Navigating Your Career with a Coach: The 3 major stages of “Meeting emotions”

By Christine Kutnick, PCC

Have you thought about how your feelings toward workplace meetings shift as you are navigating your career? It’s fascinating how the things we once yearned for can later become things we dread. Meetings offer a perfect example — they’re a barometer of your professional standing, and your relationship with them says a lot about your growth.

I remember that by the time I ended my career working for someone else, I was so frustrated at the end of the day because I was in back-to-back meetings, sometimes with no time for a bio break or to stretch. Let alone do my own work. I was forced to do what I needed to do in the evenings.

This was one of many things that led me to decide it was time for me to start a new chapter. 

Is anyone else dealing with that kind of a day?

Here’s a fun yet insightful look at the three major stages of “meeting emotions,” complete with tips and a glimpse into how navigating your career with a coach can help you excel at every stage of your professional journey.

Stage 1: “I Can’t Wait to Be Important Enough to Be in That Meeting”

Early in your career, meetings feel like the golden ticket that proves you’ve arrived. You’re working hard, building your skills and reputation, and waiting for that first invite to the “big” meeting. This stage is all about anticipation — what’s happening behind those closed doors? Am I ready to contribute when it’s my turn?

I remember this when I began my career and I worked at Neiman Marcus in their PR department. Anytime I got called into a meeting, I was so excited.

Typical Feelings:

• • Eager anticipation (You’re climbing the ladder!)

• • Unease and imposter syndrome (Am I ready to fit in?)

• • Curiosity about how decisions are really made

At this stage, it’s common to feel invisible or unsure about how to reach the next level. The good news? You can actively take steps to position yourself for the room. Navigating your career with a coach helps you build the skills, confidence, and presence you need to get noticed by leadership.

Actionable Tip:

While you’re waiting to be invited, show your readiness through small, proactive actions. For example, volunteer to take on meetings for small projects or share thoughtful updates with your team. A coach can help you refine this approach so your effort aligns with what your managers prioritize.

Here is an article by Harvard Business Review about how to get invited into important meetings. 

Coach’s Benefit:

Starting early with a coach provides one major advantage — they don’t just help you land that first meeting invite; they equip you with the tools to make it meaningful. From polishing your communication skills to showing initiative in a way that impresses decision-makers, a coach ensures you’re prepared to bring your A-game when the spotlight finally turns to you.

Stage 2: “I’m in the Meeting! But Will They Ever Listen to Me?”

You’ve made it — congratulations on getting a seat at the table! But for many, the excitement of being included is quickly replaced by the frustration of feeling unheard. This phase is where the focus shifts from wanting to be in the room to wanting to be respected in the room.

Typical Feelings:

• • Pride in being included (“I did it!”)

• • Nervousness about speaking up (“Do I sound smart?”)

• • Frustration when others dismiss or ignore your ideas (“Hello, I came prepared!”)

Feeling like your voice isn’t valued can be disheartening, but it’s not uncommon. Many talented professionals, especially those early in their careers, struggle with asserting themselves while navigating group dynamics. Navigating your career with a coach helps guide you through these communication hurdles, so that your expertise doesn’t go unnoticed.

Actionable Tip:

If speaking up feels daunting, prepare one insightful point to share during each meeting. Jot it down ahead of time and practice delivering it with clarity and confidence. Over time, practice will help you feel more at ease when contributing.

Here is a great article about how to demonstrate your strategic thinking.

Coach’s Benefit:

A career coach is essential at this stage because they don’t just teach you to speak up — they help you find your strategy. Learning to interject with confidence, read the room, and tailor your message to your audience ensures that your input lands effectively. Coaches also equip you with tools to build relationships with key players in the meeting, amplifying your overall influence, while navigating your career.

Stage 3: “How in the Heck Do I Get Out of This Meeting?”

Eventually, you hit the milestone where meetings become less exciting and more of an endless time suck. Welcome to the era of back-to-back schedules and wondering, “Could this just have been an email?” At this stage, you’re likely in leadership or an advanced role, balancing multiple priorities while trying to stay productive.

Typical Feelings:

• • Overwhelm from the volume of meetings (“Do all of these need my input?”)

• • Cynicism about meeting efficiency (“We’re having another one?”)

• • Mastery of “Nodding Yet Secretly Checking Emails”

While it’s tempting to think this stage is all about trying to escape, it’s actually an opportunity to refine how you manage your time and responsibilities. Working with a career coach is invaluable here because they can help you evaluate which meetings are worth attending and teach you how to offload or delegate effectively.

Actionable Tip:

Audit your calendar! Take one week to categorize your meetings into three groups — essential, informational, and skip-able. Start saying no to those that aren’t a good use of your time (easier said than done, but worth it).

Here is an article about how to manage your calendar and your energy by Forbes.

Coach’s Benefit:

If you’re navigating your career with a coach, this is where they truly become your greatest ally. Coaches provide practical frameworks to streamline your schedule and guidance on how to set clear boundaries within your organization. Leaders often struggle with the fear of losing control if they don’t attend every meeting, but a strong coach teaches you how to prioritize your time without compromising your visibility or impact.

How a Coach Guides You at Every Stage of Your Career

Meetings may be unavoidable, but they don’t have to be unmanageable or unproductive. A career coach plays a pivotal role in navigating meeting-related challenges as you grow. Whether you’re trying to get into the room, gain respect at the table, or escape unnecessary calls, coaching tailors solutions to wherever you’re currently at in your career.

Here’s How Coaching Makes a Difference:

• • Stage 1 (Getting in the Room): Develop visibility and demonstrate your value to secure a coveted invite.

• • Stage 2 (Making Your Voice Heard): Build confidence, presentation skills, and influence to ensure your ideas land effectively.

• • Stage 3 (Managing Overload): Learn time-management and delegation strategies to avoid burnout while staying engaged with key decisions.

By navigating your career with a coach, you’re not just attending meetings — you’re using them as stepping stones toward greater success.

Take Control of Your Career and Achieve Greater Success

No matter which meeting milestone you’re at, the key to moving forward is learning to approach each phase with strategy and intention. Coaching gives you access to insights, tools, and support that make growth not just possible but enjoyable.

Are you ready to transform your career — and your meetings?

Coach Link Up, a platform dedicated to educating people about the power of coaching and making it easy to find the right coach, has a lot of different types of career coaches. Connect with a coach today, and start navigating your career like a pro!

 

Christine Kutnick, PCC has always embraced change with excitement and anticipation. Every shift in her life has allowed me to learn, grow, and make a more significant impact. Through her journey through my 50+ years she has always been defined by a deep commitment to helping others, driven by my experience as a non-profit executive. She has had the privilege of leading transformative organizations dedicated to promoting equity in education, healthcare, and acceptance for all, regardless of faith, race, or gender.

At 52, after years of navigating the demanding non-profit sector, she realized the need for a new path. This realization came with a desire to help others find the peace and happiness I had discovered. With encouragement from those closest to me, I transitioned into coaching, where I now guide others to live their most fulfilling lives.