How I Changed Careers

I took over offices that were furnished and had phones, etc. This gave me a head start. And then I closed my eyes and stated “I have a business.”  Voila! My first client came from my old life. As did my second and third.

Patricia Palleschi, Ph.D.
Founding Partner
My Work Agent

What was your previous career?
I was a mighty executive with the Walt Disney Company, working with the most senior management (Yes, the CEO) to identify the executive talent that should be labeled high potential. High potential talent got some pretty interesting perks at Disney. In actuality I was “mini-mighty” — that is, to outsiders it sounded like I had some influence, but internally to Disney I was seen as neutered because I couldn’t do anything without the higher ups’ approval.

So, I had a secretary, staff, a large office in Burbank, access to some of the most brilliant minds in the world, and felt like I was sitting on a hot seat. No matter what I did, someone was there to say that it was wrong. “How could so and so be high potential?” was the big lament. That was code for “Why wasn’t I (ME!, ME!,ME!) picked as high potential?”

What was an average day like?
I often interviewed executives who had been possible high potentials. Therefore I learned a lot about ALL the businesses at Disney — from consumer products for TWEENS to movies that were pretty sophisticated, to Theme Parks where customer service was key to the Imagineering group where all people had to do was THINK.

I discovered that some executives didn’t think that they had a boss. I found that an executive or two was still on the payroll, even though they were supposed to have been displaced. I was an investigator (Who has talent?) and den mother (How do we keep talent?)

What is your new career?
I wanted to create my own corporate culture. And be my own boss. But still work with the best minds around. So I decided I would be a career coach for executives.  I have two part time coaches who work with me and a web master who keeps all things technical in line.

A wonderful group of peers. And we have 7 clients. We need more clients, so my average day is now devoted primarily to sales and networking by email.

Tell us more about an average day running your own business?
I set my own hours, so I come in at 9:30 or 10. But then I work like a dog through lunch. We spend one hour per week with each client. That hour requires about 3 hours of preparation.

We prepare by doing research on the jobs that are available, we pour over organization charts to find where their is a possibility of someone hiring new executives.

Why Make a Career Change?
Well, in retrospect, I shouldn’t have changed. I’ve lost a good bit of ground in my career and a whole lot of compensation. However, when I left my corporate job it was a different world, and I thought I could easily re-enter.

I do love my business, however. And I love each client — I am concerned about their character, their competence, the community and the requirements of the job they are looking at.  I like thinking about how I can help feed executive ranks in all industries — make a real difference in the world by putting executives who have good character into top spots.

How Did You Make The Leap?
I took over offices that were furnished and had phones, etc. This gave me a head start. And then I closed my eyes and stated “I have a business.” Voila! My first client came from my old life. As did my second and third. All the rest were friends of my partner.

How Did You Fund Your Business?

The funding is not fun to discuss.

My savings are now in my business. Some people play poker, some people have yachts, some people travel to spend money. I just have my business as a vocation, avocation and vacation.

What Is The Silliest Thing About Your Former Career?
The politics I had to deal with in my Disney job were silly and they cobbled me. I couldn’t actually get much done.

Misconceptions About What You Do Now?
I wanted to deal with only executives (NOT their companies) in this coaching/mentoring business. That meant that the executive has to pay for the coaching/mentoring. The misconception is that they think I have the power to get them a job. Of course, I do not. I have to enable the executive to get a job by coaching them. But each executive has to do a lot of work to get a job.

How Do You Stay Motivated?
I focus on my mission to stay motivated. I’m going to change the world (well, just Southern California, mainly) one executive at a time.

How Do You Deal With Jealousy?
Jealousy is not a problem. Most people think I am crazy. Why be jealous of a person who is losing money every day while they work like a dog?

Any Failures?
While others see this as a failure, I see it as a giant business case that I happen to be living through. The money is just a part of it. I need to keep teammates motivated. When I can’t face it…I read a Dan Brown novel and escape.

Do You Think A Formal Education Is Necessary To Change Careers?
I suggest that people think about all the skills that they have gained in the course of their life: budgeting, structuring, working hard, being frugal, working with volunteers at the church, building a mission/values that drive your family. Plus you have all the skills you have learned at work: customer service, technology, dealing with bosses, dealing with the government, researching…..When you look at all the skills and competencies you have you may have all that you need.

If you do need skills, I suggest that people use the learning situation to build a community that will provide you great feedback as you change careers. Fellow classmates can cheer you on or help you to change direction in a way that your employees and your family can’t.

Any Nuggests Of Wisdom To Share?
I’ve learned that even when I lose, I shouldn’t lose the lesson. You have to learn from everything that happens to you by reflecting on what went wrong. I much prefer from reflecting on what went right. I think that is called “celebration.”

Where Can An Entrepreneur Look For Help?
I found help in friends who recommended books like Jill Jelenko’s “Changing Lanes”…Barbara Shers “I Could do Anything, if I Only Knew What It Was”….Nick Ferrazi’s “Who’s Got Your Back?” and I found solace in reading about other people’s career journeys.

How Can We Learn More About Your Business?

How do you know if you need career help? Take this quiz:

• Do you feel like you’ve learned all you can from your current job?
• Are you burned out on your career?
• Do you feel like you have done all the networking you possibly can and it is not working?
• Do you feel that a move UP is out of the question, so you are considering lateral or sideways moves?
• Are you ready for a “capstone” position…that is, a position that is gratifying in all ways, except the pay may be a bit lower than it was last year.

If you’ve answered YES to any question, you are ready for a career coach.

My web address is http://www.myworkagent.com/index.html
If you come through HWIC, you will get a free assessment of your style when you call