4 Lessons in Career Innovation from Women Who’ve Tried it All

Every professional journey has its ups and downs. Oftentimes, we tend to hyperfocus on our setbacks rather than our achievements, viewing them as moments of failure that temporarily halt our progress. 

Career innovation isn’t always linear, and there’s no foolproof formula for guaranteed success—but there are ways to view it with an upward mindset.

At CCWomen, a membership platform for women and allies, we strive to give the stage to others who want to share their stories for empowerment and community. Here, we share four career lessons for women from those who’ve learned valuable insights from their own experiences.

1. Every obstacle can become an opportunity.  

Karolina Dacheva is the Head of Customer Success at Businessmap driven by ambition and excellence. With a background in aerospace engineering and a diverse career portfolio, she longed to use her technical skills at a higher level and transitioned from being a Partner Success Manager to a Strategic Operations Leader. 

“My unrelenting commitment to learning and development catalyzed this growth, manifesting in several prestigious certifications and recognitions,” she explained. “One pivotal life lesson I learned along the way is the power of resilience. Particularly during my tenure at renowned corporations such as Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa Technik, I realized the importance of not being deterred by setbacks, but rather viewing them as opportunities to learn and evolve.”

2. Recognize your worth—and let the world know, too. 

As the Head of Operations at Awning, Sarah Levy-Lambert takes charge with maximizing growth for her company. She explains the importance of acknowledging your skills and ensuring your voice is heard:

My career trajectory from cognitive science to a leadership role in real estate and tech underscores a vital life lesson: being your own biggest advocate. This journey has taught me that "a closed mouth does not get fed." 

Whether it's seeking a promotion, negotiating a bonus, or highlighting personal accomplishments, success often requires making proactive, vocal requests. My role at Awning embodies this philosophy, as I continuously strive to not just participate in growth but actively drive it, ensuring our operations thrive even in challenging environments.

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of balance.

Jess Munday, the co-founder and People and Culture Manager of CustomNeon, had to navigate the challenges of founding her own company while tending to her personal responsibilities. However, her challenges led her to create a better balance not just for herself, but for her employees’ wellness. 

Munday shared:   

I experienced burnout when I first started Custom Neon as I had to juggle running a company while caring for my family. I've learned from running a business and raising a small family that success entails making time for the people and things that matter most in life in addition to reaching professional goals. Our organization's culture has been impacted by this lesson because we place a strong emphasis on the necessity of cooperation and flexibility in order to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

These exchanges have taught us the value of always keeping an open mind and pursuing your own goals. They taught me that sometimes, the most rewarding paths are those not originally planned.

4. Identify what’s most important for a fulfilling life. 

We don’t live to work—we work to live. Our careers can bring us joy and purpose because we can actively see the impact we’re making in the world, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all. Carolyn Beaudoin, co-founder and Head of Creative Strategy of Boxcar Agency, stresses this point: 

We will all die with work on our desk. This sounds morbid, I know. I spent most of my 20s and early 30s intensely focused on advancing my career. About three years ago, my partner’s Dad died. My partner said he found many half-finished projects at his Dad’s house - this struck a chord with me. 

Since then, I’ve tried to find a better balance between work and life. As a business owner, it’s hard to find this balance. There’s always more to do. Yet what truly matters is the time I spend with my family and friends—and how they feel when we spend time together.

Looking to learn from other women innovators?

Are you on the verge of a career transition? An empowering community can make a world of difference when navigating significant change. At CCWomen, we always strive to learn from one another through tangible resources and events that remind us to tap into our power. 

With paid members representing Major League Baseball, Draft Kings, Marriott International, and more, our network continues to expand. Take a peek at our offerings and join us today!