Have you been asking all the wrong questions?

As someone who works with senior leaders navigating career transitions, I see this struggle often.

Last month, a CEO reached out, frustrated and unsure how to move forward. He’d been asking himself questions like:

• What do I want to be when I grow up?
• What do I want to do next?
• What industry should I work in?

These seemed like the right questions – but they were keeping him stuck. Less than 10 minutes into our call, he stopped and said:

“I’ve been asking myself the wrong questions. No wonder I feel stuck.”

At the executive level, career change isn’t just about a role or industry. It’s about aligning with the work that fuels your purpose and impact. So, I asked him to think differently:

• What problems do you love solving?
• What day-to-day tasks energize you?
• Who do you enjoy working with?

After a pause, he said,

“Maureen, you’re asking all the right questions.”

This shift in perspective gave him immediate clarity. By focusing on what truly motivates and satisfies him, we started uncovering a path that aligns with his strengths, passions, and leadership style – not just a title or industry.

This approach has helped countless leaders realign their careers with what energizes them, leading to more impactful and fulfilling work. If you’re ready to think differently about your next move, let’s talk.

Sometimes the right questions are all you need to unlock the next chapter.

About The Author
Maureen McCann is an award-winning career coach, master resume writer, and master certified interview, employment, and career strategist whose clients include C-level executives, managers, and professionals in all industries including the Canadian banking, oil and gas, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.