Staying Relevant at Any Career Level

Whenever I’m asked how I want to be remembered as a public relations professional, I often say I hope I brought inspiration to others and produced exceptional work that was impactful and sustainable. 

And that I remained relevant and pivoted quickly during times of change. Career agility isn’t just about adapting — it’s about anticipating it, embracing it and growing through it. In a contracting market, where economic uncertainty, workforce disruption and emerging technologies are ever-present, agility becomes more than a nice-to-have; it becomes a career imperative.

My efforts to remain relevant for these 45 years didn’t happen by chance, it’s the result of a conscious commitment to evolve. I’ve developed and tested a set of guiding principles that have helped me stay both agile and impactful while navigating the constant change within the industries I’ve supported through my PR work.

I invite you to reflect on your own career path as I share these principles. I call them my Four C’s: Cabinet, Career, Capabilities and Community.

Cabinet

Agility begins with having the right support system — what I call your personal cabinet. These are the trusted advisers you surround yourself with: mentors, colleagues and confidants who offer guidance, challenge your thinking and help you stay grounded. 

To be agile means having the ability to adapt quickly and strategically to change while staying focused on long-term goals. Be intentional about building your cabinet. Start by identifying the profiles — not the names—of individuals who can help you pivot when faced with a challenge or opportunity. 

For example, if you’re working to strengthen your emotional intelligence or explore entrepreneurship, define the type of insight or experience you need, then look to your network — and beyond it, if necessary. Your cabinet should evolve with you, so continue to “hire” and “release” members as your needs and the environment change.

Career

Without a career plan, you may find yourself adrift — lacking direction when the waters get rough. I’m not advocating for a rigid road map, but for a thoughtful plan that reflects your goals, values and aspirations, with room to adapt as circumstances change. 

Early in my career, a mentor in my cabinet helped me see that a lateral move wasn’t a setback — it was a setup for growth. It was an opportunity to gain new experiences that would later differentiate me. I didn’t know it then, but that moment was a lesson in agility. 

At the time, I was tied to titles and the influence I believed came with them. But staying open and curious, I was able to unlock a future I hadn’t considered. That moment taught me the value of planning with options. We often insist our clients and organizations have contingency plans — yet many of us fail to create them for our own careers.

Capabilities 

Capabilities are the skills and knowledge you intentionally develop over time. Staying relevant demands a learning mindset and a passion for discovery — whether through formal education, self-directed study or new experiences. 

According to Harvard Business Review, career agility is now considered a strategic advantage, with those who invest in personal development proving more effective in times of disruption. Embracing new technologies, challenging your assumptions and looking beyond what’s immediately in front of you are all essential to staying ready — and relevant — for what’s next.

Community

Community is about the intentional relationships you build and nurture throughout your career. These connections go beyond networking — they offer perspective, encouragement and access to opportunities you might not reach on your own. 

Being part of multiple communities — professional, civic or cause-driven — broadens your thinking, challenges assumptions and reinforces your relevance. These relationships can amplify your impact, open doors and remind you of your value, even when you lose sight of it. Giving back sharpens your leadership effectiveness and cultivates gratitude. 

Growth is never a solo journey — and in moments of transition or uncertainty, a strong community can be the difference between standing still and moving forward.

Whether you’re new to the profession or a longtime executive, practicing career agility means activating all Four C’s — Cabinet, Career, Capabilities and Community —at every level.

• New professionals: Build your capabilities through continuous learning, seek out mentors for your cabinet, begin shaping your career direction, and engage with communities that challenge and support your growth.
• Mid-career professionals: Reassess what success looks like. Expand your capabilities in alignment with industry shifts, refine your cabinet, revisit your career goals, and deepen your contributions to your professional and civic communities.
• Senior leaders: Redefine your legacy through reinvention. Stay curious and open to feedback, use your influence to grow others, and elevate the communities and causes that matter to you.

Relevance is earned through intentional choices, meaningful relationships, and the courage to evolve. By living the Four C’s, you don’t just stay employable, you remain essential. In a world of constant change, choose to lead with intention, invest in your career, and let agility be your edge.