Discovering The Zone of Genius ft. Annabelle Thebaud

What does it take to find your zone of genius and align your career with your authentic self? Global HR, communications, and ESG leader Annabelle Thebaud reflects on her storied international career and her current conundrum of finding the next role that aligns perfectly with her expertise and aspirations.

Erica and Annabelle use the Career Equation framework to explore her skills, passions, and experiences, uncovering the elements that make her a unique leader. Along the way, they discuss the art of navigating transitions, the importance of knowing your value, and the power of building organisations that uplift and inspire.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Conundrum

• Annabelle’s challenge of identifying her zone of genius during a period of transition.

• Why the environment plays a critical role in her ability to thrive and make an impact.

2. A Global Career Journey

• Reflections on her 20+ years as a corporate leader in HR, communications, and ESG.

• How international experiences, like working in APAC for 15 years, shaped her personal and professional values.

• The power of adapting to and connecting with diverse cultures from India to Singapore and beyond.

3. Identifying the Zone of Genius

• How innate strengths like forging connections, building trust, and seeing the potential in others have shaped Annabelle’s career.

• Reflections from leading graduate programs in APAC, collaborating with diverse teams, and influencing the next generation of talent.

4. Leveraging HR for Impact

• The art and science of strategic talent management, succession planning, and leadership development.

• How Annabelle balances short-term execution with long-term visionary thinking to create meaningful results for businesses.

5. Insights from Navigating Leadership Transitions

• Annabelle’s reflections on recent career transitions and starting her coaching practice.

• Why understanding your value and leaning into support networks are critical during in-between phases.

• Lessons from experiencing the employee life cycle firsthand, including the termination process and outplacement services.

6. The Career Equation in Action

• Strengths: Building human connection, crafting partnerships, and fostering trust within organisations.

• Passion: Creating healthy, fair, and empowering environments for people to thrive.

• Purpose: Leaving a legacy of inspired leaders and impactful organisations.

• Environment fit: An innovative, autonomous, and trust-filled workplace culture.

7. Advice for Leaders in Transition

• Why it’s critical to explore your zone of genius before making big career moves.

• The importance of maintaining a sense of self-worth throughout transitions and seeking supportive environments.

• Annabelle’s metaphor of a “10-euro note” to remind individuals of their inherent, unchanging value.

Inspiring Takeaways

• “Your zone of genius is innate—it’s so natural to you that you might overlook it. Taking time to reflect can help you uncover the strengths you bring to the table.” – Annabelle Thebaud

• “The Career Equation is all about aligning your skills, passions, and purpose with an environment where you can thrive.” – Erica Sosna

Actionable Insights

• Invest time in identifying your zone of genius regardless of where you are in your career.

• During transitions, focus on personal development, seek new perspectives, and connect with diverse supports.

• Create workplaces that value trust, simplicity, and autonomy to maximise impact and engagement.

Resources & Links

• Connect with Annabelle Thebaud on LinkedIn.

• Discover the Career Equation framework at www.thecareerequation.com. 

• Explore leadership resources, including The Leadership Circle framework, mentioned in the episode.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Annabelle Thebaud on The Career Equation. Discover practical strategies for crafting a career—and life—where your talents and passions come together to make a difference.