Dupé Burgess
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If I had to start again from zero, I’d do this

by Dupe Burgess
Jan 18, 2026
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What I’d focus on to create leverage in today’s world

Read time: 5-6 minutes

Every now and then, I think about what I’d do if I was starting over career-wise.

No audience, reputation, or network to lean on.

Just a degree, skills, and pretty much a blank slate.

Having moved between medicine, consulting, and tech, and having rebuilt my career more than once, I’ve realised that starting again isn’t about working harder. It’s about being intentional with where you put your energy.

If I had to rebuild from zero today, here’s what I’d focus on.

 

1. Get clear on the problem I want to be known for

I wouldn’t start by thinking about the title I have (“doctor”, “founder”) or even the industry I’m in (“healthcare”, “tech”).

I’d zoom out and start by asking: what problem do people already come to me with? What do they ask for my opinion on, and where do I add value?

Being known for solving a specific problem makes everything else easier. It’s how people remember you, and talk about you when you’re not around.

In many ways, being clear on this beats being highly ambitious because it’s high leverage.

 

2. Invest in skills that travel well

Some skills compound no matter where you work.

Writing.
Speaking.
Storytelling.
Decision-making.
Relationship building.

I’d double down on things that increase leverage and options, rather than ones that only make sense in a single role or organisation.

The goal wouldn’t be to know everything. It would be to go deep on a few things that are valuable even as industries change.

 

3. Make my thinking visible early

This is the one most people delay.

I wouldn’t wait to feel like I’m an expert. I’d start sharing what I’m learning, building, and questioning from the beginning. Not to show off, but to give people context.

I’ve found that visibility shortens the distance between where you are and the opportunities available to you. It helps people trust you faster.

 

4. Build relationships before I need them

I wouldn’t network only when I need something. I’d make a habit of connecting when there’s no pressure or big ask.

That means having real conversations, following up, being generous with time and expertise, and staying in touch without any agenda.

I’ve found that the best opportunities come from warm relationships that have grown gradually over time. It’s slower, but a lot more reliable.

 

5. Optimise for leverage, not effort

Early in my career, I equated progress with effort: the longer the hours and the higher the intensity, the more indispensable I’d be.

Now, I’d ask a different question: does this scale beyond just me?

I’d prioritise work that compounds. Things that keep working when I’m not actively pushing. This includes things like content, systems, relationships, and reputation. Effort has a ceiling, but these doesn’t.

 

6. Back myself to build and learn in public

I wouldn’t wait until everything was finished and perfect. I’d experiment, reflect, share the lessons, and adjust as I go.

Building and learning in public gets you feedback faster and accelerates your growth. Most people overestimate the risk of being seen early and underestimate the cost of staying invisible.

 
The takeaway

If I had to start again from zero, I wouldn’t chase the big title or quick wins.

I’d focus on being clear about what I’m building, and investing in skills, visibility, and leverage. Those are the things that travel with you and compound. They give you options when the landscape shifts.

You don’t need to rebuild everything to think this way. You can start exactly where you are.

Speak soon,

Dupé

 

 

PS: If you’d like deeper support in showing up confidently and growing your personal brand, reply to this email to explore 1:1 coaching or ready to post content. And if you' like to book me to speak make an inquiry here

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