The Coffee Chat Strategy That Transformed Dave’s Career

When Dave turned 40, he had two teenagers, a toddler, and a thriving career as an architect.

Architecture had always been his passion. He’d spent two decades designing homes, offices, and public spaces—bringing people’s visions to life.

But sometimes, passions evolve.

At 40, he found himself drained from the constant deadlines, client meetings, and the pressure of running a firm. He no longer felt that creative spark that once fueled his work.

The career he once loved felt more like a grind than a dream. He knew it was time for something different.

But what? He had no idea.

That's when he reached out to me.

In one of our first sessions, I told Dave that a really powerful practice to develop in times of change, especially in career transitions, is to take people out for coffee.

Dave, who's the kind of person who goes all-in on whatever he does, took this practice seriously.

Over the next 4 months, Dave invited different people out for coffee/walks—friends, colleagues, friends of friends. Every week or so, he’d ask someone new, and while they strolled, he’d ask, “What’s new with you?” “What are you excited about these days?” “What projects are inspiring you?” He’d also share, “I’m in the process of making a shift in my career. I'm doing a lot of explorations with my coach and I'm curious to see where it leads me.”

Dave felt inspired and uplifted after these conversations. After 15 years of running his own firm, it was hard for him to imagine what else he could do. These conversations with people doing exciting work opened up his horizons. 

A few months and countless walks later, one conversation led him to reconnect with an old friend in urban planning. That led to a project on sustainable city design, which led to him working with a nonprofit on eco-friendly housing solutions—something that blended his love for design with his passion for community work and environmental issues, which we have identified in our sessions. 

His career shifted in a direction he never expected. And it all started by being curious and open, reaching out for a simple conversation, and doing the exploration alongside.

If you're feeling stuck, I invite you to reach out to someone you admire. Ask, "What's lighting you up these days?" You may learn about a project, idea, or opportunity that pulls you in a direction you never expected.

Because who knows where one conversation could lead?

Love,

Naama

P.S. If you're at a crossroads, feeling pulled to make a shift, but you're unsure where to go, I would love to be your guide. Let me help you find clarity and your spark so you can confidently move forward. Fill out this form, and I'll get back to you to schedule a FREE 30-minute discovery call to find out if we're a good fit.