“No’s” Are Delicious!

A few months ago, I was working with a client who was seeking a new job. She came into our session feeling disappointed after not moving forward with an opportunity she had been really excited about. Then she said something that completely shifted the energy: “No’s are delicious—they tell you so much!”

Isn’t that the truth? Whether we’re seeking alignment on a new project within an organization or looking for a new role, it’s easy to get stuck in the feeling of being turned down. But what if a “no” isn’t just a setback? What if it’s an invitation to think differently? Maybe it’s a sign that we need to refine our approach—whether it’s how we pitch a project or present ourselves in an interview. In some cases, a “no” simply means the fit we were hoping for isn’t quite right.

I’ve experienced this myself. A few years ago, I was excited about a job with a CMO I admired. We hit it off, and I felt the role was a great fit—except the job was in Boston and I was in San Francisco. We discussed the possibility of me working remotely (with some travel), but eventually, he realized that having one West Coast team member would be too complicated. Was I disappointed? At that moment, yes. But that “no” was delicious. It forced me to reconsider my reasons for wanting the role and realize that being the only remote person would have posed a significant challenge.

As for my client, after that “no,” she took time to reflect on what she truly wanted. She didn’t settle for anything less than what aligned with her values and career aspirations. Within a few months, she found an opportunity that not only felt like the perfect fit but also allowed her to work on something she was deeply passionate about. That “yes” was just as delicious as the “no” that led her there.

#careercoaching #careerchange #NavigateYourNext