Welcome!
I’m so glad you’re here.
This Substack is for ambitious professionals navigating transitions and rethinking what success looks like for them. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, recovering from a career setback, or exploring how to align your work with your values, you’ll find tools, strategies, and support to help you create a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.
Who This Is For
Career transitions come in all forms—some exciting, others challenging. You might identify with one of these paths:
Leaders Growing in Responsibility: You’re stepping into a bigger role and want to feel confident as you navigate new challenges and opportunities.
Professionals at a Crossroads: You’re exploring how to build a career that reflects your evolving goals and priorities.
Those Recovering from Career Setbacks: You’re ready to rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and move forward after being laid off, fired, or downsized.
Entrepreneurs Shaping What’s Next: You’re learning from business setbacks and ready to turn those lessons into new opportunities.
Seasoned Professionals Transitioning to Legacy Work: You’re redefining success, focusing on fulfillment, and creating lasting impact in this next chapter.
Creatives Navigating Industry Uncertainty: You’re figuring out how to turn your passions into sustainable, impactful careers in a changing landscape.
Professionals Adapting to Disruption: Whether it’s AI or other shifts, you’re preparing for the future by leveraging new tools and skills.
Emerging Professionals Breaking Barriers: You’re reclaiming your story, navigating challenges, and redefining success on your own terms.
One of the most overlooked aspects of career transitions is the emotional toll they can take—particularly when facing a career setback.
Our identities are deeply connected to our work. When someone asks, “What do you do?” it’s not just a conversation starter—it reflects how we see ourselves. That’s why disruptions like job loss, performance struggles, or industry changes can feel so destabilizing.
I’ve been there. After losing a high-level corporate role, I realized I wasn’t just mourning the job—I was grieving my identity, stability, and community. Unacknowledged career grief can erode confidence, self-esteem, and hope.
What Others Are Saying
“Laverne has been the catalyst for my career change and reevaluation of what makes me happy in the workplace and in life. The stories and journal prompts in her Substack are invaluable. Each week I learn something new and recognize myself in the changes others have made.” — Jenni K., Attractions Industry Leader
“As someone who has suffered professional losses, Laverne’s understanding of grief has been vital for me to keep moving forward. Her Substack, along with the journal prompts, has been critical in working through losses with a positive understanding of myself. It works.” — W. Dennis P., Writer
“Laverne’s empathetic conversations about the emotional toll of grief have helped me validate my feelings and navigate disappointments arising from professional setbacks. Her blogs and podcasts provide both comfort and actionable strategies for moving forward.” — Laura L., Retired CFO
What Makes This Substack Different
Career transitions are never just about the job—they touch every part of your life, from your confidence to your sense of purpose. Yet most resources treat these shifts as isolated events.
I see career transitions as an opportunity to define success on your own terms, and create a career that fully reflects who you are and where you want to go. This blog is here to guide you with:
Practical tools and strategies to navigate change with clarity and confidence.
Emotional support to rebuild resilience and rediscover purpose.
A community of like-minded professionals who understand your journey.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please email me at lavernemckinnoncoaching@gmail.com for a complimentary paid subscription. Everyone deserves access to this work.
A Little Bit About Me
I’m Laverne McKinnon, a certified coach and grief recovery specialist. I work with ambitious professionals navigating career transitions—whether that means moving up the ladder, recovering from a setback, or stepping into a new chapter with clarity and confidence.
My clients and readers have achieved promotions, launched businesses, secured funding for passion projects, and reconnected with their confidence after career challenges.
If you’re navigating a career transition and want support to create a path that feels fulfilling, aligned, and meaningful, I’m here.
Questions or interested in working with me 1:1 or in a group? Contact me here.
