We had the good fortune of connecting with Belma McCaffrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Belma, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My mindset around risk has played a really important role in my life and career. Understanding what risk entails I think is really important.
I remember when I was working in the corporate world and I had an insight on how staying in the corporate world actually felt like the riskier decision to make. I sensed how I could possibly be in a position to have less control in times of difficulty. I wasn’t in a position to influence decisions that impacted my future. I could be impacted by layoffs at any time, and no matter how hard I worked, I could still be let go – and that could have a significant impact on my livelihood.
From there, I started to view risk differently – really question what “risk” means for me. It feels “riskier” to me to not go after what you want. Life is so short and I often think about the cost of not listening to our inner voices.
Because of that, I’ve made decisions in my life, like starting a business and moving across the country from NY to San Diego (and moving back) within a two year period.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Work Bigger because it was what I needed years ago.
In June 2005, I graduated from Syracuse University and started my first job at a media agency. I was so excited. But a few months in, I started to feel disconnected from my work. I thought maybe I needed a change so I found another job. A year or so later, I started to feel unsure of myself again.
Eventually years passed. With each year, I found myself checking off all the boxes – getting promoted and getting the raises and the bonuses. Still, something was missing. Where was all this box-checking leading me to?
Eventually I decided to go back to grad school for my MBA. That’s where I saw that we’re approaching this whole career thing all wrong.
We’re told to network, polish up our resumes and create ideal company lists without asking and answering the bigger questions of who we are and what we really want. So we go from job to job to maybe grad school (which is a big investment in time and money) hoping eventually something will click.
And it doesn’t…
Work Bigger was born to solve this big career dilemma and to help high-achievers figure out what they really want to do with their career and life so that they can find the fulfillment they’re craving. We integrate deep mindset work, emotional processing work and neuroscience into our coaching and combine that with career and leadership planning to help high achievers reach their goals.
Work Bigger is different because we take a holistic approach. Our methodology creates lasting change, and I’m very proud of that.
All the work I’ve done with career coaching has led me to executive coaching. In addition to supporting individuals, we work with million-dollar and billion-dollar brands supporting leaders with communication skills, wellbeing and creating a positive culture at their companies
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places that I love in San Diego! Some include: Torrey Pines Reserve for a hike, Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar for drinks, Campfire in Carlsbad for really good food, Little Italy has lots of fun spots, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas (and really all of Encinitas)!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is to the COR organization. The founders, Britta and Lee, have had a huge impact on my growth and development. I’m very grateful for their mentorship and guidance.
Website: www.workbigger.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workbigger/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belmamccaffrey/