Reflecting on my career journey, one crucial lesson stands out: Embracing discomfort is essential for growth. For over five years, I thrived in one of my roles as an executive focused on innovating processes through technology within banking, relishing the projects and colleagues that enriched my professional life. 

Yet, as time passed, I found myself settling into a comfort zone. It dawned on me that when the challenges plateau and the learning curve flattens, it’s a signal to pivot or explore new avenues.

As the team and I began to automate more tasks utilizing technology we would use our time for more strategic projects. However, over time we digitally transformed a significant amount of the organization saving several hours of reporting time per week pushing me to look for greater challenges.

Career journeys rarely follow a linear path from internships to executive roles and zigzagging or even taking a step down the ladder can be a path to success. At each step, there’s potential to gain valuable insights to navigate your career. I spoke to three other executives to uncover the key lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers. 

Become your own best advocate

One crucial lesson I learned throughout my career is defining your value proposition is essential. Stepping beyond my comfort zone and advocating for myself has been paramount. Looking back on my journey, I regret not recognizing sooner the importance of self-advocacy. I used to believe that hard work alone would attract recognition and opportunities. It took me years to understand that I needed to not only document my achievements and impact but also regularly discuss them with leaders, articulating my career aspirations.

This proactive approach not only fosters more fruitful performance discussions but also serves as a roadmap for career advancement. Until you explicitly express your goals for the future, you lack the feedback necessary to identify blind spots and areas for improvement to reach those goals. 

Karen Fraser, director of Products & Technology, PwC