Episode Details

In this episode of the Be the CEO of Your Career summer series, Tammy Gooler Loeb explores the third practice in her framework: Synthesize and Focus. After a period of discovery, people  will have gained new information, perspectives, and ideas, considering the possibilities and themes that emerge from them. Synthesize and Focus is the process of bringing those pieces together, finding patterns, and identifying a direction that aligns with their values, strengths, interests, and practical needs.

In her conversation with Dr. Mira Brancu, founder and CEO of Towerscope, Tammy saw this practice come to life. Mira's career has included school counseling, clinical psychology, research, leadership, organizational development, and entrepreneurship. What initially appeared to be a series of unexpected turns eventually revealed a pattern. Mira consistently found herself drawn to examining processes and systems to improve how people work together while navigating complex environments, and helping leaders become more effective.

An important moment came when Mira decided to consider a backup plan for her career. She made a list of everything she was good at, then removed items from the list that she didn't enjoy. Mira then examined the remaining list to identify items that met at the intersection between what she enjoyed, what had income earning potential, and what could address a meaningful need. That process led her to identify a focus on supporting women in leadership and helping people navigate complex organizations and workplace politics.

Mira's story also demonstrates that synthesis doesn't necessarily mean choosing one thing and abandoning everything else. Her work with the Veterans Affairs Administration and her own business began feeding one another, allowing her to bring insights from one environment into the other. She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships throughout a career transition rather than trying to make every decision alone.

In This Week's Podcast, Learn More About:

• What it means to Synthesize and Focus
• Why career clarity often comes after a period of discovery
• Identifying patterns across seemingly unrelated career experiences
• Understanding the intersection of strengths, interests, values, and needs
• Why being good at something doesn't necessarily mean you'll enjoy it
• Mira's journey from psychology into organizational development
• How mentors can sometimes recognize strengths before we do
• The value of understanding systems and complex environments
• How Mira created a career "sweet spot"
• Balancing meaningful work with practical considerations
• Why career decisions don't have to be made in isolation
• How relationships, mentors, coaches, and professional networks are vital to reinvention
• Why synthesis can be useful at any career crossroads



Learn more:

• Visit: gotowerscope.com
• Follow Mira on LinkedIn

Your CEO of Your Career Move:

Take everything you've been discovering lately and lay it out in front of you.

That could include conversations you've had, ideas you've explored, skills you've identified, things you've enjoyed, possibilities you've considered, and even things that didn't work out.

Then ask yourself three questions: