Climbing with Purpose: How Learning, Feedback, and Mentorship Shape a Meaningful Career.

Success in a fast-paced business world is rarely linear. I had a chat with Florian, an inspiring leader I had the chance to work with during his time at AWS. Now he is leading Palo Alto’s business in Germany.

Expect to read how learning, feedback, and mentorship have impacted his career.

Carve out time for development, no matter what.

Florian highlighted that one of his core strategies for growth has been embracing constant learning. This ranges from product knowledge to staying informed on macroeconomic trends. Don’t learn for the sake of it; make it purposeful and enable yourself to understand the complexities of your field.

“The world keeps on turning, no matter how busy you may be.” - Florian

Carve out time for feedback, no matter what.

Feedback is central to Florian’s career philosophy. He actively seeks it from his leaders, teams and mentors. Even more, he encourages people to be proactive in sharing feedback with him. Use structures like SBI (situation, behaviour, impact) to ensure feedback is clear, actionable, and constructive.

"Also give and provide leaders with unsolicited feedback – they likely appreciate it." - Florian

Have a mentor, no matter what.

Mentorship has been a driving force in Florian’s career, from selecting mentors to mentoring others. Chooses mentors who align with your goals that can offer insight into the industry or future roles. This can be a strategic choice, sometimes opportunistic.

“In mentoring, be clear and committed. Set expectations and boundaries early.” - Florian

Prioritize and balance, no matter what.

In a role that demands high performance, managing stress becomes essential. For Florian, it’s about prioritizing—knowing where to direct his focus to avoid burnout. He makes clear that having a plan, a sense of personal direction, helps him avoid becoming overwhelmed by others’ agendas.

“Have a plan, or else you’ll become part of someone else’s.” - Florian

Let’s wrap it up.

• Embrace continuous learning, open feedback and intentional mentorships.

• Prioritize personal well-being for sustainable success.

• Live a fulfilling, purpose-driven (professional) life.