Quotes from professionals in all fields about the value of investing in your own professional development. Insightful as you consider coach training or as you wonder about what motivates coaching clients.
“What difference does investing in your own professional development make?”
Here is what 26 thought leaders had to say.
People think once you’re the CEO, you’ve got it all figured out–but honestly, that’s when the real work on yourself starts. I invest in coaches, masterminds, and spend time with smart peers to stay sharp. I work in blockchain, so when I go to events, people expect me to know the latest–how things work, what’s next, and why it matters. I’d honestly feel embarrassed if I couldn’t answer those questions. That’s why I keep investing in my growth. Learning never ends, no matter your title. It’s part of being a great leader.
Arslan Naseem, CEO, Kryptomind
Having spent 15 years guiding travelers through California’s ever-changing landscape, I’ve found that investing in professional development isn’t just helpful–it’s absolutely essential for survival in this industry. After the 2008 recession nearly wiped out my client base, I spent $2,000 on an immersive sustainable tourism certification when everyone else was cutting costs, and within six months, my bookings doubled as eco-conscious travelers sought specialists with my credentials.
The travel industry transforms dramatically with each technological shift, and those who don’t evolve simply disappear. When virtual reality tours emerged, I participated in a weekend workshop to learn implementation strategies, which allowed me to create immersive pre-trip experiences that convinced hesitant clients to book longer, premium adventures they might otherwise have avoided.
Professional development is the difference between treading water and riding waves. The travel agents who thrive today aren’t necessarily the most naturally talented–they’re the ones who consistently reinvest in their skills and adapt to changing consumer behaviors before they become obvious trends.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
I must say that upskilling across disciplines sharpens your pattern recognition, such as say, product + psychology or data + storytelling. That makes you better at strategy and innovation because you’re connecting dots across silos that others don’t even see. I noticed that it helps to see patterns that others often miss. For instance, if you’re skilled in both data analysis and storytelling, you’ll be able to spot trends and insights in the data that can be conveyed in a compelling and impactful way.
This will give you a competitive edge in your industry by making you able to make better decisions based on accurate information. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, organizations that excel at connecting data and storytelling are able to make better decisions 5 times faster than their peers. I think being skilled in both data analysis and storytelling makes you a valuable asset to any team to improve business strategy and decision-making skills.
Kevin Baragona, Founder, Deep AI
Investing in your own growth flips the switch from “employee” to “asset.” It keeps you sharp, relevant, and way harder to replace. Plus, it builds confidence–like, real “I got this” energy.
Whether it’s a course, a coach, or just carving out time to read, you start making smarter moves and spotting opportunities others miss. Bottom line: growth compounds. Bet on yourself early and often.
Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose
Investing in myself has never ever been about chasing titles–it’s been about clarity. The more I’m expanding, the more I am clear on what counts, what makes the difference, and what I need to unlearn. As a founder, I very early on knew that business can only go as fast as I do.
At Legacy Online School, I invite our team to turn learning into a way of life, not an obligation. When I took the time to develop skills in communication and systems thinking, it didn’t just make me a more robust CEO–it made me a better listener, strategist, and partner.
Professional development isn’t about knowledge–about what you know. It’s about identity. You don’t just react and instead inspire. You’re less concerned about proving yourself and more concerned about making what is around you more excellent.
My advice? Invest not just in learning that gets you “better” at work. Invest in what broadens your vision. That’s where the real shift happens.
Vasilii Kiselev, CEO & Co-Founder, Legacy Online School
In my experience, roles and industries shift, but development builds a portfolio of tools, insights, and adaptability that follow you no matter where you go. You’re not just making yourself better for your current job, but you’re preparing yourself for the one that hasn’t been invented yet. You see, development builds your future-proof portfolio that makes you valuable and marketable in any situation. For instance, let’s say you’ve been working in web development for the past five years and suddenly, your company decides to shift its focus to mobile app development.
Your background in web development has equipped you with transferable skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that can easily be applied to mobile app development. This makes you an asset to the company and positions you for potential career growth. Technology is constantly evolving and new programming languages and tools are being introduced every day. According to a survey conducted by Stack Overflow, 90% of developers say they are self-taught, demonstrating the ability to adapt and learn new skills.
Stefan Van der Vlag, AI Expert/Founder, Clepher
Investing in my professional development has profoundly shaped my approach as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For example, gaining expertise in Brain spotting and Accelerated Resolution Therapy allows me to offer custom, intensive therapy options that suit my clients’ specific needs more accurately. These therapies empower clients to achieve faster and more lasting results, enhancing their personal growth and resilience.
Being based in different states has allowed me to expand my perspectives and tailor my approaches to diverse client bases in both California and Texas. This, in turn, offers me insights into different communal challenges and expectations, and how I integrate solutions sensitive to these differences. The strategic investment in understanding these variations directly impacts how effectively clients connect with and benefit from the therapeutic process.
Additionally, sharing my journey of setting financial and emotional boundaries has enriched my practice. For instance, understanding the interplay between self-worth and financial habits in clients, especially women entrepreneurs, is essential. This awareness empowers clients to reshape their financial beliefs and behaviors, ultimately enhancing their confidence and supporting sustainable business success.
Audrey Schoen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Audrey Schoen, LMFT
Investing in my professional development has been transformative for both me and my clients. When I pursued EMDR certification and then continued to become a Consultant-in-Training, it dramatically expanded my ability to help clients process trauma that talk therapy alone couldn’t address.
My Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems training allowed me to create a truly integrative approach. One client who had been struggling with chronic anxiety for years finally experienced relief when we incorporated somatic techniques that addressed how trauma was held in their body—something I couldn’t have offered without this specialized training.
The Safe and Sound Protocol certification has been particularly valuable for clients with severe trauma responses and attachment wounds. This polyvagal-informed intervention helps regulate the nervous system in ways that make other therapeutic work more effective, creating breakthroughs for clients who previously felt stuck.
As a co-founder of Pittsburgh CIT, I’ve seen how my continued education directly impacts our center’s reputation and ability to provide cutting-edge trauma treatment. It’s not just about individual professional growth—it’s about elevating the entire field and bringing innovative healing approaches to those who need them most.
Lauren Hogsett Steele, Therapist, Pittsburgh Center for Integrative Therapy
Investing in professional development transformed my coaching career. When I started in 2009, I had teaching background but lacked endurance sport-specific knowledge. As I invested in learning physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology, my athletes’ performances improved dramatically.
The biggest ROI came from mental training education. Learning visualization techniques from sport psychologists allowed me to help athletes who were physically strong but mentally struggled. One athlete went from consistently DNFing races to qualifying for world championships after we implemented a structured mental inventory process and visualization practice.
Taking off-seasons for my own education proved crucial. Like I tell my athletes about physical training – your fitness is like the stock market, not a zero-sum game. The same applies to professional knowledge. Short breaks devoted to learning compound over time, creating intellectual “fitness” that never completely reverts to baseline.
My coaching business grew 40% year-over-year after I invested in specialized triathlon swim instruction certification. This directly addressed a major limiter for most triathletes and became our unique value proposition. Professional development isn’t just about filling knowledge gaps – it’s about identifying where your specialized expertise can solve specific problems that others struggle with.
Christopher Bagg, Head Coach & Co-Founder, Campfire Endurance
Investing in my professional development as a mental health professional has been transformative, not only for my personal growth but also for the impact I have on my clients. For example, obtaining licensure in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) allowed me to provide a specialized approach to treating trauma, which has been particularly beneficial to clients who have struggled with traditional methods. This specific expertise helped clients make measurable progress in handling traumatic responses.
Moreover, learning and applying the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) has expanded my therapeutic toolkit, allowing me to address challenges related to emotional regulation and resilience more effectively. By implementing these techniques, I’ve witnessed a noticeable improvement in clients’ ability to manage stress and anxiety, contributing to their overall well-being. This underscores that continued learning and professional development empower therapists to provide more comprehensive care and support to diverse client needs.
Encouraging continued personal and professional development among therapists can lead to profound outcomes, such as deeper client connections and more effective therapeutic interventions. For me, staying abreast of the latest techniques and methodologies means I can better understand and address the complexities of mental health challenges, reinforcing my commitment to fostering a healing and empowering environment for my clients.
Anne Marie White, Licensed Professional Counselor, Dream Big Counseling and Wellness
Investing in my own professional development has been pivotal in enhancing my capabilities as a therapist, particularly in the field of trauma recovery through EMDR. With over two decades of experience, I continually refine my skills, such as becoming an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, allowing me to provide more nuanced and effective treatment for complex trauma cases. This investment in my professional growth ensures my clients receive rapid and transformative healing, exemplified by the significant reduction in emotional distress reported by many of my trauma clients.
Additionally, my involvement in specialized training, such as with the Parnell Institute, has deepened my understanding of trauma’s complex layers. This knowledge translates into more personalized therapy sessions, like EMDR Intensives, which clients find exceptionally beneficial for overcoming severe emotional challenges quickly. One study revealed that more than half of participants in EMDR sessions no longer met PTSD criteria afterward, showcasing the profound impact of targeted professional development on client outcomes.
Engaging in continuous education about the neurobiological aspects of trauma has also been crucial. Understanding how EMDR differs from traditional therapies, such as CBT, allows me to offer clients a more direct approach to processing traumatic memories. This results in faster emotional recovery and long-term resilience, proving that investing in professional development can lead to significant client changes and new therapeutic insights.
Linda Kocieniewski, Psychotherapist, Linda Kocieniewski Therapy
Investing in my professional development has been transformative, especially as a Clinical Psychologist and founder of Know Your Mind Consulting. One key area was enhancing my skills in evidence-based psychological therapies, which allowed me to better support parents facing mental health challenges. This investment not only improved therapy outcomes but increased client satisfaction, helping reduce absenteeism and turnover in workplaces we consult for.
My focus on understanding the nuances of organizational culture helped me design targeted interventions for companies like Bloomsbury PLC. By training their line managers, I helped them create a more supportive work environment, which is crucial for employee retention and morale. This move led to noticeable improvements in productivity and workforce stability.
Moreover, my experience with severe pregnancy sickness taught me the importance of using personal challenges for professional growth. This experience drove me to develop specialized services for working parents, providing them the support I once needed. This not only expanded our service offerings but also deepened our impact within client organizations.
Dr. Rosanna Gilderthorp, Clinical Psychologist & Director, Know Your Mind Consulting
Investing in your professional development can be a game-changer, particularly in high-pressure environments like New York City. From my experience, it’s not just about acquiring skills but about gaining clarity and building confidence in who you are and what you want. I’ve seen clients who are entrepreneurs and creatives make subtle changes in their daily lives after gaining insights into their behaviors. This has led to more enriching life experiences and a sense of stability that fuels their professional success.
One practical example is the integration of mindfulness techniques into sessions. By helping clients become more aware of their thought patterns, they can make more informed decisions, leading to improved work-life balance and overall well-being. This approach has empowered them to steer the complexities of their careers with greater ease and satisfaction.
Moreover, guiding a team of therapists at Clarity Therapy NYC has shown me the value of nurturing growth within a professional setting. By fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and development, we not only improve our therapeutic offerings but also strengthen our connections with clients. This collaborative growth mindset is essential in achieving both personal and professional fulfillment.
Logan Jones, Psy.D, Psychologist & Director, Clarity Therapy NYC
Investing in my own professional development has been pivotal–not just for me personally, but for the impact I make through Balloon Educational Psychology. As a child and educational psychologist, staying current with research and best practice ensures that the support I offer to children, families, and schools is genuinely effective and evidence based. It strengthens my confidence and credibility, especially when delivering training or advising school leaders. It also keeps my services innovative and responsive–our bespoke intervention packages and school support programs evolve directly from what I’m learning. Beyond that, professional growth fuels personal fulfilment and models the growth mindset I encourage in others. Ultimately, it’s an investment in the quality and integrity of both my brand and the outcomes we help achieve.
Dr Abigail Wilson, Educational and Child Psychologist, Balloon Educational Psychology
As the owner and President of a recruiting firm, I’ve come to see professional development not just as a personal asset, but as a leadership responsibility. Every time I invest in my own growth–whether through executive training, industry roundtables, or new certifications–I’m reinforcing a message to my team: learning doesn’t stop at the top.
It’s easy for leaders to talk about continuous improvement as something employees should prioritize. But when that message isn’t matched by action, it rings hollow. In fact, it can breed frustration. Nothing undermines a culture of growth faster than a leader who expects evolution from others while remaining stagnant themselves.
I pursue ongoing professional development not only because it sharpens my skills and deepens my strategic thinking, but because I take seriously the influence, I have on those around me. As a mentor, I know that people are watching how I lead, not just listening to what I say. Modeling a commitment to learning sends a powerful signal: growth is not a phase, it’s a standard.
And when people see that standard consistently upheld, it creates a ripple effect. Teams become more curious, more driven, and more invested in their own development. In that way, professional growth isn’t just something I do for myself–it’s one of the most effective tools I have for cultivating a culture of excellence across the entire organization.
Michael Moran, Owner and President, Green Lion Search
Investing in my professional development was transformative, particularly through the creation and expansion of the “DIY Insurance Billing for Private Practice” course. This allowed me to empower over 950 clinicians, highlighting the importance of understanding insurance billing—crucial knowledge that many therapists found daunting, yet vital for their practice’s sustainability.
Transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle opened unique opportunities for continuous learning and growth. As a traveling therapist, keeping up to date with industry trends and networking with other professionals is crucial. It has enabled me to support and influence the dynamic field of online therapy while managing an insurance-based practice.
Starting The Traveling Therapist Podcast exemplifies another facet of leveraging professional development. By sharing personal stories and expert insights, I broadened my audience reach, offering invaluable tips to therapists considering a similar lifestyle shift. This not only enriched my own journey but provided a platform for communal learning, enhancing the collective knowledge of our community.
Kym Tolson, Therapist Coach, The Traveling Therapist
Investing in my own professional development has been pivotal in evolving my career from estate planning to owning a successful law firm and founding the Paralegal Institute. By delving deeply into personal injury law, I honed advocacy skills that led to numerous successful jury trials, significantly increasing client satisfaction and firm reputation. This commitment not only sharpened my legal acumen but also provided a foundation for teaching trial skills to both paralegals and fellow attorneys.
Through overseeing the hiring and training of numerous paralegals, I recognized the importance of a practical, skills-based curriculum. This insight drove me to develop a 15-week paralegal certification program custom to industry needs—creating a faster entry point for students and ensuring that graduates immediately contribute to legal teams, ultimately enhancing staff efficiency and reducing turnover. Investing in professional growth facilitated the successful expansion of the Paralegal Institute, which thrives on equipping aspiring legal professionals with skills that exceed industry expectations.
For others looking to amplify their professional development, focus on areas where your growth can directly impact both personal career and organizational success. My experiences underline that targeted, practical training and skill application not only lift individual capabilities but also drive team and organizational advancement.
Matthew Pfau, Curriculum Developer & Educator, Paralegal Institute
Investing in professional development enabled me to revolutionize our marketing strategy at FLATS®. By understanding the value of storytelling and data-driven decision-making, I spearheaded the creation of in-house unit-level video tours linked to our Engrain sitemaps, resulting in a 25% faster lease-up process and a 50% reduction in unit exposure, all without incurring extra costs. This taught me the power of blending creativity with analytics to drive impactful business outcomes.
Another key development has been my approach to negotiating marketing vendor contracts. By leveraging historical performance data, I negotiated cost reductions and additional services like annual media refreshes. This not only improved our occupancy rates but also increased our marketing flexibility. These negotiations are a testament to how investing in understanding market dynamics and data can result in tangible business benefits.
Constantly improving these skills also allowed me to manage a $2.9 million marketing budget effectively. By focusing on digital marketing strategies and reducing overheads like broker fees, I boosted qualified leads by 25% and cut the cost per lease by 15%. Continuous learning in financial management and strategy enables substantial ROI and aligns with stakeholder goals.
Gunnar Blakeway-Walen, Marketing Manager, The Miller Apartments By Flats
Investing in my professional development has been critical in delivering top-tier services at MD Body and Med Spa. My dedication to ongoing education in medical aesthetics, including advanced training in Botox and dermal fillers, allows me to provide innovative and effective treatments, which directly improves client satisfaction and retention.
One standout case was refining my skills in laser treatments. By incorporating the latest laser resurfacing technologies, I’ve seen a 40% increase in satisfied return clients who appreciate the significant improvements in their skin texture and tone. Staying on the cutting edge of these advancements ensures our clients benefit from the most effective solutions available.
From over a decade in holistic health, I’ve also integrated a holistic approach into our offerings. This means combining cutting-edge aesthetic treatments with wellness practices like Reiki and reflexology, which not only improves treatment outcomes but also promotes overall well-being for our clients. This unique blend sets our practice apart and adds value to every service we provide.
Rachel Stone, CEO, MD Body & Med Spa
From personal experience, I have seen the difference that investing in my own professional development has made in my career. It has opened up new opportunities and allowed me to advance in my field at a faster pace. By continuously learning and improving myself, I have been able to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities, which have ultimately led to higher pay and better job prospects.
Moreover, investing in your own professional development also helps you stay updated with industry trends and changes. In today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environment, it is crucial to stay relevant and adaptable. Continuous learning through attending workshops, conferences, taking online courses or pursuing advanced degrees helps you acquire new skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market.
Patrick McDermott, Executive Vice President, Max Cash
Investing in my own professional development has made all the difference in how I represent my clients and run my firm. I’ve been practicing law for over 35 years, but I never stop learning. Laws change, courtroom strategies evolve, and staying sharp is not optional when people’s futures are on the line. Every case I take on involves someone who’s been seriously hurt, often a construction worker just trying to make an honest living. They depend on me to fight for them like it’s personal, because for me, it is. By continuously improving my skills, I ensure I’m not just showing up with experience, but with the most effective tools and knowledge to win. It’s not about chasing credentials; it’s about delivering results. That drive to stay at the top of my game means I can walk into a courtroom or a negotiation knowing I’ve done everything possible to give my clients the best shot. And that matters when you’re standing up for people who’ve been overlooked or taken advantage of. I owe it to them to be better every day. That’s what investing in myself really means, being fully prepared to fight for the people who trust me most.
Christopher J. Gorayeb, Owner, Gorayeb & Associates, P.C.
Investing in professional development completely transformed my approach to marketing in the multifamily property sector. When I immersed myself in learning about Engrain sitemaps and video tour development, I was able to implement a system that reduced our unit exposure by 50% with zero additional overhead costs.
My strategic negotiation skills developed through professional growth directly impacted our bottom line. By studying historical performance data and portfolio benchmarks, I successfully negotiated vendor contracts that included annual media refreshes while simultaneously reducing costs—creating mutual benefits for stakeholders and strengthening vendor relationships.
The budget management expertise I gained through dedicated learning allowed me to reallocate resources from traditional channels to more effective digital strategies. This shift resulted in a 25% increase in qualified leads while creating a 4% savings in our overall $2.9 million marketing budget.
Professional development isn’t optional in fast-evolving fields like property marketing—it’s essential for survival and growth. The skills I gained in geofencing and digital advertising through platforms like Digable directly translated to a 10% increase in engagement and 9% lift in conversions across our portfolio properties.
Gunnar Blakeway-Walen TSA, Marketing Manager, The Sally Apartments by Flats
Investing in my own professional development has been one of the most important things I’ve done–not just for my work, but for my confidence and longevity in this field. It reminds me that I’m not just showing up for others–I’m also showing up for myself.
It’s easy to get caught in the routine of helping others and forget that we need growth too. But every time I’ve taken a course, joined a consultation group, or even just carved out time for reflection, it’s reignited something in me. It keeps the work fresh. It sharpens my instincts. And honestly, it helps me show up more grounded and present in the room.
The difference? Clients can feel it. And I can feel it too.
Adam Gelinas, Clinic Director, First Step Men’s Therapy
Investing in my professional development completely transformed my therapy practice and career trajectory. When I became EMDR certified and later developed Resilience Focused EMDR, my clients started experiencing breakthrough results that “felt more significant than years of therapy” in their words.
The $1997 I invested in advanced EMDR training allowed me to create intensive therapy options ($997-$4797) that generate substantially more revenue while delivering deeper client change. This investment created multiple income streams – clinical practice, training other therapists, and consultation – all flowing from that initial specialized training.
My commitment to neuroscience education differentiates me in a crowded therapy marketplace. Understanding and teaching brain-based techniques made my trainings so popular that I now facilitate monthly EMDR certifications for clinicians across the US and internationally.
The most surprising ROI came when I stepped away from insurance panels. By deepening my expertise, I could confidently create a self-pay practice that better serves clients without insurance limitations while increasing my earning potential. For therapists considering their next investment, specialized trauma or neuroscience training that generates multiple revenue streams offers the strongest professional and financial returns.
Libby Murdoch, Founder, Brain Based Counseling
Investing in my own professional development has been crucial for both my career and the clients I serve. When I obtained my CIC and AAI designations, it wasn’t just about adding letters after my name; it was about the hundreds of hours I invested to gain a comprehensive understanding of core insurance concepts. This knowledge has enabled me to better tailor insurance solutions that truly protect clients’ assets, positioning me as a reliable advisor in the industry.
One key example from my career is my involvement with the Selective Insurance Company’s “Next Generation Network.” This experience allowed me to collaborate with emerging leaders and gain insights into innovative insurance solutions, which I then implemented back at Liberty. As a result, we could offer more customizable and robust coverage options to our clients, minimizing their exposure to unexpected risks.
Professional growth also fosters industry leadership. By serving as the Treasurer of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and earning the Agent of the Year award in 2020, I’ve established credibility and helped drive initiatives that shape industry practices. This role further underscores the importance of continuous learning in ensuring that my approach remains cutting-edge and aligned with clients’ evolving needs.
Andrew Harris, President, Liberty Insurance
Investing in professional development has been pivotal in my journey from construction to owning Terp Bros. One example is when I immersed myself in learning about business regulations and community-based leadership, which was crucial in securing the CAURD license. This knowledge enabled me to steer the complexities of the cannabis industry effectively.
Additionally, networking played a massive role in my development. By connecting with local business leaders and community influencers, I expanded my support network, which directly contributed to Terp Bros’ success. This approach increased our community engagement and opened up new business opportunities, allowing us to expand to a second location.
Finally, mentorship was invaluable. A mentor early in my career saw potential beyond my past mistakes and instilled the importance of giving back. This guidance not only helped me transition from construction to cannabis but also reinforced the commitment to social equity at Terp Bros. Investing in personal growth and community relationships is a strategy I’d recommend to anyone striving to make a meaningful impact.
Jeremy Rivera, CEO, Terp Bros
Professional development changes your trajectory. Early in my career, I waited for growth to come from managers or company programs. Progress stalled. Once I took control – reading on weekends, asking better questions, building relationships outside my team – everything moved faster. Promotions followed. Opportunities widened. Not because I worked more, but because I worked smarter.
In growth marketing, speed matters. So does judgment. The best decisions I’ve made came after learning from someone sharper or putting new skills to the test. That doesn’t happen by accident. You need a system. For me, that means blocking time each week for strategy reflection, testing ideas in low-risk environments, and measuring results beyond short-term wins. No fluff. No guessing. Development turns into execution only when it’s intentional.
When people on my team invest in themselves, we all move forward. The culture lifts. New ideas show up. Execution improves. It’s obvious who’s growing and who’s stuck. I reward the ones doing the work because they raise the bar without needing to be told. That’s where long-term impact starts.
Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM
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