How a CSL alumni learned to strategically tell her story and land her dream job

Sarah Doody [00:00:00]: Hey there. I’m Sarah Doody, host of the Career Strategy Podcast. Many professionals are seeking more impact, flexibility, growth, and let’s face it, getting paid what they’re worth. But how do you unlock this in your career? It starts with strategy. I’m taking you behind the scenes of what’s working for my career coaching clients. You’ll hear strategies and actionable, yet sometimes against the grain, advice for how you can be the CEO of your career and stop in Mondays. Ready to level up your career? Let’s get after it.

Erin Lindstrom [00:00:38]: Hey. This is Erin, one of the coaches inside of Career Strategy Lab. And today, I’m so excited to bring you a conversation with one of our recent alumni, Melody. Melody is a product designer with 5 years of experience in product design, UX design, and user research. She focuses on working with Fintech And finance related b to c responsive web design and web apps that serve millions of users. Her experience in planning, conducting, analyzing, and researching with global participants, including surveys and unmoderated interviews, has equipped her with the ability to Create design solutions that are backed by both quantitative and qualitative user testing and customer feedback. She applies her design thinking skills to craft delightful user experiences for users and loves connecting with new people. This conversation was so great, and make sure you stick around to the end because Melody shares something that I think is so important really about the humanness of the process of going through and, you know, working on your career materials and the mental toll that takes and making sure you have holistic support.

Erin Lindstrom [00:01:45]: So check it out. Hope you enjoy. Welcome, Melody. I am so excited to have you here today. Thanks for taking the time.

Melody [00:01:53]: Yeah. Yeah. And no time no see, Erin.

Erin Lindstrom [00:01:56]: Yeah. I’m excited to be back with you. I missed your presence. So as we hop into today’s conversation, for our listeners, would you mind just taking a minute and introducing yourself? Tell us about who you are and your kind of, like, journey to CSO, if you’re open to that.

Melody [00:02:11]: Yeah. Wow. It’s you know, tell tell me about yourself thing again.

Erin Lindstrom [00:02:16]: Yeah. The giant question. Who are you, and how did you get here?

Melody [00:02:21]: Yeah. So, yeah, first of all, my name is Melody, and I’ve been doing product design for, like, about 5 years. I have been working in several different industry as a designer. You know, there’s some in house where I have also experienced a event and then recent more recent experiences are in the more, like, Fintech and finance industries.

Erin Lindstrom [00:02:44]: Mhmm. And

Melody [00:02:44]: yeah. And so how did I actually really getting to CSL? It’s so I was listening to a couple of podcasts, UX related podcasts, and then Sarah actually She happened to be on the, like, the, you know, the guest speaking on

Erin Lindstrom [00:02:58]: Mhmm.

Melody [00:02:59]: Some of the episode. And they’re not just, like, one Podcast. It’s actually, like I think 2, 3 podcasts is actually I heard Sarah was on it, and I was really botting on how what Her suggestions on, like, really, you know, treating your career as a product. Like, we as a product designer, we’ve been Always thought about product, and then we never really, like, treating ourself as a really, like, a product thinking. So Yeah. I was really broadening. And then, like, a I was down here. She was just saying on the podcast.

Melody [00:03:28]: It was actually pretty helpful already. That’s actually got me interesting and then, like, really, you know, Looking to the website, CSL, and then, like, see what’s going on. And, like, I joined the I joined a, like, a, you know, like, the first course, like, introductory kinda, like, the free one. And then, yeah, I was like, yeah. It’s I think it’s good. And then it was a point also I was, the like, I I was been looking for a while, and and then I was like, yeah. Maybe it’s better to, like, have a group of people was, like, you know, standing by your side and Aiming the same goal with the, that was good too. And then if there’s a guidance, and then that was good.

Melody [00:04:07]: I also like I’m gonna say you guys did a Perfect job on the email marketing. Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah, I guess that’s a little, like, overview on how the journey I got into to see it. So yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:04:20]: Very cool. And how did you decide on UX as, like, the thing that you’re focused on?

Melody [00:04:26]: Yeah. So I was actually I went to school, college in graphic design, actually. And by by the time I joined, the the Chairman switched the title to, like, graphic from graphic design to design because he thought, like, you know, moving forward, not just graphic design, not just, like, be Graphic design is gonna be more stuff. So so we have to take on course, like you know, that’s a requirement course, interaction design, which is UI UX, but it’s more UI side focusing on the visual, but we do touch on, like, UX. And That actually caught me interesting on it when I first take a call. I don’t eve I have no idea what’s UX. I I remember this first of a first class, it was, What is UX? What is UI? And this is before, you know, this is before the UX UI thing, like, hype. It’s still it’s a lot of people are still still still like, what what what is that? I I mean, I was I’m still trying to figure out.

Melody [00:05:24]: And yeah. So that course really brought my anxious, and then, like, We have to do, like, a lot of research. Like, the professor kinda touched on, like, oh, could you start to do some research? You know, like, do some little survey with your friends, ask around, look up the materials online and yeah. So, really, they started, like, learning about, like, design thinking, which is really different from, like, Traditional graphic design and printing design. And I was actually thinking this is I really liking this, like, mentality for Problem solving, like, really digging around and then, like, you don’t really dig a lot of articles online and then to, like, came up with the you know, have a really, Like a data. I I would wanna say, like, that’s like a serious data data, but then, like, some sort of data at the back to, like, back you off. And also, like, I was always a pretty money driven person. So when I joined when I joined our school, I’ve been thinking What’s the best way to make money in art? Like Mhmm.

Melody [00:06:23]: What career I can, yeah, make money with? Because when I joined, like, when I applied for art school, I remember my parents are kinda worried. You know? Like, I Yeah. They call Asian parents, they’re like, Yes. It’s just a real worry about your future, how you’re gonna affect yourself. And then so that’s and I was really money driven person, so I was been Thinking about that the whole time. And then at the time that I was thinking, like, yeah, I think screen design, like, screen related digital screen related design, it’s gonna be the future trend because everything now is gonna be slowly proceed on the, like, on screen. And I started to see at the and then the point, like, that my 3rd year for with you. I took this class, and then I started seeing, like, you know, in subway, they started to put it in those, like, screens in the subway, in the station.

Melody [00:07:10]: Yeah. You can touch it. Also, that’s injection design too. And and and then I see, like, in a museum, there’s some, like sometimes they will have some panels, and that’s interaction design. So I started to see this is this is gonna be more pretty lucrative in the future.

Erin Lindstrom [00:07:25]: So Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Melody [00:07:28]: So I was actually I think I was in the on the track of, like, looking for a career in art that can make me money for myself, but then I’m also interesting Yeah. Yeah. So that’s actually kinda, like, how I got into like, mentally wise, how I get into UX. And I was pretty lucky enough. Like, I was having that, you know, requirement course, and then I senior year, I decided I could go for that. I was focusing on that from my, You know, graduation project. And so then I kinda started picturing myself. I’m an interaction designer.

Melody [00:08:00]: That was that’s There’s no product designer at this word yet. And then, like, after I graduated, then my 1st internship in a design studio, I was kinda picturing myself. I’m an interaction designer. But Even though I’m still working on some other projects, I was on printing design, but I try to get, like, some interaction work, like the website design. So that’s, like, Kinda like I slowly progress it and then yeah. So it’s, like, I guess, obviously, I’m lucky at the same time, like, you know, kinda direct me to that route, which I was Trying to get into that route as well. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:08:30]: Yeah. That’s really cool because I think there’s a lot of people who are looking like, so many people in CSL, right, are creatives. And then Yeah. It is that crossover into, like, okay, and also business. Like, how do we make this work? We Yeah. The capitalistic society, which comes up a lot as we’re talking about salary and, Like, need and all of these things. Yeah. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:08:47]: It’s interesting that you’ve had that vision for a while, and you were, like, looking for that intersection. Yeah. Between, like, art and money, how do we do this?

Melody [00:08:54]: Yeah. And it was a time that, like, I remember because I know I’m gonna go to art school when I was high school already. And I was I think I was sort of like a analytical mind since I was a kid. Yeah. So I go through, like, the list of, like, Which way to go for the future, I like drawing. So that’s part of the one of the lead. Another one, I like martial arts, but then I was like, okay. I’m not gonna make any money with that, so I just cross it out.

Melody [00:09:21]: And then, like, I just kinda go through whatever I was interesting and then see which one has the more potential. And then when I join when I Go to art like, supply art school. It’s I originally, I was thinking I choose graphic design because I was thinking everything is graphic design. That’s that’s the time. Mhmm. Because, yeah, your just your card is, like, this graphic design too. Yeah. And then, like, when I got into college, I was like, no.

Melody [00:09:43]: Actually, everything’s gonna be in the screen.

Erin Lindstrom [00:09:45]: Fascinating. Yeah. So did you it sounds like you’ve had this kind of, like, duality between, like, art and business for a while, which to me kind of Sounds like the product of you, like, framework where it’s like, yes. You have, like, a job, and also you need to, like, sell yourself in a way. Like, when we’re looking at the job market like that, Was that something that, like, naturally came to you? Or when you first started, like, hearing that from Sarah, were you like, what are you talking about? Like, how did that kind of, like, land for you?

Melody [00:10:11]: I will say I didn’t really thought I have that kind of mentality, like, the product view mentality on myself. But then when Sarah start mentioning about in the podcast I was listening, I was like, That’s actually that’s true. Like, I I immediately relate it. I’ve been thinking I was more like analytical person. Like, I’d like to annotate every single thing and try to find the best way. But then, actually, after she said that, I was like, yeah. I think that’s that’s the way I’ve been doing, but I just kinda picture myself in more, like, analytical people. So I always tell my Friends, among the like, a lot of friends who, like, not in the UX area, they usually think, oh, you’re a designer.

Melody [00:10:46]: You should be the artsy person. But then when we really go to see some artsy stuff, and they were like, I was like, I don’t get it. They’re like, Angie or art person? Like but I was like, I’m like, just think of the business person in the artwork.

Erin Lindstrom [00:10:57]: Interesting. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So would you say so you said you were job searching for a while before you came to CSL, and then, Obviously, you continued and you landed a position. Can you talk a little bit about, like, what was the job search like before? And then, like, how did it change As you went through Career Strategy Lab.

Melody [00:11:15]: Yeah. So the job search before, it was it’s like I’ve been, like, you know, Like, what everyone doing, like, you know, apply for a 100 positions and then not really, like, tailoring. And I think I was being, like, kinda Frustrated, not, like, getting any result. And then by frustrating by seeing the news every day, like, the market was going bad and even worse. And Really, like, really at the point, it was pretty depressing as well, and then kinda so that’s actually changed a lot ever since I joined CSO, I think I also think through a little back when I joined. You probably remember I was kinda dumping a lot a lot of stuff a lot time and, like, what did I do wrong and stuff? Yeah. So, I mean, the good thing is, we there’s a group of people there, like, You know? The mindset court call every Wednesday is group of people there always, like, we’re supporting each other. That was really awesome.

Melody [00:12:12]: And, Also, like, you know, like, the the course framework, it was really nice. Like, I I I think I have a Instruction there. Like, I think if I follow it, I was like, I will follow it, and I’d see about it. Maybe it’s gonna change, and I really like the idea and that You don’t have to, you know, apply a 100 position, and the they will get like, then you can tailor it. And I I also like the idea that really, like, you know, you don’t have to, like, kinda lowball yourself as well. Like, kinda I kinda sense that When when I take the course, I wrote wrote out, like, a list of, like, my, you know, dream company, which is sort of the position right now. Hits I would say hit 95%. It’s just, like Wow.

Melody [00:12:58]: Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:12:58]: That 5% is the of your dream company list. Wow. That’s incredible, honestly.

Melody [00:13:03]: No. Like, the the, like, the requirements for my Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It actually hit pretty it hit a lot. The last one, The salary didn’t go as much just like what I was expecting, but I would say because the market right now, I’m gonna not gonna be, you know, Too harsh on that, but yeah. So I do like that part, and then it’s, like, really think about what are you good at. And then I remember that when I was taking the course, the I remember it’s like the self diagnosis Yeah.

Melody [00:13:30]: The first part. And then, like, really, like, this one part was, like, you like, Asking around what people thought about you, and then I used to think I wasn’t really into per people, Like, interesting on people wise. And then until I asked my husband, he’s like, even you always said you’re not interesting on people, but you actually are.

Erin Lindstrom [00:13:51]: Yeah. Okay. Like, it can be so uncomfortable to ask people, like, tell me what you like most about me too, or, like, how am I most helpful? It it, like, takes some courage to do that, I think.

Melody [00:14:01]: Yeah. Yeah. And it’s funny how when he said that, and I was like, Interesting. I didn’t view myself as that. And I think and then I immediately thought about that could be my selling point, that I could be Empathy other people, some on on on some stuff, which I always thought I didn’t. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:14:20]: Interesting. Were there any other, like, highlights? So, like, Empathy was a piece of the puzzle. Like, how did like, so you’re kind of coming together of the product of you, the product of Melody. Right? Like Mhmm. What do you feel like came through from going from, like, someone who’s applying to this job to like, what are the highlights that you pulled out about yourself?

Melody [00:14:40]: I think the other ones The other ones actually pretty much know it already because Oh, yeah. Yeah. I was lucky enough my previous boss. She was always open to, like, you know, giving the opinions. And so it’s she’s always said that I was, like, really out of box, like, thinking always thinking pretty, like, out of box and then, Pretty organized and, yes, not, like, not too much like that. I think that’s the one that actually come up with that. Like shocking.

Erin Lindstrom [00:15:07]: What was the like for you. So going through, like, the diagnostics, getting the feedback, working on your career materials, and, you know, most people go, like, compass statement, resume, LinkedIn, And then, like, portfolio is always like the, so I’m just wondering, like, how was your experience working through case studies in your portfolio? And then did you use that in your Interview with the job that you have now?

Melody [00:15:28]: Yeah. So I actually I do use it on the on the interview, and actually went pretty well. And so, actually, my journey with portfolio, that’s not my the most scariest thing, actually.

Erin Lindstrom [00:15:38]: Most scariest thing.

Melody [00:15:41]: It’s actually, like, Compass statement. I I don’t like writings or, like, the cover letter. And then it’s like, I really don’t like writing. So that’s Apart from that, actually for me, it’s actually even more scary. Like

Erin Lindstrom [00:15:52]: Got it.

Melody [00:15:52]: Because I have the portfolio already, like, sort of. Like, I have a portfolio.

Erin Lindstrom [00:15:57]: Starting place. Yeah.

Melody [00:15:59]: Yeah. Before I joined so but, like, when I see the temp the course, guidelines and then, like, follows through the course and then with the template and everything, it’s Really, like, I was like, oh, this is like, it’s a good start point because I’ve been struggling how to, like, have a more streamlined, like, storytelling through my portfolio. And, like, believe or not, I actually did a several version before I joined. I was already, like, revised it for so much. And then yeah. And then I was before I was putting on the website and then using the website format. And then after joining CSO, Sarah was always like, you should have a PDF. Yeah.

Melody [00:16:39]: So I was like, yeah. I guess I’ll take that as, like, That’s our point, but it’s basically at first, I just transfer whatever I have on my website and then to the PDF version. I’ve know I’ve been, like, several time, like, kinda My struggle point is more like, how do I tell my story? Because the project I was presenting was a pretty big project. It was almost like a year. So I was trying to, like, find a way to, like, tell the story well where people can have a key getaway, Take away points and but then don’t overwhelm them. Like, I don’t want them to get lost in my presenting. Like, you know, I don’t want to have, like, a 60 pages presentation, which it’s actually initially was like that, like, after I put everything out. Yeah.

Melody [00:17:20]: Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:17:21]: Yeah. It’s tricky to, like, pull it back and make sure you have the most powerful points and then than actually get it across, like, in real time too when you’re connecting with someone and reading the room and all of the things.

Melody [00:17:31]: Yeah. Yeah. Totally. Yeah. And and, there’s a example section. I remember there’s a, like, a green light section for the everyone in. Yeah. I I I thought that was really helpful.

Melody [00:17:42]: I look through, like, Everyone’s and try to learn how do they, like, tell their story more, like, smoothly. Yeah. Yeah. And then I was still, like, I was studying, like, Some of the portfolio presentation yes. The demo day, and that that really, like, learns a lot. Yeah. So portfolio wise, I wasn’t actually that’s not my biggest, Like, scary point. And then I actually do feel I’ve learned a lot for that.

Melody [00:18:05]: Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:18:05]: Yeah. That’s awesome and so interesting, like, the different points that just, like, affect us differently. And it sounds like going back the the compass statement too to me, like, always feels like such an identity moment for people. I don’t know if you had the same experience, but Kind of going through and being forced to, like, look at ourselves. I’m like, okay. How am I gonna say this in a way that I’m not, like, braggadocious and, like, going too far. Like, I need to be confident, but humble and honest, but also, like, powerful and, like, finding finding the truth in that, like, can be a bit of a process.

Melody [00:18:36]: Yeah. I I don’t know how to write, like, you know, the what do you call that? Like, the the UX writing. I don’t know how to write those. Yep. And then it’s like, I I I remember I was looking around on the examples that provided in CSO, and I was looking at even some once in a while, those people will be posting their compass statement and then, like, ask, Like, the other plans. So I was looking at that. And so it’s like actually, I I don’t because I don’t know how to write Those, like, you know, strong selling point within 1 sentence kinda thing.

Erin Lindstrom [00:19:06]: Right. Right. Yeah. Got it. It’s a it’s a learning curve. Very cool.

Melody [00:19:10]: Yeah. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:19:12]: Are you open to telling us a little bit about, like so how did this happen with your current job? Because I know sometimes in CSL, there’s moments of like, oh my god. Is this ever gonna work? And then moments of like, oh my god. It’s working. And then it, like, felt like there’s a bit of a roller coaster sometimes. Did you have, like, an emotional roller coaster at all? Or, like, Tell us the story of, like, how you landed the position you’re in now.

Melody [00:19:33]: Yeah. That’s I also know that the position I’m in right now, The journey went pretty fast, but then, like, to get to this point, it took a long time. That’s what I would say. Yeah. And there’s a lot of roller coaster. So before I get into this position, like, I do get, like like, 1 like, I will say 2. They they almost like, I I really wanna hire you, but then they’re, like, kinda run the way later on. 1 is I even get a official, like No.

Melody [00:20:01]: Not official. Sorry. The verbal offer, and then they’ve been, like, tried to draft it for a long time. And then and then after I waited for, like, a month, they’re like, I’m sorry at the time. There is something going on with the with the companies. So we’re right now, we’re not able to hire any new hires. The other one is I interview, like, for Four rounds, everyone was like, yeah. You’re super good.

Melody [00:20:23]: Are you super fit? There’s even one who was like, yeah. It’s a thumbs up for me already from on on on me. And The hiring manager seems like pretty, like yeah. It’s like, when when can you, like what’s your time on everything? And then they turn away to, like, Actually, end up hiring a freelance. They don’t wanna hire full time. Yeah. So I don’t know about after they’re, like, going on, but then, like, a month I got an email, like, rejection, like, a really cold email, which I was really like, I spent so much time on it. And then Right.

Melody [00:20:53]: Yeah. So There’s, like, a roller coaster being there. Like, oh, I got in, and, no, I didn’t. No. Oh, I get in. No. I didn’t. And this job this position right now, I was saying, It’s actually really funny.

Melody [00:21:04]: Like, the the other ones that have been, like, you know, applied to interview to, like, get it. It took, to get took a pretty long process, But then this one’s 1, 2, 3 weeks. It’s really fast. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:21:18]: Yeah. You never know. People are like, well, How long do you think I’m like, I don’t it we can’t tell you. Like, we don’t know because you just Yeah. Sound different in every situation.

Melody [00:21:27]: Yeah. And it’s this one That was super fast. It’s I remember, like, I applied this and I applied this job online. And then because Oh, I got I tried to reach out to, like, no person. Like, you know, Sarah always said you had to get, like, you know, reach out to people, talk to them, and whatever. I got all these referrals. They never get anything. Not even the, you know, like Yeah.

Melody [00:21:51]: 1st round. But this one, I just apply it online myself, and then they get back to me, like, I think the next the the following week or just few days after. I remember it was really fast. I was like, oh, interesting. And then and then, like, I’d take a call, And then they, like, the the HR, like, kinda, you know, the 1st screen you call, I take it. HR was like, yeah. I think you’re a good fit. And then next, the the after that call, the at the Later afternoon, I think close to, like, this time, I got a email from the hiring manager, but I would like to schedule up a call with you.

Melody [00:22:21]: And then we’ll schedule it the next day. But it’s

Erin Lindstrom [00:22:23]: better to set you up. It’s very nice.

Melody [00:22:25]: It’s really it went so fast and, like, it’s like, I don’t I I honestly, I don’t I was really surprised. I was like, I can’t believe that went really fast. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And then the The 2nd round went pretty well, so the hiring manager was like, yeah. Let’s we’ll we’ll we’ll we’ll schedule off the the third one. And then I was expecting I remember hiring manager.

Melody [00:22:47]: She was giving me, like, expect set of expectations that you know, usually, it’s a big corporation. So usually, like, it takes a little while. You know? If you don’t hear back anything, don’t panic, whatever. So and then I hear back the 2nd day. My goodness.

Erin Lindstrom [00:23:01]: Wow. Yeah. Wow. You never know. That’s so fascinating. Did you so you mentioned that you found that job and just, like, went ahead and applied. Did you find do you you remember where you found it? Was it on the company website or on LinkedIn? Or, like, how did you originally find it?

Melody [00:23:17]: I think it’s on LinkedIn. Yeah. Because I constantly checking that company’s Same thing. Like, I’ve been applying that company.

Erin Lindstrom [00:23:22]: Oh, is this a company that you’ve been, like, following for a while?

Melody [00:23:25]: Yeah. Yeah. And I’ve been, like, 2, 3 times, but nothing came and nothing, like, I I think I never get into, like, you know, like, screener call. I think

Erin Lindstrom [00:23:35]: The screener call. Yeah. Yeah.

Melody [00:23:36]: Yeah. I I don’t think I get it. Yeah. And then and then they actually somehow, I guess, even saw it. It’s just like No. A good plot. Yeah. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:23:45]: Interesting. Okay. So for anyone listening to this later, just wanna be clear. Like, so not only, like, you went and, like, did the work of developing your career materials after, like, applying for a while, and then, like, Two different things fell through, right, like, more or less. And and you applied to this company, like, multiple times, And they eventually, like, picked it up and very quickly, like, hired you. And I just think that speaks to the, like, you never know. Like, don’t stop. I think a lot of times it’s hard when we’re like, I can’t control anything, and it feels like when you’re out of trust and feeling like, oh my god.

Erin Lindstrom [00:24:19]: I don’t know what to do here. Like, the keep going piece of this feels very important to me. And, like, yeah, you kept going and, like, it worked out. So I just love your persistence there And, like, your clarity of, like, nope. This company is somewhere I wanna work, so I’m not gonna just, like, stop because I haven’t heard back. Instead, like Yep. I’m gonna continue to refine and apply for, like, what I know I could be good at.

Melody [00:24:40]: Yeah. And, also, I think it’s the good point. I guess it came back. It’s a good timing that I think I’m more confident on all my material. It’s like I look back, like, now, it’s like if they come back probably, like, 2, 3 months before that, I might be like, oh, my portfolio is not there yet even though I have it. But it’s like, Did I practice enough? Am I confident enough kind of thing? But then they’re commenting on the the timing that I was actually I’ve been already, like, in other couple other interview practice few times might tell me about yourself, and then, like, All the interview questions and, like, kinda I think they came on the time that was I was pretty confident already. I’m very confident on my portfolio deck. It was a time also it was funny time also at that same time.

Melody [00:25:27]: There’s 2 other dream my dream company also Came back, like, come to me. Like, I also apply it, like Wow. Yeah. It was a funny timing. It’s just like That time, and then, like, 2 other company on my dream company list, and they come back and contact me. 1 of them went to the final stage, But then I decided to go I already decided to go with this. That was the one that was joining. Yeah.

Melody [00:25:49]: And then they also at the after final stage, they actually, sent me, like, the so sorry. Didn’t path up, but it’s just it’s just like the first, like, before like, the first half year or I would say a year. 1st, It’s like there’s not really something going in, and then the all of nowhere, all of all of everything coming when you’re ready.

Erin Lindstrom [00:26:12]: And talent. That’s so interesting. You’re right. I think timing is a big piece of it, and, like, that’s out of our control, unfortunately, right, or fortunately. But, like, you just gotta, like, keep going and trust. Do you have, like, for anyone who’s listening who might be kind of, like, on the roller coaster right now trying to figure out, like, next steps and, you know, keep the course. Like, do you have any advice that you would give to people in terms of, you know, staying in a mindset that’s helpful? Anything that was helpful for you?

Melody [00:26:36]: Yeah. So if I say that’s helpful, keep going, I know everyone’s gonna be dumping it because I was saying I I think through that, like, that process. Like, It’s just by doing right. And so I guess I wouldn’t say that, but then really trust the process. And then When you’re really confident and you’re ready on the stuff, like, the stuff, like, then the the timing will come. Like, really, the timing will come. And then also when the timing come, you have to be ready to catch it. Like, the when the opportunity come.

Melody [00:27:09]: Because when the maybe, like, it’s That’s I was just saying, like, if the opportunity come to me, like, 2, 3 months before, I might not doesn’t have that ability to, like, really catch and take it. So I just think, like, Try to be getting ready, and don’t be so hard for yourself. Like, try to be perfectionized everything. Just, you know, practice And practice every, like, you know, the presentation. And, yeah, reach talk to people as much as you can. I like, after the Taking the CSO course started to, like, you know, cold message a lot of people on, like, those dream company I wanna work at. And, you know, like, I got 1 or 2 schedule for coffee chat, and, like, I I didn’t thought they will reply to me. I think as and then when you get on coffee chat, talk to someone else, they always, like, start with that.

Melody [00:27:58]: Introduce yourself. That’s a perfect chance for you to practice, like, tell me about yourself. Yikes. It’s like try to catch any chance. Try to catch any people that are willing to talk to you. And then, Yeah. I’m pretty sure that’s gonna be the tough process that you’re gonna doubt yourself, like, what’s going on. But it’s just take a step and Take a rest, and then then you can start doing again.

Melody [00:28:23]: Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:28:24]: Yeah. That’s such a good point. Take a take a step and then take a rest, which, like Yeah. Sometimes we forget. We’re like, step, step, step, step, step. So I really appreciate you saying that and the blend here of, like, strategic action and things that you can be doing and Timing, like, is part of this. So, Melody, thank you so much for, like, sharing your wisdom with us today and your experience. It’s so nice to hear, like, You know, just to, like, hear your personal story, like, through all of this because Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:28:50]: You know, we connect, like, so much, and there’s always, like, more to it. So it was really fascinating to hear even more story, so just thank you so much.

Melody [00:28:57]: Yeah. And I think there’s 1 more point that I was just thought about. Like and when I was, Like, I went I was on the re like, journey, and then I was, like, trying to talk to anyone. And I remember this 1 person told me a really helpful one. She said, get a Therap like, the therapist. So that would really help your journey. She said, like, the best, like, best suggestion, advice, okay, if you get the therapist. So you can go to talk to that therapist, whatever you’re frustrating on.

Melody [00:29:25]: And once you talk it and you kinda let go of it, then you can Come back and focusing on the stuff. And then and then if you feel the frustration and doubting on yourself, I mean, I mean, it’s Do the weekly session and then talk to them again and, like, it’s kind of like releasing what you’re adopting and then and then join the mindset call. Like, everyone’s kinda supporting you. So then and then, like, take a step back as needed, when you need it. So I think it’s a lot of time, it’s about, like, you’re mentally trying to pull your back. Like, you’re adopting yourself, but which this is really human. So if you economical, financially, like, you know, able, Get a therapist. I will really encouraging that.

Melody [00:30:08]: That really helps me a little way as well. It’s like I just tell her, oh, whatever. I was, like, frustrating in it. No. And then, like, It’s it’s I think it is a good emotional release as well, so you can focusing on whatever you have to do have to deal with it. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:30:22]: Yeah. I think that’s absolutely brilliant. And just, like, to your point, the the having the mindset calls is there there is great to help, like, uncover Cover some things to figure out, like, what might be happening to get gain a different perspective or to get a little, like, strategy. And sometimes it brings up a lot of grief. Right? And, like, just other stuff that it can be helpful to have a trained professional too to then go to and be like, okay. Found these things on this call. Like, please help me actually figure it out now. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:30:48]: And having that support for you, the human, I think, is so important as you’re moving through the process, whether that looks like friends, family, taking breaks, going for a walk. Like, we need it.

Melody [00:30:57]: It’s really Yeah. Yeah. It’s a mentally stressed process. Yeah. Yes.

Erin Lindstrom [00:31:02]: Yes. Transformation is not Easy even if it’s simple. So yeah.

Melody [00:31:07]: Yeah. Totally. Yeah.

Erin Lindstrom [00:31:08]: Good stuff. Alright. Well, thank you again so much for joining Yes. And especially that last tip, I feel like that is really important, and I’m really glad we took a second to tap on that

Melody [00:31:17]: as well. Thank you, Yana. Yeah. Of course. Yeah. Anytime. Yep.

Sarah Doody [00:31:22]: Thanks for listening to the Career Strategy Podcast. Make sure to follow me, Sarah Dutti, on Twitter, Instagram, on YouTube or LinkedIn. If anything in today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on social Yep. Or send me a DM. And lastly, if you found this episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could Share it with a friend or give us a quick rating on Spotify or review on Apple Podcasts.