{"product_id":"pivot-isbn-9780143129035","title":"Pivot","description":"\u003ci\u003eWhat's next?\u003c\/i\u003e is a question we all have to ask and answer more frequently in an economy where the average job tenure is only four years, roles change constantly even within that time, and smart, motivated people find themselves hitting professional plateaus. But how do you evaluate options and move forward without getting stuck? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJenny Blake--a former training and career development specialist at Google who now runs her own company as a career and business consultant and speaker--has a solution: the pivot. Pivoting is a crucial strategy for Silicon Valley tech companies and startups but it can also be a successful strategy for individuals looking to make changes in their work lives. This book will introduce you to the Pivot Method and show you how to to take small, smart steps to move in a new direction--now and throughout your entire career.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo matter your age, industry, or bank account balance, Jenny's advice will help you move forward with confidence. Pivot also includes valuable insight for leaders who want to have more frequent career conversations with their teams to help talented people move and grow within their roles and the broader organization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf change is the only constant, let's get better at it. Your career success and satisfaction depends on your ability to navigate change well and this book can help you do so.\"A sharply reasoned and immensely practical guide to crafting a meaningful working life in an unpredictable world.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eCal Newport\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eDeep Work\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"If you don't manage your career, who will? Jenny Blake is here to remind us that we live in a different time, and the possibilities are endless—as long as we're willing to pivot.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSeth Godin\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eWhat To Do When It's Your Turn\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"If you should trust anyone in the career space about the way to thrive in the new world of work, it is Jenny Blake. \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is packed with practical, actionable and repeatable ways to remain relevant and highly employable. Jenny shares her signature killer tools and processes for the benefit of us all.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003ePamela Slim\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eBody of Work\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eEscape from Cubicle Nation\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"To pivot well is the difference between millions and failure. Former Googler and entrepreneur Jenny Blake (one of my favorite human beings) dissects the pivot, how to do it, and how to do it right.” \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJames Altucher\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eChoose Yourself\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eChoose Yourself Guide to Wealth\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"It's not a matter of \u003ci\u003eif\u003c\/i\u003e you'll need to pivot your career, it's a matter of \u003ci\u003ewhen\u003c\/i\u003e. Let Jenny Blake show you \u003ci\u003ehow\u003c\/i\u003e with this wildly practical guide to the career changes headed your way.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJon Acuff\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eDo Over\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Changing jobs or careers can be daunting. \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is an invaluable guide for planning and succeeding in your next professional reinvention.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDorie Clark\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eReinventing You\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eStand Out\u003c\/i\u003e, and adjunct professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Feeling stuck? It's time to try something new. All that stands between you and your next adventure is a bit of strategy, planning, and preparation. If a change is in your future, \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is your guide.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJosh Kaufman\u003c\/b\u003e, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Personal MBA\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe First 20 Hours\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"\u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is a book you will turn to again and again, whether you're seeking a new career direction, a second career after retirement, or just on the lookout for new ways to use your talents. Jenny Blake takes a strength-based approach to managing the risk that comes with making a change and provides tons of helpful examples and exercises.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDaniel H. Pink\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eTo Sell is Human\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eDrive\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Non-traditional career journeys are not only the new normal; they're how innovators throughout history changed their world and ours. With actionable insights and lucid prose, Jenny Blake illuminates the path to building your own destiny.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eShane Snow\u003c\/b\u003e, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eSmartcuts\u003c\/i\u003e and co-founder of Contently\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Wondering what your next move is? Read this book! Jenny Blake is one of the wisest and freshest voices on the subject of career development, and this is her best work yet. In \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e, you will hear the good news: that you can get paid to do what you love. It may not look like what you thought, and it may require some personal growth, but you can find the work you were meant to do. You just have to pivot.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJeff Goins\u003c\/b\u003e, best-selling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Art of Work\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Are the tectonic plates below your sturdy career suddenly splitting into a deep abyss of unknown? Let this book be your rope ladder out.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eNeil Pasricha\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Happiness Equation\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003e1,000 Awesome Things\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"If you think life is a highway, then you've got it wrong. It's more like a winding path through an unpredictable forest. Not only do you have to wade the swamp and battle the beasts, but time after time you come to a crossroads. Left? Right? Straight ahead? Jenny Blake's new book will help you find the wisdom and resources to make the best choices, move into the sunlight and end up where you want to be.\" \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMichael Bungay Stanier\u003c\/b\u003e, Author of \u003ci\u003eThe Coaching Habit\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eDo More Great Work\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“We live in a time of rapid evolution, and we develop skills quickly now by absorbing many shorter term work experiences, so we can become what Jenny Blake calls \u003ci\u003eimpacters\u003c\/i\u003e in our careers. This book gives you a solid roadmap to making the right call about career changes that will help you discover what you’re truly built for. Courage, consciousness, and competence—that’s what \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e offers you. It’s excellent!”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003ePenney Peirce\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Intuitive Way\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eFrequency\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eLeap of Perception\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"The book is fantastic. No matter where you are in your career, \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is provokingly relevant.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDr. Tom Guarriello\u003c\/b\u003e, founder of RoboPsych and founding faculty at New York’s School of Visual Arts, Masters in Branding\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Today, the average person has eleven jobs and three to six careers, which is why \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is essential reading for every professional. Let Jenny be your coach, giving you the confidence and tools required to make your next career transition. Whether you're an employee, freelancer or entrepreneur, this book will help you identify the skills you have or need that will lead to your next opportunity. Jenny has been through career transitions and has successfully navigated them on her own, which makes her the perfect spokesperson for helping you do the same. \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is the book that you'll need to read multiple times through your life because change is constant and often times unexpected!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDan Schawbel\u003c\/b\u003e, Author of \u003ci\u003ePromote Yourself\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eMe 2.0\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Whether you’re considering a career change, job change or figuring out what to do next, Jenny Blake’s \u003ci\u003ePivot\u003c\/i\u003e is the book you need. It’s a comprehensive, practical, must-have guide to your pivot.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSusan RoAne\u003c\/b\u003e, keynote speaker and author of \u003ci\u003eHow To Work a Room\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\"Well-researched, well-written, and well-organized, this book will appeal to those willing to invest time, energy, and effort into the process of \"pivoting\" their careers for the better.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eJenny Blake\u003c\/b\u003e is a career and business strategist and international speaker who helps people move beyond burnout and create sustainable careers they love. She left her job in career development at Google in 2011 after five and a half years at the company to launch her first book, Life After College, and has since run her own consulting business in New York City.High Net Growth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e I did stand-up comedy for eighteen years. Ten of those years were      spent learning, four years were spent refining, and four were      spent in wild success.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e -Steve Martin, Born Standing Up\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e I was sitting behind a card table in the sticky Texas heat at the      South by Southwest Conference in 2011, signing copies of Life      After College at a small launch party. The books were not even in      stores yet-they were truly \"hot off the press.\" The first person      in line walked up to the table and, as I started signing, asked,      \"So . . . what's next?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e I stuttered and stammered through an awkward reply. Even though he      had the best intentions, I could not help but feel a bit deflated.      It was so strange. Here was this massive project, this life goal      embodied in a bound stack of paper, sitting in my hands after      three years of staring down my gremlins to write it, and people      were already asking what's next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The truth was, I had no idea. I had just started three months of      unpaid leave from Google, and as regularly as brushing my teeth, I      agonized over my own next career move as the clock on my      sabbatical ticked down. Every day I struggled with what the right      decision would be: return to Mountain View after my book tour, ask      to work part time from New York City, or leave the company      altogether? Should I make the safe, secure choice? Or should I      take the risk of leaving and do the thing that terrified and      excited me most by taking my own business full time?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though I loved my time at Google-it was the best five-year MBA I      could ask for-ultimately I felt I could make the biggest      contribution if I pursued a new direction. I ran the numbers: I      could support up to 35,000 Googlers at the time through internal      career development programs, or I could leave and try to expand my      reach and global impact to a far greater number, following my      personal mission to be as helpful as possible to as many people as      possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Some people measure their lives in terms of money, orienting their      careers around acquiring wealth and material markers of success.      Those who have accumulated financial wealth are considered high      net worth individuals. But for the vast majority of people I      encounter, money is not the number one driver of purpose and      fulfillment. It is only a partial means to that end. A study by      Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton confirms this: once people      surpass $75,000 in annual net income ($82,000 in today's dollars),      they experience no statistically significant bump in their      day-to-day emotional well-being.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For many, money is nice to have, but not at the expense of      soul-crushing work, if they have the economic flexibility to      choose otherwise. The people I am talking about, and the ones for      whom this book will resonate most, are those who are unwilling to      settle for a career of phoning it in. They are willing to pay      dues, but are not prepared to sit stalled for long, unable to see      the value or impact of their work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These individuals optimize for high net growth and impact, not      just high net worth. I call them impacters for short. Impacters      love learning, taking action, tackling new projects, and solving      problems. They are generous and cooperative, and imbued with a      strong desire to make a difference.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impacters aim first and foremost for a sense of momentum and      expansion. They ask, \"Am I learning?\" When their inward desire for      growth is being met, they turn their attention outward, seeking to      make a positive impact on their families, companies, communities,      and global societies. Often these happen in tandem; by seeking      problems they can fix and tackling them, impacters meet their      needs for exploration and challenge, uncovering callings along the      way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, author of Mindset:      The Psychology of Success, discovered in her research that the      most successful people are those with a growth mindset. These are      people who believe that their basic qualities are things they can      cultivate through their efforts, rather than believing their gifts      (or lack of them) are fixed traits. The truth, Dweck says, is that      brains and talent are just the starting point. \"The passion for      stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when      it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset,\" Dweck      writes. \"This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during      some of the most challenging times in their lives.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Maintaining a growth mindset is critical to navigating a pivot      successfully. By seeing change as an opportunity, rather than a      personal shortcoming or obstacle, you will be much more likely to      find creative solutions based on what excites you, rather than      subpar choices clouded by fear. Making career moves based solely      on running from unhappiness and avoiding fear is like trying to      fix a gaping wound with a Band-Aid; the solution does not stay in      place for long. With a growth mindset, you will be open to new      ideas, observant in your experimentation, deliberate in your      implementation, and flexible in the face of change.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fixed anything doesn't work for impacters, who are allergic to      stagnation and boredom. Author Tim Ferriss captured this sentiment      in The 4-Hour Workweek, saying, \"The opposite of love is      indifference, and the opposite of happiness is . . . boredom.\" It      turns out that boredom itself can induce stress, causing the same      physical discomfort as too much work: increased heart rate and      cortisol levels, as well as muscle tension, stomachaches, and      headaches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For impacters, boredom is a symptom of fulfillment deficiency-of      not maximizing for growth and impact-rather than a sign of      inherent laziness. As University of Waterloo professor of      neuroscience James Danckert wrote, \"We tend to think of boredom as      someone lazy, as a couch potato. It's actually when someone is      motivated to engage with their environment and all attempts to do      so fail. It's aggressively dissatisfying.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In her 1997 study, Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski, associate professor of      organizational behavior at Yale University's School of Management,      proposed that people see their work as a job, career, or calling.      Those with a job orientation see work as a means to the end of      paying the bills; those with a career orientation are more likely      to emphasize success, status, and prestige; and those with a      calling describe work as integral to their lives, a core part of      their identity and a fulfilling reward in itself. Impacters fall      clearly into the second category and aspire to the third, if they      are not already there.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impacters are not just asking What did I earn? but What did I      learn? What did I create? What did I contribute? They measure      their quality of life by how much they are learning, challenged,      and contributing. If they are doing all three intelligently and      intentionally, they work hard to ensure that the money will      follow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It is not that impacters are not interested in money-they are.      They have no desire to live as starving artists. They know it is      challenging, if not impossible, to focus on others if one's own      basic needs are not met first. But when faced with the prospect of      a career plateau, they would make the horizontal move, leave the      cushy corporate job, or bootstrap their own business to prioritize      growth and impact. A person who aims for learning and contribution      may rank intellectual capital over financial capital if pressed to      choose, but often ends up wealthy in both.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Take Christian Golofaro and John Scaife, who traded coffee and      cotton in the open outcry pits on Wall Street for five years.      Tired of the daily pressures of their jobs and looking for meaning      beyond buying and selling commodities, they pooled their money in      2014 to start an urban farming business in Red Hook, Brooklyn.      They sought to help revolutionize food production by bringing      fresh, local, pesticide-free produce to New York City year-round.      They were more inspired as impacters in their new business,      SpringUps, than they ever were in finance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though he spent thousands of hours in high school and college      preparing for a career in medicine, Travis Hellstrom decided to      join the Peace Corps after graduation instead. He gave up his full      ride to medical school and moved to Mongolia, where he served in      the Peace Corps for over three years, living on two hundred      dollars a month. When Travis reflects on the decision, he says,      \"It took a lot of soul-searching and being okay with disappointing      myself and others, but I left my life and found my calling.\" After      he returned, Travis pivoted again to nonprofit coaching and      community management. Several years later, he parlayed that      independent consulting work into a role as chair of the      Mission-Driven Organizations graduate program at Marlboro      University.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impacters continue learning and contributing throughout their      working lives, which often extend far past what is traditionally      thought of as retirement age. When I asked Kyle Durand about his      impending retirement from the military after twenty-seven years of      service, his sentiments reflected those of many people I know who      have no plans to retire in the traditional sense.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"I think retirement is an antiquated notion. The whole idea that      you work for most of your adult life in order to eventually do the      things you want is outmoded,\" Kyle said. \"My retirement from the      military is simply closing the chapter on that part of my career,      but it is not the end of my working days by any stretch. Now I can      shift into building my businesses full time. That is my future,      part of my legacy. That is how I want to make an impact with the      people I care about.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Christian, John, Travis, and Kyle pivoted in new directions that      were more aligned with their values, interests, and goals, even      though there was not a guarantee of success. As impacters, they      saw these changes as opportunities for growth and recognized that      their ability to learn and adapt would help them land on their      feet no matter what. This helped them maintain a positive outlook      throughout their pivots, knowing they would benefit from following      their instincts and aspirations instead of societal expectations,      no matter the outcome.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As I was writing this book, many of the people I initially      interviewed returned six months or one year later and said things      like, \"Don't bother putting my story in the book. I am pivoting      again.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This manifested in a variety of ways: they got poached by another      company for an even better role; their company folded, got      acquired, or got sold; they decided not to pursue a new skill or      industry after all; they realized entrepreneurship was or was not      for them; or they shifted their business into a more promising new      direction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hearing these updates did not surprise me, nor did it mark their      initial pivot as a failure. Instead, they are prime examples of      what it means to be high net growth and impact individuals. I      expect to hear that impacters are pivoting and adjusting      dynamically at every turn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For a directory of people featured in this book and what they are      up to now, visit PivotMethod.com\/people; for audio interviews and      episodes from the Pivot Podcast, visit JennyBlake.me\/podcast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Career Operating Modes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An essential facet of the Pivot mindset is self-awareness. How are      you currently showing up in your day-to-day work? Are you      operating at your desired energy levels, creative output, and      impact? I have observed four primary Career Operating Modes among      pivoters: inactive, reactive, proactive, and innovative. The first      two are impacter stressors, the latter two are sweet spots:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inactive: Does not seek changes; paralyzed by fear, uncertainty,      and self-doubt; covers up career or life dissatisfaction with      unhealthy habits, such as numbing out with excessive amounts of      food, alcohol, TV, video games, and so on; feels and acts like a      victim of circumstances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Reactive: Mimics others' models for success without originality;      follows instructions to the letter; waits for inspiration to      strike; \"phones it in\" at work; feels unhappy, but does not      inquire into why or what to do about it; lets fear overrule      planning for the future and subsequent action steps.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Proactive: Seeks new projects; actively learns new skills; is open      to change; improves existing programs; makes connections with      others; takes ownership even within existing leadership      structures; has a giver mentality, willing and interested in      helping others. May not be fully using innate talents, but is      exploring what they are and how to amplify them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Innovative: In addition to proactive mode qualities, fully taps      into unique strengths; focuses on purpose-driven work and making      meaningful contributions; is energized by a strong vision for new      projects with a clear plan for making them happen; does not just      improve existing structures, but creates new solutions to benefit      others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impacters thrive in situations where they are able to be proactive      and, even more so, innovative in driving their career forward,      implementing new ideas and creatively solving problems, stretching      to the edges of what is possible for themselves and the companies      they start or work for. When impacters find themselves in inactive      or reactive operating mode, they look to pivot again toward a new,      more engaging opportunity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Although it is true that some people may work in inactive or      reactive mode for their entire careers, this is not a life that      impacters can stomach. The boredom, anxiety, and feeling of      standing still becomes increasingly intolerable, often manifesting      in physical symptoms such as headaches, getting sick more      frequently, or worse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e At these critical pivot points, impacters must recognize this      tension and take action. Otherwise the unhappiness from staying      still for too long compounds, making the career confusion feel      insurmountable, and taking it from conundrum to crisis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though they may get restless more easily, impacters do have a      distinct advantage: by seeing career boosts and setbacks as      learning opportunities, all outcomes become fodder for growth.      Nassim Nicholas Taleb captures this concept in the six-word title      of his book Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Antifragile organisms do not simply withstand change and survive      it; they become better because of it. A glass is fragile. If you      drop it, it breaks. A tree is resilient. In strong winds, it sways      but stays standing, more or less remaining the same. Organisms      that are antifragile actually benefit from shocks. Taleb invokes      Hydra, the creature from Greek mythology: when one of Hydra's many      heads is cut off, two grow back in its place. The tough-times      clichŽ is true: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.      According to Taleb, antifragile organisms \"thrive and grow when      exposed to volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors,\" and      \"love adventure, risk, and uncertainty.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Love risk and uncertainty? Huh? Aren't these things to be      mitigated, if not entirely eliminated? Not if you want to be      antifragile in a world that is ruled by them. Impacters find ways      to thrive in uncertainty and disorder. Rather than merely reacting      to randomness or becoming paralyzed by it, they look for      opportunities to alchemize what is already working into what comes      next.","brand":"Portfolio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44867057975525,"sku":"NP9780143129035","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780143129035.jpg?v=1767734816","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/pivot-isbn-9780143129035","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}