We are each our own brand which we need to sell to others in order to gain assignments and promotions. For some of us this comes naturally. For some of us a bit of work on beliefs and behaviours may be needed.

Starting a new venture or initiative may bring with it serious doubts about how to handle all the challenges and responsibilities. Getting advice from others, particularly those who have done it before, is an immense help.

Does work and home life bring joy, satisfaction here-and-now and fulfillment and meaning in the longer perspective? Many of us find ourselves in situations where joy is sacrificed or a compromise must be made.

Leadership demands different qualities in us than we have needed to display in previous expert contributor roles. Which common pitfalls should we seek to avoid and which leadership boosters should we strive to embrace.

Talented, smart people can be a true boon to our organization, but it requires that we adapt our leadership approach to rest on relationship-building, involvement and trust.