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Case Study

Do star performers need to network? (D)
at a mid-career crossroads: Natasha Nowak

By Bettina Büchel and Sophie Linguri Coughlan

2 pages

December 2010

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Reference: IMD-3-2192

Since May 2006, Natasha Nowak had been Director of Market Intelligence & Commercial Relations for a large food manufacturing company, splitting her time between Italy and northern Europe. In 2007, Natasha was offered a role in a growing market, but for personal reasons, wished to remain in Italy. She used her network to successfully convince the organization to give her a role in Italy. Now at a mid-career crossroads, Natasha reflected upon future career options. There were fewer opportunities for career moves, due to consolidation of markets. Being in a market, she had become somewhat disconnected from headquarters and less visible with the leadership team. She had focussed on her job, to the detriment of both her internal and external networks. How could Natasha get back on the radar to advance her career?

Learning Objective

As executives advance through their careers, they often neglect their networks, because they are busy doing their jobs. This case can be used to help participants explore how to re-energize neglected networks – both internal and external. It can also be used to evaluate strategies for getting on the radar of senior management, especially when geographically located elsewhere.

Keywords

Networking, Career Management, Progression, Re-entry

Settings

Europe
2006-2010

Type

Published Sources

Available Languages

English

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