What do you do if you're a late career professional looking to leave a lasting legacy in your field?
As a late career professional, you might be contemplating your impact and the legacy you intend to leave within your industry. It's a pivotal moment to reflect on your journey and strategize how to imprint your wisdom and experience in a way that benefits future generations. Leadership development coaching can be a vital tool in this process, guiding you to leverage your expertise and create a lasting influence that extends beyond your retirement.
Mentorship is a powerful way to pass on your knowledge and insights. By taking under your wing younger professionals or even peers, you provide them with invaluable guidance that can shape their careers. This relationship is mutually beneficial; as a mentor, you gain fresh perspectives and the satisfaction of contributing to someone else's growth. The key is to be selective in choosing mentees who are eager to learn and grow, ensuring that your legacy is carried on by those who value it most.
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Kashif Kamal
Manager HR Learning & Development at Julphar, shaping future-ready workforce
Invest time in mentoring the next generation. Share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned to guide them on their journey. Encourage them to strive for excellence and to never stop learning.
Publishing articles, books, or even a blog can be an effective method to share your expertise with a wider audience. Your written work serves as a tangible embodiment of your professional legacy. Focus on topics where you can provide unique insights or where you've made significant contributions. Writing not only cements your status as an expert but also allows your knowledge to be accessed and utilized by countless individuals, far into the future.
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Anna-Lisa Leefers, PhD
Entrepreneur | Educator | Executive Coach
In the age of 10s videos, writing may feel quaint to outdated. Yet writing is still my sharpest tool to clarify what is important about an issue and how I feel about it. I tell my students there were specific opportunities given to me because of the strength of my writing. Tempting to think ChatGPT can do it all for you, but humans still need to evaluate if the output is good or appropriate 🤔 So treat yourself to a box of Blackwing pencils and let’s go!
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Kashif Kamal
Manager HR Learning & Development at Julphar, shaping future-ready workforce
Make Writing your daily hygiene. No matters how advanced we will be in near future, but writing and reading will never be outdated. Document your knowledge and expertise through books, articles, or blogs. Leave behind a written legacy that others can reference and learn from for years to come.
Public speaking at conferences, seminars, or webinars is another avenue through which you can influence your field. Your voice can inspire and educate others, providing thought leadership on critical issues. By crafting engaging presentations that resonate with your audience, you create memorable experiences that can spark change and innovation. Remember, the stories and lessons from your career can serve as powerful tools for teaching and motivating others.
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Kashif Kamal
Manager HR Learning & Development at Julphar, shaping future-ready workforce
This one is my personal favourite. Attending or speaking in conferences and seminars or podcasts not only boost your confidence but it is a good option of sharing information. Use your platform and voice to advocate for important issues in your field. Address challenges, offer solutions, and inspire others to take action for positive change.
If you've accumulated a wealth of experience, consider contributing to policy-making in your field. Engaging with professional bodies or governmental agencies allows you to shape the standards and practices that will define the future of your industry. Your insights can lead to significant reforms that embody your professional values and vision, ensuring that your legacy is woven into the fabric of your field's evolution.
Building and nurturing a professional network is essential for amplifying your impact. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion and can help spread your ideas. These connections can lead to collaborative projects, joint ventures, or simply the spreading of your influence through word of mouth. A strong network ensures that your legacy is not only preserved but also championed by others who respect and admire your work.
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Kashif Kamal
Manager HR Learning & Development at Julphar, shaping future-ready workforce
Continue to build and maintain strong relationships within your professional network. Connect people, share opportunities, and foster collaborations to strengthen the community and ensure your legacy endures.
Finally, consider giving back to the community through philanthropy or volunteering. By supporting causes related to your field, you demonstrate a commitment to the betterment of the industry as a whole. Whether it's funding scholarships, supporting research initiatives, or offering pro bono services, your generosity can leave a profound impact that resonates with your values and dedication to your profession.
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Teja Gudluru
Career Growth Mentor, TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur
You are a great leader when you are able to lead teams well. You leave a legacy, when you create more leaders. Contribute, volunteer to be a mentor on various apps available. Reach out to colleges and conduct pro-bono interactions / sessions to young students. Move your focus from "How many dollars did I help this company make?" to "How many people did I help grow?" Nicholas Tesla could have minted money and still be the brightest mind mankind has ever seen. He became a legend because he had an opportunity be selfish by patenting his brilliance and he made a choice to help humanity!
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Will Linssen
Top Voice (LinkedIn), #1 Leadership Coach (Global Gurus), Advisor at Harvard Business Review, Master Certified Coach (ICF MCC), #1 Coach Trainer (Thinkers50), CEO at Global Coach Group
Publish and share your knowledge! Write articles, books, or blogs to share your valuable insights and experiences. This can not only help others learn from your career but also establish you as a thought leader in your field.
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