A former Chief People Officer with over 15 years of experience as a human capital leader in Fortune 100 and Inc5000 firms, as well as New York City government, Alisia now happily wears multiple hats – as executive coach, speaker, and mentor. She holds a masters degree from Princeton University and an undergraduate degree from Columbia University. She is known as the North Star Lady, referencing her dedication to helping professionals transition to careers and jobs that are aligned with their personal North Stars for fulfillment, meaning, and wellness.
In today’s ever-changing job market, the pressure to stay relevant can feel overwhelming. Alicia Gill, founder and CEO of Navista, has designed a transformative model to help professionals navigate their careers with clarity and purpose. Her “North Star Framework” offers a personalized roadmap to align work with meaning, fulfillment, and success. Here’s how you can use it to guide your career journey.
What do you want to be known for? This isn’t about your job title or resume—it’s about the broader impact you want to leave on the world. Gill encourages professionals to think beyond external validations like promotions and salaries. Instead, focus on questions like:
- How do you want to contribute to the world?
- What are you most proud of?
For example, your aspiration could be fostering innovation, inspiring the next generation, or rethinking how industries operate. Pinpointing this vision ensures your career aligns with a purpose that resonates deeply with you.
Your values act as a compass, guiding decisions about where and how you work. According to Gill, many professionals overlook this step, leading to misalignment between their personal principles and workplace cultures.
“Don’t let prestige or a paycheck overshadow your values,” she advises. Whether it’s integrity, collaboration, or creativity, defining your non-negotiables ensures that your professional choices support your well-being and authenticity.
What are you genuinely passionate about? Gill observes that many professionals struggle to articulate their interests because they’ve been conditioned to follow societal expectations.
She challenges you to ask: “If external pressures didn’t exist, what would you truly want to do?” For instance, if you’re a lawyer spending late nights on corporate briefs but dream of storytelling, it might be time to pivot towards something that aligns with your natural inclinations.
Gill describes superpowers as those activities that energize you and make you feel “in flow.” These are your innate talents that set you apart and allow you to contribute at your highest level.
“Your superpowers deserve to shine,” she says. Whether you’re a visionary strategist, a creative problem-solver, or a meticulous organizer, prioritizing roles that align with your strengths ensures not just success but satisfaction.
Finally, Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding your needs—both professional and personal. This includes but isn’t limited to salary expectations. Do you value time autonomy, a collaborative office environment, or opportunities for remote work?
“These needs are not luxuries,” Gill states. Recognizing what you require to thrive ensures you make career choices that support your overall quality of life.
The North Star Framework is not about chasing every shiny new opportunity but about making intentional, meaningful decisions that align with your true self. Gill encourages professionals to use this model as a filter for evaluating opportunities, ensuring they don’t stray from their aspirations and values.
“The best career move you’ll ever make is putting yourself first,” says Gill. “When you align your work with who you truly are, success becomes inevitable.”
Starting with reflection: write down your aspirations, values, interests, superpowers, and needs. Be honest and iterative. This process isn’t about perfection but clarity. Use this framework as a compass to navigate career decisions and align your professional life with your personal truth. In a world where industries evolve faster than ever, your North Star is your anchor. It’s not just a guide—it’s a reminder that your career should serve you, not the other way around.
