It Started with One Step: The Career Butterfly Effect

Have you ever looked back and realized that a single conversation, decision, or risk changed everything?

That’s the Butterfly Effect at work.

Colleen at Butterfly Mural in Nashville, TN

In chaos theory, it’s the idea that a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tornado weeks later in another part of the world. In your career, those “flaps” can look like saying yes to a coffee chat, speaking up in a meeting, or finally updating your LinkedIn profile.

And while your career may not involve tornados (hopefully! though some days it sure feels like it!), the same principle applies. Small, seemingly insignificant actions—taken consistently or at just the right time—can ripple into major transformation.

Let me share one of mine.

Back in 2014 I was attending a conference in Denver, CO. I was tired from the travel day and frankly, I didn’t feel like being “on.” But I pushed myself to go out to dinner with other attendees, telling myself I’d eat quickly and then head back to my room. I ended up sitting on the bus next to Kristine Thody - and we talked the whole night. Year after year we'd meet up at the same conference and maybe connect once or twice in between. Fast forward to November 2023, and Kristine and I connected again - this time as 2 entrepreneurs. By the end of the end of the conversation, we decided to launch the Embrace the Squiggle podcast.

All because I said yes to a dinner - even though I was exhausted.

That was a butterfly moment.

These moments don’t always feel big at the time.

Sometimes they look like:

• Saying yes to a project that stretches you.

• Finally asking for feedback you’ve been avoiding.

• Sending a message on LinkedIn to someone whose work you admire.

• Speaking up in a meeting when your heart is racing.

• Starting a new habit that grounds you each morning.

These tiny flaps of action don’t immediately rearrange your world—but over time, they shift your trajectory. They build confidence. They create connection. They plant seeds that may bloom in ways you can’t predict.

I see it all the time in the people I coach and train.

• Someone takes a deep breath and shares their story more boldly—and ends up invited to keynote.

• Someone tweaks the way they lead 1:1s—and their entire team culture starts to shift.

• Someone applies for a role that feels just a little out of reach—and lands it.

They’re not leaping off cliffs. They’re flapping their wings.

So, what’s your butterfly moment?

Think back: What’s one tiny decision, action, or moment of courage that created a ripple in your career?

Now think forward: What’s one small step you could take this week that might seem small now—but could open something big later?

Reach out to someone.

Try something new.

Speak up.

Reflect.

Ask.

Big impact doesn’t always start with big moves. Sometimes, it starts with a whisper of movement—just one small flap of your wings.

Who knows where that breeze might take you?