March CLT Monthly Meeting Summary - “Burning issue: How to Find Your Next Job as a Catalyst”
At this meeting we explored George White's burning issue, How to Find Your Next Job as a Catalyst. George White kicked us off by questioning whether the difficulty of being a Catalyst stems from the individual or the organization, asking: “Is dissatisfaction with a role due to a personal mindset, or is the organization not providing the right environment?”
Shannon briefly shared the findings from her research on this topic in Catalyst Constellations.
Alignment with Purpose – Catalysts need to work in organizations where their values and the company’s mission align.
Autonomy with Accountability – Catalysts thrive when they have freedom in their work but also clear expectations.
Growth Mindset & Iteration Culture – Organizations must be open to experimentation, learning from failure, and iterative progress.
Psychological Safety – The ability to engage in difficult conversations without fear of backlash is critical.
Change & Innovation Culture – Companies should embed change and innovation into their processes rather than resisting it.
Dedication to Leadership & Self-Development – Catalysts value continuous learning and need environments that encourage it.
Resource Generosity – Organizations that are too resource-constrained may stifle a catalyst’s ability to implement change.
Our member Van Ton-Quinlivan then shared the story of her own career change from
After growing public investments from $100 million to over $1 billion, she felt she had accomplished what she set out to do and needed to reset.
She stepped away from her role without another job lined up and took time for self-reflection, attending events and reading to broaden her perspective.
A Catalyst Constellation retreat helped her realize:
○ She enjoyed designing and building initiatives, not just leading existing structures.
○ She had a natural strength in coalition building and workforce education.
○ Her "superpower" was in workforce development and unlocking opportunities for others.
She initially hesitated to take on a startup leadership role at Futuro Health due to fears of failure and risk.
However, a trusted advisor encouraged her with the phrase: "If not you, then who?"
This helped her move past self-doubt and take the role.
She successfully secured $120 million in funding, far surpassing the original $10 million plan, proving the power of taking strategic risks.
We then went into three breakouts. You can find transcript notes here:
Breakout room #1. Where have you thrived and why
Breakout room #2. Articulating your value as a Catalyst
Breakout room #3. Is the grass greener? To stay or go.
