The strategy behind every leap

One of the conversations I've been having more and more lately is with accomplished professionals who feel like they're doing everything "right", and yet something isn't working. They've updated their resume. They've optimized their LinkedIn profile. They're applying for roles that match their experience, and still, no opportunities are coming. When we start talking, it usually becomes clear that the problem isn't a lack of qualifications. It's that they're searching for thei

Why the opportunities you want are determined long before you're in the room. "Ilana, I don't need a personal brand." I hear that almost every week. And almost every time, it's coming from someone who is already incredibly accomplished. A vice president leading global teams. An executive who has spent twenty years building expertise. An engineer everyone depends on when the stakes are high. An entrepreneur quietly building something remarkable. The people who say this aren't

Key Takeaway The skills that lead to early success don’t always translate to executive success. Advancing requires a shift from execution to leadership, visibility, and strategic influence. The next level is built on reputation, not just results. For years, I thought success worked like this: Work hard. Get results. Keep climbing. And honestly? For a while, it worked. That formula took me from the Air Force to engineering, to technical sales, to product, to VP. Every time I

92 million jobs will disappear by 2030. It’s a stark reality, and yet so few of us are prepared for what that future may look like. What do you do when the thing you've spent years building is no longer there? The job. The company. The business. The title. The identity you've worked so hard to create. Most professionals will experience a major career setback, career transition, or unexpected job loss at some point in their lives. Whether it's a layoff, a failed business, o

Why Most People Miss the Opportunities Right in Front of Them Lessons from Entrepreneur David Royce on Building Success Through Persistence, Systems, and Seeing Value Where Others Don't Why Are We Always Looking Somewhere Else? Most people would not look at pest control and think, “That’s where I’m going to build wealth.” They would see bugs. Door-to-door sales. Rejection. An industry that feels unglamorous, unsexy, and easy to dismiss. David Royce saw something completely di

In today's fast-paced job market, the idea of leaping your career (making a strategic move to a new role or company), might seem like something to do when you're unhappy, stuck, or facing an uncertain future. But what if I told you that the best time to leap your career is when you don't need to? Many professionals make the mistake of waiting until they’re dissatisfied or feel their job is at risk before they start considering their next move. However, the most successful car

Roughly 1 in 3 working Americans now have some kind of side hustle, according to a survey from LendingTree of more than 2,000 U.S. adults — and they’re making an average of $1,242 a month.

For decades, the blueprint for a successful career was linear: climb the ladder, secure the title and remain loyal to the institution. But as AI disruption accelerates, that ladder is no longer safe nor provides everything individuals want from their career. For example: meaning, satisfaction, independence, freedom, impact, generational wealth. We are witnessing a quiet crisis among mid-career leaders who built their entire identity around a single employer. When that pillar

Those in tech intimidated by the role that artificial intelligence will play in their jobs or careers are encouraged to chase ‘portfolio careers’, defined as a career compromising of a variety of roles rather than one position at a single organization. In the same way that financial advice may include ‘diversifying your portfolio’ to create a stream of different incomes, portfolio careers are built around combining multiple paid roles to ensure consistency and that workers re

Master LinkedIn with smart posting, consistent engagement, and clear metrics that show what works to expand your reach and grow your business with confidence. By: Justina Luther , Contributor Today’s small business landscape requires a savvy owner who understands that both digital and interpersonal connections drive growth. A unique social media strategy, including Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Substack, can set you ahead. Still, many small business owners have yet to

Lately, I keep hearing the same thing from people who, on paper, are doing well. They have strong resumes, good titles, jobs they once worked hard to get, and yet the conversations keep circling back to the same unease. What happens if this role changes? What happens if it disappears? What happens if the skills that built this career stop being enough? AI has a way of making those questions feel urgent, sometimes uncomfortably so. That is why Ilana Golan’s work caught my atte

The ability to navigate career transitions, build personal brands, and unlock new opportunities has never been more critical. Traditional paths like MBAs and formal leadership training often fall short when it comes to offering the personalized, fast-tracked solutions that modern professionals need. Enter Leap Academy, a platform designed to meet individuals exactly where they are and propel them forward in their careers. Founded by Ilana Golan, an entrepreneur and the first

In today's competitive job market, establishing a strong personal brand and reputation is essential,

Realizing your career dreams requires more than just wishful thinking; it demands a strategic approach and unwavering committment.

Career fulfillment is a journey, not a destination.

If you’re an entrepreneur trying to grow or start your business, keep reading… Picture this: I was working from a clumsy bed tray with a weird hanging light, feeling pretty overwhelmed. I was about to go live with Leap Academy, but fear had me paralyzed. Fast-forward three years, and we won the Startup of the Year award. We were invited to an award ceremony in New York for our impact and growth, and even had a few moments of glory on the NASDAQ tower. Today, my office looks

A few years ago I was working as an executive in a company when a friend approached me to start a tech company together. Excited, I rolled up my sleeves and jumped right in. A few months later we raised $700,000 from investors! “This can’t be real!”, I jumped with sheer joy and immediately quit my job. Little did I know that same day I will also be kicked out of the business. I was left with No Salary, No Startup and No Investment. OMG the downhill spiral! How could this happ