Career Support Group Meetup #6: Exchange, Practice & Grow Together

June 14, 2025

When you’re stuck in a career — it’s not usually for lack of skills. It’s often because you’ve forgotten how to see yourself clearly.

It was the final session of the Career Support Group Coaching Series, which I co-host with my colleague and friend, Aleksandra Czekalska. We’ve spent the last few months guiding a group of international professionals through the often messy, always human journey of career clarity.

And this final event? It was all about integration. Not learning something new. But remembering what we already know — and practicing saying it out loud.

Here’s what happened (and what you can try, even if you weren’t there).

🪞 Step 1: Look in the Mirror — and See an Animal

We started with a visualization: Imagine you walk into a room with a mirror. But instead of your face, you see an animal looking back at you.

Not just any animal — one that represents your energy at work.

“I’m a deer — I’m sensitive, perceptive, and alert.” “I’m a lion — I protect my team, and I’m not afraid to lead.” “I’m a dolphin — emotionally intelligent, playful, and communicative.”

That one question brought more honesty, confidence, and insight than any strengths assessment ever could.

Because when metaphor is involved, our inner critic goes quiet — and something real comes through.

🔍 Step 2: Translate It Into Value

Next, we asked: “How does this animal show up in your work?” What does it look like in meetings? In stress? In flow? In conflict?

Then we used a playful but powerful prompt to craft a Unique Value Proposition — something that speaks not just to what you do, but who you are when you're doing it well.

“I’m like a dolphin at work: I’m emotionally attuned, a clear communicator, and a team player — which means I create a trusting space where collaboration actually works.”

These weren’t just pitches. They were personal truths — made visible, memorable, and meaningful.

🎤 Step 3: Tell a True Story

Then came the STAR story practice — Situation, Task, Action, Result. But with a twist.

Instead of just telling your story, you had to listen to your partner’s and reflect back:

What strengths did you hear?
What inner resources came through?
What should this person be proud of?

Suddenly, what might have been just another interview exercise became something deeper: a mirror.

You could see people’s faces change as they heard someone else reflect their best qualities back to them.

“Wow. I didn’t realize I was so resourceful.” “I guess I am someone who leads with care.” “It’s hard for me to see that in myself — but you’re right.”

✨ Final Thought

Before we said goodbye, we asked:

“What’s one thing you are taking with you from the session?”

One person said simply:

“Great workshop. Lifted my spirit and gave me courage. Thank you!.”

This Is Why We Created This Series

Over the past months, together with Niv Now (he/him), we’ve hosted 6 community-driven sessions for international professionals navigating career changes, job searches, and self-doubt.

This wasn’t a series about fixing yourself. It was about remembering who you already are — and choosing to show up that way on purpose.

We’re not done. A new season is coming. But for now: if you’re feeling stuck, maybe all you need is a quiet mirror, a good story — and someone who really listens.

Whether you’re switching careers, starting over, or just figuring it out — you don’t have to do it alone.

Want to join us next season?

Follow the Career Support Group on Meetup Or message Niv Now (he/him) or Aleksandra Czekalska to stay connected.

💬 What was your favorite takeaway from this series — or this article? Drop it in the comments!