Setting the Stage for Success — Anouk Pappers
I’ve been thinking a lot about preparation lately — what it means, what it requires, and why we so often try to skip over it.
In a few months, I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while — not just for the physical challenge, but for what it represents: pushing beyond comfort, preparing with intention, and showing up ready for the ascent.
But here’s the thing about Kilimanjaro — you don’t just show up and climb. It’s over 19,000 feet above sea level. The air is thin. Your body needs to adjust. Training isn’t just about distance or elevation gain. It’s about building the stamina to keep going when the oxygen gets low and every step requires more effort than the last.
So I’ve been preparing. Recently, I was hiking in Hoosier Pass in Colorado — 11,539 feet above sea level. It was stunning and tough in all the right ways. Breathing feels different up there. Every step reminds you of what’s ahead and how much farther you need to go to be ready.
What struck me most was how much this climb mirrors the work we all do — or should do — when preparing for the next chapter in our professional lives.
We’re living through a time of new expectations, new pressures, new opportunities — and sometimes, new doubts. You can’t wait until the big moment to find your footing. You have to set the stage in advance.
That’s the work of curating your online reputation. It’s the altitude training for your career. It’s strengthening your branding, your visibility, and your confidence — and it starts with honing your professional narrative into a polished story. One that helps you stand out, make a lasting first impression, and truly connect with your audience. So when the opportunity arises, you’re not just ready — you’re memorable.
Too often, I meet brilliant, accomplished professionals who hesitate to articulate their own story. They downplay their impact. They focus only on past roles, not future potential. But here’s the truth: if you don’t shape your narrative, others will do it for you — and they may get it wrong.
Crafting your professional narrative isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about clarity. It’s about knowing what you bring to the table and being able to communicate it with purpose. It’s the difference between being considered and being chosen.
Kilimanjaro will take me through five climate zones. From rainforest to alpine desert to the icy summit. Every stage will demand something different — physically, mentally, emotionally. And I won’t know how I’ll respond until I’m in it. But I know this: my preparation gives me a foundation to build from. It gives me the best possible chance to reach the top.
Your professional journey is no different. You’ll move through different seasons, face new environments, encounter unexpected turns. But with a strong foundation — a clear narrative, a consistent presence, a resonant message — you’ll be ready for what comes next.
Because success, like a summit, rarely happens by accident. It’s earned through quiet discipline, consistent effort, and a willingness to keep climbing.
The question is: are you preparing for your next elevation?
A brand anthropologist who has been storytelling for brands since 2002, Anouk Pappers has interviewed over 900 CEOs, CMOs and business owners and published 15 books. Anouk’s primary focus is on working with leaders to define their personal brand and pinpoint their narrative. Her company, Signitt, enables people to align their online presence with their personal brand. This positions them for their next professional goal, including board seats, promotions, client acquisitions, investor relations, and career transitions.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
