The Career Advice Former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Never Would Have followed

Published: 2026/01/26 10:52:51

The Pitfall of “Follow Your Passion”

Former netflix Chief Talent Officer, Patty McCord, has publicly stated she would never have listened to the career advice to “follow your passion.” This seemingly counterintuitive stance, highlighted in recent interviews Forbes, stems from her belief that passion often follows mastery and a sense of purpose derived from contributing value, rather than being a prerequisite for a fulfilling career.

Why “Follow Your passion” Can Be Detrimental

McCord argues that telling people to follow their passion can lead to several negative outcomes:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Manny people haven’t discovered a singular, all-consuming passion. The pressure to find one can be paralyzing and lead to dissatisfaction.
• Ignoring Practicality: Pursuing a passion without considering market demand or necesary skills can result in financial instability and career frustration.
• Focus on Self, Not Value: The emphasis on personal fulfillment can overshadow the importance of contributing to something larger than oneself.
• Passion is Developed: McCord emphasizes that passion isn’t something you *find*; it’s something you *develop* through hard work, learning, and achieving competence.

What McCord Advocates Instead: Focus on Skills and Contribution

Instead of chasing passion, McCord champions a career approach centered around identifying and honing valuable skills. She suggests focusing on what you’re good at, what problems you enjoy solving, and where you can make a meaningful contribution. This approach, she believes, fosters a sense of purpose and allows passion to emerge organically.

Building a Skillset for Career success

Developing a strong skillset involves:

• Continuous Learning: The job market is constantly evolving. commit to lifelong learning to stay relevant and competitive. Resources like Coursera and edX offer a wide range of courses.
• Seeking Challenging Opportunities: Step outside your comfort zone and take on projects that push your boundaries.
• Mentorship and Networking: Learn from experienced professionals and build relationships that can provide guidance and support. linkedin is a valuable platform for networking.
• Focusing on Impact: Seek roles where you can see the direct results of your work and contribute to a larger goal.

The Netflix Culture and Skill-Based Hiring

McCord played a pivotal role in building Netflix’s unique company culture, which prioritized high performance and freedom & obligation. Netflix’s hiring practices focused heavily on identifying individuals with strong skills and a growth mindset, rather than solely on their stated passions. This approach contributed considerably to the company’s rapid growth and innovation. Netflix Culture

key takeaways

• Don’t prioritize “following your passion” as a primary career strategy.
• Focus on developing valuable skills and seeking opportunities to contribute meaningfully.
• passion frequently enough emerges consequently of competence, purpose, and impact.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for long-term career success.