Most people try to plan their careers. What if that’s the wrong approach?
In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia speaks with Katherine Chong — product manager, startup coach, and cultural consultant on Pixar’s Turning Red — about how one decision to step away from a traditional career path led to unexpected opportunities, including working with Pixar.
After experiencing burnout, Katherine took a six-month sabbatical and had over 300 conversations with people from different industries — with no agenda. What started as a simple experiment in curiosity became a powerful way to navigate career uncertainty, build meaningful connections, and uncover new opportunities.
This conversation is for anyone navigating career change, questioning their next step, or trying to grow in a world of work that doesn’t follow a clear path.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why having conversations with no agenda can open unexpected doors
• How curiosity can be a better compass than following what you “should” do
• Why career clarity comes from action, not overthinking
• How asking for what you want can lead to new opportunities
• Why many career breakthroughs come from conversations, not planning
• How one moment of reflection can change how you see yourself
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of what’s next, this episode offers a different way to think about career growth — one rooted in curiosity, connection, and experimentation.