57. Become Your Future Self: Shape Your Career Today with Katy Culver

FUTURE SELF — SECRETS OF THE CORPORATE GAME — EPISODE 57

 Can visualizing your future self transform your career path today? In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, career coach and mindset mentor, Katy Culver, joins host Kendall Berg to unpack the power of career clarity and self-reflection. Katie reveals her unique approach to visualizing your future self—whether it’s 80 years, 5 years, or just 1 year ahead—and how that vision can guide your present decisions.

From identifying energy drivers and draining tasks to combining skills with passion, Katie offers expert advice on designing a career that aligns with your personal preferences. She also discusses refining your job search and striking the perfect balance between ambition and realism in corporate life. Tune in to learn how daily mindset practices and self-reflection can fuel your long-term career success.

Why Thinking Like Your Future Self Changes Your Career Path

Your future self holds the blueprint for the choices you make today. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, Katy Culver challenges us to look further ahead—whether it’s 5 years or 80 years down the road—and make decisions that align with the person we aspire to be. As she explains, the clearer your long-term vision, the easier it becomes to take actions that lead you there. Whether it’s through visualization or journaling, shaping your future self starts now. If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what to do next in your career, this might be the mindset shift you need to break free from “lesser goals” and start aiming for your true potential.

Learn to Filter Out the Wrong Jobs

Success in today’s job market requires clear focus. Katy Culver emphasizes the power of creating a personal filter—knowing exactly what you need, what you’d like, and what you must avoid in your career. When you filter out distractions, you stop wasting time on jobs that don’t align with your priorities. It’s not about being open to everything; it’s about being the best fit for a specific role. By clearly defining your goals, you increase your chances of standing out and finding the right opportunity.

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Episode’s Takeaways

️ Introduction and Background (00:00 – 09:11)

• Podcast introduction: ‘Secrets of the Career Game’
• Katie’s background: Management consulting, early-stage startup, now career coach
• Concept of future self: Becoming who you want to be shapes present actions
• Importance of creating space for self-reflection
• Three timelines for future self-visualization: 80 years, 5 years, 1 year

Career Clarity and Self-Reflection (09:11 – 17:35)

• Assessing energy drivers and drains in personal and professional life
• Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and superpowers
• Exploring curiosities and interest areas
• Combining skills and interests to find career opportunities
• Importance of designing a career around personal preferences
• Considering work environment, must-haves, nice-to-haves, and must-avoids
• Being focused in job search to be the best candidate for a specific role

Mindset and Personal Development (17:35 – 25:56)

• Balancing career goals with realism in corporate jobs
• Importance of validating perceptions through informational interviews
• Continuous personal development through books, podcasts, and coaching
• Incorporating mindset work into daily routine
• Using tools like Thyself AI for emotional well-being
• Advice: Carve out time for self-reflection and journaling

That Career Coach

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Katy Culver 

⭐️ Download: 3-Phase Process to Make Time for Your Goals: https://katyculver.co/podcasts

Katy Culver is a career coach and mindset mentor for ambitious generalists. She helps growth-minded generalists across tech & consulting unlock clarity and confidence to transition to more energizing careers and stand out in the job search. Katy combines personal and professional development to help you act like the CEO of your career and take courageous action toward becoming your future self.

Follow Katy online

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynculver/ 
Website/Newsletter: https://katyculver.co/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katy.culver/