Are you stuck on the traditional career ladder?

Maybe it’s time to rethink what success really looks like. 🚀

In this episode, I sit down with marketing leader Janice Lee-Fu to unpack the power of nonlinear career paths and discuss why they might just be the fastest route to growth, fulfilment, and long-term resilience.

Janice’s journey spans engineering, global FMCG brands, executive leadership, e-commerce, and academia. Along the way, she’s learned how curiosity, agility, and resilience open doors you never expect, and why stepping sideways (or even backwards) can propel you further than climbing straight up.

🔥 What you’ll take away:

✔️ The “rock climbing wall” analogy that redefines career growth
✔️ Why agility and curiosity drive innovation and long-term success
✔️ Lessons from FMCG, e-commerce, and highly regulated industries
✔️ How financial literacy gives marketers a competitive edge
✔️ Practical leadership strategies to engage and retain next-gen talent
✔️ Why ditching the linear path can help you stand out in a crowded market

Whether you’re a marketer, creative, or professional seeking change, this conversation will give you the tools and the confidence to design a career that’s truly your own.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction & Janice’s early career
4:00 – Transitioning from engineering to marketing
10:00 – Lessons from FMCG and private equity
18:00 – Leadership, innovation, and team development
25:00 – Navigating regulated industries and crisis moments
32:00 – Hiring for growth vs. risk aversion
38:00 – The importance of curiosity and diverse experience
42:00 – Final advice: Embracing nonlinear career paths
If you'd like to connect with Janice:
linkedin.com/in/leejanice

Your host, Emma Graham, Career Coach and ex-recruiter, is here to help you with:

💡 Gain clarity on what’s important to you
💡 Confidently communicate your value
💡 Build a personal brand and a strong network
💡 Take a strategic approach to your next move
💡 Navigate the job market effectively
💡 Build career confidence with a repeatable success blueprint
🌐 Explore my coaching programs and free resources:
Website: https://www.egconsulting.au/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emmajgraham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagrahamcareercoach/
🎁 Free Resources:
📄 CV Development Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/cv-advice
📄 LinkedIn Profile Optimisation Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/linkedin-profile-guide
📅 Book Your FREE Career Strategy Discovery Call:
https://calendly.com/emmagrahamconsulting/discovery-call