Think about all the things you don’t control in a large, complex organization—a massive behemoth where decisions are often made far above your head.
You may have done an outstanding job, exceeded expectations, and delivered impressive results, but then there’s a sudden change in the leadership structure, or the company shifts to a new vision for the future.
Suddenly, all the hard work you put in and all the successes you achieved may no longer carry the weight they once did.
Your contributions, which once seemed invaluable, can quickly become irrelevant in the new big picture.
When the Ground Shifts Beneath You
The reality is that if you keep waiting for recognition or advancement in an environment that is constantly evolving, you could be waiting indefinitely. Even if these changes are no fault of your own, they can significantly impact your career trajectory. You’re still the same highly skilled, talented professional you’ve always been, but the people who valued your contributions—the ones who were in a position to advocate for you—may no longer have the influence they once did.
Or worse, they may no longer be there at all.
This is exactly what happened with my client, M. She had just completed a massive cross-functional project that streamlined supply chain efficiencies for a large pharmaceutical company. It involved coordinating across multiple departments, aligning conflicting priorities, and driving significant improvements in supply chain continuity. M had poured everything into this initiative, and the results were impressive. It seemed like she was well-positioned for the next big step in her career.
However, everything changed when the company’s financials came out. The numbers were not looking good, and cost reduction suddenly became the organization's primary focus. Overnight, the leadership team was reshuffled. New leaders with different priorities stepped in, and supply chain continuity—the area where M had just delivered such remarkable results—was no longer on their radar. The new leaders didn't have the bandwidth or the interest to learn about M’s project or appreciate the value she had created. They had a new directive: cut costs, and cut them fast.
M quickly saw the writing on the wall. She knew that despite her recent achievements, the tide had turned, and her work was no longer aligned with the organization's new direction. Rather than waiting to see how things would play out, she took action. She reached out to me, recognizing that she needed to take control of her career. She hadn’t job-searched in 14 years, and the landscape had changed dramatically since then. She realized she needed guidance to navigate this shift and find a role where her expertise would be valued.
We got to work immediately. We framed her recent project as a success in supply chain efficiency and also as a demonstration of her ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives that deliver substantial impact. We highlighted her strategic thinking, her ability to manage complex projects, and her knack for driving value in challenging environments.
The hard work paid off. M was able to leverage this narrative to secure her next role—a Vice President of Planning at a company that truly valued her experience.
Don’t Wait for the Winds to Change
Sometimes, the best move may be to seek growth opportunities elsewhere. This isn’t something to feel bad about; it’s simply how business cycles work. Organizations change directions, priorities shift, and the individuals who once championed you might move on or lose their influence. It's a natural part of the corporate landscape. She secured a 64% increase in compensation.
Why Now is the Time to Act
If you’ve been feeling stuck or stagnant, now is the time to act. The period between September and November is critical. Companies are working hard to fill roles before year-end, often rushing to use their allocated headcount budget before it disappears.
Start Being Active While in Your Job
Audit your network
Take stock of your current network, both inside and outside your organization. are you actively engaging with key contacts? are there relationships that need to be rekindled or new ones that should be established? start reaching out now.
Update your Linkedin profile
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized and reflects your career aspirations, not just your current role. highlight your achievements, showcase your thought leadership, and make it clear what kind of opportunities you’re open to.
Get visible in your industry
Start contributing to discussions in your industry. write articles, share insights, attend webinars, and participate in conferences. the more you put yourself out there, the more you build your brand as a leader and attract opportunities.
Prepare your pitch
when an opportunity arises, be ready to articulate your value clearly and confidently. have your success stories, metrics, and key skills ready to present to potential employers or decision-makers. Use this formula:
Who you are?
What do you do?
Who do you help?
What are the results the people you help get?
The bottom line? Don’t wait for things to change in your current environment. The right opportunity might not wait for you. Take control now, start taking action while in the financial comfort of your current role and engineer the opportunities for your next big role!
Dorothy Mashburn is an interview and salary negotiation coach on a mission to help women of color (and allies!) own their career story and negotiate their value. You can reach her here.
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