By Clara Lee
(2023 LYP Program Participant & Scholarship Winner)
There are hundreds of punchy self-help articles on the Internet about the workplace, offering advice on everything from climbing the corporate ladder to “seven ways to stand out at your organization.” If you’re anything like me, an attention-grabbing title may pique your interest, and you might even think, “Yes, I do want to stand out!” But then you skim the article, note the things you already do and those you don’t, and inwardly wince at the extra effort required to adopt new practices. Eventually, you close the article—or leave it as another forgotten browser tab—relegating it to the backburner of your consciousness.
I am probably doubly guilty of this inaction, given that I’ve studied workplace psychology and read countless scientific articles on the effectiveness of goal-setting, mentorship, growth mindsets, etc. Yet, despite my academic understanding, I wasn’t putting these concepts into practice in an intentional way. That is, until I attended the LYP Women’s Leadership and Career Development Program. Jean and Lilit, two formidable women leading the program, pushed me to look inward and intentionally strategize around my professional goals.
Unlike the passive act of reading an article, participating in a structured, immersive program with like-minded women was a completely different experience. The six-module program was designed to help women at various career stages, and it proved to be a transformative journey for each of the nine women in my cohort, despite the diversity of our goals and backgrounds. At the time, I felt demotivated in my role as a research analyst, lacking challenge and fulfillment. I had considered pursuing new opportunities—whether through taking on more responsibility or transitioning to a different role—but struggled to take the necessary steps. This led to self-doubt, confusion about my career goals, and a sense of being stuck. That’s when I attended the LYP Program for guidance, and its six modules proved to be exactly what I needed, leading to the following three outcomes:
1. Gaining Clarity and Confidence: Through the Strategic Career Planning and Personal Branding modules, I gained clarity about my strengths, my goals, and what I wanted to offer to an organization. For the first time, I defined what I wanted others to think of when they thought of me: someone who is competent, insightful, and kind. This newfound awareness brought a sense of direction that had been missing in my professional life. Rather than aimlessly searching for opportunities, I learned to focus on aligning my career with my core values and goals.
2. Building Skills and Changing Perceptions: The Negotiation Skills and Meaningful Networking modules shifted my approach to communication. I had always viewed networking as something calculated, which felt disingenuous. But the program taught me how to use my own communication style to make genuine connections, turning networking into something curiosity-driven and authentic. I had a similar shift in my previous fear-based mindset, where I was hesitant to take risks for fear of failure. But the Personal Leadership module helped me reframe my mindset to one focused on growth and excitement for future challenges rather than fear.
3. Taking Action: The final module, Action Planning, was about putting it all together. It helped me create a clear strategy for applying the lessons from the previous modules in my day-to-day work. By the end of the program, I had the tools to not only identify opportunities but to pursue them confidently.
"Armed with this new outlook,
I approached my career with renewed energy and purpose."
When my contract came to an end, I was excited, rather than anxious, about the job search. I was clear on the kind of role I wanted—one that aligned with my strengths and offered room to grow. I also took concrete steps I’d learned from the program, such as joining a mentorship program and actively networking. However, the most valuable lesson from the program was the restoration of my confidence. I now approach challenges and opportunities with the belief that I have something valuable to offer. And this is in no small part thanks to Jean and Lilit themselves, whose support has continued even beyond the program, reinforcing the lessons I’ve learned.
Indeed, Jean and Lilit’s vision for the LYP Program extends far beyond a one-time service; it’s about fostering a community of women committed to their professional growth. Alumni of the program frequently share their insights by speaking at LYP-hosted panels, and casual gatherings, such as potlucks, are regularly organized to strengthen our connections. I am grateful for the LYP community and the ongoing support it provides. Ultimately, the LYP Program has shown me that professional growth is not a solitary journey. The support of others not only makes the path less daunting and but it also enriches the experiences. As we navigate our careers together, our community empowers us to face challenges, share insights, and celebrate successes. I am excited to continue fostering these connections and contributing to a network that uplifts and inspires one another.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Clara Lee obtained her Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Calgary. Her research interests focus on leadership as well as biases in perceptions of effective leadership. She has previously taught undergraduate courses in I/O Psychology and Statistics and has consulted in both private and public sectors in matters of organizational effectiveness and employee assessment. Driven by a passion for cultivating positive workplace environments, she is dedicated to instigating meaningful organizational change in the workplace.
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