306: Boundaries, Bold Moves, and Building Your Legacy: Insights from NextUp's Rising Stars Conference

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Are you a mid-career professional wondering what legacy you’re leaving behind at work?

In today’s competitive job market, career clarity and leadership presence matter more than ever. This episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers a powerful reflection on how to take ownership of your professional development and grow into the impactful leader you’re meant to be.

Fresh off coaching at the NextUp Rising Stars Conference, John Neral shares key takeaways that will help you lead with intention and purpose—no matter your current title. From setting healthy boundaries to making bold “edge moves” outside your comfort zone, these insights will challenge how you think about your career trajectory and legacy.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your job, unsure of your next move, or ready to lead with greater confidence, this episode gives you practical strategies to grow, influence, and lead more authentically.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why your leadership legacy starts now—not at retirement
• The crucial difference between boundaries and requests (and why it matters)
• How to make "edge moves" that promote growth and stretch your leadership capacity
• What it takes to shift from being a tactical worker to a strategic leader
• Why professional development is your responsibility, not your employer’s
• How to maintain momentum and accountability after a conference or learning event
• The #1 reason how you show up matters more than what you accomplish

Free Resource to Accelerate Your Growth:

👉 Download John’s free guide: “Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working (and What to Do About It)”

Start building a smarter, faster, and more confident job search strategy today:
johnneral.com/resources

Listen Now If You’re:

• A mid-career professional stuck in a role with no growth
• Ready to step into a more strategic leadership identity
• Tired of waiting for your employer to invest in your development
• Curious about how to make a lasting impact at work

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