I met with Ray for the first time to discuss Core Themes in October 2002. I had known Ray for a number of years but never personally used his services. I was looking for a

career fix, and I was looking for it now! That first meeting could have been my last. Ray began by telling me that the Core Themes process was not a linear one. In fact, he said each process

evolves differently. He could not tell me how long it would take – maybe 6 months, maybe a year (or more). My passions, including woodworking, boat building, fishing, kayaking, science, etc. were not Core Themes I was told. Furthermore, it would be difficult to make progress unless the “clutter” was removed. I soon learned that “clutter” were those thoughts and mental constraints that get in the way of transitions. They include such things as the mortgage, college tuition, the prestigious title (after all, who would I be without it?) and so on. It isn’t these “things” so much as the constraints we imagine they create. I was also told that this work would not result in a new job or career! I left Ray’s office after that first encounter a bit bewildered by what I had heard. After thinking about all of this for a while, I decided to take the plunge and called Ray to set up my second appointment.

I had been at the Company for about 22 years when I decided to explore my Core Themes. I was not sure why I was disenchanted with what everyone else thought (and I suppose I did too) was a great “job,” good pay, a lot of responsibility, a value system that was compatible with my own, a great work environment, lots of friends and a product line that I could relate to. After all, I had been happy at the Company for 20 years! Sure, there were a lot of changes taking place at the Company, but were they enough to cause me to reflect on a 25 year career in finance and accounting? My work with Ray helped me understand why I was feeling this way and what I could do about it.

I spent the next 9 months meeting with Ray on a regular basis working towards the development of my Core Themes. The work included various career, intelligence and personality tests (with plenty of feedback on what they might suggest), regular meetings with Ray to discuss everything from my early childhood years to my most recent job experiences, and some “homework,” which included reflections on questions posed by Ray. Ray did a great job leading me through the Core Themes process. He was careful not to impose his opinions or biases into the discussions. I always felt like he was leading me on a journey of self-discovery.

• Learning and intellectual curiosity
• Integrity, ethical behavior and honesty
• Balance in my life
• Autonomy and control
• Creativity, accomplishment and challenge
• Family
• Order, attention to detail, planning and perfection
• Finish what I start

While the development of my Core Themes was important, they were no more than a list of “characteristics” that I possessed. It was not until I began to think of my Core Themes in relation to my current career (and life situation) that they jumped to life. I could now understand why I was dissatisfied with a career and job that had been fulfilling for the past 20 years! The recent changes I was experiencing at work were inconsistent with many Core Themes. No wonder I was feeling the way I was.

• I gained a clear idea of what motivates me (Core Themes).
• I learned to recognize the “clutter” that might be keeping me from taking steps I need to take to change in my life.
• I recognized that my Core Themes, knowledge and skills would allow me to do many different things (not just finance).
• I now had the confidence to take action.

I spent the next year thinking about all of this and planning the steps necessary to affect a change. During that year, I got my financial affairs in order and worked to help my family understand where I was heading. I was now waiting for the right opportunity to resign from my current position. My Core Themes were to be my guide.

After 23 years with the same employer, I resigned my position and gave up trappings of success (at least on a temporary basis) in June 2004. I gave up the great pay, the pleasant working environment, and the prestige of the role I played at the Company so I could search for a new career that would satisfy my Core Themes. I resigned with no job or specific career prospects. I was convinced that my repertoire of skills and knowledge, my personal commitment, the removal of “clutter”, and the knowledge of my Core Themes (my compass) would allow me to find a new and fulfilling career. The separation was amicable, and I agreed to stay at the Company until a replacement was found. At the end of February 2005, I will leave the Company to start my new journey.

My Core Themes work was pivotal in helping me take control of my career direction. I dare say that without the work that I did with Ray, I would be languishing in my old job, feeling discontent but not knowing exactly where it was coming from or what to do about it. I now feel a great deal of excitement about the future (and absolutely no trepidation). Shortly, I will begin the next phase of my work with Ray, which I think of as the roadmap to my future. My Core Themes will guide all of this. Ray has been a great coach and I’m looking forward to working with him as I probe future career possibilities.