How to Prepare for New Opportunities (Even When You're Not Actively Looking)

Opportunity is often closer that we think. Danielle Banner shares how to make sure you're ready when it arrives. 

In 2023, Danielle Banner found herself at a crossroads. After 21 years of growing through the ranks at her company, she was let go. 

This could have been a devastating blow. Instead, she was thrilled. The personal and professional development she did over the previous years prepared her for the challenge ahead.

Here’s how she got to that point and how you can stay ready for new opportunities, whether you’re actively seeking them or not.

1. Prioritize self-reflection. 

Danielle recognized that in order to progress, she needed to get off the hamster wheel of simply clearing her to-do list. She also needed to spend time focused on herself. To do this, she silenced her notifications to allow for more concentrated work during the day and prioritized self-reflection during her non-working hours.

“Too often we’re so busy doing the job that we don’t take the time to learn from it. Reflection gives you the potential to come up with new and better ways to move forward.”

2. Step out of your comfort zone.

Danielle repeatedly stepped out of her comfort zone by reaching out to people, trying new things, and challenging herself. This included leading a workshop at WCF. Doing so allowed her to connect with an empowering community of like-minded women who boosted her confidence.

3. Center your core values. 

Those uncomfortable experiences, along with her newfound community, helped her get in touch with her core values. She realized how important giving back and creating fulfilling relationships are to her. That’s where everything started to shift. 

“When you start to move and act in alignment with your values, the world opens up. You become more confident, not just in your abilities, but in your decisions.”

4. Determine what you want.

When it was time for Danielle to look for a new position, she had a strong sense of her non-negotiables and was able to approach her next steps with intention. 

“I knew what I wanted in the next iteration of my career, and it wasn’t a title…I wanted to join an organization for cultural fit.” 

For Danielle, this meant strong leadership, mobility opportunities, balance, and an opportunity to give back. Throughout the job search, she was very clear about this and refused to settle for less. 

When she did find a new role that fit the bill at JPMorgan Chase, she knew she’d made the right choice. “Every single day I’m amazed by the opportunities that are available to me and the support that I receive.” 

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