Our book launches March 3, 2026! Find it on Amazon here: https://qrco.de/Relevantbook
Why “Potential Trumps Experience” in Today’s Workplace—And What That Means for Your Career
You’ve spent years building expertise. You’ve earned your credentials, climbed the ladder, and proven yourself time and again. So why are you being passed over for promotions? Why aren’t callbacks coming after interviews? Why does it feel like the workplace has moved on without you?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: while you were standing still, the world kept moving.
The Question That Changes Everything
If you were a hiring manager today, would you hire yourself?
Before you answer with an automatic “yes,” consider this: Companies don’t hire based on what you’ve done. They hire based on what you can do for them now and in the future. Your impressive resume might prove you were great at your job. But can you prove you’re adaptable, coachable, and ready for what’s coming next?
The Three Pillars of Staying Relevant
After working with thousands of job seekers and employees at every career stage, a pattern emerges among those who thrive versus those who get left behind. Success comes down to mastering three critical areas:
1. Mindset: Your Secret Weapon
The most valuable employees aren’t necessarily the most experienced—they’re the most coachable. They ask questions. They seek feedback. They say “You might be right; let’s try it your way” instead of “That’s not how we did it at my last company.”
Consider this: Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the NFL draft. What he lacked in pedigree, he made up for in potential—a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt. That underdog mindset served him through ten Super Bowl appearances.
Your willingness to learn matters more than what you already know. In a world where technology, methods, and markets change overnight, curiosity beats expertise every time.
2. Skillset: Finding Your Gap
Every organization has problems nobody’s solving, processes nobody’s fixing, and skills nobody’s mastering. These gaps are your golden opportunity.
One employee noticed her company’s complex scheduling system was burning hours of manual work weekly. While everyone complained, she researched solutions, taught herself new software, and developed an in-house system that saved thousands of hours. She didn’t wait to be asked. She saw a need and filled it.
Excellence isn’t about doing your job description perfectly—it’s about spotting where you can add value and making yourself indispensable.
3. Mirrorset: Your Brand is Broadcasting
First impressions form in 33 milliseconds. And 55% of that impression is based on what people see—your appearance, body language, and energy—before you say a single word.
Your professional brand isn’t what you think about yourself. It’s what people say about you when you leave the room. Are you known as the person stuck in 1995? The one who always has an excuse? Or are you known for reliability, innovation, and grace under pressure?
The Real Work Begins Now
Understanding these principles won’t change your career. Only action will.
That means challenging one limiting belief this week. Learning one new skill this month. Updating your professional image—not just your wardrobe, but how you communicate, connect, and show up.
The workplace has changed. The question isn’t whether you’ll adapt—it’s whether you’ll do it before it’s too late.
Your best days aren’t behind you. They’re ahead of you. But only if you’re willing to do the work to stay relevant.
Ready to transform your career? The time to start is now.
Would you hire you? If you hesitated even for a moment, it’s time to make some changes. Visit www.chrisflakus.com to learn more about the book and our Stay Relevant resources.
Your Work, Your Way 