Polymath in Motion: Crafting a Career Pathway.
- Calabash Coach
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
As a careers coach, one of the frequently asked questions I get is:
"I am good at so many things, and I don't know which one to choose."
The exploration process I use to respond to this question often unlocks different emotions:
Guilt: for being good at so many things
Sense of failure for not settling down to one career path
Confusion around which path would lead to career fulfilment.
These emotions are all valid, and I can understand the basis of them. As a careers coach, I help my clients reframe these thoughts.
The career planning for these individuals is vastly different from those who have a strong conviction about what they want to do.
Being good at “many things is admirable. However, having high-level expertise in many disciplines takes it to a different level and that is polymathic brilliance, and these individuals are described as polymaths. One notable polymath was Leonardo Da Vinci, as he had expertise in art, science, and anatomy. Research also shows that Maya Angelou was also a polymath as her expertise spanned across literature, activism and performing arts.
How do polymaths add value to the labour market
Their extensive knowledge of different disciplines, coupled with their high sense of curiosity and ability to learn quickly, make them a valuable asset to cross-functional teams and roles that involve innovation and consulting. Their strengths include:
High-level Problem-Solving Skills: Drawing from multiple disciplines enables polymaths to offer innovative and multidimensional solutions.
Strategic Vision: Polymaths are excellent at viewing situations from a holistic perspective. This helps them to add value to various functions across different sectors seamlessly.
What are the challenges of being a Polymath?
Inner Turmoil: The process of choosing one career path can feel limiting and evoke emotions such as guilt or confusion.
Misconception: Being a Polymath might not seem attractive in some work cultures. As a result, a polymath might be perceived as a “Jack of all trades,”
Risk of burnout: Managing different skill sets across different disciplines can be difficult without proper support or boundaries.
Nurturing the polymath within
From my experience of working with polymaths, I cannot underestimate the power of recognition and support. Something magical happens when these two conditions are present. They inspire reflection, bold action, and empowerment. Here are three things you can do to nurture your polymathic brilliance.
1. Leverage your authentic power. Use your diverse skills and knowledge to create a portfolio career. Allocating time to explore and use your skills can lead to collaborative opportunities. Do not feel pressurised to choose a single path.
2. Help others appreciate your polymathic brilliance: Start by reframing how you introduce yourself to others. This will include showing how all your skills fit together and how you use them to create impact. So instead of saying “I am good at many things, I do not know which one to choose,
“My background in [coaching, education, and healthcare] helps me understand challenges such as [career transitions and systemic barriers]. I offer solutions that cut across [strategy, leadership, and community-building which leads to better outcomes for your staff, stakeholders, and funders.”
3. Immerse yourself in a community and collaborate: Joining a Polymaths community can lead to inspiration, collaboration, and visibility. The emotional connection with other Polymaths can reduce the inner turmoil, increase confidence, and visibility.
Final Thoughts
I believe that polymathic brilliance should be celebrated and supported. The labour market would benefit from leveraging the diverse knowledge and multidimensional skills of polymaths.
Dealing with the different challenges in the labour market, such as the AI revolution and Climate Change, requires individuals who can navigate these changes and drive seamless innovation across different sectors. Polymaths' contribution to this would be invaluable. Let us recognise and support them.
Pamela, this article is such a gift to those of who have often felt the weight of being “too many things.” Your framing of polymathic brilliance not only validates the inner complexity we live with, but also uplifts it as a strength the world urgently needs. Thank you for championing the value of multidimensional minds.