Rise & Shine: The Whole Person Approach to Career Success

When I coach clients through career transitions, job searches, or salary negotiations, I don’t just focus on their resume, LinkedIn profile, or interview skills—those are only pieces of the puzzle.

Instead, I take a Whole Person Approach to career coaching because who you are outside of work directly impacts who you are at work.

And this doesn’t just apply to career coaching—it’s something leaders need to understand about their teams, too.

You’re Not Just an Employee—You’re a Whole Person

When we think about career growth, we often focus on:

✔️ The job title

✔️ The salary

✔️ The promotion path

But what about:

🤔 Your family responsibilities—Do you need a role that allows you to get your kids to sports practices almost every night of the week? (I know I do!)

🤔 Your home life—Does your spouse travel often, meaning you need a remote or flexible role to manage things at home?

🤔 Your caregiving duties—Are you supporting an aging parent and need a leader and company that values flexibility for doctor’s appointments and being present?

🤔 Your well-being—Does your work give you time to actually live your life, or are you constantly drained and overwhelmed?

There are a million reasons why your personal life should be a major factor in choosing your next role and company. Because at the end of the day, YOU as a WHOLE person show up to do the job. If your personal life and professional life are out of sync, you’ll feel it—and so will your work.

Why This Matters for Leaders

Great leaders don’t just manage employees—they support people.

If you lead a team, ask yourself:

🔹 Do I know what “work-life balance” means for each of my team members?

🔹 Have I taken time to understand their personal motivations and career goals?

🔹 Am I creating an environment where they feel valued as a person, not just for their output?

People work harder, perform better, and stay longer when they feel seen, heard, and understood—not just as professionals, but as whole individuals.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own career, the Whole Person Approach is key to long-term success and fulfillment. Your career should support your life, not consume it.

💡 What does a fulfilling career look like for YOU as a whole person?

💛 Alyssa 

Founder, Rise Up Career Coaching

Helping you find joy and purpose in your professional journey.

You can find all past newsletters here: https://www.riseupcareercoach.com/newsletter