I’m Michael Fielden
a Technology Expert. Project Manager. Chief Operations Officer. REALTOR®. Keynote Speaker. Developer. Leader & Influencer. Podcaster. Author. Marketing Professional. Facilities Manager. Photographer.

Reinventing Yourself (Again): Why Career Pivots Aren’t a Sign of Failure

The days of linear careers are over. For many professionals, especially in tech or real estate, the modern resume reads like a playlist—diverse, surprising, and always evolving. Reinvention is the new norm, and it’s something to embrace.

Career pivots aren’t about starting over. They’re about combining past skills in new ways. A tech-savvy realtor or an operations manager with a design background brings unique value to the table. It’s the blend, not the box, that sets people apart.

Reinvention often comes from necessity – a market shift, burnout, or just the need for new challenges. But it can also be intentional. Learning AI tools, picking up photography, or launching a new business doesn’t mean you’re scattered. It means you’re adaptable.

The key is to own your narrative. Connect the dots between your experiences and make the pivot feel like a natural progression, not a random leap. People resonate with authenticity and courage more than perfect résumés.

So, if you feel like your next chapter is pulling you in a new direction, listen. Reinvention isn’t a fallback – it’s a forward move.

Tech Without the Hype: Tools I Actually Use Every Day

We’re flooded with “must-have” tools in every industry, but most of them gather dust after the first week. The real test of tech? Daily use. As someone who straddles real estate, IT, and creative work, I’ve learned to be ruthless about what earns space in my tech stack.

First, project and task management: Notion and Trello keep my life in order. Their flexibility lets me toggle between different modes of thinking—strategic planning, daily checklists, client work—without missing a beat.

For communication, Slack and Loom dominate. I prefer asynchronous video when a message is too long for chat but too casual for email. It saves time and captures tone, which helps build better client relationships.

In the content space, Canva and ChatGPT are non-negotiable. Canva handles everything from social posts to client mockups. ChatGPT drafts copy, summarizes content, and even assists with coding or contracts. It’s like having a digital co-pilot.

None of these tools are trendy for trend’s sake. They work because they reduce friction, save time, and integrate easily into how I already think. Use what fits your workflow—not what’s hot on Product Hunt this week.

The Quickest Way to Deliver Your Message? Make It Visual.

When it comes to cutting through the noise online, words often aren’t enough. Whether you’re pitching an idea, marketing a product, or explaining a complex concept, visuals are the fastest way to connect. They grab attention, clarify meaning, and leave a lasting impression.

Think about the rise of infographics, video content, and memes. These formats thrive because they compress information into digestible, impactful visuals. The human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text. That’s not just a fun fact – it’s a strategy.

The human brain processes images significantly faster than text. Some researchers claim that the brain processes images up to 600 times faster than text, while others have proposed a figure of 60,000 times faster.

In branding and communication, every element from typography to layout tells a story. A strong visual design builds trust, establishes mood, and reinforces your core message. It doesn’t require a degree in design – just clarity, consistency, and a focus on your audience.

For professionals building a personal brand (especially those juggling roles like realtor, technologist, and entrepreneur), visuals unify a scattered narrative. Your headshot, your logo, your slides – they’re not fluff, they’re first impressions.

So, the next time you’re crafting a message, ask yourself: Can this be said with a chart, a photo, or a clean layout? If so, do it. Visual storytelling isn’t about decoration – it’s about making ideas stick.