I used to think managing my career meant figuring it all out myself — knowing exactly where I was headed and getting there through sheer grit.

But the truth is, you don’t have to do it alone.

In fact, trying to go it alone might be the slowest, hardest path you can take.

The turning point for me was realising that the smartest people aren’t the ones with all the answers — they’re the ones asking better questions, surrounding themselves with people who help them think, stretch, grow.

I started getting clearer on where I wanted to go — and then, asking for help actually became easier.
More focused. More productive.

It wasn’t about collecting mentors or expanding my network for the sake of it.
It was about perspective. Challenge. Support.

People who would say, “You can do better,” not just, “You’re doing great.”
People who’d ask the hard questions, hold up a mirror, remind me what matters.

It was about learning to manage up, not just down — to invest in relationships that shape my influence, not just my output.

And somewhere along the way, I stopped trying to be the hero.
Because real leadership isn’t about being indispensable — it’s about building something that thrives without you.

That’s when you know you’ve done it well.

If that resonates, maybe it's time to ask:  Are you managing your career — or just working hard and hoping someone notices?