Episode 355: Beyond the Career Map: Embracing Detours, Trusting Intuition, and Leading with Heart

Building confidence, navigating career detours, and leading with care takes more than ambition—it takes resilience, clarity, and heart.

In this episode, Claire O’Keefe, Partner and Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners, shares how resilience, intuition, and care have shaped her unconventional journey from the classroom in Ireland to leadership in one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the country.

You’ll hear how Claire built confidence through practice, turned unexpected pivots into stepping stones, and discovered that leadership is ultimately about the people you grow and the legacy you leave behind.

Tune in to learn how to navigate detours with clarity, cultivate resilience through challenges, and lead with heart in every stage of your career.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] The Importance of Critical Feedback [01:12] Claire O'Keefe's Journey [05:16] Building Confidence and Resilience [12:34] Personal Branding and Leadership [15:41] Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth [22:07] Welcoming New Colleagues with a Theme Song [23:09] Daily Rituals for a Balanced Life [25:53] Building Meaningful Relationships [29:42] Navigating the Hybrid Work World [31:45] Legacy and Leadership [34:56] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts