In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata explores the theme of career development and unleashing one’s full potential with guest Asad Hussain, a seasoned HR professional and author of “Careers Unleashed.” Asad is a 4-time CHRO with a background in leading blue-chip companies like Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Dun & Bradstreet, and Del Monte. His strategic HR achievements have not only driven the success of these companies but also positioned him as a key voice in discussions on the future of workspaces and employee engagement. Asad inspires professionals at all levels, offering guidance to CEOs, CHROs, senior managers, and HR leaders. His expertise in talent management and high-performance culture has been recognised in publications like Forbes and Big Think, where he provides actionable strategies for career advancement and emphasises the importance of taking ownership of one’s career.

In this episode, Asad shares insights from his extensive experience, showing the importance of aligning passion, talent, and market demand in one’s career choice. He highlights the need for continuous learning, describing it as essential to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The conversation examines the concept of career paths no longer being linear, with individuals expected to navigate multiple job changes and industries over their working lives. Asad stresses the value of having a learning strategy and making learning a habit, rather than a separate chore, to stay ahead in one’s career. He suggests practical approaches, such as reflecting on learning opportunities from past experiences and incorporating micro-learning techniques into daily routines.

Andy and Asad discuss the role of mentors in career development, emphasising the need for mentors at all stages of one’s career. The conversation touches on the “PI” model of promotion decisions, where performance, image, and exposure play key roles. Asad provides insights into building a strong professional image and gaining exposure to decision-makers through impactful contributions.

Andy and Asad also discuss the importance of being relevant and understanding your value in career development. Asad emphasised the need for individuals to recognise and communicate their value, rather than letting their worth be defined solely by external factors like job titles or performance reviews.

One key takeaway was the value of transparent conversations with leaders about career aspirations and restlessness in a role. Asad advises approaching these discussions with a mindset of inquiry and learning, rather than demand.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in today’s evolving job market, where portfolio careers and continual Growth are becoming the norm.

This episode is packed with nuggets for leaders to think proactively about their careers, seek diverse experiences, and build strong professional Relationships to unleash their full career potential.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube

Connect with Asad Husain : Website | LinkedIn  

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Andy Lopata Author, Podcast Host and Speaker on Professional Relationships Strategy

Andy Lopata is a specialist speaker on professional relationships, mentoring, networking, and social media strategy. He is a firm believer that professional relationships underpin our success in business, our roles, and our careers. The right relationships with the right people can lead to new business opportunities, investment, collaborative working, innovation, and career progress. We just need to be comfortable approaching those relationships strategically, without making people feel ‘networked’ by us.

Andy has worked in the field of networking and professional relationships for 25 years, working with global giants such as Paypal, GSK, AstraZeneca, Wella, HSBC, Wembley Stadium, the BBC, and the Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE, among many others during that time. He has also worked with leading universities including NYU, Duke University, and Oxford University’s Said Business School.

A regular blogger for Psychology Today, Andy has been quoted in The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, as well as many other national and regional newspapers and magazines worldwide. He has written or co-authored six books on networking and professional relationships, with his sixth book, "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," being published in Spring 2024. He is also the host of The Connected Leadership Podcast and has interviewed globally recognized names in business, academia, sports, and entertainment for the show.

Andy has been inducted into the PSAE Hall of Fame – the Professional Speaking Association Award of Excellence, which was held by only 21 other speakers at the time it was presented. He is a Fellow and a former President of the Fellows’ Community of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA), a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), and a Member of the Association of Business Mentors and the Meetings Industry Association.