How to Stop Waiting and Start Owning Your Career with Michelle Schafer

What if the biggest thing holding you back in your career isn’t your skills, but the way you see yourself? In this episode, I sit down with career transition expert Michelle Schafer to unpack identity, ownership, and the power of networking.In this episode of The Pivot Point, I’m joined by Michelle Schafer, career transition and leadership coach, author, and founder of Schafer Coaching. We dive deep into how identity shapes career moves, why so many high achievers underestimate their readiness for the next chapter, and what actually helps people pivot with confidence.Michelle shares her own journey from financial services to not-for-profit to coaching, including how she navigated multiple restructures, reframed limiting beliefs, and built a roadmap for intentional career transitions. We talk about why you don’t need to wait for permission, a title, or a promotion to start owning who you’re becoming.We also explore the real role networking plays in career growth, why it’s not just for job searches, and how small, human conversations often outperform online applications. Michelle offers practical reframes for common limiting beliefs like “I’m not qualified,” “I don’t have a network,” or “It’s too late for me.”This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging. If you’re feeling stuck, quietly questioning what’s next, or navigating a pivot, this episode will help you see what’s possible when you take ownership of your career path.What You’ll Hear ✔️ Why identity ownership matters during career transitions✔️ How to stop waiting for permission and start claiming your next role✔️ Common limiting beliefs that keep high achievers stuck✔️ Why networking is 80% of an effective job search✔️ How to reframe transferable skills across industries✔️ A simple roadmap for navigating any career pivot“The moment you name who you’re becoming, opportunities start to align.”If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s questioning their next move.Download the Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at https://www.leadintact.com/freebies/heart-aligned-career, and if you’re ready to talk through your next move, book a free minute clarity call at https://leadintactwithlaura.as.me/free-clarity-call You don’t have to figure this out alone.How to reach Michelle Schafer?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/  Website:  https://mschafercoaching.ca/  Free offer #1: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/   Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/  Email me here: [email protected] Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here:  https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer  Proceed as if success is inevitable, because it is.