Ronald Goseco l April 19, 2024 l The Manila Times
WHAT’S next is the second most asked question as we journey through life and our careers after the most commonly asked question — Are we there yet? This is the topic of a fascinating book by Jared Cohen: “Life After Power.” The author is a businessman and a presidential historian. Cohen is also the President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs, which he joined in 2022 as a partner.
The book tells the stories of seven former presidents of the United States and how they went from being President one day, to ordinary citizens the next. Cohen described how they handled every human problem of ego, finances, and questions about their legacy and mentality. He described that for many presidents, life after their presidency ended became uneventful. The seven presidents that he chose for the book though were men who accomplished more and made history after leaving the White House.
According to some reviews, “the book is a captivating look at how we find purpose and forge identity in the wake of major transitions. It is a masterclass for anyone facing a big career transition in professional reinvention, strategic adaptation and personal growth.”
We have always asked ourselves this same question after achieving a significant milestone in our lives. Although we are ordinary men as compared to the men described in the book, we too must have experienced definitive highlights in our lives where we had to decide what path to take. We discovered that as we journeyed though our careers, we embarked on a perpetual odyssey of growth and evolution. From the initial steps of exploration to the pinnacle of expertise, our professional trajectory is marked by distinct phases, each demanding a reinvention of ourselves.
Fresh out of school, we were eager apprentices, absorbing knowledge and honing our skills. We acquired essential competencies and explored diverse opportunities. I remember distinctly that in my case, it was deciding whether to enlist with the Fighter Wing in Pampanga or the Airlift Wing in Cebu. As it turned out, it was neither as the service had a different plan for me.
It’s a time for experimentation where failures are embraced as learning opportunities and every setback fuels a resolve to succeed the next time. As we progress, we start specializing in specific skills. Armed with experience and expertise, we delve deeper into our chosen domain carving out a niche for ourselves. Specialization offers a depth of knowledge and the opportunity to become a recognized authority in a specific area. Yet it also presents a risk of stagnation. To prevent complacency, continuous professional development is necessary. We must remain abreast of emerging trends and technologies adapting our skills to stay relevant in a dynamic landscape.
Throughout this seemingly cyclical journey, we realize that personal growth is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. It requires resilience in the face of adversity, humility and a commitment to self-improvement. As we navigate the different phases of our careers, we embrace change, cultivate curiosity and remain open to possibilities that we must believe lie ahead. It is in this act of reinvention that we not only propel our careers forward but also discover the great potential within us.
The zenith of our career often matches with the phase of leadership and influence. Having mastered our craft, we ascend to leadership positions guiding teams, shaping strategies and driving organizational success. Leadership demands not only proficiency in our field but also exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and a visionary outlook. Even at this pinnacle, the quest for growth should persist and we need to continue evolving with self-reflection and adaptation. So when we are asked that question, what’s next? We should be able to confidently reply that the best is yet to come.
*** Ronald Goseco is a Finex Foundation trustee. His opinions are his own. Photo from www.simonandschuster.com