A Conversation With Natalie Abou-Alwan, Author Of How To Navigate Your Career Like A Legend

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Discover how to build a legendary career with lawyer, mentor, and author Natalie Abou-Alwan as she shares insights from her new book, How To Navigate Your Career Like A Legend.

Lawyer, mentor and author Natalie Abou-Alwan has spent more than two decades observing the highs, lows and lessons of corporate life. Her new book, How To Navigate Your Career Like A Legend, blends storytelling, psychology and practical exercises to help readers build confidence, resilience and joy in their professional lives.

In this exclusive interview for The Table Read Magazine, Natalie shares what inspired the book, what it really means to be a “career legend,” and why valuing yourself is the ultimate success strategy.

What inspired you to write How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend — and why now?

After 25 years working in different types of corporations, I started to identify patterns in behaviours, experiences and reactions. Some that had happened to me, some that had happened to colleagues and some described by my own mentees. I wanted to put this book together, which started as a few articles, into book form, to act as a guide or friendly companion to those either starting out in their careers or those who are more seasoned and may be observing certain behaviours in their own teams.

This is really meant as a living and breathing piece of work that I have also illustrated and that has dedicated journalling-style pages where the reader can jot down their own “aha” moment, checklists or thoughts. In some ways it is timeless, but I wanted to get this out to as many people as possible who might be struggling for one reason or another, to help them feel less alone, empowered and also entertained.

You describe your book as a roadmap for career resilience and confidence. What do you think most people are missing when it comes to building a meaningful career?

I think that my generation and the generations before us viewed their career as linear: a job for life. This often leads to what I describe as being in “automatic pilot” mode. The danger with this is that you can easily start to become blinkered and put far too much emphasis on rising up the corporate ladder as the only measure of success.

What books like The 100 Year Life and The Portfolio Career show us is that there are other ways to “do” our working life that are far more sustainable and rewarding. Flexibility, self-belief and strong networks are key to building a meaningful career.

What does it actually mean to be a “career legend” — is it about success, status, or something else entirely?

At the start and mid-way through my career, I was guilty of identifying career success, or reaching legend level, as status. The more promotions I gathered under my belt, the more I felt I had made it. But I started to realise that status is only one small factor. Success means different things to different people, and for me, true success is what you bring to the table and what others value in you. Authenticity and integrity are respected and valued qualities; they might not always bring promotions, but they give you a different type of status.

Your book blends mindset and strategy. Why is it important to balance the two?

You can only progress and become successful in both your personal and professional life with the right mindset. Strategy is secondary, but you can’t have one without the other. The way we perceive our lives and the world around us is coloured by our mindset. With a positive outlook, we can achieve pretty much anything — but only with resilience and determination.

How did you decide which “legends” to include — and who’s your favourite?

It happens organically. A situation at work will remind me of a story I once read about someone famous and then the chapter takes care of itself. One of my heroes is Elvis Presley. Coming from nothing, with all the odds stacked against him, he shot to fame young and had to learn how to cope with sudden adulation and money. Despite everything, he stayed authentic, humble and kind — all fantastic lessons for all of us.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see people make in their 20s and 30s?

When I was in my 20s and 30s, I believed that hard work alone would get me noticed. It didn’t. Promotions are rarely based purely on merit. Networking — building strong, supportive relationships — plays a much bigger role than most people realise. My advice is to acknowledge the power of networks while also working hard to build your skills. Rising in your career requires both.

When a reader finishes your book, what’s the one action you hope they’ll take?

I hope they learn to value themselves — to accept and like who they are. The people who succeed tend to be those who acknowledge their insecurities and proactively work on what they can change. It all comes from a place of compassion and love. Learn to celebrate your wins and stay open to new challenges that help you grow both personally and professionally.

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Natalie Abou-Alwan

Natalie Abou-Alwan is a lawyer, mentor and leadership specialist who has worked across global corporations and industries. Her debut book, How To Navigate Your Career Like A Legend (Brown Dog Books, 2025), combines mindset, strategy and storytelling to help readers build meaningful, empowered careers.

Find more from Natalie Abou-Alwan now:

Apple Book: https://apple.co/3JaRf5T

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4n3aegx

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3J6NoXx

https://mybook.to/NavigateYourCareer

Follow Natalie on Instagram @natalieaboualwanauthor