For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with what to write. Not because I have nothing to say. But because I want what I write to be both true to where I am today and genuinely helpful to you.
Fifteen years ago, I started Be My Career Coach with a simple goal: to help people build better careers. I never imagined thousands of readers would come along for the journey. Many of you have been reading Be My Career Coach for years. Some of you have written to tell me an article helped you negotiate a promotion, navigate a difficult boss, become a better leader, or simply feel less alone at work.
Every one of those messages has made my day. Thank you for trusting me to be part of your career journey.
Over the past year, I’ve coached leaders, watched my oldest daughter graduate from high school, stepped away from a 30-year corporate career, and spent more time reflecting on what success, purpose, and a meaningful life really look like.
Those experiences have broadened my perspective—not just on careers, but on leadership, relationships, change, and the many transitions we experience throughout our lives.
What You Can Expect Going Forward
If you’ve been reading Be My Career Coach for years, don’t worry. I’m not leaving behind the practical career advice this blog was built on. I’ll continue writing about:
- working smarter instead of simply working harder,
- succeeding at work like an executive,
- leadership, influence, difficult conversations, and career growth.
Those topics remain close to my heart because I know they make a real difference in people’s lives. But I’d also like to broaden the conversation.
I’ll be writing more about purpose, reinvention, relationships, resilience, and what success really means as our lives evolve. I want to connect the lessons we learn at work with the lessons we learn in life, because I don’t believe they’re separate anymore.
My hope is that Be My Career Coach continues to help you build a successful career while also encouraging you to build a fulfilling life!
Work Smart. Live More.
When I started Be My Career Coach 15 years ago, I chose the tagline Work Smart. Live More. Looking back, most of my writing focused on the first half of that promise. This next chapter is about giving equal attention to the second.
Because building a successful career matters. So do purpose, relationships, family, health, reinvention, and creating a life you genuinely enjoy living. I don’t think they’re separate conversations anymore.
Why I’m Moving to Substack
For years, I’ve used Mailchimp to send new articles and career lessons to subscribers. It has served me well, but it’s mostly been a one-way conversation. What I’d really like now is an actual conversation.
I want to hear what you’re wrestling with, what’s working, what you’re curious about, and where you’re feeling stuck. I want your questions and experiences to help shape what I write next.
That’s why Be My Career Coach will be moving to Substack on September 1. Don’t worry—I’ll continue publishing my articles here on Be My Career Coach. What’s changing is how I connect with subscribers. Instead of using Mailchimp, I’ll be using Substack to send my articles and build more of a conversation around them.
The move isn’t really about changing email platforms. It’s about creating a place where conversations are easier to have. Readers can reply, comment, ask questions, and learn from one another. That feels much more aligned with the kind of community I’d like to build.
If you’re already subscribed to Be My Career Coach, you don’t need to do anything. I’ll share more details before September 1 and make the transition as simple as possible. If you’re curious, you’re also welcome to take a look at my new Substack before then: https://substack.com/@leihan
I’d love your help shaping what comes next.
Let’s Grow Together
As I begin this next chapter, I’d love your help. What would be most valuable for me to write about?
- What challenges are you facing?
- What would you like me to write about?
- What conversations do you wish more people were having?
Just hit reply to any of my current email newsletters and tell me what’s on your mind. If you’ve already found me on Substack, feel free to leave a comment or send me a direct message there instead.
I read every response, and your ideas will help shape where Be My Career Coach goes next. Thank you for reading, for encouraging me over the years, and for allowing me to grow alongside you.
I’m excited about this next chapter. I hope you’ll join me.
Lei