Think about a band piece. The audience typically remembers how you start and finish a song, but preparing the end of a song always leaves the audience wanting something. You want to build up tension on that penultimate (second-to-last) note or chord so that the resolution feels satisfying.
The power of the penultimate note (or step) is not limited to music and can be applied to a professional career.
I had the privilege of reconnecting with my high school band teacher, Jeff Suzda, who had instilled life lessons that I still think about today—one of them: the penultimate note (or step).
It is hard to find someone who follows a perfectly linear career plan. It’s never a straight line—it’s a meandering one. Most people end up where they are because of preparation, circumstances, and the people they meet along the way.
One part of my conversation that stood out to me is the concept that there is no such thing as luck. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. All of that preparation leads up to a certain point, and then you have to add the final touches.
At the end of the day, the penultimate step is about setting yourself up for a strong finish. People will remember how you end, whether it’s a song, a job interview, or a career chapter. You might not be perfect throughout, but if you finish strong, that’s what lasts.
Finishing strong isn’t all about technical ability. If nobody wants to work with you, your skills won’t carry you forward. Trust, reliability, and integrity are just as important as talent.
Regardless of your career, it’s important to note that where you build the tension allows your ending to truly resonate.