DiscoverHer Ambitious CareerEp 182 - Linear vs Jungle Gym Adventure: 2 Different Paths to Career Success
Ep 182 - Linear vs Jungle Gym Adventure: 2 Different Paths to Career Success

Ep 182 - Linear vs Jungle Gym Adventure: 2 Different Paths to Career Success

Update: 2025-05-19
Share

Description

Who said career 'success' is only about climbing the career ladder and going UP? Today I am exploring the metaphor of your career being a 'jungle gym' instead full of rich, lateral experiences.

In her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg references the metaphor of a 'career jungle gym' which she credits to Forbes' journalist Pattie Sellers. 

It's the idea that 'success' doesn't have to be a linear path. And you don't even need to know your ultimate destination. 

In all the years I have been a specialist career coach for women, I have seen that people who diversify their experiences are better off in the long term (certainly if they are chasing a leadership role).

In this episode I am exploring some ways to help you determine your own career path so that it feels like you're making good decisions... and are having a lot of fun along the way!


Something I said today:

"Where the career gym metaphor really excites me is it's based on chasing OPPORTUNITY rather than chasing job titles. This is hugely liberating and can lead to you making some really good decisions for your career." (Rebecca Allen, Host - Her Ambitious Career Podcast)


Links:

 

Rate, Review, & Follow our Show on Apple Podcasts:

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We air every week and I don't want you to miss out on a single broadcast. Follow now!

 

About Rebecca:

Hi, I’m Rebecca Allen and I’m an Executive Coach and Personal Brand expert for corporate women, aspiring to senior levels of leadership. I absolutely LOVE coaching and seeing my fabulous clients exceed their own expectations. Over the last decade+ I have helped women realise their potential at companies including Woolworths, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, Ministry of Defence, Frontier Sensing and Abbvie Medical Research through my Roadmap to Senior Leadership 1:1 coaching program. I live for those phone calls from clients, jumping up and down, telling me they’ve got that promotion, negotiated a seismic pay rise or have moved into a role completely aligned with their mission, values and strengths. I’m a working mum of two wonderful children, adore travel and trying my hand at anything creative. I’d love to connect with you!

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Ep 182 - Linear vs Jungle Gym Adventure: 2 Different Paths to Career Success

Ep 182 - Linear vs Jungle Gym Adventure: 2 Different Paths to Career Success

Rebecca Allen