Back when I was trying to break into management, I kept hitting the same wall.
“You don’t have enough management experience.”
“We’re looking for someone who’s managed a team before.”
“You need more years under your belt.”
And they weren’t wrong. At that point, I had mentored one designer, but I had never officially managed a team.
Every interview left me feeling like I was on the back foot. Like a job beggar, asking for permission.
It was clear: if I kept showing up like this, nothing would change.
So I asked myself: How can I de-risk this decision for them?
That’s when I realized one of the core traits of a good manager is the ability to coach and mentor.
I had done this for students, peers, and colleagues before. But I had no tangible proof. No trail of evidence.
So during COVID lockdowns, I decided to fix that.
For one year, I mentored over 100+ designers around the world — from students to seniors to leaders. All for free.
Some calls lasted 30 minutes. Some went two hours. I gave everything I could to help them.
And what came back was over 70+ testimonials and recommendations on my LinkedIn profile. Each one describing the impact of my mentorship in their career.
Now, instead of just saying “trust me, I can lead”, I could show:
- 100+ designers coached.
- 70+ testimonials proving real results.
- Documented evidence of my ability to guide, mentor, and multiply others.
The next time I interviewed, the conversation was completely different.
Yes, I hadn’t formally managed a team.
But I could point to tangible proof that I had already demonstrated the qualities of a manager.
That made me a far safer bet.
One hiring manager reached out on LinkedIn, we had a coffee chat, and after sharing this, he decided to take a chance on me. That’s how I landed my first formal management role. And eventually, it paved the way to becoming Head of Product Design.
Most job seekers show up like beggars. Asking for permission. Hoping for luck.
The shift happens when you start showing up as an asset.
Someone who reduces risk.
Someone who brings proof.
Someone who makes it easy to say yes.
If I could leave a note for my younger self, it’d say:
“Don’t wait for permission. Find the gap. Build the proof. Make yourself undeniable.”
That’s why one of the core trainings inside my Birthday Bundle is Asset Mindset.
It’s the exact shift that turned me from a doubted candidate into a safe bet.
Normally, clients pay me $100/week to access this.
But since I’m turning 38, you can get Asset Mindset — along with my full 3-Hour Job Search System, Career GPS, and Power Positioning — for just $38.
👉 Grab the $38 Birthday Bundle here
This birthday week offer closes on Sept 6 at midnight. After that, it’s gone.
Still allergic to job portals,
Joseph
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