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How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

Published:
14 Nov 2024
News

Wenee Yap

Legal Features Writer for the College of Law
How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

It’s a question that everyone wants answered. How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want?

We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership. John Poulsen was instrumental in Minter Ellison’s ‘go global’ strategy, which resulted in the firm joining Squires, and becoming one of the fastest-growing law firms in Australia. As Principal of People Passion Performance, John works closely with leaders to create a culture where people and organisations thrive.

 

Top 3 tips to get the career you want

Getting the career you want can’t happen by accident. It requires intrinsic drive, self-examination and a willingness to reflect and adapt.

John Poulsen has three tips for achieving the career you want:

  1. Discover your WHY
  2. Know your values
  3. Understand your strengths and blind spots

Tip 1: Discover your WHY

Understanding your purpose is essential,” John says. “Your deeper purpose will usually be more than just about making money. Simon Sinek’s ‘Starting with Why’ concept encourages you to find what drives you at your core. When you look within yourself it will usually be linked to making a difference for others. When you align your career with your WHY, work becomes meaningful, and you stay motivated even during challenges.”

Tip 2: Know your values

Use the Barrett Values Model to gain clarity on your personal values,” John advises. “These are the principles that guide your decisions and actions. When your career aligns with your values, you feel more fulfilled and authentic in what you do.”

Tip 3: Understand your strengths and blind spots

Leverage tools like the CliftonStrengths assessment to identify your unique talents and where you might need support,” John says. “This awareness allows you to harness your strengths effectively while addressing areas for growth, ensuring you're constantly evolving in your career.”

 

Embrace your ‘Personal Plan on a Page’

I have developed a ‘Personal Plan on a Page’ which I use to help people I coach to find the career they truly want,” John Poulsen. “I also ask them to paint a holistic vision of where they want to be in a relevant time frame. This includes considering physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”

An example of John Poulsen’s ‘Personal Plan on a Page’ is below.

Personal Plan on a Page 2024-2026

WHY?

My deep purpose

To:

 

VISION

My aspirations for 2026

By 2026 to:

●         

●         

VALUES

My beliefs and behaviours

#

 

#

 

#

 

#

 

#

 

KEY STRENGTHS

Clifton StrengthsFinder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRATEGIES

Actionable focus areas to achieve my Vision

Selfcare

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

 

#

 

#

Priority Actions

Actions to support my strategies

Measuring Success

Metrics

▪         

▪         

▪         

▪         

 

Nailing your Performance Review to progress your career

Performance reviews provide a crucial checkpoint to advance your career. However, they aren’t always easy.

To make the most of a performance review, preparation is key, especially for lawyers aiming to progress their careers,” John advises.

To effectively prepare ahead of a performance review, John suggests lawyers consider the following approaches.

Tip 1: Clarify your goals

Before the review, reflect on your career aspirations,” John says. “Be clear about the direction you want to take, whether it’s specialisation, leadership, or developing new skills. This ensures your feedback is relevant to your long-term goals. The ‘Personal Plan on a Page’ I refer to above is a very helpful tool to do this.”

Tip 2: Document achievements

Compile a record of your accomplishments over the review period, including what you have achieved for teams and clients you work with, your relationship building, your productivity, your knowledge management and your overall contribution to the fabric of the organisation,” John advises. “Quantify your impact wherever possible to provide concrete evidence of your value.”

Tip 3: Solicit feedback early

Seek feedback from peers and supervisors ahead of time,” John says. “This allows you to address any issues proactively and ensures you’re aligned with expectations.”

Tip 4: Identify how you want to learn and grow

Identify specific areas you want to develop, such as leadership skills or expertise in a new legal area,” John suggests. “Ask for guidance on how to bridge these gaps and seek opportunities for mentoring or training.

 

When to make a move: Signs you're ready for a Career Change

When considering a move, lawyers should first reflect on their values and career goals and whether their current role aligns with those values and objectives.

Ask yourself: Are you still learning and growing? If the role no longer challenges you, or if opportunities for development and leadership are limited, it may be time to move,” John says. “Consider your values and whether the organisation still supports them. Alignment with your purpose and values is crucial for long-term satisfaction.”

John suggests using the ‘Personal Plan on a Page’ as a helpful tool to decide whether it may be time for a change.

Lastly, assess your skills and strengths. If you’ve mastered your current role and feel unfulfilled, it’s a sign you may have outgrown it. Seek roles where you can leverage your strengths while gaining new skills that align with your career direction.”

 

Taking the initiative: Proactive steps for Career Growth

According to John, lawyers can take several proactive steps to progress their careers.

Step 1: Continuous learning

Invest in ongoing professional development through legal training, certifications, or seminars to stay updated with industry trends and emerging legal areas,” John advises. “Focus on developing your ‘soft skills’ such as empathy, deep listening, communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership and conflict resolution.” 

Step 2: Seek strategic opportunities

“Volunteer for high-visibility projects or cases that align with your career goals,” John says. “Taking on complex or high-impact work can demonstrate your leadership potential and willingness to go beyond your comfort zone.”

Step 3: Build a network

Actively engage in networking opportunities, both within and outside your firm,” John suggests. “Cultivate relationships with potential clients, industry peers, and mentors. Strong networks are invaluable for future career advancement and business development.”

Step 4: Mentorship

Seek out mentors and offer to mentor others,” John says. “This allows for valuable exchange of knowledge, and mentorship can open doors to new opportunities.”

Step 5: Prioritise mental, physical and spiritual health

Looking after your emotional, physical, and spiritual health is essential for overall well-being and balance,” John says. “Prioritise self-care through regular exercise, meditation/mindfulness, and connecting with your inner values or purpose. This to me is the number one focus if you want joy in your life.”

 

About John Poulsen

John is the Principal of People, Passion & Performance and has deep ʻhands onʼ experience in creating and developing workplaces where people have a shared vision and purpose, so that the people thrive and the organisation flourishes sustainably.

John's purpose in life is to help those in his sphere of influence to find deeper purpose, meaning and joy in their life. His key focus is helping people transform through the lens of values. He coaches and mentorsʼ leaders and emerging leaders to live without fear and to develop and enhance their people skills, so that they fully motivate, engage and empower their people to succeed in these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times.

John also helps leaders to develop and implement cultural change projects and to develop values that have meaning to the organisation. He speaks on leadership, organisational change and has a passion for assisting organisations to build mentally healthy workplaces.

As a CTT Certified Consultant, John uses the tools and resources from Barrett Values Centre to support his clients in their personal, leadership and cultural transformation. The tools define an actionable road map that becomes an integral part of a leader's personal development plan and business strategy.

John was until 31 December 2017, the Australian Managing Partner and CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, a top 10 Global Law Firm with offices in Perth, Sydney and Darwin. Before that he was a Finance lawyer and the Managing Partner of Minter Ellison in Perth.

Coaching Qualifications/Accreditations

  • Accredited Barrett Values Centre Consultant and Coach https://www.valuescentre.com/
  • Accredited Corporate Evolution Facilitator (Transformation through the Lens of Values)

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Max recounts his path to discovering his passion in Wills and Estates – and how the College of Law helped him along the way.

Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

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Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

Learn how Carmel Morrison returned to study with an LLM, and Specialist Accreditation.

5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

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5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

How do you stand out in Australia's competitive legal market, filled with talented solicitors? We spoke with Shona Rowan, a people and culture consultant, high-performance coach, and bestselling author, about what it takes to rise above the rest. Here, she shares five expert steps to help lawyers reach their full professional potential.

How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

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How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

John Poulsen, founder of People, Passion and Performance, was once a top solicitor and leader of law firms. Starting his career in 1984 and now nearly 40 years later, he left behind the luxury and stress. Now, he's happier than ever. We spoke with John about his journey and his mission to redefine success.

Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

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Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

We congratulate and celebrate the success of the most recent graduates of our Postgraduate Specialisation Programs. These achievements demonstrate the culmination of hard work, diligence and commitment to mastery of their chosen area of law.

‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study

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‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study

What does it take to become one of the country’s top-performing specialist lawyers? 

According to Craig Gregson – who consistently snags a spot in Doyle’s Guide for his work in Wills and Estates – a healthy dose of ambition is key. And so is plenty of quality education. 

Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

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Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2. Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice explains how.

5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

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5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

Do you fantasise about foreign cities, buzzing cultures and access to connected world hubs? As a lawyer you are well placed to explore these very things and expand your career lens. Helen Tung, barrister, senior counsel and teaching fellow at the College of Law, has led an impressive legal career working across the UK, UAE, America, Australia and Japan. We asked Helen for her advice to lawyers wanting to take their legal careers to the world stage.

How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

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How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

Brid Heffernan has grown through legal recruitment, litigation ops and support, and legaltech - the quintessential business of law. We caught up with Brid to trace her unlikely and impressive trajectory and experience with The College of Law.

Commercial Litigation Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Commercial Litigation Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Commercial Litigation Postgraduate Course Guide to explore how our tailored program can enhance your legal expertise and open up new opportunities in the profession.

Wills and Estates Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Wills and Estates Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Wills and Estates Postgraduate Programs Course Guide and discover how our program can equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of estate planning, probate, and elder law.

ASEAN+6 Legal Practice Postgraduate Program Course Guide

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ASEAN+6 Legal Practice Postgraduate Program Course Guide

Download the ASEAN+6 Legal Practice Postgraduate Course Guide to discover how our program can prepare you for navigating complex international agreements and disputes across the ASEAN+6 region.

Business Strategy Subject Course Guide

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Business Strategy Subject Course Guide

Learn practical tools and strategic approaches to spearhead your organisation into the future.

Career and family law insights from the Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC

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Career and family law insights from the Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC has been a leading light in the Australian family legal system for decades. In his roles as Judge, Commissioner, President of the New South Wales Law Society, Chair of the College of Law, practitioner and meditator – Robert has had a profound impact on many areas of the law and continues to do so today. We asked the former Justice of the Family Court of Australia for insights into his extraordinary career and today’s family law practices.

CPD Digital Subscription Course Guide

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CPD Digital Subscription Course Guide

Discover how to transform your team’s learning and development
Looking to enhance your legal team’s skills and simplify CPD compliance? Download the CPD digital subscription course guide to uncover everything included in our professional development CPD solution.

Austrade and the College of Law collaborate on major Malaysian ESG training program

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Austrade and the College of Law collaborate on major Malaysian ESG training program

The College of Law is spearheading legal education in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) space working closely with government and industry in the ASEAN region. The partnership with Austrade addresses the increasing demand for ESG training from ASEAN nations as they look to meet their transboundary obligations and work towards a more sustainable future.

How to talk about disability in the workplace and improve inclusivity in law

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How to talk about disability in the workplace and improve inclusivity in law

Working in law is competitive at every level let alone for those with a disability. Improving inclusivity, and at the most basic level improving the way we talk about disability in the workplace, is something the legal sector needs to actively address.  

First-of-its-kind NewLaw Careers Virtual Internship

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First-of-its-kind NewLaw Careers Virtual Internship

The first NewLaw Careers virtual internship has launched with the College of Law in conjunction with the Centre for Legal Innovation (CLI) and Forage. Five NewLaw careers are on offer including Legal Operations Professional, Legal Data Analyst, Legal Technologist, Legal Knowledge Manager, and Family Law Mediator. Lead by impressive subject matter experts, read on to learn more.

Your Guide to a Career in Family Law

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Your Guide to a Career in Family Law

As a family lawyer, you will influence the lives of families who come to you for support and expertise during times of great upheaval and trauma. Download your guide to a career in family law.

How to get into criminal and domestic violence law with Belinda Robinson

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How to get into criminal and domestic violence law with Belinda Robinson

Learn what it’s like to work in criminal and domestic violence law with Belinda Robinson, who runs her own practice on the Sunshine Coast.

Embracing the Asian Century with APAC Legal Counsel, Haylen Pong

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Embracing the Asian Century with APAC Legal Counsel, Haylen Pong

It is time for Australian lawyers to become better connected with our regional neighbours, says Diligent Corporation's Asia Pacific Legal Counsel, Haylen Pong. Her role at Diligent, a modern governance company, requires frequent interaction with stakeholders, legal counterparts and other commercial interests across in APAC region.

5 Ways to Draw the Line Between Work and the Rest of Life

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5 Ways to Draw the Line Between Work and the Rest of Life

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, smart watch… this list of ‘things’ that will purportedly make us more connected and more in touch with our world continues to expand. We must not waste a minute of our time, so in a past where we might once have fantasised about a tropical holiday while commuting to work or reading a book for leisure, we are now answering those emails that require only a short response in order to save time later…? Save time for what…dare we ask?

From LLB to LLM: Take Your Legal Career To The Next Level

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From LLB to LLM: Take Your Legal Career To The Next Level

Have you thought about postgraduate studies? Not sure what it's like, what it takes, and the positive impact it could have on your career? This webinar recording was presented by Tatiana Rabaeva, Head of Postgraduate Programs. It will offer you the opportunity to hear live and gain more insight from the College program Lecturers and Alumni, Adeline Shiralli and Crispian Carlowe.

Your Guide to a Career in Business Law

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Your Guide to a Career in Business Law

Download your guide to a career in business law for everything you need to know about business law in a nutshell, personal strengths of a business lawyer, core expertise of a business lawyer, related areas of expertise and career prospects in business law.

Expand your career horizons with the fascinating and complex area of International Arbitration, says Martin Polaine

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Expand your career horizons with the fascinating and complex area of International Arbitration, says Martin Polaine

Barrister and international arbitrator Martin Polaine has worked in over 80 countries. Learn how you can qualify as an international arbitrator with this College of Law pathways to CIArb membership.

Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Postgraduate Programs Course Guide today and discover how our practical, hands-on approach can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Family Law Postgraduate Course Guide

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Family Law Postgraduate Course Guide

Download the Family Law Postgraduate Course Guide to learn how our program can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to guide families through complex legal challenges and build a fulfilling career.

Workforce of the Future Course Guide

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Workforce of the Future Course Guide

Learn how to align workforce planning and strategy in an ever-evolving workplace. Using a wide range of case studies and resources, you’ll consider the practical challenges of a multi-generational workforce, the paradox of being both profitable today and ready for tomorrow and the different ways to communicate your insights to stakeholders.

New year, new opportunities to get your CPD sorted

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New year, new opportunities to get your CPD sorted

Make 2025 your most productive year yet with the CPD Digital Subscription. Access 140+ courses anytime, anywhere – stress-free compliance made simple.

What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

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What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

For young lawyers there are a vast number of career paths on offer, but for those who want to have an impact in the field of criminal law, a career with the CDPP may be what you are looking for. Unique and cutting-edge cases are par for the course when working at the CDPP, an environment Eliza Amparo, Acting Deputy Director at the CDPP, describes as “dynamic, intellectually stimulating and rewarding”.

Are you suffering from post-COVID rudeness syndrome?

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Are you suffering from post-COVID rudeness syndrome?

Has your behaviour changed since we emerged from Covid? Are you suffering from post-Covid rudeness syndrome? We explore how this phenomenon has impacted law firms, clients, and civility in a profession often known for its adversarial nature, and how we might chart a return to a more respectful mode of operandi. 

LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

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LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

Learn more about Jason Feng and his latest initiative, practisinglaw.com.au, which provides practical step-by-step guides, like File Management for Junior Lawyers, or answers to FAQs. It’s an entirely free service that Jason contributes to the legal community.

Key career advice from NSW Young Lawyer of the Year Mei Gong

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Key career advice from NSW Young Lawyer of the Year Mei Gong

2023 NSW Young Lawyer of the Year, Mei Gong, is often asked for her career advice. From getting $100 million deals over the line, to representing clients in criminal and civil cartel proceedings, Mei Gong has already led an extraordinary career. We asked Mei for her top career tips to help other young lawyers on their career journeys. 

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25 and 26 February 2025, 9.00am to 5.00pm AEDT each day. This 2-day program covers neuroscience, emotional intelligence skills, practical exercises, workplace applications, and includes a 28-day follow-up challenge for sustained self-awareness, empathy, and leadership growth.
25 and 26 February 2025, 9.00am to 5.00pm AEDT each day. This 2-day program covers neuroscience, emotional intelligence skills, practical exercises, workplace applications, and includes a 28-day follow-up challenge for sustained self-awareness, empathy, and leadership growth.
27 February 2025, 1.30pm to 4.45pm AEDT. ​​Effective leadership in the VUCA world requires high performance, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Leaders must manage conflict and stress, develop strong relationships, and reduce stress to increase engagement and productivity. This hands-on program helps in achieving these goals.​
27 February 2025, 1.30pm to 4.45pm AEDT. ​​Effective leadership in the VUCA world requires high performance, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Leaders must manage conflict and stress, develop strong relationships, and reduce stress to increase engagement and productivity. This hands-on program helps in achieving these goals.​
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