Founder & Partner @ Kanvas | Foster Innovation, Develop Business Strategy, Drive Growth

Katie Nowak

It’s been 3 years without my dad.
Here’s what I'm reflecting on today -

My dad taught me to build a career that I loved.

He did that by taking me to his medical presentations and dinners around the world when I was young.

I remember I joined him at a private investigator meeting in Munich, Germany, and his colleagues were torn over whether or not Dr. Nowak’s 12-year-old daughter needed to sign an NDA to attend. 😂 

In that same meeting, he introduced himself as being from “Day-toi,” instead of Detroit, as everyone else was from various European cities. Lots of laughter ensued, and the whole room suddenly felt warmer, kinder. It was his magic.

Every time I travel internationally for work or step on stage (virtually or in-person), I think of my dad. 

Every time I make a pun or a joke in a meeting (approx 23408 times a day) and see my team light up, I think of my dad.

I wish I could share with him how watching his love of his work, and thus his love of people, all over the world fundamentally shaped who I am today….

…someone who loves what she does.

I often reflect on how I could someday pay this forward to my future family, someday.

How could I involve them in international travel? Have them attend my presentations or panels? Ask them to join me while I write invoices in my office? (That was hilarious - “what do you think, Kate, let’s add an hour, I read fast!!”) … and how might I make each shared moment more fun than the last?

Today, I’m reflecting that I hope to be even half of the role model that he was for me.

I hope this inspires a reflection for you, too - he would love that.

Miss you, dad.

—
I'm Katie Nowak, an investor, innovation leader, and new venture designer sharing examples & lessons weekly. Follow me + hit 🔔 to stay tuned.

Innovation Leader, New Venture Designer, Speaker @ Kanvas || Investor @ Altra Venture Partners

Robin P. Zander is an entrepreneur, strategist and author. With experience ranging from management consulting to the circus, he has devoted his life and career to working with individuals and companies to accelerate performance. 

Robin is the founder and CEO of Zander Media, a creative shop that makes irresistible explainer videos. He is also the executive director of Responsive Conference, an annual industry event about the future of work. 

Robin is the author of two books: "Responsive: What It Takes To Create A Thriving Organization" and "How To Do A Handstand,” a national bestseller in Japan.

Learn more at www.robinpzander.com.

Robin P. Zander

“Sales is a helping profession,” said nobody, ever.

Except that to Jeff Jaworski, PCC, Google Executive turned Revenue Coach, it is. In our podcast, he challenges all of the usual stereotypes about sales. 

It’s not about “win-lose” transactions — it’s about genuinely creating value for the other person or organization. If your goal is to help someone improve, solve a problem, or generate a benefit, you can approach every day with purpose and integrity.

Even when deals are lost — which happens more often than not — there’s a lesson to learn. 

And if you put something in front of someone that you truly believe will help them, you should still sleep well at night. That mindset, he says, is what makes sales meaningful, sustainable, and something you can love.

writing Snafu ✍️ • curating Responsive Conference 🌎 • narrative strategy @ Zander Media 🎥 • Built & sold Robin’s Cafe 🍲 • Handstands 🤸 • Relentless Optimist

How do you make a career change in uncertain times without losing your footing?

Jeff Jaworski, PCC, who spent nearly 13 years at Google across six different roles, has a simple framework: commit to a path for two years. Two years is long enough to challenge yourself, learn, and see if the role aligns with your goals — but not so long that you’re stuck if it’s the wrong fit.

Around the 18-month mark, start asking: Am I still learning? Still challenged? Does this role align with my principles? If not, it’s time to explore what’s next — new skills, different experiences, or even a new career path. The macroeconomic environment and technology changes may be out of your control, but your skills, experiments, and planning are fully in your hands.

Jeff’s own journey — from frontline sales to global enablement at Google — shows how you can build a meaningful, long-term career by thinking in two-year increments, assessing growth, and intentionally planning your next move.

What two-year commitment could you make today that would set you up for growth tomorrow?

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