In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Lori Wallace about job change as the modern day hero's journey. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Lori and Jonathan discussed the changing nature of the modern workplace, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and skill development. They also explored the concept of a portfolio career, the shift in the workforce due to the influence of Gen. Z and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of personal engagement and collaboration in career development. The conversation concluded with a mutual agreement on the need to embrace change and adapt to new environments for personal growth and better opportunities.
Adaptability and Career Longevity in Modern Workplace
Jonathan and Lori discussed the changing nature of the modern workplace, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and career longevity. Jonathan introduced the concept of a "modern day hero's journey" and highlighted the need for continuous learning and skill development. Lori, the founder and CEO of Career Ecology, shared her background in psychology and her transition from big banking to recruiting, emphasizing her focus on radical kindness and human connection. They both expressed excitement about the opportunities and challenges that the modern workplace presents.
Lori's Empathy-Driven Recruitment Approach
Lori discussed her transition from working in a search agency to starting her own agency, emphasizing the importance of empathy, deep listening, and transparency in her approach. She explained that her high empathy score initially hindered her recruitment at the original agency, but it later became her strength, leading to successful placements. Lori also shared her unconventional cold-calling technique, which focuses on understanding the candidate's curiosity and openness to new opportunities. Jonathan expressed his agreement with Lori's approach, highlighting the importance of empathy and trust in the recruitment process.
Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life
Lori and Jonathan discussed the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, with Lori emphasizing the role of psychology in understanding human experiences. They also touched on the concept of the modern day hero's journey, with Jonathan suggesting that job change can be seen as a part of this journey. Lori further elaborated on the significance of stories and fairy tales in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. The conversation ended with a mutual agreement on the importance of being open to change and exploring opportunities for personal growth.
Job Searching as Hero's Journey
Lori discussed the challenges of job searching and the psychological impact it can have on individuals. She likened the process to the hero's journey, with its various stages of fear, injury, and mentorship. Lori emphasized the need for a navigation system to cope with change and uncertainty, drawing parallels with the Aboriginals' navigation system based on dreams and stars. She also shared her work with two exceptional tech professionals who have been struggling with job searching for over two years, and how they are now exploring portfolio career concepts. Jonathan listened and responded to Lori's points throughout the discussion.
Embracing Portfolio Careers for Stability
Lori and Jonathan discussed the concept of a portfolio career, which they believe is a result of the changes brought about by Covid. They emphasized the importance of embracing this concept, as it allows individuals to have multiple sources of income and develop their skills in various areas. Jonathan also highlighted the challenges faced by employers who do not want their workers to have side gigs or other sources of income. He suggested that employees should consider having side hustles to ensure their financial stability, as loyalty from employers is no longer guaranteed. The conversation concluded with the idea that embracing a portfolio career can lead to personal growth and better opportunities.
Embracing Change in the Modern Workforce
Lori and Jonathan discussed the shift in the workforce due to the influence of Gen. Z and the COVID-19 pandemic. They agreed that the traditional employer-employee relationship, which was prevalent in the industrial age, is no longer sustainable. Instead, they proposed a new approach to outplacement, focusing on empowering employees during times of change and encouraging them to explore different roles within the company. They also emphasized the importance of embracing change and adapting to new environments, drawing parallels with the concept of ecosystem thinking. The conversation concluded with the recognition that not everyone is comfortable with change, but it is essential to help people overcome their fears and adapt to new situations.
Personal Engagement and Career Growth
Lori and Jonathan discussed the importance of personal engagement and collaboration in career development. Lori emphasized the need for a threefold path in job searching, including status quo, divergent, and out-of-the-box options. She also shared her experience with the monarch butterfly life cycle as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
Listen to the webinar here:
