Build or Optimise: Knowing What Phase You Are In Changes Everything  episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 11, 2026 · 12 MIN

Build or Optimise: Knowing What Phase You Are In Changes Everything

from The Executive Coach: C-Suite Career Success, Planning, Goals, Work-Life Balance Tips for Leaders · host Maya Gudka

As we move into the second quarter of the year, it’s a powerful moment to pause and ask:What is actually working?And what might need to change?In this episode Maya reflects on a theme that emerged during the first quarter of the year: the difference between build phases and optimisation phases in both careers and life.Many high achievers spend years in build mode,  launching projects, changing roles, developing expertise, raising families, and creating new opportunities.But there comes a point where growth isn’t about adding more.It’s about refining what already exists.This episode explores how recognising the phase you’re in can change the way you approach your work, your goals, and your energy.What You Will LearnThe difference between build phases and optimisation phases in career and lifeWhy building something new requires far more energy than refining something existingHow organisational theory explains the balance between exploration and optimisationWhy build phases often take longer than expectedThe hidden power of optimising systems, habits, and processes that already workHow to identify whether you’re currently in a build season or an optimisation seasonAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com 

As we move into the second quarter of the year, it’s a powerful moment to pause and ask:What is actually working?And what might need to change?In this episode Maya reflects on a theme that emerged during the first quarter of the year: the difference between build phases and optimisation phases in both careers and life.Many high achievers spend years in build mode,  launching projects, changing roles, developing expertise, raising families, and creating new opportunities.But there comes a point where growth isn’t about adding more.It’s about refining what already exists.This episode explores how recognising the phase you’re in can change the way you approach your work, your goals, and your energy.What You Will LearnThe difference between build phases and optimisation phases in career and lifeWhy building something new requires far more energy than refining something existingHow organisational theory explains the balance between exploration and optimisationWhy build phases often take longer than expectedThe hidden power of optimising systems, habits, and processes that already workHow to identify whether you’re currently in a build season or an optimisation seasonAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

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Build or Optimise: Knowing What Phase You Are In Changes Everything

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This episode was published on April 11, 2026.

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As we move into the second quarter of the year, it’s a powerful moment to pause and ask:What is actually working?And what might need to change?In this episode Maya reflects on a theme that emerged during the first quarter of the year: the difference...

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