“William Cowan's 'Building a Winning Career' is an exceptional resource, standing out as one of the most comprehensive and impactful books I've encountered in my 40 years as a senior HR executive managing recruiting and career transitions”
William Cowan
William Cowan has over 30 years of experience in senior management positions and has served as an advisor to boards and chief executives worldwide.
As a CEO and Chair, he was involved in building and growing a number of successful commercial and not-for-profit organisations.
He is a leader in career transition management and has formalised an approach that produces outstanding results.
In 25-plus years, he has provided practical guidance to over 1,000 senior executives, as well as many others including university graduates.
How to Build a Successful Career with William Cowan
How to Build a Successful Career
with William Cowan
In this episode of Better@Work, we chat with William Cowan, author, and career strategist.
We discuss the mistakes people make when attempting to take the next steps in their career.
Then we dive into the simple ways to articulate your strengths and learn how you can really secure your dream role.
People in Career Transition with William Cowan
This podcast will catapult your thinking into a new and productive gear.
Very importantly, the podcast covers a range of essential life skills not taught at school or university.
The topics covered are:
- Understanding what makes you unique and how to communicate this;
- Building your network and seeking warm network connections for life;
- Preparing and practicing your answers to three common questions;
- Conducting thorough research, identifying issues, and rehearsing before an interview;
- Why you must be sharp, to the point, and passionate during an interview;
- The seven guiding principles which underlie any successful job search.
Contents of Book
Part 1
1. Seven guiding principles for job search success
2. You face four distinct challenges
Part 2
Building On Your strengths
3. Framing your special strengths
4. Writing about your strengths
5. Preparing to speak about your strengths
Part 3
Growing The Power Of Your Network
6. Exploring your career options based on your strengths
7. Creating strong new connections for life
8. Putting your networking to work
Part 4
9. Generating attractive job offers
10. Thriving in your new role
What readers say about this book
See Goodreads for an extensive list of 5-Star ratings and detailed recommendations
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About the author
William has over 30 years of experience in senior management positions. He has served as an advisor to boards and chief executives worldwide, and been the chief executive officer of a number of listed and unlisted companies.
William has held the position of Director, Key Executive Services, at Directioneering for the past 16 years. Directioneering has grown to be the leading career strategy firm in Australia and New Zealand. It provides individuals and organisations with tailored career transition, career coaching and leadership development services. During his time at Directioneering, William has worked successfully with over 1,000 senior executives from every industry, providing them with consulting and advice related to their careers.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was a partner of McKinsey & Co, servicing major clients in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. He led the development of a transformational strategy for the Australian Football League in 1982. In 1983 he led a leveraged buyout of Southern Cross Broadcasting, which grew to become the fourth largest commercial broadcasting network in Australia in the late 1980s.
During the late 1990s, William was the chief executive of Davidson & Associates, the premier career management firm in Australia. Over the next five years, the firm consolidated its position as a leader in South-East Asia, with offices in five countries. During this time, William worked with some of Australia’s and Asia’s most senior executives, providing them with career management advice and counsel. In 1998, the firm was voted the best service firm in Australia by readers of BRW magazine
William was the Chair of various boards and committees in a number of not-for-profit organisations. These included Trinity College at the University of Melbourne, and the Australian International Opera Awards. He led the development of a strategy to strengthen Victorian Thoroughbred Racing as a world leader in 1995.
