179: Navigating Transitions and Inflection Points with Philip VanDusen (Ambition In-Between Series)

Overview

We’re not always in control when or how inflection points happen, but we can learn to navigate transitions with more awareness and intention.

Today I’m joined by my dear friend and repeat guest, Philip VanDusen, as part of my Ambition In-Between Series. Between the two of us, we’ve had a number of career and life transitions, and we’re sharing what we’ve learned from our experiences and how we’re approaching the inflection points we find ourselves in now. 

We get honest and personal about listening for signals of dissonance and resonance, allowing for completion, and why putting something down can be for now, not forever. And we talk about the importance of recognizing that transitions often take longer than we think they will, discerning when we need to stay in the crucible versus being stuck, and why you shouldn’t go through transitions alone.

Listen below or on your favorite podcast player.

More About Our Guest

Philip VanDusen is branding consultant serving SMBs and entrepreneurs based in Woodstock, NY.  As a thought leader, Philip shares his expertise in marketing, design and entrepreneurship on YouTube to his 300k+ subscribers, in the Brand•Muse newsletter, the Bonfire mastermind community and on the Brand Design Masters podcast.

Philip has led creative teams in both global branding agencies and global corporations — serving as VP of Design for PepsiCo and Old Navy and Executive Creative Director at the iconic branding firm Landor Associates. Past clients include a host of the Fortune 100.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The tension between creative growth and consolidation and refinement 

• Making choices about completion, pressing pause, and sustaining your energy

• Why career paths are more like webs than ladders, now more than ever

• Why we need to embrace being generalists and diversifying our skill sets

• What helps us navigate transitions, both practically and emotionally

Learn more about Philip VanDusen:

• Website

• Brand•Muse Newsletter  

• BONFIRE: Mastermind Community for Creative Pros

• Creative Professional Coaching

• Brand Design Masters Podcast 

• Threads: @philipvandusen

• Facebook: @philipvandusen.agency

• YouTube: @philipvandusen

• Connect on LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned

• 25. On Burnout, Focus, & Gaining Confidence in Networks with Philip VanDusen   

• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein

• Personal Brand Wheel

Thanks for Listening!

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