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ever wonder how "I love what I do"
turned into "I can't do this any more"?

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I’m Lana, and that’s been my running theme in my 20+ year career

Hop into my time machine, where I’m getting a degree in Space and Communication Sciences. Like most immigrant millennial daughters, I had done everything “right” and thought I was on a career path that would fulfill me for the rest of my life. â€‹I worked hard, solved problems, and believed that if I just kept climbing, things would get better. I switched jobs and even made major career pivots. 
 

*steps out of the time machine* – Yeah, that didn’t work out.

I climbed the corporate ladder only to realize I didn’t like the view

The higher I went, the more I saw what’s behind the curtain — and what I found didn’t match the values I’d built my life and career on. â€‹Decisions were made behind closed doors. Integrity felt punished. The rules kept changing, and the people who played by them were often the ones getting hurt. It was insulting to both my intelligence and values to keep "fighting the good fight" year after year.​

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I wanted more than another promotion or another title. I wanted a career that reflected who I was and what I stood for. That’s when I learned that making a change isn’t enough. What I needed was a well-informed pivot — one that was grounded in my values, strengths, and definition of success.

 

For me, freelancing and coaching were the perfect match. Now, even if the hours are long (working on that!), burnout doesn’t bubble up because I found a place where I thrive.

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I know that making a change can feel risky if you’ve been building your career for decades

But if you don’t explore all the possibilities, small, big, and everywhere in between, you won’t find the fulfillment that you started your career with. With the right tools, you can tell your story many different ways — yes, even if you’re over 35.

that’s why I help professionals stop hating their jobs

You’ve been working hard for years, but somewhere along the way, the sense of purpose, happiness, and fulfillment disappeared.

 

I help you rebuild your confidence so you can realize your dreams. I become your teammate, confidant, mentor, and someone who fights for you. Because your employer sure as hell won’t do any of that, and your family and friends don’t really know what’s going on. So I step up and do everything I can think of to move you closer to something that actually aligns with your values.

Because having a good day at work really matters!

too overwhelmed, didn't read

tl;dr

  • Your 2 decades of people pleasing and doing everything you’re supposed to do aren’t wasted (even if you completely pivot)

  • You actually have all the skills for a new career (or at least a job you like)

  • More often than not, your symptoms are from misalignment, not burnout

how i help you have a good day at work

Start with who you are

You are not your job title or your LinkedIn headline — you’re a whole person who’s growing and changing (yes, even at this age!). Before we make a plan, we get clear on who you are now and what you actually want next. Getting to know yourself first is why the programs are 3 months long.

Design for options

Life changes and your strategy should too. I help you build resiliency by creating multiple good paths forward and focus on actions that open doors in more than one direction. With creativity, imagination, and my network, progress becomes inevitable.

"OK, but what are you doing about it?"

Trauma dumping, yes. Action next. We can have both without staying stuck in misery. At the end of the day, a dream is just a dream unless you take action. I am very results-oriented and all my programs keep you accountable, help you course-correct, and make sure your energy is going toward what’s actually working.

Always part of my network

When you work with me, you’re part of my network for life. I’ll get to know you, look out for your interests, and keep cheering you on long after our sessions end. I’ve spent decades building trusted relationships — and I’m happy to call in favours or make connections that help you move forward. I believe deeply in word of mouth, collaboration, and women supporting women.

here's what you still need to know about me

  • I know my stuff — because I've changed industries multiple times and also because I have the education and skills, see below

  • I'm a Scrum Master for complex projects, an Agile Coach for executive teams and an Educator, in addition to being a Career Coach for midlife professionals

  • According to my friends, I’m detail oriented, relationship-builder, assertive, and outgoing

  • I run a hiking club in Toronto. Maybe I’ll see you there?

  • My Starbies order is an indulgent double chocolate brownie and a hot mint majesty tea

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all that worrying about what to do next?

I'll handle that. All you have to do is bring your skills, worries, and ideas. Sounds good?

Two Steps Forward helps experienced professionals redefine success and build meaningful, fulfilling careers. Based in Toronto, this is career coaching with networking and no-nonsense accountability attitude that leads to greater clarity and momentum.

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© 2025 by Two Steps Forward Consulting Co.

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