Naomi Blake

I attribute my success to perspective gained over time, a willingness to adapt, and a commitment to doing work thoughtfully and well, even when circumstances were uncertain or changing.

The best career advice I’ve received was, “Don’t let your career stifle you.” I was given this advice while working in a highly specialized, niche field, with the reminder that staying too long in one narrow lane can quietly limit future options. It encouraged me to be intentional about timing, growth, and leaving space for evolution rather than becoming defined by a single role or industry.

I would tell them to think of their career the way an organization thinks about its portfolio. Just as companies diversify to remain competitive and resilient, individuals should develop a range of interests, skills, and experiences. Treat yourself as a brand that is allowed to evolve. Exploring what genuinely interests you builds flexibility and gives you options when roles, industries, or circumstances change. Often, what you explore early becomes what sustains you later.

Two of the biggest challenges in my field are oversaturation and compensation pressure. The expansion of virtual work has dramatically widened the talent pool, shifting competition from local markets to a national and even global scale. While some organizations have returned to in-person or hybrid models, the nature of operations and consulting work often still supports remote engagement, which continues to intensify competition.

At the same time, compensation has become more constrained. Inflation and broader economic pressures have led many organizations to reassess budgets and limit growth in pay, often in ways that are not fully transparent to workers. Together, these dynamics require professionals to differentiate themselves clearly and remain adaptable as the field continues to evolve.

I value meaningful engagement, intellectual challenge, and strategic partnership in my work. Having the autonomy to manage my time thoughtfully allows me to stay focused, energized, and effective without being confined to a rigid work structure.