The Career Design Map

Challenge Convention & Create the Career You Really Want

A Note from Dan

Thanks for checking out The Career Design Map. This book is intended to be a brief, accessible introduction to thinking about your career strategically. It was published over two years ago and I’ve developed loads of additional resources since then that I want you to have access to.

If you’re actively on the job hunt and looking for further guidance, check out the media & resources tab for my latest free resources, including an in-depth video on the Hunt Like a Hero, Apply Like a Scientist job search process, my colleague Spencer Campbell’s Effortlessly Readable Resume Template, my podcast interviews with top recruiters, and several articles in Forbes and on LinkedIn with my best job search tips.

Don’t hesitate to book a meeting or pro bono coaching session with me if you’d like to discuss your situation further.

All my best,
Dan

ABout The Book

Go to these schools. Join these professions. Stay in your unrewarding job. Keep your head down. Climb the corporate ladder.

This old school, step-by-step career advice isn’t just limiting and unfulfilling—it’s clearly no longer working for today’s rising talent.

With entire industries being upended and once-lucrative jobs falling victim to massive layoffs, you know you need to be highly adaptable. At the same time, you rightly want to act with intention and purpose rather than letting the wind take you where it will.

What, then, are you supposed to do? That’s why I created the Career Design Map.

In this concise yet powerful book, you’ll discover:

  • Where you currently are on the Career Design Map

  • Which of the “Meaningful Four” career types (Contributor, Go-Getter, Expert, or Executive) you want to pursue

  • How to avoid the “Dangerous Seas” of Invisibility, Arrogance, Disengagement, and Burnout

  • Strategic considerations and practical exercises to begin the hard work of creating the career you really want

Book cover for The Career Design Map: Challenge Convention & Create the Career You Really Want, A Brief Guide for Rising Leaders

Meet the Author

Dan is the founder of Contempus Leadership, an ICF-certified coach, and an organizational leadership consultant. He is the author of The Career Design Map, the host of the Forward-Looking Leadership podcast, a Harvard Business Review contributor, and a member of the PRIME Coaching Academy board of advisors.

Dan coaches leaders and jobseekers at the executive, director, and manager levels across industries, with a particular focus on the social sector (non-profits, NGOs, government agencies, foundations, hospitals, schools, social enterprises, and purpose-driven businesses of all kinds). He also designs and facilitates customized leadership and organizational development interventions and is a sought-after keynote speaker on forward-looking leadership and career strategy.