.png)
The Smartest Career Move You Haven’t Made Yet
- Brian Hatfield
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
With over two decades in recruiting and talent acquisition, I’ve interviewed thousands of professionals: rising stars, seasoned executives, and everyone in between. One pattern became crystal clear: a career isn’t defined by every single task you complete, but by the handful of bold, meaningful projects you choose to take on.
These defining moments aren’t always sweeping corporate restructuring or multi-year initiatives. Sometimes, they’re the decision to fix a broken process, launch a new program, or champion an idea that no one else was willing to take on. It’s in those moments that reputations are built and careers level up.
I’ve seen candidates stand out not because they held a lofty title, but because they could point to a tangible impact they made: an initiative they owned, a challenge they solved, a change they navigated. Those stories stick with hiring managers far more than job descriptions ever could.
The truth is, leadership is measured in action. The ability to identify an opportunity, rally the right people, and deliver results is what separates someone who manages from someone who leads. And the leaders who embrace these moments, especially when there’s some risk or resistance involved, are the ones whose careers take on a trajectory of influence and recognition.
That’s why, when the right kind of opportunity comes along, you can’t afford to ignore it. These projects don’t just improve your workplace; they become the highlight reel of your professional story.
Why BarkPass Might Be One of Those Opportunities
For parks departments, municipalities, and community organizations, implementing BarkPass can be that kind of defining project. Yes, it streamlines dog park and pet licensing operations. But, more importantly, it shows you’re willing to modernize, solve persistent challenges, and create lasting community impact.
It’s a chance to:
Identify a long-standing inefficiency.
Take action when others hesitate.
Navigate change effectively.
Deliver measurable improvements to both the organization and the community.
These are exactly the kinds of wins that hiring managers, boards, and future employers remember. If you’re looking for a career move that strengthens your leadership story, BarkPass can be more than just a software upgrade, it can be one of those moments that defines your legacy.
Brian Hatfield
Partner at BarkPass
Recruiting Guru
