Learn, Earn, and Return
In 2024, the world of sports was captivated by Iowa University women’s college basketball star, Caitlin Clark. Earlier this year, she broke the scoring record for the most points by any college player surpassing a 50-year-old record held by LSU player Pete Maravich. She was then drafted into the WNBA and is being paid a multi-year contract to play basketball – and even better – Nike is paying her more than 10 times her salary to represent their brand. Caitlin is 22 years old and has learned to play the game very well, and now that she is graduating and getting ready to earn her pay… and I know from everything that I have seen, she will soon return it tenfold for others in some role… this is the career transformation – learn, earn, and return.
In my book, Drive With Purpose, I share a story about my lunch meeting with friend Shelie Gustafson, a top business leader in Dallas. We were talking about the stages in our careers or seasons of life in which we view things differently. It all starts with learning – then we can earn it – but the gold is when we return it.
Last week, I got to see the “return” in action from top HR business leaders as they took time on their Saturday to attend the 2024 Texas SHRM Student Conference as part of a CHRO panel. These panelists included Adrianne Court, Tony Bridwell, and Humera Kassem, and was moderated by Michaela Glendening. I was inspired to watch and listen to the high performers share perspective for students. The students were in the learning stage and the CHRO’s were in the earning and returning stage. They each shared perspective about AI, keys to getting a job, developing trust as a leader, and building culture.
What I find insightful is that the learn, earn, return career transformation is actually a continuous “loop” for high performance in the workplace and if you learn and earn and don’t return – you miss out. The return is when you find the “significance” and meaning which is in the service of helping others. This is the best part in any role.
During the loop, you will always be learning which brings earning and returning… Over the course of my career, I have seen that continuous learning is a common thread for all high performers. What are you doing to continue the loop?
Here are a few quotes that I wrote down learning from those returning:
“We all need 3 people in our life – a collaborator, a coach, and a counselor.” Tony Bridwell
“Speak the business language, not the HR language.” Humera Kassem
“Getting the job you want is a full-time job. You have to work at it and will be rewarded along the way.”Adrianne Court
“Your value grows when you learn how to drive business results as an HR professional.” (All)
The wait is over… #1 New Release “Drive with Purpose; Move Your Career from Success to Significance” is now on AUDIBLE… Listen as you #DriveWithPurpose - it’s my way to return. I hope you will download the audible and let me know what you think. Click HERE
Call to Action – What stage are you in? Find a way to return it… that is in the lane of significance for every role. …download my new audio book, post a review, share with others, and stay in pursuit!
Looking for ideas to continue driving with purpose? Listen to Life in the Leadership Lane podcast – Season 5 is here!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday and Hot Off the Press - Drive With Purpose, Move Your Career from Success to Significance! All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.