What Lights You Up?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Navigate the modern world of work to find the job you've been dreaming about and thrive

What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career takes readers on a journey to find their next meaningful and fulfilling job—no matter where they are right now. Whether you're an industry veteran pivoting between fields, a stay-at-home parent just rejoining the workforce, or a college student trying to find their footing, this heartfelt, actionable, and authentic book covers everything you need to know about getting results in the modern world of work and is full of insightful, real-life stories of success that inspire the reader to take action in their own life.

Inspired by renowned executive coach, business advisor, and speaker Mary Olson-Menzel's highly effective MVP 360 Coaching program, this book delivers insight on topics like:

• Developing and telling your own highly individualistic story to get noticed and hired
• Getting results from LinkedIn, social media, and personal branding
• Rocking the interview, negotiating the offer, and landing the job
• Staying on a path to vibrant success in your first three months at a new job—and the rest of your life

What Lights You Up? is an essential guide and roadmap for everyone and anyone seeking direction in their career journey. Filled with highly effective tips, tricks, and strategies, this book will help readers transition from where they are now into a fulfilling and meaningful new career and beyond.

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 Identify Your Light 1

Chapter 2 Turn Your Light On 11

Chapter 3 Write Your Story 19

Chapter 4 Build Your Toolbox 31

Chapter 5 Follow Your Dream 39

Chapter 6 Tap into Your Network 45

Chapter 7 Choose Joy 55

Chapter 8 Develop Your Three Ps 61

Chapter 9 Shine in the Interview and Land the Job 83

Chapter 10 Succeed Today 101

Chapter 11 Create Forward Momentum 107

Chapter 12 Design a Framework for Success 113

Chapter 13 Give Yourself Grace 119

Chapter 14 Practice Gratitude 127

Conclusion: Lights on for Life 133

Exercises 139

Acknowledgments 183

About the Author 187

Notes 189

Index 191

MARY OLSON-MENZEL is an executive coach for teams and individuals, a business advisor, speaker, and the Founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development, a national leadership, coaching, and organizational management consultancy with offices in New York, Connecticut, and Chicago. She was recently selected as one of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches.

FIND A MEANINGFUL CAREER THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR PURPOSE AND PASSION

The world of work continues to change, and so do we as a workforce. What Lights You Up? takes you on a journey to find your next job. Whether you’re just out of college, back to work after being a stay-at-home parent, or a seasoned executive pivoting between industries, this book will help you discover “what lights you up” in your work and give you the necessary tools and steps to find a career you love and can thrive in.

Each chapter guides you through some of the essential parts of MVP 360 Coaching, a career coaching methodology developed by renowned executive coach, business advisor, and speaker, Mary Olson-Menzel, over decades of work and branded in 2012 with the creation of MVP Executive Development, LLC. From new college graduates to senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, this proven approach has already helped thousands of people in a wide variety of industries to find the clarity and confidence needed to land that perfect job and to create ongoing success.

You will learn about the importance of developing and telling your own compelling stories to highlight your skills and showcase your unique inner light. Mary will also teach you how to avoid the temptation to settle for less, use your network as your superpower, and harness the full job search toolbox of today including LinkedIn, social media, and personal and professional branding. You’ll walk away with the tips you need to create long-term success.

Filled with real-life stories that will inspire you to take action, What Lights You Up? is a heartfelt, actionable, and authentic book that gives you all of the evergreen advice you need to build a thriving career and life.

PRAISE FOR WHAT LIGHTS YOU UP?

"In What Lights You Up?, Mary Olson-Menzel masterfully transforms the concept of career building into an inspiring journey of self-discovery. This book is a must-read for any professional looking to achieve fulfillment and find lasting passion in their work."
—MARSHALL GOLDSMITH, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There

"Mary's generous spirit and infectious light shine through in this book. Whether you're looking to make a change or understand where you are, Mary's tips will guide you to better knowing yourself and owning your future."
—ERICA HILL, CNN Anchor and National Correspondent

"Mary Olson-Menzel has devoted her life to helping her clients find jobs and careers that align with their passion and provide the purpose that so many of us seek from our work. With this book she is now sharing her well-established methods with a broader audience. Anyone looking to be more fulfilled and engaged at work should do themselves a favor and read this book immediately."
—CHRIS FARRELL, former Chief Strategy Officer of Mattel, Inc.

"This book is about so much more than just finding a good job or even the right fit. It's about finding meaningful and purposeful work that 'lights you up'—that you were meant for. And that's no easy task. But reading this book will set you on the right path."
—JOSHUA MACHT, President of the MassLive Media Group and former CEO, Harvard Business Publishing

"With her unique mix of sunny optimism and practical advice, world-class business coach Mary Olson-Menzel walks you along her time-tested and proven path, showing you how to discover and land a job you love, or turn your current role into one that lights you up. As Mary says, 'Don't give up before the magic sets in.' And to ignite that magic, all you need to do is pick up this book."
—VICTORIA LABALME, Hall of Fame Speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Risk Forward

"In What Lights You Up?, Mary Olson-Menzel masterfully transforms the concept of career building into an inspiring journey of self-discovery Her blend of practical advice and personal reflection provides a structured roadmap to create a career you love. This book is a must-read for any professional looking to achieve fulfillment and find lasting passion in their work."
—Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There

"Mary's generous spirit and infectious light shine through in this book. Whether you're looking to make a change or understand where you are, Mary's tips will guide you to better knowing yourself and owning your future."
—Erica Hill, CNN Anchor and National Correspondent

"Mary Olson-Menzel has devoted her life to helping her clients find jobs and careers that align with their passion and provide the purpose that so many of us seek from our work. With this book she is now sharing her well established methods with a broader audience. Anyone looking to be more fulfilled and engaged at work should do themselves a favor and read this book immediately."
—Chris Farrell, Chief Strategy Officer of Mattel, Inc.

"This book is about so much more than just finding a good job or even the right fit. It's about finding meaningful and purposeful work that 'lights you up' – that you were meant for. And that's no easy task. But reading this book will set you on the right path."
—Joshua Macht, President of the MassLive Media Group, Former CEO Harvard Business Publishing

"With her unique mix of sunny optimism and practical advice, world-class business coach Mary Olson-Menzel walks you along her time-tested and proven path, showing you how to discover and land a job you love, or turn your current role into one that lights you up. This is the kind of book you'll want to keep handy and reference at every phase of your career. As Mary says, 'Don't give up before the magic sets in.' And to ignite that magic, all you need to do is pick up this book."
—Victoria Labalme, Hall of Fame Speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Risk Forward