This interview is with Theresa White, Career Clarity Expert & 5x Certified Career Coach at Career Bloom.

Theresa White, Career Clarity Expert & 5x Certified Career Coach, Career Bloom

Theresa, can you tell us a bit about your journey that led you to become an expert in career clarity and direction? What sparked your passion for helping others find fulfilling career paths?

My journey to becoming a Career Clarity Expert started from my own experience of feeling unfulfilled in my career. Even though I was successful in recruiting and human resources, I had this constant feeling that something was missing—that I wasn’t doing the work I was truly meant to do. For years, I convinced myself it was too late to make a change. I felt trapped by the comfort of a steady salary, benefits, and years of experience, even though the work was draining me and I wasn’t living up to my potential. The breakthrough came when I took the time to really get to know myself — what my strengths were, what energized me, and what skills I could transfer into new opportunities. That self-discovery opened doors I never knew existed, and I eventually found a career I’m passionate about. Now, I’m dedicated to helping others do the same because I know firsthand how transformational it can be to find work that truly aligns with who you are.

What pivotal moments in your career solidified your expertise and fueled your desire to guide others in their professional journeys?

A pivotal moment in my career came when I transitioned into career coaching, which evolved naturally from my HR and recruiting background. Initially, I was helping people with job-search strategies—resumés, LinkedIn profiles, and interview skills. But the real challenge people were facing wasn’t just landing a job—it was figuring out what they wanted to do next. I could deeply relate because I’d been in that same place of uncertainty myself. Solving this problem became my driving passion. I knew I had to help these women identify what truly made them come alive—their transferable skills, experiences, and strengths—and how to align that with a fulfilling career path.

My expertise solidified when I became a Certified Sparketype Advisor. Learning how to leverage the Sparketype assessment was a game changer because it helped me guide people to uncover that missing puzzle piece in their career journey. This, to me, is the key to helping others discover what they’re really meant to do, and it’s what fuels my passion every day.

Many professionals feel stuck in their current roles but are unsure how to identify a new path. What initial steps can someone take to gain more clarity about their career direction?

The first step to gaining clarity about your career direction is to start by identifying what you're really good at—both the obvious skills and the more intangible ones that might not be part of your official job description. Think about everything you do at work, including those tasks that come naturally to you, the things you do to get better results, and the actions you sometimes can't help but do because they're just part of who you are. Once you have a list of all these skills, divide them into two categories: the skills that energize you and the ones that drain you. Ask yourself, if you used a particular skill for an extended period, would it leave you feeling motivated and excited, or would it deplete your energy? It's crucial to recognize that while we may be good at many things, not all of them bring us joy or fulfillment. Once you've sorted your skills, focus on the ones that both energize you and that you're good at—this is where your real career direction lies. From there, you can start imagining what kind of role would allow you to spend the majority of your time using these energizing skills, and that's when real clarity about your next step will emerge.

You've spoken about the importance of identifying 'energizing skills.' How can someone differentiate between skills that drain them versus those that fuel their passion?

To differentiate between skills that drain you and those that fuel your passion, it's helpful to think of yourself like a battery. Imagine how your internal battery feels after using a certain skill for an extended period of time—does it leave you feeling drained, exhausted, and empty? Or does it energize you, make you feel empowered, and leave your battery feeling full? It's important to remember that just because you're proficient in a skill doesn't mean it energizes you. You may be very good at something, but if you're honest with yourself, it might actually drain you.

For this exercise, set aside all the "shoulds" and focus on how you really feel. It can help to step away from the hustle and give yourself some mental space. Don't do this exercise after a long, busy day when you're already exhausted. Instead, carve out a peaceful moment—maybe after a walk, a meditation, or time spent in nature. Once you're in a calm headspace, revisit your list of skills and go with your gut reaction. Pay attention to whether you feel excited and motivated by a skill or if it feels like a burden. This practice will help you get a clear picture of what truly energizes you versus what drains you.

Once someone has a clearer picture of their ideal career path, what strategies can they use to effectively transition into a new role or industry?

Once someone has a clear picture of their ideal career path, the key to transitioning into a new role or industry is to craft a strong personal brand story. It's not just about listing past job titles; it’s about telling a cohesive story that connects your experiences to the role you're targeting. For example, if you want to transition into a process-improvement analyst role in finance, don’t just state your previous roles like retail store manager, corporate operations specialist, or data analyst.

Instead, identify the core problem you’ll be solving in the new role—such as improving financial processes for better operational performance—and frame your experience as a pattern of success in solving similar problems. Highlight how you’ve identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions across your past roles, even if they were in different industries. This strategy not only connects your diverse experiences but also positions you as the ideal candidate to solve the problem in your target role. You’ll want to communicate this strong, problem-solving narrative on your resume, LinkedIn, cover letters, and throughout all your networking and interviews. By crafting a personal brand story that showcases a clear and relevant pattern of success, you’ll stand out and increase your chances of landing the role you’ve identified.

Networking plays a crucial role in career growth. What advice do you have for professionals looking to build and leverage their network to advance their careers?

When it comes to networking, the most important thing to understand is that people often want to help you, but they can’t if you don’t clearly communicate what you’re looking for. Career clarity is key here. The moment you can clearly articulate your target roles, industries, and companies, you empower your network to support you effectively. They now have the specifics they need to keep you in mind when opportunities arise.

So, start by gaining clarity on your career goals—what roles you’re targeting and where you want to go—then tap into your network to spread the word.

The next step I recommend is to create a "career board of advisors." Think of it as a group of trusted individuals—former colleagues, mentors, or even industry peers—whom you regularly check in with. Rather than one-off conversations, nurture ongoing relationships with this group by sharing updates about your goals and asking for their input or connections. This builds stronger, more meaningful networking ties and ensures you stay top of mind when opportunities align with your aspirations.

By having a core group of advisors and being crystal clear on your career direction, you’ll be much more effective in leveraging your network to advance your career.

The job market is constantly evolving. What are some key trends you're observing that professionals should be aware of as they navigate their career paths?

The first key trend to be aware of is a continued rise in remote and hybrid work models, but with an emphasis on flexibility. Employers are increasingly seeking talent that can thrive in flexible environments, and professionals who demonstrate strong remote-work capabilities will remain competitive.

Second, the demand for tech skills continues to grow, not just in traditionally tech-heavy sectors but across industries. Skills in areas like AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, and automation are particularly in demand as companies invest in digital transformation. Even professionals in non-technical roles should consider upskilling or reskilling to stay relevant, as technical fluency is becoming a baseline expectation in many positions.

Third, there’s a growing focus on skills-based hiring over traditional credentials. Many companies are placing more value on demonstrated skills and experience rather than just degrees, which creates opportunities for people to transition into new fields through targeted learning and certifications.

Lastly, sustainability and corporate social responsibility are increasingly important factors. Companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to these areas are becoming more attractive to both employees and customers. Professionals aligning their personal values with these trends may find more fulfilling career paths.

By staying aware of these trends and adapting accordingly, professionals can position themselves to thrive in this ever-evolving market.

Imposter syndrome can be a major obstacle for individuals seeking career advancement. What advice do you have for overcoming these feelings of self-doubt?

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge, but a powerful way to overcome it is by shifting your mindset from self-validation to impact. Instead of worrying about whether you're 'good enough' or 'qualified enough,' reframe your thinking around the value you bring. Ask yourself, 'How is my work making a difference? How am I solving problems or contributing to my team or clients?' And if you tend to minimize your accomplishments, ask yourself, 'What would have happened if I didn’t do XYZ?' This can help you clearly see the impact you've had. And when you focus on the impact you're creating, it becomes less about proving your worth and more about the real outcomes you’re driving.

Another effective strategy is to keep an 'accomplishment tracker.' Schedule a weekly meeting with yourself to document all your wins—big or small—from the past week. This practice not only helps you recognize your progress, but also creates a tangible record you can look back on during moments of self-doubt. And if you start feeling like an imposter, revisit this evidence to ground yourself in the reality of your capabilities and achievements. This not only builds confidence, but also serves as a tool for advocating for yourself when it’s time to seek a promotion or new opportunity.

Even high achievers experience imposter syndrome—so if you’re feeling it, it’s a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, which is exactly where growth happens.

What final piece of advice would you give to aspiring business leaders who are looking to gain more clarity and direction in their careers?

My final piece of advice for aspiring business leaders is to reverse-engineer your ideal career by focusing less on job titles and more on what you want your daily, weekly, and monthly work life to look like. Titles can vary greatly between companies and don’t necessarily define the actual work you'll be doing. Instead, get really clear about the tasks and responsibilities that energize and fulfill you—those activities that give you a sense of purpose and allow you to tap into your full potential without leaving parts of yourself "at the door." Write a detailed description of your ideal role, focusing on what your day-to-day looks like. How do you feel when you wake up? What kind of relationships do you have with your colleagues? How do you feel at the end of the workday?

Visualize this not as some distant goal, but as your life in the next three years, or even just one year. Once you have that clear vision, identify the steps you can start taking today to make it a reality. Don’t try to climb the entire mountain at once—break it down into smaller, actionable steps that will move you closer to that vision. By focusing on the work that brings you energy and purpose, and then building a path toward that, you’ll find much more clarity and direction in your career journey.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

To wrap up, I’d like to emphasize the importance of self-awareness in your professional journey. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing job titles or external markers of success, but the real key is understanding what fuels you on a daily basis—what kind of work truly energizes and fulfills you. When you can get clear on that and align your career with what makes you come alive, not only do you find more satisfaction, but you’re also better positioned to make meaningful contributions and achieve long-term success. Whether you're navigating a transition or looking to grow in your current role, focusing on what makes you feel purposeful and energized will always be your best compass.