Episode Overview

Podcast: Leading Organizations That Matter
Host: Rey Spadoni
Episode: 84 – Planning versus Discovering
Date: September 23, 2025

In this concise and reflective episode, host Rey Spadoni explores the nuanced tension between thorough planning and spontaneous discovery—both in landscape photography and career development. Drawing on his experience as a photographer and mentor, Rey examines how finding a balance between preparation and openness to the unexpected can lead to more meaningful, resilient, and fulfilling professional journeys, especially within mission-driven organizations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Photography Analogy: Planners vs. Discoverers

• Rey opens with his long-time passion for photography, highlighting a common debate within the field:

  • Planners:
    • Meticulously study maps, weather, sunrise/sunset times.
    • Plan all details to capture the "golden moments" (01:23).
    • Quote:

      “These photographers, they study maps and weather reports, and they wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning to hike out to the great vistas at sunrise.” (01:37)

  • Discoverers:
    • Prefer spontaneous exploration and discovering the unknown.
    • Find joy in what lies beyond the next bend, rather than in planning.
    • Planning can "take the fun out" for them.

• Personal Reflection:

  • Rey finds a balance between these approaches is most effective:
    • Prepare basics (timing, location, weather).
    • Stay open and observant for "what you might not have anticipated" (03:12).

2. Applying the Analogy to Career Planning

• Rey draws a clear parallel between the approaches in photography and career planning:
  • Career Planners:
    • Map out steps, know their destination, find comfort in plans.
    • Anxiety often stems from uncertainty or ambiguity.
    • Sometimes build detailed contingency plans.
    • Quote:

      “The planners plot out the various stepping stones that will lead to wherever they're headed. And typically, they know where they're headed. They have it all figured out, or they feel uncomfortable when they don’t.” (04:18)

  • Career Discoverers:
    • Thrive in the present, but can be caught unprepared by change.
    • Struggle when unexpected events (bad boss, layoffs, conflict) occur.

3. The Importance of Balance

• Rey emphasizes that balance between planning and discovery is crucial to career satisfaction and resilience:
  • Have "a vision, a sense of where you'd like to go," while being attentive to opportunities and changes (06:02).
  • Quote:

    “Balance when it comes to career planning is very important. I think it’s critical for people to have a vision, a sense of where they’d like to go. But by the same token, it’s great when people are open to what’s happening around them so they can spot opportunity when it presents.” (06:12)

4. Values-Based Career Planning

• Rey introduces a values-driven approach in his coaching:

  • Ask clients to articulate what they value, not just specific career goals.
  • Helps navigate ambiguity and remain aligned when opportunities arise.
  • Quote:

    “I found that a good way to strike such a balance is to ask my clients what it is that they value, rather than to name a specific long-term career goal.” (07:00)

• Encourage clients to assess options and destinations against their core values, which serve as a "benchmark" or "guidepost" during unexpected changes (08:04).

• Practical tip for listeners:

  “Perhaps this would be a useful way for you to think about your own career aspirations and a good way to find that balance.” (08:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On photography and preparation:

  "It's important to know where and when the sun will rise and set… but it's also important to be open to what is actually around the next bend." – Rey Spadoni (02:41)

• On career unpredictability:

  “When things turn south… they're often caught flat-footed, not sure where to go next, as the photography analogy suggests.” – Rey Spadoni (05:23)

• On values as guideposts:

  “Most people… can talk about the type of work, the environment, and the organizational mission that appeals most to them. Most of us know what we like and what we don't.” – Rey Spadoni (07:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:09 – Introduction and today’s topic
• 01:23 – The two types of photographers: planners vs. discoverers
• 03:12 – The need for both preparation and openness
• 04:18 – Translating the analogy to career planning
• 06:12 – The necessity of balance between planning and discovery in careers
• 07:00 – Rey's values-based coaching approach
• 08:04 – Using values as benchmarks during career changes
• 08:40 – Final practical reflection for listeners

Conclusion

This episode offers a thoughtful meditation on finding the right mix between diligent planning and remaining open to discovery—whether you're capturing a sunrise or navigating your career. Rey’s practical insights and accessible analogies make this essential listening for leaders, professionals, and anyone motivated to make a meaningful impact within mission-driven organizations.

For further resources and coaching from Rey Spadoni, visit racepadoni.com.