Mark Ehrhardt’s Post

Innovation isn't itself new. To be sure, innovation is the *state* of newness, and it's always been here. But it never stays here. Because, well, it's innovation. In my mind's eye, innovation is a slinky walking down a staircase. Once set into motion, it grounds momentarily when it hits the next step, but only long enough to establish a platform for the momentum of the coil to spiral continuously. I have always felt a tinge of sadness each time my slinky reached the bottom of the stairs, wishing for an unending staircase so my slinky never had to stop slinking. Ever a fan of the innovation-slinky, I've been a "gigger" for a long time, preferring the authorship of my own trajectory story to relegating that story to someone else's narrative. The ability to turn adversity into opportunity involves little more than a shift in context. Once shifted, this new perspective offers a force multiplier for personal investment, satisfaction, and downright delight. My friend and colleague, 🔮Kes Sampanthar ✨, identifies this strategic perspective as WORKCRAFTING, and I invite you to learn more about his work and his commitment to innovation as a personal brand.

🚨 My Last Day at BCG & the Dawn of WorkCrafting 🚨 📉 Last year, the tech world faced an unparalleled wave of layoffs, leaving thousands of brilliant minds searching for new beginnings. From industry giants to innovative startups, no one was spared. Yet, in this storm of uncertainty, we've kindled a beacon of hope with our groundbreaking "WorkCrafting" strategy! 💡🛠️ 🔍 Quick facts: - 2023 saw over 150,000 tech pros hitting the job market. 😢 - Organizations of all sizes are navigating their next moves. 🔄 But here's the exciting twist! 🌈🚀 Introducing Marta Puerto, a shining example of "workcrafting in the wild." Marta navigated the murky waters of career change, harnessing her unique skills to make her mark in Product Marketing. 🌟🛤️ Her story of turning adversity into opportunity embodies the true spirit of work crafting—creativity and grit in action. #HireMarta 🎯✨ 📹 Watch her video... it's genius! https://lnkd.in/evTQmFWp This journey isn't just about landing a new role; it's about reshaping the future, one innovative step at a time. 🛤️🔬 🔮💥 "Fork the Future" 💥🔮 - This call to action heralds a movement. As job roles evolve, unearth your unique edge and navigate the evolving work landscape. 🧭✨ The World of #Workcrafting - #Wow #How #Now 🤩 Phase 1: Discover Your WOW 🌟 - Pinpoint what makes you stand out. Now's your chance to shine, leveraging your distinctive abilities just like Marta. 🧪 Phase 2: Navigate the HOW with Exploration 🛠️ - Emulate Marta: pivot, adapt, and innovate. Test your concepts in the real world, adapting to the market's shifting needs. 🚀 Phase 3: Embrace Rapid Testing & Learning NOW 🏃💨 - Adopt a mindset focused on the present. Your next endeavor could be the key to your success, as it was for Marta. I'm walking the talk: Yesterday was my last day at BCG! I left a prestigious leadership position in management consulting to apply my innovation expertise to aid those disrupted by these changes! Over 120 days, I've synthesized research and firsthand experience into a blueprint for navigating or leveraging career shifts. From launching the first LinkedIn Live AI Thought Show (https://lnkd.in/ePregkid) to publishing the Centaurian Substack (https://lnkd.in/gANvdnCj) and offering practical courses, we're laying the groundwork for a future where careers are crafted, not found. 🌟🛠️ 🔗 Ready to explore your potential and counteract layoffs? Join our workshops, hear transformation tales, and engage with a community eager to redefine the concept of work. This is your time to radiate brilliance! ✨ 💬 Intrigued? Let's connect! Send a message. Begin your next chapter TODAY! #ForkTheFuture #CareerInnovation #BeyondLayoffs 🚀🌟

🌌 "Help Me, LinkedIn, You're My Only Hope!" 🌌 👋🏽🙏🏽 This is me, Kes, I'm swallowing my pride to ask for help: I've created what I believe to be my best invention yet! This, my friends, is the culmination of three decades of innovation—a course titled "The World of Workcrafting," designed for those navigating the choppy waters of layoffs. This plea comes from deep within my heart to anyone who knows the value I strive to provide. 💝 🐶 If my journey has ever inspired you, or if you're a fan of rooting for the underdog, here's where I need you: 📣 Let's Amplify Hope Together! 📣 ➡️ Share this far and wide! Let's turn the tide on disruption, transforming daunting ends into bright new beginnings—a NEW HOPE. This is more than a course; it's a lifeline for thriving and mastering the waves of change. 🏄♂️ ➡️ Tag a friend, a colleague, or anyone who could use a guiding light right now. You never know whose life you might change with just one share. 🌟 The future doesn't happen to us; we get to craft it! Make this course the viral sensation that cat memes can only dream of. Let's spread it faster, further, and with more heart. 🐱💨 💓 🚀 Share now and be the beacon someone needs today. Your action can spark the change. #BeTheChange #WorldOfWorkcrafting ✨ #LinkedInNews #Layoffs #Riffs #FutureofWork #Disruption #WorkCrafting #WOW ✨

Prenai Govender, one of the most genuine and talented professionals I’ve met in the field of #employeeengagement, is launching her consultancy AND some promising content on the topic here. Follow her if you want to learn and be inspired by her content as I am! ✨

Five years ago, I embarked on a new chapter, stepping into the role of State Manager at a Tech Recruitment company. I left a stable and lucrative position, chasing growth and new horizons. However, the experience wasn’t what I expected. The culture clashed, and the dynamics were far from what I had envisioned, culminating in a challenging five-month stint. It was a time of reflection and learning, understanding deeply what I value in workplace culture and leadership. Fast forward to now, and the contrast couldn’t be more profound. After navigating various roles—from operations to HR in diverse industries—I’ve garnered invaluable insights and resilience. These experiences shaped my approach and understanding of what businesses need, especially in the small to medium sector. Just 4 to 6 weeks ago, I took the plunge to run my own company, HumanizX, full-time. This journey has been an enlightening one, reaffirming my belief in the importance of support and guidance for businesses to thrive. Today, looking at these two photos, my smile may be subtler, but it’s rooted in genuine contentment and fulfillment. I’ve always believed in taking risks, pursuing what feels right, even when the path is uncertain. And now, standing at this juncture, I’m convinced more than ever that this is where I’m meant to be. It’s about backing yourself, championing your dreams, and making that bold move when it counts. Here’s to embracing our paths, learning from every twist and turn, and stepping into our purpose with conviction. If not now, when? If not us, who? Here’s to the journey of growth, resilience, and empowerment. 🌟 #MyJourney #EntrepreneurLife #GrowthMindset #Empowerment #HumanizX

I used to believe that STRUGGLE and SUCCESS were synonymous 🫠. The old mantra was all about survival: Work hard. No promotion? Work harder. Continue grinding until it pays off. Back then, few spoke about asking for what you want (helloooo self-advocacy 🙋🏽♀️). Getting clear on what others expect of you?... That was buried under the perception that PERFECTION and PERFORMANCE would simply show them that you were worthy of the next level up. The cost was high—burnout, dissatisfaction, and consistently downplaying our needs. But that’s the old way. It’s 2024. You no longer have to settle for just surviving. That’s why I created "Her Next Move", a program specifically designed to put women’s needs FIRST in their tech careers. ✨ Where you are not just tolerated but respected, celebrated, and well-compensated. Because we deserve better. We always have. My mission is simple but powerful: → Help you take back control of your career → Achieve alignment between your personal values and professional goals → Reach your full potential, not just achieve a promotion This is about setting the stage for lasting happiness and REPEATABLE success. I know I’ve succeeded when my clients tell me: "I've never felt so confident and clear in my career." "I finally feel like I have a plan for my career advancement." "Now I see that I don't have to burn myself out just to showcase my value.” Choosing to work with me means we're in this together—not just for a job search or promotion, but for a transformative journey. I help you get out of feeling stuck and stagnant, and boost you to your next level where you feel proud and fulfilled. -------------------------------------------------------- Tired of settling and second-guessing your next move? 📩 DM me "NEXT MOVE" for your breakthrough. It’s time we rewrite your story to reflect who you truly are and what you really deserve. #HerNextMove #WomenInTech #CareerAdvancement #Leadership

A message on new beginnings Starting something new can be overwhelming and scary, whether it's a new job, a career change, a business venture, or becoming a new parent. But it's by embracing these challenges, we grow and transform. So for anyone embarking on a new journey this week, you've got this! 💪 #Newbeginnings #Personalgrowth #Peoplefirst #Mondaymotivation

Beyond Checkboxes: My 2023 Journey of Growth (Better late than never) The corporate world often feeds the illusion of nonstop forward motion and tangible achievements. As I sat down to write my dutiful "2023 reflections", I realized how deeply embedded this mentality is in my own mindset. Lost in the hustle of chasing accolades and checked boxes, it's easy to lose sight of the joy and meaning in the process. This year was a reminder to focus less on the outcomes and more on each step of the journey. 2023 held no shortage of changes- surviving layoffs, my first #GraceHopper , mentorship opportunities with The Product Management Center at UW , restarting academic research, and yes, keeping my little ones thriving. But these points don't tell the full story. This was the year I leaned into uncertain territories and rediscovered my grit. I learned the power of showing up authentically and forging connections without expectations. I put myself in the toughest of situations and learned that progress is often hard fought and nonlinear. As 2024 unfolds, my goal is simple - to approach each day with purpose, presence, and a little more compassion. Although seeking validation through achievements can't be denied, as a PM, I want to find it more in small moments of shared experiences! A quick shoutout to Nathan Burkhart Christina Barredo Anderson Quach (He/Him) Jennifer Chalfan & Jamie Morningstar for their authentic leadership & continued support in my journey! There are many more that are missing but create a great impact in my day to day professional and personal growth!

🌟 Who do you ask when you need a point of view or to understand someone else's experience with something you are considering?...  Day 5: The Power of Perspective In the summer of 2022, I reached my 10-year anniversary with my current company. With the pandemic receding, the job market still hot, and big dreams for my long-term career path, I contemplated a change, but stepping into the unknown after a decade was a mix of excitement, fear, and overwhelm. An executive coach and dear friend advised, "Craft five questions about transitioning to a new external role that you are curious about, and consult five people you know who have transitioned out of the company and ask them to share their experience and insights. You are not looking for a new opportunity right now; it's about gathering perspectives, so that you are armed with that information and more prepared if you decide to move on.” I expanded my reach beyond five interviews to nearly 35 people. Everyone was happy to make time for a chat and provided me candid input and other names of colleagues to talk to.  Their collective experiences revealed: ✅ Everyone was content with their decision to explore new opportunities ✅ Approximately 1/3 wished they had made the change sooner ✅ Most reported equal or higher compensation and benefits ✅ Almost half enjoyed improved work-life balance and a better cultural fit ✅ A few embarked on entrepreneurship, while others earned promotions ✅ Personal stories revealed the importance of downtime between jobs, insights on work-life balance, adapting to new environments, and personal challenges and growth through change. For me, this exercise underscores the value of building a supportive network and seeking different viewpoints. This is just one example.  The key point is diverse perspectives provide data points that can enrich our decision-making processes by sharing experiences, fostering creative problem solving, reducing internal biases, improving overall decision outcomes and ultimately, consulting diverse perspectives are a strategic advantage in today's interconnected and complex world. Today, I shine the light on the individuals who have generously and candidly shared their experiences and perspectives with me over the years. Together, let's celebrate the power of diverse perspectives! Share your own story or tag someone you'd like to thank for sharing their experiences with you. #PerspectiveMatters #DecisionMaking #CareerInsights #DiversityInThought #30For30 #Gratitude.  “30 for 30 - 30 Days of Encouragement Challenge” 🌟 - Join me as I dedicate 30 minutes daily for the next 30 days to intentionally reflect, write, celebrate and share the positive forces in my professional life. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but it's equally important to acknowledge the many things we have to be grateful for.

I was laid off. Reduced. Redundant. It happens to a lot of us, especially in the ever-changing world of startups - but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me hop in the way-back machine. It was spring of 2022 and the job market was 🔥🔥🔥 I was leaving one role and found myself in a bidding war ⬆️ Comp, stock, bonuses, benefits, everything was on the table. I landed a dream job 🎉 There was a press release, lots of back-slapping and a ticker-tape parade (okay, maybe no parade). 4 months later, they cut my entire line of business - and me with it. CRASH & BURN 🫠 So, I dusted myself off and dove head-first into consulting. For two years, I have thrived, working with incredible clients and gaining invaluable experience. It was an amazing run, until it wasn’t. The market, it turns out, can be as unpredictable as a toddler with a Sharpie. Runways were shortened, projects shelved, and the steady stream of work I had come to rely on slowed to a trickle. As a father of 3 and the sole bread-winner for my family, this period has been stressful (you should see the data from my WHOOP band and ŌURA ring 😅). Balancing the pressures of providing with the #MentalHealth challenges of uncertainty has made this journey quite the rollercoaster ride 🎢 But this post isn’t just about my story, it’s about all of us who are currently navigating turbulent times - and keep showing up regardless. Whether you’re in between jobs, pivoting your career or simply trying to stay afloat in a market that seems to have a mind of its own, know that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, facing similar challenges and striving for the same goal: stability, growth and making an impact doing meaningful work. The job market today is dramatically different from what it was just a few years ago. The competition is fiercer, the opportunities fewer, and the stakes higher. Like many of you, I’ve also had countless conversations, faced numerous rejections, and had my moments of self-doubt. But through it all, my kids have been my inspiration to keep pushing forward. Their smiles remind me every day why it’s so important to persevere - even when I’m stepping on Legos at 6am 💥 So here I am, actively expanding my network and taking as many calls as possible. If you'd like to catch up, let me know! And if you're an early-stage startup in need of GTM/Sales/Marketing/Commercial support - I may just be your new BFF 👯 😄 And if I can help you on your journey in any way, shoot me a PM or drop a comment - I got you. Let's connect, share our stories, and help each other reach new levels 📈 Thank you for taking the time to read, and thank you for your support 💙 —  #MentalHealth #Healthtech #Resilience #Parenting #SupportEachOther #Networking #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #Fatherhood #workingdad #Perseverance #JobHunt #TopVoice #LinkedInCommunity #NewBeginnings #JobSearch #CareerTransition #JobOpportunities