This blog series addresses some common misconceptions about consulting and executive coaching. Visit the CommsLede blog or my LinkedIn page for more…
Misconception 9: Consulting or corporate in-house roles are my only options.
I never planned on being a communications consultant. As I’ve shared in previous posts, I enjoyed working in an in-house corporate role.
CommsLede was initially intended to be a stopgap — a short-term solution until I sorted out my then-toddler’s medical situation. But fulfilling, interesting work and fascinating, talented people kept coming my way…
And coming …
And coming …
A decade later, I’m still surprised to call myself a consultant. Yet, here I am … feeling tremendously fulfilled, and loving work that I never in a million years envisioned doing.
I share this, because corporate folks tend to be focused when they’re considering career options, and lately, I’ve heard a lot of comms pros remarking about how they “could either go back in-house or go off on my own.” I also hear they could “never do x” or “would never consider y.” (Fill in the blank: accept a junior role; take a sabbatical; go back to school; work in a different industry; be a speaker; consider pro-bono work; etc…)
But confining oneself to these options can be limiting.
The Value of Diverse Experiences
My decade in consulting has been diverse and varied. It’s offered me exposure to a broader array of industries, leaders and business functions than I ever could have imagined. From health & beauty, food & beverage and hospitality to heavy industry, healthcare, professional services, retail, and non-profits, I’ve earned (and cherished) a unique, front-row seat … listening and watching how world-class companies, leaders and cultures operate around the globe.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with a diverse range of leaders. In addition to CEOs and Chief Communication Officers, I’ve supported Learning, Engineering, Transformation, People, Finance and Marketing leaders. Each has taught me something about leadership, values, accountability, and team dynamics/management.
Beyond the corporate and executive comms realm, consulting has enabled me to cultivate cross-functional perspectives (DE&I, HR, Sales, Compliance, Events, Operations, etc.), while also allowing me space and time to lecture at top universities, support causes I care about, and and write about this field I so deeply love. It’s also given me the chance to grow in both executive coaching and team building — spaces I’ve been curious about for as long as I can remember.
These collective opportunities have given me a richer, wider, more nuanced perspective of communications — and organizations — as a whole. They’ve also allowed me to connect with amazing folks I’d otherwise never meet.
Stay Open to Opportunities
That’s why, even as an owner of a profitable, successful consulting practice, I’m *always* interested in hearing about new opportunities.
Why?
Because, for me:
- There’s nothing better than collaborating with talented, inspiring leaders who value my perspective and skillset and are willing to share what they know.
- Its a joy working with comms pros and human behaviorists who love to noodle comms theory, strategy, and mechanics as much as I do … and then execute on a plan.
- Mentoring is a privilege, and I love witnessing individuals and teams grow into new challenges.
- Being present for a full work lifecycle – from concept to launch to reporting and iteration – can be deeply rewarding.
- It’s fulfilling to give back to the next generation of communicators … and an honor to learn from them.
- It’s important to stay curious; The universe has taught me to *always* remain open to possibilities.
CommsLede is my professional pride and joy, but I continue to stay open to every new opportunity that comes my way, and I’ll explore any position or role that allows me to play in the comms sandbox, challenge myself, and learn something new … while still keeping a roof over my family’s head.
So, if you’re one of the folks who believe consulting or in-house roles are your only options, think again. What if your perspective was more expansive? More nuanced? Less structured? Something you never envisioned?
What if you stayed open to ALL the possibilities?
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
