Brigid Leishman is no stranger to personal and professional growth. As the Principal at Leishman Coaching, she has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through career transitions, executive development, and the art of building an authentic professional brand. Through her coaching, she emphasizes not only skill-building but also the importance of self-awareness and boundariesa theme cleverly illustrated in a recent experience she shared.
Brigid Leishman recounted an amusing yet thought-provoking story about a chicken named Jolene. Jolene, determined to be an “inside chicken,” took matters into her own feet and made her way into Brigid Leishman’s house through the dog door. This wasn’t her first attempt, but it was her most successful one. Despite previous interventions, Jolene persisted, challenging the very notion of boundaries.
This seemingly lighthearted anecdote carries deeper meaning. In our professional and personal lives, many of us encounter metaphorical “Jolenes”those situations or individuals that push boundaries, test limits, and challenge established norms. Brigid Leishman uses this moment to highlight a crucial lesson: boundaries matter. While persistence and ambition are valuable traits, understanding where to draw the line is just as important.
Brigid Leishman’s insights apply directly to career growth. Many professionals struggle with setting boundaries, whether it’s taking on too many responsibilities, dealing with workplace conflicts, or navigating work-life balance. Like Jolene, we sometimes overstep or allow others to cross our personal limits, leading to stress, burnout, or even career dissatisfaction.
As a career and executive coach, Brigid Leishman encourages individuals to define and uphold their professional boundaries. This doesn’t mean shutting doors to opportunities; rather, it’s about recognizing where we function best and ensuring that we don’t compromise our well-being or professional integrity. Brigid Leishman’s coaching philosophy aligns with this principlehelping professionals create structures that allow them to thrive while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and control.
The lesson of Jolene also applies to leadership. Strong leaders understand that effective boundaries foster respect and efficiency. Brigid Leishman’s work with executives often involves helping them cultivate leadership styles that balance openness with firm decision-making. Leaders who, like Jolene, push past reasonable limits without consideration can disrupt team dynamics, but those who establish and maintain healthy boundaries foster trust, collaboration, and sustainable success.
Brigid Leishman’s philosophy also extends to job seekers and professionals managing their online presence. As someone experienced in LinkedIn strategy and resume writing, she knows the importance of curating a professional brand. Just as Jolene tested the physical threshold of Brigid Leishman’s home, professionals must be mindful of the thresholds they cross in their networking and job search efforts. Personal branding requires authenticity but also discretionknowing when to engage, when to step back, and how to navigate digital spaces effectively.
The metaphor of Jolene reminds us that while ambition is commendable, self-awareness and respect for boundaries are essential. Brigid Leishman’s post invites us to reflect: Are we pushing past limits recklessly, or are we strategically expanding our horizons? Are we respecting others’ boundaries while ensuring our own are upheld?
Brigid Leishman’s ability to draw meaningful lessons from everyday moments is what makes her coaching so impactful. She doesn’t just offer career adviceshe provides perspectives that resonate on a deeper level. Her content, published consistently on LinkedIn, is a testament to her commitment to professional growth and thought leadership.
Ultimately, Jolene’s story is more than just a quirky tale about a persistent chicken. It’s a reminder, through Brigid Leishman’s lens, that boundaries shape our success. Whether in career development, leadership, or personal branding, the ability to set and respect boundaries defines how we grow and sustain our achievements.
Brigid Leishman continues to inspire professionals to take control of their careers, navigate challenges with wisdom, and understand that while it’s good to be ambitious, it’s even better to know when to draw the line. So, don’t be a Joleneunless you’re the kind of Jolene who knows, understands, and respects the value of boundaries.
