Co-Founder @ Stan | building a $BN company 🚀

Hi, I’m Vitalii 👋🏻

Over the past 3 years, I’ve built a $30M ARR business with 30 people.

A $1M/employee company.

Now, we’re building a category-defining brand—with $100M ARR in sight.

To do that, I focus on Culture, People, and Product.

Everything that got me here is self-taught.

Born and raised in Russia, I started working at 13—packing parachutes and skydiving. 🪂
By 18, I had 800+ jumps and enough saved to pay for my first year of college.

Jumping out of planes redefined my relationship with fear.
Once you commit, you act. Without hesitation.

I learned English in one year to study abroad—still the hardest thing I’ve done.
That brought me to Canada, where I earned a degree in Chemical Engineering.

I never used it.

My side projects opened doors for me—first to Deloitte, then to eBay.
But the real work happened outside the job.

I made time to build:
9–5 for the paycheck,
5–9 (both morning and night) for what I actually cared about.

That’s where I proved to myself—nothing is impossible.

In 2021, I met my cofounder. We went all-in and started building Stan.

On my LinkedIn, I write about:

→ Founder war stories (unfiltered)
→ Building a $1M/employee startup
→ Creating top 1% culture

🎧 Follow me here if you're building—or want to build—something great.

People I work with would describe me as:

→ I make things happen
→ Zero tolerance for mediocrity
→ I build and run top 1% talent-density teams

🫂 DM me on LinkedIn if you'd like to work at Stan.

But know—it’s likely to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.
And worth it. For the right person.

—

On LinkedIn, I share stories for founders building what’s next—
The ones who care about People, Culture, and Redefining what's possible.

If that’s you,
Follow me. Drop a comment. Or just say hi 👋🏻

Vitalii Dodonov

I've just hired Emily Talas to make Stan the #1 place to work in Toronto 🇨🇦

A day later: "You're so lucky to have her."

I got 7 texts like this following the announcement ^^. Must be doing something right 😅

Here's a stat I feel vulnerable to share:

50% of our candidates from traditional channels don't work out by month 3.

At the same time, 
90% of employee referrals stay indefinitely and create disproportionate value.

There's signal in that.

And we're acting on it ✅

Starting now, we’re going 90% community-based hiring.

When I met Emily, I knew almost instantly she'd be the one:

Born to a family of entrepreneurs. Working since 14. Found her ikigai in Community x Tech (how rare is that!?). People I respect texted me about her.

I bet on Emily because the talent I'm after doesn't talk to recruiters: 
"The best people are never unemployed."

But on occasion, they hang out with other cool people. 
Emily's mission is to create the occasion.

In 2026, Emily's likely to drive 90% of our hiring in Toronto.

Think hackathons, hacker houses, private dinners, collaborations, and special events giving unknown talent a chance to meet us.

🇨🇦 Toronto — what's one event you wish existed here? We're painting a blank canvas, share some ideas!

My first bet of 2026: $20,000 on builders in Canada 🇨🇦

Build with AI? On Jan 23 👇

I’m inviting 60 builders to embark on a weekend-long sprint to create something new at the edge of AI.

Details:
🛠 Participants: 60 builders
⏰ Duration: 2 days 
🎯 Theme: AI × Voice × Video
👥 Team: Solo, with friends, or AI teammates

Each participant/team gets a $200 tech credit and competes for:

$20,000 cash
30-min 1:1 with me (ask anything you want)

To help spread the word, please repost this and tag anyone who should see it!

This is an invite-only event.

📩 To apply, leave a comment describing the most impressive thing you’ve built in one line.

CRA paid me $750K for building in Canada 🇨🇦

And now I'm giving it back - starting with $20K on Jan 23. 

In 2021, we established our office in Canada.

3 years later: $30M ARR. 30 people. One of the fastest-growing startups in the country.

My vision was to build a $1B company with 10 engineers - I'm evolving that now.

Since then, our Toronto office expanded far beyond engineering and has become HQ for 20+ brilliant people building at the edge of technology and entrepreneurship.

There are 2 major tech hubs in the world — SF and Toronto.

And while SF has access to capital and a developed VC ecosystem, California seems to be working against its own interest.

I mean… who wants to become a billionaire in California now? 👎

Anyway — Canada paid me $750K last year for building here.

And I'm paying it back to Canadian builders.

January 23. Hackathon in Toronto. 60 builders. $20,000 grand prize.

Come join us — and let the prize be the seed funding for your company (or use the opportunity to interview at Stan — whatever your ambition is).

Invite-only (curating a high calibre room!)

📩 To apply, drop your proudest project in one sentence in the comments. I'll reach out with an invite if it resonates.

Traditional recruiting is dead. That's why I'm paying $20,000 to a stranger in January.

I've hired 40+ people.

Together, we've built a $30M ARR startup. Profitably.

One thing in common among my best hires:

I wouldn't call them if all I saw was their resume. Take a look:

Esther, now my EA, has a fashion management degree. She got the job by walking into a machine shop and producing a mechanical drawing — before we even met 💅🛠️

Jason (JSON) won a hackathon last year he couldn't legally join because he was 17. I hired him on the spot (with his parents' approval) and he's built a $1.4M product with me in 9 months 🧑🏻‍💻

Ricky, now Head of Engineering, came from a company I'd never heard of. Did fine in the interview (on his birthday! 🎂). Then called me at 10 PM with a better solution he couldn't stop thinking about. 

Resumes can only tell you so much — unreliable signal.

So instead of reading resumes, I host hackathons. Give builders a reason to come. 

Then watch.

So here we are 👇

January 23. Toronto. 2-day hackathon on the edge of AI.

Win $20,000 — and (or!) a job building a $1B company. Invite-only. 

📩 To apply: tell me a story of what you've built that you're most proud of in the comments.

I'm paying $20,000 for 2 days of someone's work on Jan 23.

Early in my career, 

I was making $8,000/mo writing code for a big company, while hacking away on side projects. I always wanted to work for myself.

One day, I was in a room with an entrepreneur who was upset about fees he was paying for software. So I asked:

V: How much are you paying?
M: 10%.

V: And how much money is that?
M: $50K/year.

My mind goes: no wonder he's upset. I bet I could do a simple Stripe integration with 3.4% fees. I already did something similar for my side project.

V: If I could get your fees down to 5%, how much would that be worth to you?
M: I'd pay $10K without even thinking.

V: I'm gonna do it for you for $10K.

It took me a weekend — 3 days (nights included), mostly repackaging code I already had across other projects.

I gave him a demo on Monday, and by Friday, $10,000 landed in my PayPal.

That weekend I learned: the right room + the right skills = life-changing opportunity. 

And now, I want to put you in that room 👇

January 23. Hackathon in Toronto. 60 builders. $20,000 grand prize. 
Invite-only. 

📩 To apply, drop your most impactful build story in the comments — I'll personally reach out to the builders I want in the room.

I hired my Executive Assistant because of her napkin drawing 📜

Her name is Esther.

A year ago, I was looking for an Executive Assistant. 

Looking for the top 1%, I needed a way to test problem-solving and initiative.

So I gave candidates a creative test:

I was building a frame for a flying car as a passion project at the time.

How many ppl know anything about flying cars anyway? 🤷‍♂️

I wrote down an abstract description of a few parts I needed.

The assignment was to research machine shops and find a way to manufacture them 

When I reviewed Esther's submission, she had a picture of this drawing inside (see the image).

I invited her to my office:

V: "Do you know anything about manufacturing?"
E: "No… I study business and fashion"
V: "How did you get this image?"
E: "They drew it for me at the machine shop"
V: "You went to the machine shop?"

(I reviewed a few dozen submissions by then. All candidates just called).

E: "I called first but what they were saying didn't quite fit what you were looking for"

E: "I figured it'd be easier if I just go there to figure it out. "
E: "So I just walked over." 

V: "That must've taken hours. Why invest that time?"

E: "Umm... I didn't really think about it. I wasn't getting what I needed. So I did what I had to do."

Having heard this I knew the interview was over.

Anyone who thinks like that will succeed in anything they do.

She got the job.

And since then, Esther was behind a number of very unique experiences we created at Stan:

Like making the big $750K CRA cheques, organizing Hacker Houses in SF and hosting AI Hackathons on Toronto. 

Congratulations on your 1 year at Stan, Esther!

undefined undefined

Executive Assistant @ Stan

Stan

HackAI 2.0 starting tonight. It’s time to build 😤

New Show: Emily in 𝙿̶𝚊̶𝚛̶𝚒̶𝚜̶ Stan (or "How to get a Founder to hire you")

A story in screenshots 👇

Hiring - Emily in Stan

I'm paying $20,000 in January to the winner of my hackathon. But the real prize isn't the $20K.

The room matters more than the prize.

When I was 13, my dad gave me a gift — working alongside him.

He's a professional skydiver. Extreme sport, expensive hobby. His clients are top-tier business people (natural selection — the sport isn't cheap) 🪂

So in between sessions when we went out for saunas and dinners, I got to sit in and listen to them. War stories, betrayals, deals, schemes, mental models, what made them successful.

I absorbed it all, without even realizing it.

Looking back, I realize — those were the building blocks that led me to a $30M ARR startup, running at $1M/employee before AI.

And that's the opportunity I'm giving you.

Join Stan on January 23 to build for 2 days alongside my team and 59 other builders competing for a grand prize of $20,000.

→ Meet me, my team, and Toronto's best builders.
→ Maybe your future co-founder — or I offer you a job. (It happened last year.)

The $20K is nice. The room might change your life.

January 23. Toronto. Invite-only.

Grab your spot with the link in comments!

I asked a seasoned exec about his worst business decision.

He didn't miss a beat: "Cancelling the 9am."

For 10 years, he ran it daily.
The 2 years he stopped were his worst.

Without that anchor, people drifted in at 9:30.
Add coffee and "how was your weekend" — real work started at 11.

Half the day, gone.

The meetings weren't about updates.
They set the rhythm.

Remove that, and people rebuild discipline from scratch.
Exhausting.

At Stan, when we skip our morning sync, everything drags.

We don't miss the information.
We miss the rhythm.

Humans need structure.
It gives them permission to just start.

What’s your version of the 9am?

Someone asked me what I hope never changes about Stan in 5 years.

Me in 5 seconds: 

"Our commitment to talent density."

I'm building a company where having worked here is the ultimate badge of honor on a resume.

Where any other employer would be fighting to get our alumni on board. 
(If they ever want to work for another company, that is.)

I fundamentally believe the reason we win is this: We attract top 1% talent.

And we put them in an environment where their ability can be utilized to its absolute maximum potential.

With ownership, autonomy, and a set of large, cutting-edge problems they can tackle.

Everything else can change. 
The market, the product, our size.

But for me, it will always be about the talent.

Founders Q: What's the one thing you hope never changes about your company?

One of my favourite Years in Review on LinkedIn. Keep going Alexia - it's okay not to know what's coming. The path unfolds as you start walking.

Putting Humans Back at the Heart of Business | Certified L&D Professional | Soft Skills Expert | Heedership® & Bring Your Asha! Founder | ICF Coach

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." 💜
George Eliot wrote these words centuries ago. I understood them at 43.

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
Merci pour les rencontres qui sont devenues des amitiés.
Merci pour les doutes qui sont devenus des certitudes.
Merci pour chaque "oui" qui m'a rapprochée de qui je suis vraiment.

This year, I finally found where I belong. Coaching. Delivering Trainings. Learning & Development. Toastmasters: Human Connection.

And as I look at this visual, thank you for the idea Stanley (Your Content Coach) and Vitalii Dodonov, I see my entire "purple" year captured in one image. Learn. Grow. Repeat. The infinity loop between Heedership and Leadership. The three pillars. The magic.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.
I don't know exactly what's coming. And that's the most exciting part.

What I do know: I'm ready. Curious. Open.

It is never too late to become who you might have been.
And it's never too early to dream about who you're still becoming.

Pure magic. 💜

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤-𝐢𝐧: What are you curious about for 2026?

Innovation || Startups || Founder Anutio || Investor || Sustainability || Fintech || Blockchain || EdTech || AI || Web3

I’m a curious generalist who loves solving complex problems, challenging the status quo, and building solutions that help people and organizations grow. I’ve always been drawn to work that connects strategy with people. My current focus is building AI tools, systems and partnerships to help businesses achieve their goals. 

As Founder of Anutio, I help organizations achieve bottom-line revenue by mapping business goals to employees' career development needs. Anutio helps organizations visually see, understand, and grow their people by mapping skills to business capability needs, uncovering internal talent, and connecting employees to meaningful growth opportunities —  making career development planning and allocation of training budget more measurable, tangible, transparent, and human.

I truly enjoy turning abstract ideas into practical outcomes, working closely with teams to translate insights into real solutions that make a difference.

Ehi Agbonlahor

APPLY NOW - Paid Internship + 10K Scholarship at TD Securities

Looking to build real experience 
in finance while still in school? 

TD Securities is offering:
🔹A 4-month paid summer internship (2027)
📍Toronto or Calgary
(Global Markets, Investment Banking, 
and/or Chief Operating Office)

🔹A dedicated TD Securities business 
mentor throughout the internship

🔹A C$10,000 scholarship toward tuition 
and school expenses for the 
2027/2028 academic year

Applications open:
January 12, 2026 - January 26, 2026

Check eligibility requirements and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eUSMyjRG

If you’re ready to gain real experience, 
mentorship, and financial support as you 
grow your career, 
this is a great opportunity, don’t miss it.

Ehi Agbonlahor 

20 years ago, I was focused only 
on getting my agriculture degree.							
							
I thought success meant following 
the traditional career path.							
							
But here's what I wish I knew then:							
							
✅ Exposure is everything. 
While I was hiding behind textbooks, 
opportunities were passing me by.							
							
✅ Social connections matter. 
My shy, introverted self missed countless
chances to build meaningful relationships.							
							
✅ Diverse experiences shape us. 
Staying in my agriculture space 
limited my perspective.							
							
I remember thinking:	 

📌Will exploring other paths waste my time?	
 📌What if I lose focus on my studies?							
📌Am I risking my future?							
							
But now I understand:	
						
✓ Growth happens outside your 
comfort zone							
✓ Skills come from varied experiences							
✓ Networks build unexpected
 opportunities							
✓ Exposure creates opportunities 
to apply the knowledge from school							
							
The truth is, I was trapped in 
my own limiting beliefs.		
					
And the story we've been told 
about what the path to a 
successful career looks like. 
							
Heads-down study hard. 
And after that find a job to 
apply what you studied. 							
							
Looking back, I wouldn't change my agriculture background - but I would change how I approached those years.							
							
The lesson? 
🔹Don't wait to explore. 
🔹Don't hide from connections. 
🔹Don't limit yourself to one path.							
							
Your early career years
are meant for discovery. 
Embrace the uncertainty. 
Learn from every experience.							
							
P. S: Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone? The opportunities are waiting.


----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
https://www.anutio.com/

My 2026 goal: 
Live in my main character energy.

✔️ One goal. 365 days. 24/7.

Why this works:

➡️ I can't make excuses that I forgot 
➡️ I share it with my mentors,coaches 
and accountability partners 
➡️ They hold me to it
➡️ If I fail at it one day, one week; 
I pick it up again. 

If you struggle with following 
through with new year resolutions

Try this. 

✔️ One goal. 365 days. 24/7

You have a higher chance 
of getting 1% better each day.

📌 And in 365 days = 37.8x growth = 3,680% 

I have been doing this for the last 7yrs.

Each year my goal positively impacts 
🔹 My personal growth 
🔹 Health
🔹 My career
🔹 My finances
🔹 Relationships 
🔹 Spiritual growth 
🔹 All aspects

I challenge you to try it.
What's your one goal for the year?

9 top networking tips to use in your daily life

Most people still think networking 
means showing up at an event, 
smiling awkwardly, and collecting 
business cards you’ll never use.

Let me show you a better way.

Real networking is what you 
do daily not occasionally.

It’s not a one-time pitch. 
It’s a relationship strategy.

Here are 9 practical ways to network better, 
even if you’re introverted or hate small talk:

1. 🌟Speak up in meetings. 
At work. At School. 
Any Group you find yourself.
It’s visibility in action. 
People can’t connect with who they don’t notice.

2. 🌟Ask intentional questions 
At webinars or live events.
Make yourself memorable by 
engaging with the speaker or host.

3. 🌟Comment meaningfully on LinkedIn.
No “great post” comments. 
Add insights or reflections 
that show your thinking.

4. 🌟Offer help without being asked.
People remember who added 
value especially when there 
was no transaction attached.

5. 🌟Keep a gratitude + value list.
Each week, reach out to 
someone to thank them or share 
something valuable with them.

6. 🌟Build bridges across departments.
Don’t just network within your team. Cross-functional relationships 
matter more than you think.

7. 🌟Introduce people to each other.
Position yourself as a connector
Not just a collector.

8. 🌟Follow up without asking for anything. "Hey, I remembered something 
you said last month, thought 
this resource might help.” 

That’s how trust is built.

9. 🌟Be the kind of person 
people want to talk to.
Kind, curious, and clear. 
It’s not just what you say, 
It’s how you say it.

Networking is intentional effort built over time.

And if you learn to treat every day 
like an opportunity to connect, 
you’ll never be without opportunities.


----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

Most professionals are distracted by things that don’t even matter.

The job market is noisy. 
And many smart people fall 
into the trap of chasing:

🔹 Fancy job titles
🔹 Endless certifications
🔹 Generic “how to get hired” advice

Meanwhile, what actually matters is ignored:

✔️ Your positioning
✔️ Your brand
✔️ Your strategy
✔️ Your skillset
✔️ Who you know and who knows you

I say this because I’ve been there.

When I shifted my focus to what
truly mattered, everything changed for me.

Check yourself today, 
are you chasing things that 
will really move you forward?

What is the worst that could happen?

Many times when I am 
presented with opportunities

And what feels right to me is not 
what makes sense to everyone else,

I find that I am tempted to listen 
to everyone else but myself.

When I am in this headspace, 
faced with the choice of betting 
on myself versus going with the 
bandwagon, 
I ask myself this question:

✔️ What is the worst that could happen?

 I list out:
⏺ all the possible outcomes of my choice
⏺ the impact/implication of each outcome
⏺ if, how and what I might be able 
to do to cushion the effect. 

I call it the worst case scenario analysis (WCSA).

🔹It helps remove the mental block 
🔹And creates an emotional reserve 
for any of the outcomes including 
those I did not foresee. 

It puts me in a mindset to be ready 
to adapt as needed. 

So far, it has worked for me.

The purpose of this worst-case 
scenario analysis for me is not to 
determine whether or not I should proceed.

But 
⭕ When and how I should proceed.
⭕ How much damage a possible fail might be, 
⭕ How much emotional reserve and 
maybe material armour I need, 
to cushion the effect.

Because over the years, I have seen the pattern:
Betting on myself always paid off. 

Even when it seemed like a fail, 
there was always an upside.
 
So whenever I'm at the WCSA phase, 
it means I'm going to do it. 

If you are ever in doubt whether 
to bet on yourself or not.
And you like to work with data 
and logic more than emotions.

📌 Try the WCSA.

From experience, I would always 
choose to bet on yourself.

Give me 2 minutes, I will teach you how to answer interview questions.						
 
If you master these tips, you’ll shine
 and stand out with confidence.						
 
🎯 Research: Know the company and the role. 
Show you care and are prepared.						
 
🎯 Practice: Rehearse common questions. 
The more you practice, 
the smoother it goes.						
 
🎯 STAR Method: Structure your answers. 
Situation, Task, Action, Result. 
Clear and concise.						
 
🎯 Body Language: Sit up straight. 
Make eye contact. 
Your presence matters.						
 
🎯 Ask Questions: Show interest. 
It’s not just about them. 
It’s about you too.						
 
🎯 Dress Appropriately: Choose outfits
 that fit the company culture. 
Look sharp.						
 
🎯 Be Yourself: Authenticity wins. 
Let your true self shine through.						
 
🎯 Follow Up: Send a thank-you note. 
Show appreciation and 
reinforce your interest.						
 
🎯 Mindset: Stay positive. 
Believe in your skills and 
what you bring to the table.						
 
🎯 Listen: Pay attention. 
Respond thoughtfully. 
Communication is key.						
 
🎯 Time Management: Arrive early. 
Respect their time and yours.						
 
🎯 Learn: Every interview is a chance to grow.
Reflect and improve for next time.						
 
Nail your interview and land that job. 
Let’s conquer this together.


----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

APPLY NOW

📌 ICON Talent Partners x KPMG High School Scholarship & Internship Program + $5k stipend 
Built for high school students ready to get early exposure to: 
🔹 Professional mentorship
🔹 Hands-on internship experience
🔹 Career exploration and skill-building

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gYai5rgt 


📌 RBC Future Launch Scholarship + $1,500 stipend 
For Canadian youth ages 15 - 29 who want to learn something new or level up.
The scholarship can be used for: 
🔹 Short-term courses & bootcamps
🔹 Workshops & certifications
🔹 Books, equipment, or learning tools

Applications accepted all year

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gnWf6FmG 

If you're looking to fund your learning and gain real-world experience, these are great opportunities. 
Don't miss it.

Fancy degrees do not equal great employees.				
 
Every manager knows this truth.				
 
Hiring is not a guessing game. 
It's about finding the right fit.				
 
Experience:				
✅ Skills and knowledge matter 
more than a shiny diploma.				
✅ Real-world experience shows how 
a person handles tasks and challenges.				
 
Character:				
✅ Traits like reliability 
and teamwork are key.				
✅ A strong work ethic 
beats a fancy title any day.				
 
Potential:				
✅ Look for candidates 
who can grow and adapt.				
✅ A willingness to learn is more 
valuable than past accolades.				
 
Hiring should focus on what truly matters.				
 
Degrees can impress, but 
they don't guarantee success.				
 

📌 Remember: 
Great employees are made, not born.

----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

Be 1% better everyday.
Play the long game.

We overestimate how much 
we can achieve in one month 
Than in 1year, or 5years or 10years.

For context, imagine who 
you were 10+ years ago, 
where you were, and the 
challenges or worries you had
versus where you are today, 
how much you have grown.

In any aspect of your life:
🔹Career
🔹Finances
🔹Health
🔹Relationships etc

Aim to be 1% better everyday.
Let the law of compounding 
take its natural course.

📌 Perfection is a moving target.
📌 Progress is measurable and achievable.

----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

Apply now - IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 
$15K- 22K stipend. 

Get trained on AI policy. 
All backgrounds and fields are eligible.

If you're interested in shaping 
the future of AI policy.

This is a fully funded, 
3-month fellowship from 
Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) 

for professionals from 
diverse backgrounds who 
want hands-on experience
in AI policy and governance.

Program details 

Full-time commitment (part-time options available for exceptional candidates)

Who should apply;
➡️ Applicants from policy 
or technical backgrounds

➡️ Open to all experience levels from
 undergraduates to seasoned professionals

➡️ Strong interest in AI policy, 
governance, and societal impact

🗓 Deadline: February 2, 2026
📍 Washington D.C. or remote

 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eqv24zMp

If you’re thinking deeply about AI 
and want to influence how it’s 
governed, this is a strong opportunity 
to build real policy experience.


----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

Nearly all career problems can be 
solved with personal branding

🔹Career stagnation.
🔹Lack of clarity. 
🔹Constant rejection.

Many professionals face these 
problems and look for external solutions. 

More degrees, random applications, 
or a career transition.

But here’s the truth:

Most career problems are actually 
branding problems.

When people don’t know:

▶️ What you stand for
▶️ How you add value
▶️ What makes you different

They’ll overlook you even if you're qualified.

These 3 items need to be clear in all your
conversations including your resumes,
interviews, speaking engagements 
and networking chats.

Your personal brand is your career currency.

It opens doors, builds trust, 
and positions you for opportunities 
you never knew existed

Are you intentionally building your personal brand? 
Or are you letting the job market define you?

5 Harsh Truths No One Tells You 
About Career Transitioning.

Making a career transition is exciting, 
but it’s not all fun. 

Here's what you need to know 
before making a leap. 

1️⃣ You might be ignored.

Recruiters won’t call. 
Applications will disappear into 
thin air and it's not personal, 
it's just how the game works.

➡️ Create your own opportunities 
to fast-track your success.

2️⃣ Your experience isn’t enough.

A decade of experience or a fancy 
resume won’t automatically open doors.

➡️ Build a portfolio of results, 
case studies, personal projects, 
or testimonials that show real impact. 

3️⃣ Some people will doubt you.

Friends, family, even mentors may 
question your decision especially 
when your job is stable.

➡️ Stay focused, find a support system, 
and let your results speak for you.

4️⃣ You might not make money at the start.

Shifting careers often means 
taking a step back. 
Less pay, fewer opportunities, and 
moments of doubt.

➡️ But here’s the thing: short-term 
losses can lead to long-term wins. 
Think like an investor; sacrifice now 
to build something bigger later.

5️⃣ Action beats planning.

No amount of planning can replace execution.

➡️ Too many people ‘research’ career 
moves for years. 
Winners take the first step, adapt, 
and figure it out along the way.

Your resume is not the place 
to be humble about your 
career achievements.

Here are 12 tips to make 
your resume standout

✅ Summary paragraph should not 
exceed 3-4 lines.
     ↳ You could use bullets here to 
make it skimmable.
     ↳ Show your years of experience here
     ↳ Show one or two key impressive 
career achievements here

✅ Focus on your most 
relevant experience for the job

✅ Use bullet points for each experience.

✅ Each experience should not 
have more than 3-5 bullet points.

✅ Showcase your achievements 
NOT a list of responsibilities.

✅ Draw attention with 
numbers and percentages.

✅ Each bullet point 
should not exceed 1-2 lines.

✅ Ensure the core tools/requirements 
for the role are captured.

✅ Make your resume skimmable: 
     ↳ Leave white space. 
     ↳ Leave margin space. 
     ↳ Use legible and consistent font.
     ↳ Use simple language and short sentences.

✅ Use industry keywords from 
job description to catch recruiter’s eye.

✅ Skip details like age, marital status, 
and other personal information etc

✅ Make your name and contact 
information easy to find at the top.

----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

Most professionals are distracted 
by things that don’t even matter.

The job market is noisy. 
And many smart people 
fall into the trap of chasing:

🔹Fancy job titles
🔹Endless certifications
🔹Generic “how to get hired” advice

Meanwhile, what actually matters is ignored:

▶️ Your positioning
▶️ Your brand
▶️ Your strategy
▶️ Your skillset
▶️ Who you know and who knows you

I say this because I’ve been there.

When I shifted my focus to what truly 
mattered, everything changed for me.

Check yourself today, 
Are you chasing things that will 
really move you forward?


----------
I am building a career development tool for immigrants, students and professionals to understand their transferable skills and identify jobs that they can easily transition to, make more strategic career decisions and career changes. Sign up here:
 https://www.anutio.com/

I discovered this hard truth 
in my career journey

Employees don’t leave only bad jobs. 
They also leave jobs with no 
growth opportunities.

When people feel stuck, 
they start looking elsewhere.

So how can companies retain top talent? 
By prioritizing career development.

Here’s what a true growth culture looks like:


➡️ Clear Career Paths 

Employees need to see 
their future in the company. 

➡️ Mentorship & Sponsorship 

Investing in people creates loyal,
 high-performing teams. 

➡️ Leadership Development 

Training future leaders should 
be among top priorities.

➡️ Internal Mobility 

If employees have to leave to grow, 
something is broken. 

➡️ Continuous Learning 

A company that encourages 
skill development stays ahead.

What are some ways you’d want an employer 
to support your career development? 
Drop in the comments.

Follow Ehi for career growth strategies.

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Vitalii Dodonov

Ehi Agbonlahor

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The Battle

Vitalii Dodonov

Ehi Agbonlahor

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Vitalii Dodonov's LinkedIn Performance

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