Blog Articles By Topic

Growth is defined by Merriam Webster as a progressive development or evolution. In my view, growth is a forward-moving process of change, which involves continuously striving to better ourselves by examining where we are and where we want to be. It sounds so easy and yet like most things, it is not easy at all. […]

Hiring the right people for a position can be tough, especially in a competitive industry. Interviews do not give hiring managers a lot of time to get to know the interviewee, but when the interviewer chooses the right questions and conducts the interview productively, that short meeting can be incredibly informative. Unique and Effective Interview Questions […]

Not everybody handles conflict the same way. While some are confident and assertive, others might want to avoid conflict like it’s contagious. Neither of these sides of the spectrum are definitively right or wrong in their most basic sense. However, taking time to explore the way you personally handle conflict can provide you with the […]

What sets executive presentations apart from standard presentations? The answer is executive presence. Executive presence is a delivery style that displays confidence and authority on the topic being presented. Senior-level presenters typically have extensive experience related to the subject matter they discuss, and their self-assuredness stands out. They capture the audience’s attention and keep them engaged […]

Fostering high-quality women’s leadership opportunities should be a key goal for many organizations, especially those that are trying to bring diversity to their management teams. In today’s business climate, diversity is of utmost importance in the workplace. Despite the emphasis placed on diversifying leadership teams, the recent pandemic and its effects on the work environment […]

As many of you know, I like words, their meanings, and their use. And for those of you hearing me for the first time, I believe that words matter, so when I began the process of formulating my thoughts on the “inspiration,” I went to the dictionary. That is what I do.  The definition that […]

Balanced growth refers to personal and professional development happening simultaneously. For instance, a person may aspire to advance professionally by taking on a higher role in their organization while also prioritizing their mental health to grow personally. As both types of progress complement each other, aiming for balanced growth can lead to significant improvements in […]

So, you took a leave of absence from work. Perhaps you stepped away to focus on your health or education, to care for a loved one, or spend time with your family. Whatever the reason – returning to work after a leave of absence can be challenging, regardless of the length of your absence or […]

No matter where you are in your career, you’re aware of the challenges many women face as they try to advance their career into senior management. That’s why this initiative, which asks companies to sign a pledge to fast-track women’s progress up the corporate ladder, is a step in the right direction. Started by Frustrated […]

What can you – as a woman in leadership – do to close the gender pay gap for yourself, and other women? Many of you may want to address pay equity issues at your own company but find it difficult to figure out where to begin. The good news is that things are changing with […]

Too often, women professionals are made to feel like we must hide our emotions and wear a permanent poker face in order to thrive in the working world. However, the emotions we feel are perfectly natural and incredibly informative. That’s right, the emotions you may have thought were holding you back can actually help you achieve success!

That is the concept behind Susan David’s book, ‘Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life.’ Susan David, a renowned psychologist and expert in the field of emotional intelligence, offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the intricacies of your inner world. David has a remarkable ability to present complex psychological research in an easily digestible way, enabling you to learn how to process and utilize your emotions to propel you forward. The central skill that everything revolves around is ‘Emotional Agility.’

Emotional Agility involves accepting and embracing all emotions, even the ones we’d rather avoid or those that seem to hold us back. By developing the ability to observe and label our emotions without judgment, we can begin to understand their underlying causes and respond more constructively.

If your typical response to uncomfortable emotions is to ignore them or ruminate on them, or if you feel like your emotions control your everyday life, this book is a true game-changer. With practical exercises and actionable steps, David encourages you to cultivate self-awareness, adaptability, and empathy while giving yourself the grace to build resilience.

Emotions are natural, and you can’t eliminate them, so a better approach is to learn to use them to your advantage! ‘Emotional Agility’ is an empowering read that encourages you to embrace your emotions in a new way to make an impact on yourself and the world around you. Susan David’s insightful guidance, supported by scientific research, equips you with a roadmap to navigate life’s rollercoaster of emotional challenges and become more authentic in your personal and professional life. When you learn to sit with, live with, and utilize the power of everything you feel, you will experience greater health, confidence, and fulfillment in your everyday life.

David’s expertise and compassion make this book an invaluable resource for professionals looking to thrive in an increasingly complex world. By embracing emotional agility, you can develop a deeper connection with yourself and others, fostering greater well-being and personal growth.

Professional networking is a crucial component of excelling in nearly any industry and job role. No matter which stage you’re at in your career, you need to establish meaningful connections with other professionals in order to grow.

The Importance of Networking

Working hard and applying yourself is a must, but knowing the right people can help direct you where you need to go. Professional networking can present you with strategic advantages. It’s an important part of developing your career, as connecting with others in your field exposes you to unique opportunities you may not otherwise be aware of.

Networking with others can make it easier for you to find and select candidates for an open position at your company, make you aware of new opportunities in your industry, provide you with the professional advice you can use to advance, or make you aware of worthwhile avenues to look into if you’re seeking new clients.

While you don’t have to spend all your free time engaged in professional networking, this process is worth pursuing for professionals who want to excel in their careers.

Network Composition

You may be willing and ready to build a professional network, but if you’re not sure whom you should network with, you might be hesitant to start.

Everyone’s professional network is different, but if you’re looking for people to connect with to get started, consider the following:

• Former college classmates
• Colleagues
• Members of professional organizations
• Past college professors
• Family members in similar positions
• Managers from past and current jobs
• Training professionals

Networking Tips

But what if networking doesn’t come naturally to you? If you know whom you want to network with (even if you’ve only determined the basics), you might be wondering how to effectively form a professional network.

To get started building a professional network that will help you achieve your goals, try these tips:

Find people who share common interests.

• Breaking the ice by connecting over a shared interest can be a great way to initiate a networking session. Find something that you and other professionals have in common, such as a shared goal, an experience you’ve both had, or even something personal, like being dog owners. Using a common interest as the foundation for your professional relationship with another person can make the networking process feel a little more natural and friendly.

Connect with the right people.

• Keep your goals in mind when you’re attempting to build a powerful network. You want to develop professional relationships with people who can help you get from Point A to Point B. For example, if you want to work in a specific industry, networking with someone who works in that industry would be helpful.

Find ways to give back.

• Effective networks are built on giving and receiving. Most people won’t want to develop a professional relationship with someone whom they feel is using them, so it’s important to try giving as much as you receive. If someone in your network helps you in a profound way, do what you can to repay the favor.

Always be willing to learn.

• Networking is about learning new things, whether those things are skills or opportunities to explore. Remain open, alert, and receptive during networking activities so that you can learn as much as possible. There will be people in your network who will have more knowledge on specific topics than you do, and it’s in your best interest to absorb as much information as you can.

Keep the right level of contact.

• Maintaining a professional network requires cultivation, but the right amount of it. Don’t bombard the members of your network with constant contact for no real reason but stay in touch. Reach out organically and genuinely to check-in. Invite people in your network to an event or to have coffee. Connect with them when you’ve discovered information that may be useful to them.

Professional networking can provide you with advantages that aren’t possible through just your own merit. Being a dedicated worker is only one element of growing in your career. Having connections with the right people is equally as important.