The smartest people I know don't leave their careers to chance.
They notice when something shifts, like a new manager, a reorganization, a quieter feedback loop, or a priority that suddenly isn't theirs anymore. And instead of waiting to see what happens, they get a clear read on where they stand and decide what to do about it.
The Career Protection Plan gives you the framework to do that on your own. Career Direction Sessions give you something a framework can't: an experienced perspective on your situation, applied while you still have time and leverage to act.
I've seen how these situations play out, from the other side of the table.
For more than thirty years, I've led teams at Microsoft and AWS. I've hired and onboarded hundreds of people, served as an Amazon Bar Raiser, and been the manager in more performance conversations than I can count. I've made the case for my people when leaders compared their teams, and I've watched strong performers lose ground simply because nobody in that room could explain what they'd delivered.
I know what your manager is likely weighing, what the language in your feedback usually signals, and which moves quietly strengthen or weaken your position. In these sessions, I'll apply that to your situation.
Session 1: Where you stand
You'll walk me through what's happening, and I'll tell you what I see, including the things that are hard to see from the inside.
- A clear read on your position. We'll look at both bars: how you're tracking against your goals, and how your work is likely being seen next to your peers.
- Your impact, sharpened. We'll refine how you describe your work so your manager can repeat it in one sentence, in the language your organization rewards right now.
- Your most important conversation, rehearsed. It might be a priorities check-in, a conversation with a new leader, or a response to difficult feedback. We'll practice it out loud, and I'll push back the way your manager might.
- A plan for the next two to three weeks. You'll leave knowing what to say, what to send, and who needs to see your work.
Session 2: Where you're going
You'll have had the conversations and seen how people responded. Now we read the results and set your direction.
- What the responses tell us. We'll interpret what you heard and adjust what didn't land.
- Your direction, decided. Whether that means growing where you are, positioning for a promotion, or quietly building options outside your company, we'll weigh each path against your goals and your timeline.
- Your ninety-day plan. You'll leave with a plan built for you, not a template.
Between sessions
An email check-in, so you can share how a conversation went or run a message by me before you send it.
Career Direction is for you if
- A new manager, reorganization, or shift in priorities has changed the ground beneath you
- You're performing well but aren't sure your work is visible to the people who decide
- You've been told "not yet" for a promotion and want a real path forward
- Your feedback or rating has changed, or a formal plan has put a clock on things
- You're quietly weighing whether to grow where you are or make a move
It isn't the right fit if you need legal advice about your rights, a severance agreement, or a discrimination or retaliation concern. For those, please speak with a qualified employment attorney or the appropriate agency promptly.
Investment
$450 for two private sessions and email check-in
Do I need the Career Protection Plan first?
No. If you have it, bring your answers from Worksheets 1 and 2 and we'll move faster. If you don't, I'll guide you through what matters most in our first session.
No. If you have it, bring your answers from Worksheets 1 and 2 and we'll move faster. If you don't, I'll guide you through what matters most in our first session.
Is this only for people in trouble at work?
Not at all. Most people who book are doing well and want to stay ahead of change, position themselves for what's next, or make a deliberate decision about where to grow. If you're facing a PIP or a difficult review, we'll handle that too.
Is this confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between us. Please don't bring confidential company documents. Describe your situation in your own words, and we'll work from there.
What if I want more support after two sessions?
We'll talk about what would help most at the end of our second session.
Independent coaching guidance. Not affiliated with or speaking for Microsoft or any employer. Not legal, financial, or HR advice. No outcome guaranteed.
