same time, AI has changed the process in a way most people don’t fully realize.

It’s made it easier to optimize your resume, but harder to stand out. Everyone now has access to tools that help them tailor their experience, refine their story, and practice interview answers. People are walking into interviews more prepared and more polished than they were just a few years ago.

Getting the interview is harder than ever.

You have to make it through online applications, keyword searches, employee referrals, recruiter screens, and stacks of resumes just to get a shot. That part alone filters out a huge percentage of candidates.

Here’s what most people get wrong once they finally get there.

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The Biggest Job Search Secret

Getting the interview is the hardest part.

Once you land the interview, they already believe you can do the job. You’ve passed the filters. You’ve made it through the noise. At that point, you’re no longer trying to prove that you’re qualified.

You’re being compared.

Every question you’re asked is really a version of the same question:

Why should we pick you over someone else? Not whether you can do the job, but whether you are the best option among a group of people who also look strong on paper.

If you don’t understand that, you will end up preparing the wrong way.

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Why You Should Listen to Me

I’ve gone through some of the toughest interview cycles at SpaceX, Home Depot, and Nike and turned those into offers.

But I’ve also been on the other side of it, where I thought I did everything right and still didn’t get the role.

I remember finishing one of my Nike interview loops feeling confident. I had strong examples, I felt prepared, and I knew I was a good candidate for the company. When I got the feedback, it wasn’t about my ability. It was that I didn’t understand the role clearly enough.

I wasn’t the right fit for that specific job.

That experience changed how I approached interviews. Being a strong candidate isn’t enough. You have to make it clear that you’re the right candidate for the role they’re hiring for.

What the Interview Actually Is

The interview isn’t really a test in the way most people think about it.

It’s a decision-making tool. And hiring decisions are made quickly, with limited information, and almost always in comparison to other candidates.

In most interviews, the person who communicates the clearest and feels like the safest, most confident choice usually wins. It’s not always the most experienced person, and it’s not always the most technically skilled.

If the interviewer has to work too hard to understand your experience or how you fit into the role, you lose momentum.

That’s why storytelling matters so much more than people expect.

Your Job in the Interview

Your job isn’t to impress the interviewer or give the most polished answer possible. It’s to make the decision easy for them.

That means being clear about what you’ve done, how you think, and how your experience connects directly to what they need.

Most candidates try to say everything. The better approach is to focus on saying the right things in a way that’s easy to follow and easy to remember.

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Your Guide to the Interview

Once you understand how interviews actually work, your preparation becomes a lot more focused.

1. Do Your Research

There’s very little reason to walk into an interview unprepared today. Since I started job searching in 2016, I haven’t come across a company where you couldn’t find interview questions, company values, or some level of insight into their process online.

Start by knowing your own resume inside and out. Then look for questions specific to the company and as close to your role as possible.

You don’t need to memorize answers, but you should know which experiences you’re going to talk about before the interview starts.

2. Use the Tools

AI tools can be extremely helpful if you use them the right way. They can help you refine your answers, organize your thoughts, and identify weak spots.

At the same time, you want to be careful not to sound overly scripted. The goal isn’t to sound perfect, it’s to sound clear and confident while still being natural.

3. Practice in a Real Way

Most people underestimate how much practice they actually need. Thinking through answers in your head isn’t the same as saying them out loud.

Doing a live session with a friend or family member makes a big difference. The more you practice, the more comfortable and natural your answers will feel. By the time you get to the actual interview, it should feel like a conversation rather than something you’re trying to get through.

4. Stay in the Know

One of the easiest ways to separate yourself is to show that you’re paying attention. Follow the company, understand what’s happening in their industry, and be aware of any major updates or trends.

When you bring that into the conversation, whether it’s through a question or a comment, it shows a level of interest that most candidates don’t demonstrate.

5. Ask for the Job

Most people end interviews passively, but this is an opportunity to be more intentional.

One question I like to ask is, “What’s the difference between someone who is good in this role versus someone who is great? Because I want to be great.”

It shifts the conversation and gets the interviewer thinking about you in the role, which is exactly where you want to be.

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You Can’t Recover From This

Some mistakes are harder to come back from than others, and these tend to end the process quickly.

1. Not Knowing Your Resume

If you’re not able to clearly explain your experience, especially the details behind your work, it creates doubt. It can make it seem like you either exaggerated your role or weren’t as involved as your resume suggests.

2. Not Understanding the Job

This is the mistake I made, and it’s more common than people think. You need to make it clear that you understand what the role actually requires and that you want this specific job.

If your answers don’t connect directly to what they’re looking for, it becomes very difficult for them to picture you in the role.

3. Not Wanting the Job

This one is more subtle, but it shows up in your energy and how you engage in the conversation. If you seem disengaged or not that interested, it raises concerns about how you would be to work with.

People want to hire someone they feel good about working with every day.

You May Not Love This Advice, But

Interviews aren’t perfectly fair. They’re not purely objective, and they’re not always about who is the most qualified.

They’re about who communicates the clearest, who connects the best, and who feels like the safest decision in a short amount of time.

Understanding that helps you approach the process differently and land your dream job.

The Bottom Line

You don’t win the job in the interview. More often, you lose it there.

Because by the time you’ve made it to that stage, you’ve already done the hardest part. You’ve proven you’re qualified and earned a spot in the conversation.

From that point on, your job is to be clear, to show that you understand the role, and to make it easy for them to see you in it.

That’s what turns interviews into offers.

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Thank you for subscribing! Leave me a like, so I know if this was helpful. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat.

Stay in touch! I’m here to support you if you’re feeling stressed in your career.

Leave me a comment below or on LinkedIn, Instagram,and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

The best is yet to come.

xoxo,

- Liz

I built my career on learning data analytics. I taught myself SQL, Google BigQuery, Tableau, Power BI, and even Python. I rolled out the first introduction to Python workshops at the Home Depot back in 2019.

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It was my career differentiator that helped me reach director at Nike by 26 and break into my current senior manager role in big tech.

Fortunately, the days where we manually sort through massive batches of data or write Python script are over. Spending months watching tutorials to learn SQL syntax no longer makes sense. I can ask Claude to fix my code bug and get an answer back in less than 5 seconds.

Why waste your time learning skills that are automated?

In 2026, I’m focused on learning AI-based skills. AI strategy skills are already coming up in their job market via new roles. Soon, it will be embedded in every job description.

AI can already write SQL, build dashboards, and clean data in seconds. These were the most desirable skills less than 10 years ago. A year ago, I would’ve spent hours combining tables in SQL, cleaning messy data, and building dashboards. Today, I can prompt a tool like Claude and get 80% of it done in seconds. Then, I can focus on refining the insight.

Now, tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and Google’s Gemini are competing to be your analytics tool. The barrier to entry is no longer there. The barrier to entry for analytics work has dropped dramatically. The market for manual analytics became oversaturated overnight.

The highest-paid analysts don’t analyze data anymore. They frame problems and drive decisions.

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What Skills are Valuable in 2026

What can AI not do? Think critically, understand the business context, and develop solutions within realistic limitations.

It can’t frame the problem statement like you can or validate the data until it makes sense for your business. AI can’t make decisions on what to do next with the data. It doesn’t know how to complete storytelling in meetings to gain buy-in and influence stakeholders.

Here’s the breakdown of the skill set needed:

1. Build AI prompts to optimize efficient data analysis

2. Develop solutions that make sense for the real-life business

3. Collect insights that will get your stakeholders onboard

4. Find supporting evidence to get your work prioritized

5. Create one-pagers and decks to tell a story in the language your company speaks

Finding the insights is no longer enough. You need to focus on how you’re using data to drive change.

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What you Should Stop Doing

I’m going to be direct with you.

Don’t spend 6 months on a course before you try applying for the job. Data analytics isn’t going away, but the way we do it is changing fast. Make sure you’re learning and applying the skills. Assess your abilities with job applications, coffee chats, and interviews to pivot fast.

You can stop building generic portfolios. A decision tree algorithm will not help you stand out. Share how you built something to solve a specific problem. Emphasize the tools you used to build efficiently. Customization is everything in the age of AI.

Don’t obsess over tools without context. Every day a new tool is introduced or an AI start-up is born. Focus on the learning the critical thinking before you go all in on a single tool. It could be replaced by something better tomorrow.

The value is shifting from doing the analysis to framing the problem and driving decisions.

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What you Should do Instead

1. Pick a focus area as your niche. I started my AI journey in product management, but you can start anywhere. It’s more important to pick something where you can access problems to solve than it is to pick your dream job. Reminder: these are skills that you can take with you to any area in your career.

2. Select a real messy problem. This isn’t a yes or no question or a textbook exercise. You’re look for an open-ended problem with no current solution.

3. Use AI as an entry-level analyst, not a shortcut. Conduct research and write a problem statement in your voice. You’ll find it takes several iterations to train AI in your voice. You also may need to refine your prompts to prevent hallucination or provide sources for research. AI is your new direct report. Be detailed in your review and feedback loop. It is only as good as the feedback you provide.

4. Build 2-3 high impact projects tied to real business outcomes. Gain feedback on your solutions from stakeholders, management, and counterparts. Feedback is a gift that can help you get better.

5. Start sharing. You don’t have to build an entire portfolio website (although you can using Claude.) You can share what you learned on LinkedIn, Substack, or Instagram.

Data analytics as we knew it is evolving quickly. The future is filled with possibilities for faster test and learn loops. Data analysts of the future don’t get hung up on the tools like we used to. They’re not running scripts in isolation anymore. Instead, they are obsessing over AI strategy.

AI will not take people’s jobs, but the people who know AI will replace those who don’t. I’m moving fast to learn AI skills to increase my impact, job security, and long-term earning potential

The gap is widening fast. Which side are you on?

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Thank you for subscribing! Leave me a like, so I know if this was helpful. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat.

Stay in touch! I’m here to support you if you’re feeling stressed in your career. Leave me a comment below or on LinkedIn, Instagram,and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

The best is yet to come.

xoxo,

- Liz

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What is Supply Chain?

This is how I explained it to my 7-year-old little from Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Supply chain helps make sure the things that you love show up in the store. There are teams of people who create the item and make sure it travels all the way, until it reaches you.

This happens with every single product you buy from your milk at the grocery store to your mom’s iPhone. Supply chain is all around you. It makes your daily life possible.

Why is Supply Chain the most exciting career path?

You may not have heard of supply chain growing up, but it is the most underrated career path you can join today.

1. Any role has a huge impact on the business. For example, you can be an analyst with a $1M impact. That kind of ownership and responsibility is difficult to find early on in your career. Imagine adding that number to your resume.

2. There is always opportunity for improvement. With so many teams involved and technology rapidly changing every day, there’s always a chance for you to think outside of the box. That combination of using math and being creative will scratch your brain in the right way.

3. You will never be bored. In my first job, I got a call from a driver that his truck was on fire. Within the same day, I had to automate reporting for the entire department by teaching myself Tableau. There is never a dull moment in supply chain.

Supply chain roles open doors in your career. It’s the ultimate career path for someone who wants options. And in this job market? Having career options is a luxury.

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The Salary Truth

Working in supply chain pays off. Every company needs a supply chain specialist, whether they like it or not. The salary is necessary to the operations. That’s what makes it more competitive than an equivalent marketing role or a HR position. The company cannot create and deliver products for their core business without the supply chain team.

I schemed my way into Supply Chain.

It wasn’t an accident. I selected my supply chain concentration as a business major at Georgia Tech. I completed internships at a local nonprofit and as a buyer for a supplier plane part at Lockheed Martin. I fell in love with manufacturing floor tours, placing orders, combing through contracts, and solving problems that affected people’s daily lives.

I always looked for ways to learn more. I hopped around the supply chain trying out different roles. I was a data engineer on a Google Cloud migration. I built a pricing strategy for the blinds business at Home Depot. I even led a planning team for Nike’s North America women’s apparel business.

I doubled down and graduated with my master’s degree in supply chain at MIT on full scholarship. At MIT, I worked with UNICEF on an oxygen demand plan, Uber on a freight sustainability strategy, and an electric motorcycle start-up on a marketing launch. The opportunities from my supply chain background allowed me to pivot in any direction I chose.

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How Supply Chain Gals started

The difficult part was finding my community. I went through periods where I even faked watching football to find a mentor. (That did not work well for me. I got an enthusiastic follow up question on the quarterback, and I had no idea who that was.)

I wanted to go places in my career, but I always felt stuck. I was told to be patient and wait it out. I felt lost. Finding the right projects and ways to build my skills in my free time gave me direction.

I taught myself Python and rolled out using it at Home Depot. I joined volunteer groups at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter and the Georgia Tech alumni. It took time, effort, and weekly coffee chats. I built my own community.

Supply Chain Gals is the community I always looked for in one place. It’s a community for high achievers to gather, learn, and grow. With career workshops, networking nights, and mentorship circles, every opportunity is there to accelerate your career. Join us and become a member here.

How You can Get Started or Pivot into Supply Chain

1. Apply for a supply chain role or an adjacent role like supply chain finance or supply chain analytics. Since supply chain touches every part of the customer experience, you could already be qualified to apply directly.

2. Learn everything you can. Network with real supply chain professionals. You can find them from the comfort of your home via virtual events at Supply Chain Gals.

3. Stay in the know. Subscribe to newsletters (like mine!) Follow leaders that you admire. Who you allow to influence you impacts your future.

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4. Grow your skills. Look into certificate programs or ways you can develop a portfolio to help you make the transition into your next role.

5. Share your interest. Be open and share it often. Don’t be afraid to let others know you’re looking to pivot and ask for advice along the way.

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Thank you for subscribing! Leave me a like, so I know if this was helpful. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat.

Stay in touch! I’m here to support you if you’re feeling stressed in your career. Leave me a comment below or on LinkedIn, Instagram,and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

The best is yet to come.

xoxo,

- Liz

Sometimes the difference between having an idea and a million-dollar business is simply putting yourself out there. To do that, you have to get comfortable with failure.

When you see a successful founder, you’re often only seeing the end result of countless failures. When I’m in the room with other founders, failure is often the topic of conversation. We reminisce on times when we thought we had it all figured out; but in reality, it was really just the point before starting over again.

There are hundreds of times we remember failing and trying again as successful founders. All of those moments taught us something. It brought us closer to figuring out what was needed to move in the right direction.

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I shared my best piece of advice while speaking at Georgia Tech last week, “if you’re not failing, you’re not growing.”

Most people treat failure like a dead end.

In reality, it’s the only reliable data point for growth. Even in big established corporate careers, you’ll learn that you need to gather data to move forward. Every great decision is backed by data and gathers additional data for the future.

If you aren’t willing to fail, you aren’t willing to learn. Those who continue learning consistently are the ones that will achieve their goals.

The biggest mistake you’re making is waiting to be 100% ready before starting.

There isn’t going to be a moment where you’re absolutely sure your idea is going to be successful. There’s no clear path to building something from scratch. If there was, everyone would do it.

Being an entrepreneur means taking the road less traveled. I can’t wait to see you build your path forward.

Thank you for subscribing! Leave me a like, so I know if this was helpful. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat.

Playing it safe will keep your idea trapped in the idea stage.

If you really want to build something of your own, here’s 3 recommendations for my paid subscribers to get started:

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Sometimes you get a warning that layoffs will be coming soon. Sometimes you just feel the quiet panic like something is shifting. The decision is ultimately out of your hands, but here’s 10 things you can do now just in case.

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1. Update your Resume

   It’s way easier to calculate your impact while you’re still at the company. Figure out how much money you’re work created or saved the company (while you’re still there.)

2. Make a Financial Plan

   Let’s say your worst fear comes true - what are your options? Would you sell your house? Can you break your lease? And most importantly…

3. Create an Emergency Fund

   For those situations that may never happen, you will feel so much better if you have 3 months of savings to figure things out. Trust me.

4. Revive your Network

   I really learned this one the hard way. Even if you have a great network at work and you’re doing great work, you’re failing at networking. You need to have people outside of your company that you can go to for referrals, advice, or new role openings. Start now before you feel desperate.

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5. Refresh your LinkedIn

   Your LinkedIn is an extension of your resume. You have extra room to highlight volunteer activities, leadership roles, and community involvement. Don’t waste the opportunity. Track your Wins via my Promotion Planner to prepare you in the long run for applications, interviews, and hard conversations.

6. Build a Personal Brand

   If you’re feeling shy, start with a portfolio. Create writing on your thoughts on leadership, sample coding projects, or build a website. Once you gain your confidence, these highlights can make their way onto your Personal Career Slide for networking. Eventually, you can share them out on LinkedIn and beyond.

7. Browse Job Listings

   Stay passively active in the job market. Understand the trending skills and software needed to be successful in jobs you’re interested in.

8. Add Skills to Stand Out

   Now that you know what you’re missing, look for projects or certificates that can help you build a resume that will stand out.

9. Declutter!

   I can’t stress this enough. The thing that bothered me the most between changing jobs, moving across the country, and having a baby was the clutter. It’s hard to start a new chapter when you have things taking up all the space. This is your sign to throw out your old binders, corporate backpacks, and sticky notes.

10. Separate your Identity from your Job

    This is the easiest on the list. (I’m kidding!) The best thing layoffs taught me - jobs are temporary, but your skills are forever. Don’t let your work steal your confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Here’s 3 templates you can use to connect on LinkedIn with someone at your dream company:

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In a world of layoffs, job hopping, and quarter life crises, no job is forever. Separating your job from your identity sooner rather than later is the best thing you can do for your career. This is the secret to prevent excessive stress and burn out.

Jobs are temporary, but your skills are forever. Let’s start your brainstorm.

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1. When should you Quit your Job?

This question is very important. Likely, it’s crossed your mind already - even if you love your job. There’s always something that could be out there for you next.

Timing is everything. You take on risk when you start a new job, learn a new company, and rebuild your network. You leave behind any opportunities to dive deeper in your current role. You can also make huge gains in your salary and experiences from a really great leap.

One of my best career moves? I went from Manager at Home Depot to Director at Nike.

A title increase, a pay increase, and a pivot into an area I’d always wanted to learn more about. The golden trifecta.

If the stars align like this for you, I’d advise you to jump at the opportunity. Sadly, career moves are rarely this clear. Let’s get into the details.

2. When should you start Searching?

I asked my mentor this once. She’s a seasoned vice president in industry. I’ll never forget her response. She said she starts job searching “when she’s not having fun anymore.”

In other words, when you feel like you’re not learning or growing in your current role - that’s an indicator to start looking for something new.

A job search doesn’t happen overnight, especially not in this market. It never hurts to “casually” keep an eye on the job postings. Even if you’re not looking, it’s good to know what skills are in high demand and the salary that’s paid for them. This is what I call “Staying Passively Active in the Job Market”:

• Does anything out there spark your interest?

• Is there something you’re not learning now that you wish you were?

• Are you being paid what everyone else is for the same job?

A job search can take anywhere from 6 months - 1 year +. It all depends on how prepared you are, the strength of your network, what you’re looking for, AND a little bit of luck. It never hurts to start browsing early.

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3. When should you Move Fast?

There’s a few situations that qualify as a “Job Search Emergency.” These are the ones where it’s time to move fast. You should always be running to something, not just running from something when you accept a new job.

BUT there are some scenarios where it is smart to start a brisk jog into the applications. Here’s a few:

• If your Company is going Under: there are rumors swirling about bankruptcy, company-wide failure, or closing down entire offices. There will be a ton of competition coming from people with the same background as you if this happens. Start searching sooner to stay ahead!

• If you know you’re Underpaid: If you find you can make 30%+ more elsewhere doing the exact same kind of work, you’re leaving money on the table. It never hurts to bring a competing offer into play to confirm. Just be ready to pack up, take that offer, and go if your company cannot match it.

• If you’re in a Hostile Environment: If you are afraid to go to the office or work is taking a toll on your mental health, start the search. Life’s too precious to sacrifice your well-being for a job. Remember: It’s just work. There’s something better out there!

The key is to not quit your job before you have SIGNED an official acceptance letter for a new opportunity. Have I ever quit officially signing before? Yes, I’ve done it once but I had two competing offers and I needed more time off between roles. Would I advise it in the 2026 job market? Absolutely not.

If you’re heading into job search season, use these tools to make your life easier:

• Sign up to get your Resume Roasted at Supply Chain Gals: real-life feedback, networking connections, and advice I used to get interviews at Google, etc!

• Use my proven Resume Template: the same one I used in my Nike application

• Track your Wins via my Promotion Planner to prepare you in the long run for applications, interviews, and hard conversations.

• Career Slide Template for Networking Chats to stand out and stay memorable

Stay in touch! I can’t wait to see how your success story grows. Leave me a comment below or on Instagram and TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

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I’m looking forward to sharing more advice. Upgrade to a paid subscription to join the conversation in the comments and the group chat. Don’t be a stranger - leave me a like if this resonated.

The best is yet to come.

xoxo,

- Liz

It can feel paralyzing when you have real goals - I’m talking about the big, intimidating, life-altering dreams that feel impossible. I’ve been there.

Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT on a full scholarship, breaking into Amazon, having a baby?

None of that felt remotely possible to me at one point…. Then, it happened.

I try out all of the things when it comes to finding inspiration for my goals. From the vision board to the 2026 Dec 31st journal entry, I’m open to everything. There’s a few little things that have worked for me time and time again without fail. Let’s keep it simple.

Initiate the Brainstorm

Here’s my best advice to start the Brainstorm for your New Year Goals:

1. Write a list of your new Habits for 2026

   These are the little things that add up over time with consistency. What traits do you need to have to become the person who achieves your wildest dreams? Some examples that have been on my list: exercise 3 times per week, journal each day for 15 min, listen to a business podcast once a week. Don’t pick more than 3-5!

2. Write a list of what you’ll be Sacrificing

   Nothing worth having comes easily. There’s a reason you haven’t achieved these big scary goals yet. Do you need to cut back on your screen time or wake up 15 min earlier each day? Maybe it’s being more vulnerable and reaching out to ask for help with your goals this year. You have to change the way you’re living if you want a different result. It doesn’t have to be something crazy, but you have to make the effort.

3. Leave room for Spontaneity

   I don’t believe in putting a date on it. Instead, give a checkpoint in July. Check in - have you been keeping up with your habits? Is it because this goal no longer resonates with you? That’s okay. Pivot. Innovate. Restart the process.

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After you’ve done the initial brainstorm, it’s time to break it down into your actual goals. I find that it’s easier to get all your options out on paper first. Then, I break it down into a goal (or two) for my career, life, health, and wealth. You want to make sure you’re well rounded, so your work doesn’t take over your life. I generally have one goal that’s much bigger than the rest as a focus goal.

Set your Goals

Here’s the secret sauce I use every January to set goals:

1. Focus on your inputs (but vision board your outputs)

   Vision board your Forbes 30 under 30 moment or your standing ovation after public speaking. Keep those moments for your vision board - your goals should encompass all the tiny habits that will get you there. Make sure you’ve separated your inputs from what you hope will be your outputs.

2. Don’t Sell yourself Short

   Your goals are not something you should be able to achieve by February. These are meant to last the entire year. You have to stretch yourself to get where you want to go. If these goals are too easy, you could be missing out on reaching your full potential. Be okay with coming up short, but don’t be okay with limiting yourself.

3. Make it work for your Lifestyle

   Consistency is the key to progress and change. If your goal is to become great at skiing but you realistically only have time to make it to the mountain 3 times before the snow melts - this goal won’t work for you. Pick something you can be successful at. Don’t set yourself up to fail before you even begin.

Set your Intention

After your brainstorm and goal setting - in true business strategy fashion, I like to summarize. What’s the overall theme for your year? It’s usually two words: “to [insert verb]” That’s your north star or intention for the year. Keep it close.

If you’re having trouble creating your big dream for 2026, I’ll be sharing my vision board template in Supply Chain Gals members only New Year Goals Workshop. Join us! Become a member here.

If your goal is for your career, you don’t have to do it alone. From your promotion to grad school applications or simply improving your 1:1 with your manager, you’ll find all my templates to make your life easier here.

Stay in touch! I can’t wait to see how your 2026 goals come to life. Leave me a comment on Instagram or TikTok. Can’t wait to hear from you soon.

Thank you for being here and joining me on my Substack journey. I’m looking forward to sharing more advice. Don’t be a stranger - leave me a like if this resonated.

Happy New Year!

xoxo,

Liz

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