Which Investment in Your Career Yielded the Biggest Return?

Careers are no longer linear journeys. They’re dynamic pathways shaped by pivotal decisions, strategic risks, and intentional investments. Charting your own unique path begins with a commitment to personal growth. As part of this issue’s look into strategic investment and growth, we asked three experienced executives this question: What is the investment in your career that has paid off the most?

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From Music to Management: How the Stage Taught Me to Lead

JEREMY REESE, HEAD OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT AT H&M

Ironically, the investment in my career that paid off the most is my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre. In hindsight, my time in college laid an incredible foundation for my current career in corporate learning and development. There is a level of detail, organization, and meticulous planning that goes into studying music, choreography, or the lines of a script for a performance that those outside of the performing arts world may not know. 

While that specialized skill set was my foundation, I’ve since been able to build technical skills in project management, adult learning, curriculum development, and talent management. By combining these two unique skill sets, I’m able to bring a deeper level of passion and presence to my work. 

Whether I’m delivering a keynote in an auditorium of hundreds of people or facilitating an intimate roundtable discussion with senior leaders, the ability to connect with my audience and deliver a clear message links directly to my background and training in the performing arts.

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Leadership Coaching and Mentoring Inspired My Courage to Pivot

MARVIN CARR-LIGONS, SENIOR DIRECTOR Of The NATIONAL FOUNDATION AT WALMART

Participating in a pair of leadership development programs gave me the courage to make a bold, intentional pivot in my career. During one coaching session, my advisor asked me a simple but profound question: Was the path I was on the right one? It wasn’t. That moment led me to move out of federal grantmaking and into corporate philanthropy, a shift that aligned more deeply with the type of strategic impact I wanted to have.

These leadership programs also revealed critical gaps in my skills, notably in strategy development. Through these programs, I gained a network of thoughtful, values-driven leaders from across the country — people I still turn to for perspective and support. I was also introduced to career coaching, which now plays a central role in how I support others. 

The clarity, confidence, and community I found through these programs continue to shape who I am as a leader today.

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Certifications and Connections Built a Platform for Success

CARA WALKER, SENIOR HR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT AT KORN FERRY

The investment in my career that has paid off the most has been my commitment to continuous learning and relationship-building. Earning the SHRM-SCP credential was not just about obtaining a certification; it was about deepening my strategic understanding of human resources and aligning my approach with global best practices. 

Certification provided me with a strong foundation in HR strategy, talent development, organizational leadership, and legal compliance. And it strengthened my credibility and sharpened my ability to develop agile people strategies.

Also, working across various sectors has taught me how to tailor HR strategies to meet different organizational missions and operational realities. Building strong relationships and maintaining a robust network has also expanded my influence and effectiveness as a leader.