Redirecting.work

Serena's pivot was driven by a combination of her passion for public speaking and knowledge-sharing. She had been a regular on the conference circuit as a corporate speaker, delivering 30-50 presentations each year and realizing the energy she derived from it. “I got a lot of energy from speaking,” she recalls. This realization, coupled with the outreach from publishers asking her to write a book on people analytics, made her rethink her life. “Things happen for a reason,” she says.

 

Serena had a corporate career plan that was intentional, focusing on compensation, team size, and increasing impact. However, her new direction didn’t come with a timeline. It was driven by her desire to have a more global impact, leveraging her skills to help people uncover insights in data and influence decisions through storytelling beyond her employer. “I can unlock the power of AI in the future of work,” she notes, highlighting her passion for integrating human elements with technology.

A New Direction
 

In her new role, Serena combines her expertise in data analytics, passion for well-being, and skills in public speaking. She focuses on helping organizations leverage data and AI to create a thriving workforce.

 

She has a well-defined mission statement: “help people create a life worth living, which includes meaningful relationships, personal growth, career, well-being, contribution to society, love, understanding, compassion for imperfections, and leaving a legacy”.

 

UPDATE: Six months since I interviewed her, Serena is done writing her first book, The Inclusion Equation, which delves into the often-overlooked connection between employee inclusion and well-being. Drawing on her years of experience leading people analytics, Serena discovered that exclusion in the workplace—whether based on appearance, age, background, or other factors—has a profound effect on how well employees feel. Her research found that while there are numerous resources on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and separately well-being, few connect the two in a meaningful way. Through her book, she aims to fill this gap by highlighting the need for organizations to bridge the silos between DEI, well-being, and people analytics teams, using data and AI to foster a more integrated approach.

 

Throughout the book, Serena will share insights from organizations that have successfully aligned these functions, achieving better engagement and participation in their initiatives. The book serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for integrating these critical areas within HR.

Support and Guidance

Serena's journey has been supported by various tools and resources. She utilized assessments like Strengths Finder and worked with a coach who conducted 360-degree interviews to gain insights into how others perceive her. Therapy also played a crucial role in understanding herself better. Her advice to others is to define their mission statement and core values. She emphasizes the importance of knowing what three words describe you, your strengths, what people value in you, and the impact you want to have. (see Resources in Cocooning, many of which were suggested by Serena.)

In addition, Serena values the importance of scheduling. From a young age, her father taught her to schedule her activities, including play and exercise. This discipline has been crucial in her entrepreneurial journey. She works hard to be spontaneous within a structured framework. As an entrepreneur, she discovered that everything takes longer than expected, and it’s essential to be mindful of this reality.

Challenges and Advice

Serena faced several challenges in her transition. Rejections on proposals and getting ghosted were common, and she learned to prepare for them. “Rejection is personal as an entrepreneur, but you can’t take it personally,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback on what is controllable and learning rapidly from each experience.

One of Serena’s key pieces of advice is that corporations should embrace the fact that employees will want to have side gigs and provide the right support along the way. “There isn’t another role that both allows and forces you to learn as much and as quickly as being a solopreneur.” She believes this would be beneficial for both individuals and the companies themselves.

Unique Insights

Serena’s story is enriched by her commitment to continuous reflection and growth. She budgets her time meticulously and engages in nightly reflection to assess her progress and well-being. Her end game is clear: to be a speaker, teacher, and writer at age 95, helping people live better lives.

Conclusion

Serena’s transition from a high-powered corporate career to entrepreneurship is a testament to her resilience and dedication to making a positive impact. By leveraging her skills in data analytics and public speaking, she has built a new career that aligns with her values and passions. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment, structured planning, and continuous reflection. Serena’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, it’s possible to create a fulfilling and impactful career that truly makes a difference.