You Can Follow Your Own Path to Success
My best career advice would be to let what excites and interests you define your “career path.” A large issue for women—and men, frankly—is that in our careers we think we are unable to change direction. In reality, our careers are a journey and we are making the map.
My first career was in contract outsourcing for the healthcare industry. While I was successful, I left my position to pursue a JD at the age of 36—talk about a change in direction! After graduating, my hat as an attorney would change a handful of times. It was through my experience as in-house counsel for Hyatt Gaming that I envisioned the role I have at GT today as co-chair of its Gaming Practice—creating a practice that can advise gaming clients in virtually every jurisdiction in which they are operating.
Building a business community where we can share experiences and encourage others at any career stage is critical to enabling each of us to take the next step or chase a dream. It is helpful to have a support system that inspires you and hears you—especially for women. For me, having business experience and going to school a bit later in life has made all the difference in my success as an attorney. However, that is my path.
As co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Women’s Initiative, we encourage women (and men) to share their experiences through the support and creation of local and national programming, professional and client development, and mentoring. Through the Women’s Initiative, in 2017, we launched the Good 2 Great coaching program, which provides up-and-coming women leaders at GT with individual and group coaching. The idea behind this, as with all our programming, is to expose our attorneys to as many perspectives and “career paths” as possible. You are making your map, but with support every step of the way. The program was so successful it’s in its second year.
We can have it all, especially women. Embrace change and believe in your ability to accomplish whatever may lie ahead of you. Be comfortable delegating and don’t feel like you have to do it all to be successful. Share your story—build your support team and rely on it. It will take you where you need to go, I know mine did.