Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon

For a long time, I used to obsess over my career narrative, trying to justify the why and how of big wins and humbling losses. The truth is that I could never quite connect the dots except that in the down times, I would feel discarded and dismissed. In this week’s blog and podcast, I explore career resiliency through the journey of a poinsettia plant I bought last December and how trashing it didn’t feel right just because the winter holiday was over. To be fully transparent, I related to the plant because I could see how it was thriving despite it not being in season. It’s now August, and that plant is sprouting so many new leaves that it’s time for a repotting. This got me thinking that, just like poinsettias, our professional lives also go through cycles. We experience growth, change, and sometimes the need to shed parts that no longer serve us. But first, we have to ride out the withering away of those parts in order to get to renewal.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comThe path of solo entrepreneurship or creative ventures is filled with exhilarating highs and daunting challenges. It can be lonely and isolating — and also extremely rewarding. In this week’s blog, I respond to a reader’s request to explore the unique journey of the solo hustle and how to navigate the ups and downs.  From identifying your needs to defining success, knowing when to pivot, and processing losses, I explore practical strategies for thriving in the independent pursuit of entrepreneurship and a creative life

Feeling stuck is beyond frustrating. Recently, I got really stuck when I had COVID and could not get myself to rest. Whether it's a lingering project, a strained relationship, or a lack of progress, being unable to move forward can leave you feeling trapped and helpless.In this week’s substack post, I offer a practical method encouraging deep self-reflection and insight. It’s a very cool two-part journaling prompt that I learned from my first coach. This process can transform your understanding of what's holding you back and lead to breakthroughs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Have you hit a career plateau? You're not alone. Many of us reach a point where we feel like we're spinning our wheels, unable to move forward despite our best efforts. It can be incredibly frustrating to work hard and not see the progress or opportunities we expect. But what if the issue isn’t just about job openings or qualifications? What if the real problem lies deeper in how our careers align with our core purpose in life?Your life purpose isn't just about what you do for a living; it’s about the unique impact you’re meant to have in the world. When your work reflects your true passions and talents, every task feels more meaningful, and obstacles become opportunities for growth. This alignment can help you break through plateaus and find a clearer path to success and fulfillment.Dive into this week’s blog to learn how aligning your job with your life purpose can transform your professional life. I explore why career plateaus happen, how to identify your life purpose, and practical steps to integrate this purpose into your career. Whether you're considering a career pivot or looking for ways to find more fulfillment in your current role, understanding and aligning with your life purpose could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Holidays are a great opportunity and a reminder to kick back and have fun and reset. 🛀 So I’m taking this week to do just that. 🌴 If you’re looking for a few quick reads to shed a bit more light on how and why to rest, I’ve highlighted a few of my most popular posts on this topic. Happy Fourth of July! 🎆 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comBeing taken advantage of in the workplace can leave you feeling overworked and underappreciated. In this week’s blog and blogcast, I look into the signs of being exploited on the job and explore practical strategies to reclaim your power, restore balance and potential avenues for resolution.

Have you ever faced a major setback in your career and wondered if success is still possible? Most professionals - whether they talk it about or not - experience career losses that shake their confidence and make them question their future. These experiences are excruciating, painful and dis-orienting. They leave us feeling unmoored with no clear North Star. Sadly, negative self-talk can take over and we come to believe that there’s something wrong with us. By understanding and reinterpreting the meaning that's been created from these career losses, you can emerge stronger and more resilient.In this week’s blog, I explore how to turn career setbacks into opportunities for growth and fulfillment, using proven strategies to help you rebuild. I'll also be sharing real-life examples of individuals who have successfully navigated their way back to professional satisfaction. Finally, I delve into the emotional and practical steps you can take to regain your footing. These strategies will help you not only survive but thrive after a career loss. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comLosing a job can feel like losing a part of yourself. In her poignant essay, “Silver Linings Playlist: An Amputee’s Songs of Healing,” Diana Theobald shares a startling truth: the emotional impact of job loss can be as devastating as losing a limb. This might sound extreme, but it resonates deeply with many who have faced this profound upheaval.Why does job loss hit so hard? It’s not just about the paycheck; it’s about losing a piece of ourselves. Our jobs define us, providing purpose, routine, and a sense of belonging. When that’s suddenly taken away, the grief can be immense and, sadly, often unrecognized by others. Diana’s story sheds light on this hidden pain, challenging us to acknowledge and honor our feelings, and she offers up a grief tool: creating a playlist.Creating a playlist that speaks directly to your loss, with each song reflecting a part of your journey, can offer profound healing. Music's unique power to provide solace and connection often surpasses words. Embracing this creative outlet can guide you through your grief in a deeply personal and transformative manner.Ready to explore how you can process your own job loss or any significant life change? Dive into this week’s blog and blogcast to discover practical steps and insights. Learn how to create your own healing playlist and find validation in your unique grief journey.

Have you ever felt stuck, no matter how hard you try to succeed? Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of working harder but not seeing the results you want? One of the reasons you may feel stuck is that you hold mistaken beliefs. Many of us hold onto mistaken beliefs that act like super glue, binding us to patterns that don’t serve us. These beliefs might feel like truths, but they cloud our vision, drain our energy, and keep us from reaching our true potential. By recognizing and gently peeling away these mistaken beliefs, you can unlock new paths to personal and professional growth.In this week’s blog and podcast, I explore the nature of mistaken beliefs, how they form, and the impact they have on our lives. I also provide practical steps to identify and replace them. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comAre you feeling adrift in your career, unsure of which path to take next? Do you find yourself navigating through the twists and turns of professional life, occasionally losing sight of your true direction? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have experienced moments of uncertainty and confusion as we journey through our careers.In this week’s blog and blogcast, I share an experience of getting “lost” on a hike through Fryman Canyon, a trail in the heart of Los Angeles, and how it gave me insight into four reasons why we might get lost along the way of achieving our career dreams.