046: Finding Your Click: Sean Plankey on Purpose, Persistence, and Career Growth

What does it take to find work that truly fits? Sandy sits down with friend and defense technology leader Sean Plankey to explore the persistence, self-awareness, and purposeful decision-making behind a meaningful career. Sandy and Sean discuss why finishing what you start, betting on yourself, and seeking work with a clear mission can shape a career. Sean shares candid lessons from a poorly structured startup role, where lack of integrity and resources made success impossible, and contrasts that experience with leading transformation efforts at the U.S. Coast Guard. We learn why strong leaders distinguish between meaningful change and unnecessary tradition, invest in people and tools, and build teams intentionally. Listeners will gain practical guidance for finding their "click" by evaluating a role's purpose, authority, resources, culture, and alignment with their strengths. In this episode, you will hear: Persistence through academic challenges and Sean's path to the Coast Guard Academy and Penn Cybersecurity leadership, military service, and deployment to Afghanistan Moving from military service into technology, startups, and purpose-driven work Transforming the U.S. Coast Guard through investment, modernization, and team empowerment Lessons from a startup role marked by misalignment, limited resources, and integrity concerns Finding your "click" through diligence, team fit, meaningful work, and clear role expectations Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/  X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent  Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.