Mind the Pit: Why Career Growth Can Feel Uncomfortable (and That’s a Good Thing)
By: Claudine Kourkoumelis
Who is one person you’ve looked up to in your life — mentor, colleague or historical figure — and why? How did they inspire you?
One of the most influential figures in my career — and someone who continues to shape my thinking today — was a former boss and mentor from my early to mid-career. He stepped in to lead a large, fragmented team that was stuck in outdated processes and systems. Through clear accountability and a strong emphasis on collaboration, he brought us together and challenged us to develop innovative ways to measure engagement and performance. Our work was ultimately featured in publications alongside our external partners. Even as the organization faced difficult transformations, he didn’t allow us to slip into a reactive mindset — he kept us focused on continuous improvement, a growth mindset and cross-functional alignment. He also has a great sense of humor which you definitely need during difficult times. That experience has been a key influence on how I lead, inspiring my emphasis on collaboration and a constant drive to improve.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received, and how has it impacted your journey?
Never stop learning and networking. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, so seek opportunities to challenge yourself. Engage with industry peers, attend conferences and participate in professional groups to stay ahead of trends and broaden your perspective.
When you are considering your next role, aim for that feeling in the pit of your stomach – the nerves that signal you’re stepping into something bold, unfamiliar and worth growing into. Otherwise, you may not be challenging yourself enough. This advice pushed me to take on opportunities that stretched my skills, challenged my thinking and propelled my career forward, whether it was a lateral move to broaden my experience or a promotion.
How are you passing that advice on to those just entering the workforce now?
I always encourage others to stay curious and never stop learning, while also emphasizing the importance of investing time in building meaningful networks. Also, remember that career paths aren’t linear. There’s a lot of value in lateral moves – they can broaden your understanding of the business or industry.
Do you have any advice on how to seek out a mentor or mentorship?
When seeking out a mentor, look for someone who brings a different perspective and is willing to challenge your thinking. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you truly admire — even if you assume they’re too busy. If they’re unable to commit, they’re often the best person to recommend someone else who aligns with what you’re looking for. Either way, you’ll likely gain valuable insight just by starting the conversation.