During budget cuts, it's not always underperformers at risk—invisible employees are vulnerable too. Good work must link to broader business goals to ensure job security. Visibility protects against uncertainty. Connect work to outcomes, contribute actively, and recap key achievements.

Macro headlines can be scary, but micro actions control your destiny. Focus on outcomes, make your work visible, and expand your network to safeguard your career.

Here's an insightful question from a reader about the must-haves tool in Off the Dreadmill. The must haves tool is about getting clarity about your values. It's the foundation. When you have a solid foundation, you can build a strong and stable career. You can use the must-haves tool at any point in your career. Your preferences will change over time, and a periodic assessment and realignment with your must-haves (your values) is how you stay fulfilled for the long term.

Think about the athlete who rises to become a champion. They don't just show up and win. They're up before sunrise, putting in hours at the gym, refining every movement, training relentlessly. It's no different for leaders who reach rockstar status in Fortune 500 companies or those who smoothly transition to new executive roles. They're investing hours behind the scenes—developing critical skills, mastering strategic thinking, building resilience, and refining their executive presence. If you're aiming for elite status in your career, it won't happen by chance. Just like athletes need great coaches, elite executives need career coaches who understand the nuances of leadership at the highest level. This is my son training to make the varsity team as a freshman in the fall. He's putting in the work because he knows: You're not born elite. You become elite by being intentional and putting in the work.

Hey Team! Apologies for the short notice, but a conflict just came into my calendar. I will not be able to hold the first weekly Q&A tomorrow. Going forward weekly Q&A will be on Monday at noon to get your week off to an amazing start!