Quitting the "Corporate Heroin": Discovering My Superpower

The bonus clears, and for a few weeks, you can stop asking yourself if this is really what you want. Then the check settles into the account, time passes, and the question comes back.

That's how Joel Hempel described thirty years in financial services when he came on the podcast. He called it corporate heroin.

The Journey of a Wall Street Veteran

Joel helped grow a business from $200M to over $22B. He wore the suits and the cufflinks, climbed the ladder, and did all the things he thought everyone wanted him to do. He'll tell you he wouldn't trade those thirty years for anything. He learned, grew, and is grateful for what those years gave him. However, he regrets how much of that time he spent being who he thought he was supposed to be.

He kept planning to leave right after the next bonus cleared, but he couldn't pull the trigger. Then, after 28 years, his position was eliminated. His second marriage ended, and he lost both parents within five months of each other. The disruption made the decision for him.

Finding the Superpower

What struck me about Joel's story is a question he couldn't answer until he left the corporate world. Someone asked him at a retreat, "What's your superpower?" Not what he was good at, not where he had confidence, but the unique thing he did that no one else did the way he did it.

After three decades of titles, promotions, and Hermès ties, he'd never thought to ask. It took months of journaling for him to realize that he'd always been a guide. He had done it as a mentor and manager, just never got paid to do it as a guide.

Now, he runs Fernweh, taking groups of strangers off-road into places like the Black Rock Desert. They camp, sit around campfires, and engage in conversations most of us don't have in our regular lives. People who introduce themselves on day one with their job titles tend to leave on day four with hugs and tears.

Reflecting on My Own Journey

I keep thinking about that question when I'm working with my own clients. Most of the leaders I work with can list what they're good at, show you a track record, and map their career on a whiteboard in five minutes. But ask them what their actual superpower is, and you often get a long pause.

Most of us have spent decades optimizing for something else, so the question doesn't have a ready answer. It’s a journey of self-discovery that often feels daunting. But what if we took the time to explore this question? What if we allowed ourselves to dig deeper?

The Importance of Disruption

The new episode of The Midlife Remix is up. Joel and I talk about disruption, the difference between fear and greed as motivators, and the bell curve of conversations. We discuss why the deep five percent on the edges is where most of us actually want to live. We also touch on the acronym he created to get through the worst of it: IAWO. It all works out.

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Embracing Change

Change can be unsettling. But it can also be a powerful catalyst for growth. When we embrace change, we often discover new strengths and abilities.

For many, the journey of self-discovery begins with a single step. It might be asking yourself what your superpower is or reflecting on your past experiences. Each moment of reflection can lead to clarity and purpose.

The Power of Community

Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community can make a world of difference. Engaging with others who are on similar journeys can provide encouragement and insight. It’s in these shared experiences that we often find the courage to explore our true selves.

Conclusion: Your Superpower Awaits

As you navigate your own journey, remember that your superpower is waiting to be discovered. It may take time and reflection, but the rewards are worth it. Embrace the process, and don’t shy away from asking the tough questions. Your future self will thank you for it.