How embracing change can boost your career

Change excites Lis Flett. Over the course of her legal career it’s something she’s never shied away from, even if there have been times where she’s felt uncomfortable with how often she changed jobs – every two to three years is her average. But the benefits of those changes have, she says, brought her to where she is now and enabled her to build a valuable portfolio of skills.

“Change is a great thing,” she says. “There’s no set rule about how long you have to be in a certain place, it’s more about what you can achieve and the value you can deliver while you’re there.” 

She also feels strongly about finding your own inner alignment over meeting others’ expectations. “You can leave as quickly as you arrived if it’s not the right fit for you. The important thing is to ensure you’re healthy and energized enough to sustain a long and enjoyable career. I’ve personally found that the changes I’ve made throughout my career have enabled me to add even more value to the next role, and set me up for some great opportunities.

“When considering change, ask yourself these questions: Does staying where I am bring out the best in me? Does that prospect excite me? Is it more aligned with my values? Does it offer me the chance to build new skills?”

Lis’ advice is not to fear breaking with traditional expectations around what a successful career trajectory must look like. Each new opportunity allows you to broaden your perspective and experience something new – because it means you’re adding skills to your toolbox that you can use somewhere else in a different capacity.

Defined career paths are not a concept Lis subscribes to. “Speaking personally, just because you start your legal career in one area of practice doesn’t have to mean that your next position will be in the same sector; likewise a break from the law doesn’t mean you can’t go back. I’d like to think the skills I’ve gained in this role only build on the skills I have and could take me anywhere. To date I’ve worked in private practice and in-house, government, agribusiness, shipping, and construction, and not-for-profit is just another part of my career journey.”

Happy to admit she’s taken a non-conventional career path, Lis is equally pleased to say that it’s served her well and she is relishing her role at Cancer Council NSW. “It’s dynamic and interesting and we get to have an impact. We get to be a key part of what is driving this organization. 

“If you’ve worked in a corporate environment for most of your career, you’d have no problem transferring across to not-for-profit. It suits people who are pragmatic and who enjoy being creative and connecting with people. It’s more about using your people skills than anything else. And contrary to the misconceptions I had when starting my legal career, a start in NFP can give you the skills to move into the corporate space or private practice later on. It’s a great sector to consider at any point in your career.”

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