Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

When I was 42, I hit one of those “What now?” moments. You know, the kind where you look at your career—decades of experience, a strong résumé, and countless late nights—and wonder, “Am I just running in circles here?” The titles and accomplishments were there, but something was missing: direction. The success I worked so hard for didn’t feel successful anymore.

Sound familiar? Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, staring at your LinkedIn profile, and instead of feeling proud, you’re thinking, “What’s next?” That was me. I realized something had to change. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy, but it worked. Today, I’m here to help you do the same. Let’s take your years of experience and turn them into a powerful, purpose-driven roadmap for your future.

 

Step 1: Reflect on the Milestones That Define You

Every leader’s career is full of defining moments—some that make you want to throw confetti, others that make you want to throw your laptop. To create a roadmap for the future, you need to revisit the highs, lows, and everything in between.

 

How to start:

• Write down three career moments that make you feel proud. What did you do that was extraordinary?
• Reflect on your toughest challenges. What lessons came out of those experiences?
• Think about the projects, teams, or environments where you felt alive. What made them special?

 

Why it matters: These moments aren’t just memories—they’re clues. They show you where

you’ve thrived, what fuels you, and how you’ve grown. Think of them as your career’s highlight reel. They’re not just telling your story; they’re shaping your future.

 

Step 2: Pinpoint What Makes You Stand Out

If your career were a movie, what would make people buy a ticket? Your leadership journey has given you unique skills and insights—now’s the time to spotlight them.

Actionable steps:

• Create a “strengths snapshot.” List your standout skills, leadership qualities, and expertise.
• Identify transferable skills. Think strategic thinking, relationship-building, or problem-solving—the kind of skills that shine in any role.
• Ask for feedback. A trusted colleague or mentor might see strengths you’ve overlooked.

 

Why it matters: When you know your value, you can position yourself as the person everyone

wants on their team. Clarity here isn’t just a confidence boost—it’s your secret weapon for standing out. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be the star of their own career?

 

Step 3: Envision the Career You Truly Want

 

This is the fun part—no limits, no self-editing. Picture the career you’d love five years from now. Who are you leading? What projects light you up? What legacy are you building?

 

Questions to guide you:

• What kind of work makes you forget to check the clock?
• What skills or experiences do you want to develop?
• How do you want to impact your team, organization, or industry?

 

Pro Tip: Visualization works. Picture your perfect day at work—who you’re with, what you’re doing, and how it feels. Write it down. It’s not just a feel-good exercise; it’s the foundation of your roadmap. One client of mine visualized leading a global team—and now she’s doing just that.

 

Step 4: Build the Roadmap With Tangible Steps

Dreaming is nice. Doing is better. Here’s where you connect the dots between where you are and where you want to be. And let me tell you—people who make this leap take very specific actions that truly work.

 

Key steps to include:

1. Upskilling: Continuous learning isn’t just about padding your résumé—it’s a signal to yourself and others that you’re leveling up. For example, one client of mine took a short course on strategic leadership and was promoted within six months. Expanding your skills builds credibility and keeps you competitive.

 

2. Personal Branding: Think of your LinkedIn profile as your personal billboard. Highlight your biggest wins and share posts that showcase your thought leadership. And no, this doesn’t mean posting generic “Motivational Monday” quotes. Make it authentic and reflective of your expertise.

 

3. Networking: Connections matter. Whether you’re attending industry events, joining online groups, or grabbing coffee with a colleague, networking opens doors you didn’t even know existed. One conversation can change everything.

 

4. Track Progress: Set small, meaningful milestones to keep yourself accountable. Maybe it’s updating your résumé this week or setting up three informational interviews next month. Celebrate the progress—it’s fuel for the journey.

 

Why it works: These aren’t just tasks—they’re transformational steps that align your actions with your long-term vision. When you intentionally build momentum, success isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable.

 

Step 5: Stay Flexible and Adapt

Here’s the thing about roadmaps: they’re not carved in stone. Life happens. Opportunities pop up. Plans shift. The trick is staying open to change without losing sight of your destination.

 

Practical tips for revisiting your roadmap:

• Schedule quarterly check-ins to assess your progress and recalibrate if needed.
• Celebrate the small wins—they’re the breadcrumbs that lead to big success.
• Don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you didn’t plan for.

 

Why it matters: Growth is messy, non-linear, and sometimes downright confusing. But flexibility keeps you in the game and ready for what’s next. Think of your roadmap as a GPS—it recalculates when life takes an unexpected turn. Just keep heading toward your destination.

 

Let’s Talk

Your experience is your superpower, and a roadmap turns that power into results. Whether you’re ready to make a career pivot, step into a bigger role, or simply regain your sense of purpose, I’m here to help you navigate the journey.

 

Here’s how we can work together:

• Book a free discovery call: Let’s dive into your goals and map out the first step.
• Contact us for our free Career Transformation Roadmap: A free guide to jumpstart your planning.
• Stay connected: Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights and tips to keep your momentum going.

Your next chapter starts today. Don’t wait—spaces for discovery calls this month are limited. Let’s make it extraordinary!

P.S.

Looking to prepare for 2025 and thrive in a competitive job market? Don’t miss

“How to Thrive in a Competitive 2025 Job Market: 5 Steps for Job Seekers Over 40”.

It’s packed with actionable advice to help you stay ahead and achieve success in the year ahead.