036: Enriching Your Career through Travel and Gap Years with Courtney Page of Resume Careers

In the ever-evolving landscape of careers and personal growth, few stories resonate as vividly as those that intertwine the transformative power of travel with the courage to embrace professional change. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I’m joined by Courtney Page, a seasoned executive recruiter turned career coach, about the intricacies of navigating career transitions, the profound impact of travel on personal growth, and the philosophy of life that fuels such journeys.

Courtney is a seasoned executive recruiter turned executive coach who excels at guiding high-level professionals through the intricacies of executive-level work. With a background in ancient Eastern philosophies, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Tibetan Buddhism, she is an experienced yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, and meditation guide who deeply understands how energy affects all aspects of life, including careers. Courtney holds certifications in yoga, reiki, mindfulness, human resource management, and recruiting and talent acquisition.

Courtney Page's career journey is a testament to the unpredictability of life's path. Following in her father's footsteps, she entered the world of executive recruiting, a role that unexpectedly aligned with her craving for autonomy and her fascination with the personal stories behind career decisions. However, it was the freedom and introspection provided by remote work, coupled with a lifelong interest in yoga philosophy, that eventually led her to pursue a career in coaching.

Courtney and I share a profound belief in the transformative power of travel. For Courtney, a semester spent studying Buddhism and yoga philosophy in India not only shaped her worldview but also her approach to life and coaching. This experience underscored the importance of being present and content, principles that she applies to her coaching practice. Her travel stories serve as a reminder that sometimes, the journey within is as significant as the distance traveled across the globe.

One of the episode's key takeaways is the importance of embracing career breaks. Rather than viewing them as a setback, she advocates for seeing these pauses as opportunities for reflection, self-discovery, and ultimately, growth. Whether it's a sabbatical, a gap year, or maternity leave, these breaks provide individuals with the breathing room needed to reassess their goals, desires, and what truly makes them content.

We also talk about the influence of yoga and Buddhist philosophy in her life and career choices illuminate another layer of her transformative journey. The principles of non-permanence, interconnectedness, and finding contentment in simplicity have not only shaped her personal life but also her approach to helping others navigate their career paths. These philosophies encourage a mindset of openness and flexibility, essential qualities in today's ever-changing professional landscape.

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