Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One

by Jenny Blake Narrated by Jenny Blake

Overview

Jenny Blake, author of Life After College and former career development program manager at Google, reveals how to methodically make your next career move by doubling down on what is already working. Careers are not linear, predictable ladders any longer; they are fluid trajectories. No matter our age, life stage, bank account balance, or seniority, we are all being asked to navigate career changes much more frequently than in years past. The average employee tenure in America is just four to five years, and even those roles change dramatically within that time. Our economy now demands that we create businesses and careers based on creativity, growth, and impact. In this dynamic world of work, the only move that matters is your next one. Drawing from her own experience and those of other successful pivoters, Jenny Blake has created a four-stage process that teaches anyone how to seamlessly and continually: Double-down on existing strengths, interests, and experiences Find new opportunities and identify skills to develop without falling prey to analysis-paralysis and compare-and-despair Run small experiments to determine next steps Take smart risks to launch with confidence in a new direction This book is for anyone searching for an answer to the question, "What's next?" Whether you have hit a plateau in your perfect-on-paper job, are considering taking on a new role in your current job, are thinking about starting your own business, or you want to move into a new industry altogether, one thing remains clear: your career success depends on your ability to determine your next best move. If change is the only constant, let's get better at it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A sharply reasoned and immensely practical guide to crafting a meaningful working life in an unpredictable world."
—Cal Newport, author of Deep Work
 
"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."
—Seth Godin, author of What To Do When It's Your Turn
 
"If you should trust anyone in the career space about the way to thrive in the new world of work, it is Jenny Blake. Pivot 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."
—Pamela Slim, author of Body of Work and Escape from Cubicle Nation
 
"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.”
—James Altucher, author of Choose Yourself and Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth
 
"It's not a matter of if you'll need to pivot your career, it's a matter of when. Let Jenny Blake show you how with this wildly practical guide to the career changes headed your way."
—Jon Acuff, author of Do Over
 
"Changing jobs or careers can be daunting. Pivot is an invaluable guide for planning and succeeding in your next professional reinvention."
—Dorie Clark, author of Reinventing You and Stand Out, and adjunct professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business
 
“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, Pivot is your guide.”
—Josh Kaufman, bestselling author of The Personal MBA and The First 20 Hours
 
"Pivot 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.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell is Human and Drive
 
"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."
—Shane Snow, bestselling author of Smartcuts and co-founder of Contently
 
"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 Pivot, 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."
—Jeff Goins, best-selling author of The Art of Work
 
"Are the tectonic plates below your sturdy career suddenly splitting into a deep abyss of unknown? Let this book be your rope ladder out."
—Neil Pasricha, author of The Happiness Equation and 1,000 Awesome Things
 
"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."
—Michael Bungay Stanier, Author of The Coaching Habit and Do More Great Work
 
“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 impacters 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 Pivot offers you. It’s excellent!”
—Penney Peirce, author of The Intuitive Way, Frequency and Leap of Perception
 
"The book is fantastic. No matter where you are in your career, Pivot is provokingly relevant."
—Dr. Tom Guarriello, founder of RoboPsych and founding faculty at New York’s School of Visual Arts, Masters in Branding
 
"Today, the average person has eleven jobs and three to six careers, which is why Pivot 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. Pivot is the book that you'll need to read multiple times through your life because change is constant and often times unexpected!"
—Dan Schawbel, Author of Promote Yourself and Me 2.0
 
“Whether you’re considering a career change, job change or figuring out what to do next, Jenny Blake’s Pivot is the book you need. It’s a comprehensive, practical, must-have guide to your pivot.”
—Susan RoAne, keynote speaker and author of How To Work a Room

"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."
—Library Journal

Library Journal

07/01/2016
Blake, a former Google career development specialist and author of Life After College, presents a five-stage (Plant, Scan, Pilot, Launch, Lead) career development process for new and seasoned professionals exploring fresh occupational options. She defines "pivoting" as an "intentional, methodical process for nimbly navigating career changes." Similar to many popular career coaching strategies, Blake's recommendations include a number of tried-and-true approaches, such as examination and clarification of personal values and work-related strengths; identifying allies; networking; and testing the career waters through internships, volunteering, and work projects. Citing such diverse sources as entrepreneur Steve Jobs, writer Joseph Campbell, and comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Blake applies the principles of "lean" business practices to personal and professional development. VERDICT 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.—Alan Farber, Univ, of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172276156
Publisher:	Ascent Audio
Publication date:	10/01/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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Excerpted from "Pivot"
by .
Copyright © 2017 Jenny Blake.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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