Leverage a New Identity: Part II, Cultivate Your Post-Corporate Social Network

The RAISEC System: A Path to Self-Discovery in Your Executive Encore

Building on Part I...Here is a quick review of the RAISEC system, an insightful framework for exploring and understanding our professional inclinations, personal strengths, and interests. Grounded in studying personality and career trajectories, this system classifies individuals into six distinct types: Realistic, Artistic, Investigative, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Utilizing these categories, the RAISEC system encourages us to look beyond our work to focus on the fundamental traits that define our authentic selves and deepen our connection with our ambitions and potential, ultimately guiding us toward self-actualization.

The RAISEC framework is a valuable assessment tool for navigating your executive encore decisions, whether contemplating a career refresh or exploring post-corporate interests in search of a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. To learn more about the RAISEC system, read Leverage a New Identity: Part I, Overcome Feelings of Identity and Status Loss.

If you're a woman executive transitioning from the corporate world, you are embarking on a profound and exciting chapter of your life. This transition can be most rewarding and less stressful by leveraging your former identity to leverage your new "refreshing" identity.

In Part I of our series, "Leverage a New Identity," we explored overcoming the feelings of losing identity and status in our post-career transition.

In Part II, we'll address one of the most significant challenges faced during this transition—overcoming the loss of a well-established social network.

If you resonate with the inclinations, strengths, and interests in the "Social" classification in the RAISEC framework, you will understand the impact of losing friends and colleagues as you and they move on from corporate and professional lives.

Social - Helpers: Leading with Social Savvy

"Social"—the helpers, the responsible ones, and the expressive connectors are the glue that keeps social networks vibrant and thriving. If you identify with the "Social" type—Helpers, you are known for bringing people together. You are adept at expressing yourself and building rapport with others. You prefer to solve problems through conversation rather than relying on technology, which holds only limited interest for you. You tolerate technology primarily to maintain your digital social connections and as a tool to send out your party invitations. You don't seek to collect "friends"; instead, you focus on cultivating meaningful connections and building strong bonds rather than filling your social network with superficial, transactional ties.

Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert. Both will feel the impact of loss within their social networks, but they will feel the loss differently. Both have unique approaches to leading with social savvy. Both are adept at harnessing social strengths by unlocking potential through new opportunities.

How can you utilize your interests, expertise, and experience during your executive encore phase? You might consider exploring opportunities in teaching, social impact, training, mentoring, or support roles where your social skills can have the most significant impact.

The Impact of Losing a Social Network

Transitioning away from a corporate environment or your professional life often means leaving behind a robust network of colleagues, associates, and mentors. This shift can feel isolating for senior women executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals unprepared for the shift. The social fabric that once provided support, camaraderie, and professional connections may seem to unravel, leaving gaps that feel challenging to fill.

This unravelling can be particularly challenging for women who strongly resonate with the "Social" Helpers in the RAISIC framework. However, for socially savvy people who thrive on caring for others, there are numerous opportunities to stay connected.

If this is you, your ability to express yourself and build meaningful relationships is your superpower. However, navigating these connections requires time and energy, especially when the social framework of work is not clearly defined for you to leverage.

Case Study
In the 1990s and early 2000s, a major tech company in Toronto started distributing early retirement packages. Many women anticipating or accepting these packages became my "retirement lifestyle" coaching clients. These women who had advanced their careers together, from telephone operators to senior VP executives, shared the formative decades of their adult lives. Despite living in different suburban areas, their common ground was the workplace, where they enjoyed coffee breaks, lunches, and social events, all rooted in their relationships. Their colleagues were friends and family. Conversations around the water cooler, during coffee breaks, and at lunch often centred on building personal empires (the new house, new car, and significant family events) and discussing the latest weekly sitcom episode. Strong bonds were forged and nurtured in the workplace and in their professional lives.

Amid tears of farewell, they vowed to stay connected after departing the company; however, their motivation to uphold those connections was destined to diminish. Work provides us with structure and a dedicated space to cultivate our social networks. 

Fear of Isolation 

Numerous women have confided in me about their experiences of isolation after leaving the workplace. I share that while they may feel isolated, they are not truly alone; many others have walked this path, facing similar challenges and experiences of disconnection. The key lies in understanding the influence of these emotions, recognizing the feelings at play, and being receptive to rebuilding and broadening your social network in ways that align with this new phase of life.

Strategies to Overcome the Loss

Rebuilding a supportive network after exiting a corporate role requires/demands intentional effort and a willingness to embrace new experiences, such as meeting new people, making new friends, and creating strong bonds. 

If you identify with the "Social" type, now is the perfect opportunity to make new friends—think back to recess in grade school; it’s your playground!

While it may be more challenging if you don't naturally connect with the "Social" type, it's important to remember that maintaining relationships, especially strong bonds, is crucial for your mental and emotional well-being as you live longer. This doesn't mean that you "collect friends" or transform into a social butterfly. Being selective in your connections is essential for cultivating a healthy social network. Build a multi-generation social network with friends younger and older than you.

Here are five effective strategies to assist you on this new path:
 

1. Leverage Existing Connections
Make the effort to invest in maintaining your existing social network as much as possible. Connect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry associates. Share your new journey and express your desire to stay in touch. These established relationships can often open doors to new networks and opportunities you may not have previously considered.
 

2. Expand Your Horizons
Seek networking events, seminars, or workshops that resonate with your evolving interests. These gatherings provide fantastic opportunities to connect with individuals who share your passions and ambitions. Additionally, consider joining professional associations or local business groups to expand your network further. Your local board of trade or chamber of commerce will welcome your presence and contribution to its business owners. You may be surprised by how much you crave meaningful intellectual and professional conversations. Steer clear of incessant "shop talk," as it might create the wrong impression when the intention is to establish genuine connections.

3. Utilize Online Platforms
Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for boosting visibility, especially for women who often fear feeling invisible after leaving the workplace.

I recommend the following platforms because I know the founders, have collaborated with them, and have vetted their authentic vision for safe connections. The following are not dating sites.

Amintro Friends, founded by Charlene Nadalin, is a safe social platform for "connecting with like-minded people based on their past experiences, current interests and future aspirations".

What's NeXT 50 is a community-based digital ecosystem connecting people who are transitioning to what's next with opportunities for remaining professionally active, giving back, and learning.

These platforms provide valuable opportunities to connect and engage with individuals who share similar causes and interests. By sharing your insights, participating in discussions, and staying updated on trends, you enhance your credibility and strengthen your presence in communities that support your new journey.

4. Volunteer, Join a Cause, Mentor
Volunteering is an excellent way to build connections and contribute positively to society. Be discerning and selective. Look for opportunities that align with your values and interests, whether mentoring young professionals, working with a charity organization, or joining an environmental group. These activities can also help you establish new friendships based on shared passions.

Engaging in community service or mentorship programs offers fulfilling ways to give back while connecting with diverse groups of people. Volunteering can lead to new friendships and professional connections, unexpectedly enriching your social network.

As highlighted in Part I of "Leverage a New Identity", this is an ideal opportunity to join the board of an organization seeking your professional expertise to enhance its strengths. Explore Competent Boards for training and certification that can help you overcome imposter syndrome and set you on the path to building a remarkable network of professionals.

5. Embrace New Experiences
Embrace the opportunity to explore new experiences. The possibilities are endless—whether it's joining a book club, exploring an old or new hobby, pursuing learning opportunities or professional certifications, or even attending concerts and events alone (which can feel intimidating at first!). You never know who you might meet and connect with along the way. You might even reconnect with someone who drifted from your social network many years ago. Ultimately, the key is to remain open-minded.

Conclusion
Adapting to change and discovering a new identity is a continuous journey that demands courage and perseverance. You've got that! By actively rebuilding your social network, you can cultivate a fulfilling post-corporate life reflecting your values and aspirations.

I invite you to join Executive Encore's community of senior executive women, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Connect with like-minded individuals who are navigating new paths during this exciting transition. Together, we can harness our collective experiences and insights to shape the next chapter of our lives.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our series, in which we will explore another concept/type from the RAISIC framework and how to leverage a new identity.

Your Next Steps
Contact me here for more information and valuable resources for the following:

• RAISEC assessment and coaching
• Accelerator programs and coaching programs for entrepreneurs and micro-entrepreneurs. 
• Competent Board Inc. training program referral
• EmpowerHer Excellence and the Executive Encore coaching programs for women executives, business owners, and professionals

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Listen to the podcast and watch interviews on YouTube with women continuing to contribute their leadership skills in their Executive Encore.

Are you ready to commit to making your Executive Encore the most incredible performance of your life? Contact Maestro to inquire about our Executive Encore programs. Let's remaster your encore phase, create a symphony, and celebrate the rhythm of life!

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