How Reinvention and Connection Lead to Growth: Insights from My Conversation with Jaclyn Mullen
It’s funny how life has a way of steering us toward the unexpected. So many of us start out with clear goals or ambitions, only to find ourselves in completely different industries or roles. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned is that career reinvention isn’t just an option—it’s often a necessity. This idea came up in a recent conversation I had with Jaclyn Mullen, the Head of Marketing at The Loops, where we explored how constant reinvention has shaped her career and personal growth.
Jaclyn’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, and in this article, I’m sharing some key takeaways from our conversation that highlight how reinvention, connection, and curiosity can drive meaningful change.
1. The Power of Reinvention
One of the first things Jaclyn and I connected over was the idea of reinvention. Jaclyn didn’t start her career in tech—she studied music business and even spent time working in HR tech before transitioning into SaaS. Her journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a linear path. Sometimes, the road to where we want to be is paved with unexpected turns, and that's okay.
"We all have the ability to reinvent ourselves. It’s a skill we need to cultivate in today’s fast-paced world, especially as technology continues to evolve."
— Jaclyn Mullen
Jaclyn’s experience shows that reinvention isn’t a one-time event. In today’s ever-changing job market, it’s an ongoing process that demands openness to learning, even if it means stepping into unfamiliar territory.
2. Getting Comfortable with Discomfort
One of the biggest obstacles to growth is our discomfort with uncertainty. Jaclyn emphasized the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable—a concept that resonates deeply with me. When you’re stepping into new roles or industries, it’s easy to feel out of your depth. But it’s in those moments that real growth happens.
"You have to stay open to learning and accept that sometimes you’ll feel like a beginner again—and that’s okay."
— Jaclyn Mullen
This is something I’ve come to embrace in my own life. Every time we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we create opportunities for new experiences and skills that ultimately make us stronger.
3. Embracing the Power of Community
Jaclyn’s career is a testament to the importance of community. Throughout our conversation, she talked about how crucial it is to build genuine connections with others—not just for networking, but for personal and professional growth. Jaclyn shared how reaching out to people and fostering relationships has been a game-changer for her career.
"There’s so much power in connection. Some of the most important opportunities in my career came from building relationships with people who believed in me."
— Jaclyn Mullen
For anyone looking to reinvent themselves or make a career change, I can’t stress enough how vital it is to lean into your network. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who challenge you, and who are open to collaboration. You never know where a simple conversation might lead.
4. Capitalizing on Untapped Potential
We also touched on the importance of recognizing and utilizing our untapped potential. Jaclyn’s journey into marketing and tech was something she didn’t initially plan, but as she reflected on her skills and interests, she realized how much potential she had to contribute to the customer experience industry.
"Sometimes, we limit ourselves by not acknowledging the full range of our talents. Don’t be afraid to explore areas you’ve never considered—you might surprise yourself."
— Jaclyn Mullen
This idea really resonated with me. How often do we pigeonhole ourselves into one identity or role without ever considering what else we’re capable of? Whether you’re in customer support, marketing, or tech, there’s always room to grow, explore, and capitalize on strengths you haven’t fully tapped into yet.
5. Removing Ego to Make Real Connections
One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation was Jaclyn’s belief in removing ego to foster genuine connections. Too often, competition and ego can hold us back from truly collaborating with others. Jaclyn emphasized how important it is to drop the ego and approach relationships with an open heart and a willingness to learn.
"When you’re focused on collaboration rather than competition, you open yourself up to so many more opportunities."
— Jaclyn Mullen
In my experience, this is one of the most valuable pieces of advice for anyone in the CX space—or any industry, really. Removing ego allows you to focus on the bigger picture and helps you build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Reinvention is a Lifelong Process – Don’t be afraid to step into new roles or industries. Reinvention is a necessary part of growth.
Get Comfortable with Discomfort – Embrace the uncertainty that comes with learning something new. Growth happens when you push past your comfort zone.
Lean Into Community – Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Community is key to personal and professional success.
Recognize Your Untapped Potential – You’re capable of more than you realize. Explore new areas and be open to discovering hidden talents.
Remove Ego for Genuine Connections – Focus on collaboration, not competition. Real connections happen when you leave your ego at the door.
Conclusion: My conversation with Jaclyn Mullen left me feeling inspired about the power of reinvention, community, and self-reflection. Whether you’re in the early stages of your career or looking for your next opportunity, these principles can guide you in finding success on your own terms.
The key is to stay open to learning, embrace the discomfort that comes with change, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Reinvention isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace, because it opens the door to endless possibilities.
