Career Brain Droppings
A living resource list for people exploring careers where purpose and capital markets overlap. The path isn't always straight; sometimes the "right" role doesn't feel rewarding at first, and sometimes the rewarding work doesn't look "obvious" on a resume. People reach out to me about this a lot — this is what has helped.
Disclaimer: I'm not a trained coach, don't want to be. This page helped me collect my own thoughts about building a relationship with my own non-traditional career.
Why this page exists
I frequently get thoughtful notes from people exploring some version of:
- How do I move between mission-driven work and market-driven work without feeling like I'm betraying either?
- What skills actually matter if I want to build and lead in this space?
- I think I have the relevant experience, but I haven't worked in the private sector — how do I translate my work?
General thoughts on what has worked for me
- Credentialing can help translate your story. It's easy to dismiss certifications, but when you're crossing sectors they provide a common reference point.
- Build a personal "kitchen cabinet." A small group of trusted mentors + peers (your personal board) helps you stay honest, brave, and grounded.
- You are the product (without becoming a commodity). You're communicating your value — not your worth. If you can approach your value more objectively it can help make it easier to "sell" yourself.
- Be process-focused over outcome. Goals matter, but routines prevent burnout. (Example: "2 hours of search/networking daily" beats "20 applications/week.")
- Networking usually beats blind submissions. Many posted roles already have internal candidates or warm leads. Shaping a job posting can lead to success.
- Giving, taking, and boundaries. Be generous — and protect your energy. I'll often offer intros, but I ask people to identify the exact targets and why.
- Therapy (or good coaching) can be your friend. I've been in therapy since my early 20s — it's been one of the best investments I've made. Not all coaches or therapists are created equal. Find one that works and don't be afraid to switch it up!
Tools & practices that help
Baseline self-awareness (360s / strengths / feedback)
A 360 can clarify strengths, edges, and culture-fit patterns.
Leadership Circle Profile →
Triple Constraints (Iron Triangle)
For prioritization: scope, time, cost — you usually can't maximize all three.
PMI Overview →
Teal HQ (career toolkit)
Integrates with LinkedIn + tools for networking, resumes, and planning.
tealhq.com →
Mini-walkabouts / retreats (quarterly)
Every ~3 months, I take a day to reflect, reset, and update priorities.
The skill stack that compounds
If you want to move across sectors with optionality, aim for portable or translatable skills:
- Financial fluency — how money moves, how risk is priced
- Strategy under ambiguity — clear choices + explicit tradeoffs (Build your own framework)
- Operating cadence — how to ship, measure, iterate (organization & focus is key)
- Governance + stakeholders — understand how to communicate with, and what motivates, companies, investors, regulators, and civil society
- Narrative & trust — communicating with integrity & know your personal values
Authors that have helped me
Below are "start here" picks from authors I return to often — for conflict comfort, strategic clarity, and values-based leadership.
John Paul Lederach (conflict transformation, moral imagination)
Krista Tippett (presence, meaning-making)
Brené Brown (courageous leadership, trust)
Adam Grant (rethinking, generosity, organizational psychology)
Morgan Housel (behavior, compounding)
Scott Galloway (clarity, ambition, incentives)
Seth Godin (creative courage, consistency)
Skill-builders (courses, credentials, and learning)
A few platforms or credentials worth considering (choose what matches your lane):
Markets + investing foundation
Responsible investment practice
Valuation (free, high quality)
Sustainable finance systems view
Disclosure + materiality
Delivery + operating discipline
AI literacy (practical)
Podcasts I regularly recommend
If you're reaching out (how to make a great note)
I love meeting people who are thinking about what's next. I may be the right person to talk to — and I may not — but you're welcome to message me on LinkedIn.
To help me be useful quickly, include:
- Your current context (role, sector, location)
- The decision you're facing (what's the fork in the road?)
- One specific question (answerable in a paragraph)
- What you've tried already (so I don't suggest the obvious)
Best Career advice quotes
"I often warn people: 'somewhere along the way, someone is going to tell you, "there is no "I" in team.' What you should tell them is, "Maybe not. But there is an "I" in independence, individuality, and integrity.'"
— George Carlin (and author of brain droppings)