Career setbacks can be disheartening due to a missed promotion, an unsuccessful project, or an unexpected job loss. But Ilia Jakel, an expert in leadership and resilience training, believes that setbacks are also opportunities for learning and growth. Through her work at Sharpen Leadership, Jakel has helped countless professionals rebuild their confidence, reframe their experiences, and come back stronger.

In this article, we delve into Ilia Jakel’s approach to resilience, exploring how her strategies can help professionals transform setbacks into stepping stones toward career success.

Understanding the Power of a Growth Mindset

A central theme in Jakel’s approach is the concept of a growth mindset, which she believes is essential for overcoming career setbacks. This mindset encourages professionals to see failures not as permanent outcomes but as temporary hurdles that provide valuable lessons. “Every setback contains a learning opportunity,” Jakel explains. “Rather than viewing it as the end, consider it a chance to improve, pivot, and come back stronger.”

Jakel advises her clients to start by reframing their setbacks as learning experiences. By asking questions like, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I grow from this experience?” professionals can shift their perspective and reduce the emotional impact of setbacks. This mindset helps individuals take control of their career journeys and fosters resilience, equipping them to handle future challenges with confidence.

Reflecting on the Setback with Honesty and Accountability

Jakel emphasizes that self-reflection is a crucial step in bouncing back. She encourages her clients to take an honest look at the factors that contributed to the setback, whether they were external, such as changes in company structure, or internal, such as skill gaps. “Self-reflection allows you to understand your role in the setback without self-blame,” Jakel notes. “It’s about recognizing what went wrong and identifying areas for improvement.”

Her resilience programs include structured reflection exercises that guide clients through an analysis of the setback. This process allows individuals to see setbacks as opportunities to refine their strategies and develop greater self-awareness. Rather than focusing on blame, Jakel’s approach promotes accountability, empowering professionals to learn and move forward constructively.

Rebuilding Confidence Through Small Wins

Career setbacks often take a toll on self-confidence, making it difficult to regain momentum. Jakel’s strategy for rebuilding confidence involves setting small, achievable goals that align with an individual’s strengths. “Confidence is rebuilt through action,” she explains. “When you start with small wins, you remind yourself of your capabilities, which in turn restores your belief in your abilities.”

Jakel suggests starting with tasks or projects that align with one’s expertise. For instance, if an individual’s setback involved a missed promotion, they might focus on excelling in their current role to showcase their strengths. By achieving these incremental goals, professionals can gradually rebuild their self-esteem and demonstrate their value within their organization or industry.

Strengthening Resilience Through Support Networks

A strong support network can make a significant difference when navigating a career setback. Jakel advises her clients to seek out mentors, trusted colleagues, and friends who can offer perspective and encouragement. “Resilience is not something you develop alone,” she says. “Having people who believe in you and provide constructive feedback can be invaluable during challenging times.”

Through her coaching, Jakel teaches professionals how to build and utilize a support network that promotes resilience. Her clients learn the importance of sharing their experiences with people they trust, receiving insights from different perspectives, and finding comfort in the knowledge that setbacks are a natural part of any career.

Setting New Goals with Renewed Determination

After reflecting on the setback, rebuilding confidence, and gathering support, Jakel advises her clients to set new, ambitious goals. These goals serve as a roadmap for moving forward and provide a renewed sense of purpose. “A setback shouldn’t define your career,” she emphasizes. “It’s an opportunity to recalibrate and set goals that reflect your growth and resilience.”

Jakel’s guidance includes creating a step-by-step action plan that outlines the specific goals, resources, and timelines necessary to achieve these ambitions. Her clients learn how to approach their next steps with intention and focus, leveraging the insights gained from their setbacks to improve their strategies.

Embracing Setbacks as Catalysts for Growth

In Jakel’s experience, career setbacks can be some of the most transformative moments in a professional’s life. By approaching them with a growth mindset, engaging in self-reflection, building confidence, and relying on support networks, individuals can turn these challenges into powerful opportunities for advancement. “Setbacks teach us resilience, adaptability, and the value of perseverance,” Jakel says. “These qualities don’t just help you bounce back—they position you for long-term success.”

With Ilia Jakel’s guidance, countless professionals have learned to face setbacks head-on, ultimately using them as opportunities to grow, thrive, and achieve even greater career success.

Published by: Josh Tatunay