Episode Title: You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out with Charlene Pou

What if the goal of career readiness isn't preparing for a particular job, but preparing for whatever comes next?

This week on Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie welcome Charlene Pou, founder of Strategic Engagement Group, where she helps educators and employers build stronger partnerships to prepare people for an ever-changing workforce.

Charlene challenges the traditional idea that young people need to choose a career, earn a credential, and follow a predictable path to success.

Instead, she encourages us to focus on curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and the confidence to explore new possibilities.

One of her most powerful observations?

"Potential exists everywhere, but opportunity does not."

Together, Nick, Marnie, and Charlene explore how educators, employers, parents, and leaders can help close that gap by creating meaningful opportunities for exploration, mentorship, and real-world experiences.

They also discuss the changing role of higher education, alternative career pathways, lifelong learning, and how AI is reshaping both the skills we need and the ways we develop them.

And Charlene shares a leadership rule that applies whether you're 17, 37, or 67:

"You don't have to have it all figured out. You just need to be able to prepare yourself to navigate what's next."

Because careers aren't always straight lines. Sometimes the unexpected turns lead to the most meaningful destinations.

And in a fitting coincidence, Charlene's first concert was Journey, which made her closing reminder that the lessons are in the journey, not the destination, even more appropriate.

Learn more about Charlene:

• Connect with Charlene Pou on LinkedIn
• Follow her LinkedIn newsletter, Peak Potential
• Learn more about Strategic Engagement Group

You don't have to know exactly where you're going. Just be ready to explore what's next.