A professional woman coping with exhaustion and emotional strain at work — a reminder of why psychological safety and equity matter. Summary: To stop the gaslighting and mistreatment of Black women at work, leaders must close the pay gap, place supportive sponsors, provide coaching that fits the culture, and enforce zero tolerance for bias and microaggressions. As a result, Black…
Read More →
The Career Ecosystem Model: A Modern Guide to Defining Career Success The Career Ecosystem Model is transforming how professionals understand and pursue career success. Rather than viewing success as a simple ladder, this career success framework recognizes that growth happens within a dynamic, interconnected system of skills, mindset, relationships, and opportunities. For years, promotions and salary increases were held up…
Read More →
Aiming for Greatness: Re-energizing Your Job Search When a job search stretches longer than expected, it’s easy to lose momentum and even start doubting your abilities. But a prolonged search doesn’t mean you’re failing—it simply means it’s time to re-energize your job search with fresh strategies, renewed perspective, and a compassionate approach toward yourself. This evergreen guide offers practical, concrete,…
Read More →
Networking 101: The Ultimate Guide to Career Networking Strategies for Today’s Job Market Networking often feels intimidating, awkward, or even overwhelming for many professionals. As a career coach, I regularly work with clients who express discomfort with networking due to personality style, past experiences, or simply not knowing where to start. Despite these challenges, networking remains one of the most…
Read More →
A Process for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The 3 C’s Model By Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin | Co-Author of Own Your Greatness Since our book Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life came out, we’ve been asked one consistent question: “How do you overcome Imposter Syndrome?” It’s a question that can’t be answered in a sound bite,…
Read More →
Make December Count for Your Career (Even During the Holidays) December can feel like the end of planning. Gifts, parties, and year-end work make the weeks fly. Still, this month can move your career forward. Use it to keep momentum and set up a strong start to the new year. 1) Continue Exploring Job Options Some employers slow hiring in…
What Is Executive Presence and Why Can No One Tell Me How to Improve Mine? By Lisa Orbé-Austin, Ph.D. Executive presence is one of those elusive concepts everyone talks about but few can define clearly. Leaders, managers, and aspiring professionals alike often hear they “need more executive presence”—yet what does that actually mean? In my work as a psychologist and…
Committing to Change: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Professional Resolutions Key Insight: The most effective way to achieve career goals is to break them into measurable steps, build consistent habits, and ground your progress in supportive accountability. Many professionals begin a new year—or a major life transition—wondering how to achieve career goals in a real and sustainable way. Although motivation…
How to get a promotion starts with preparing evidence of your value, communicating measurable achievements, aligning your goals with the company’s priorities, choosing strategic timing, and following up consistently. This combination strengthens credibility and increases your chances of advancing. How to Get a Promotion: Proven Strategies to Advance Your Career As a new year unfolds and performance review season approaches,…
Adding Competencies to Your Resume: A Recipe for Success in an AI-Driven Job Market The resume is still the centerpiece of your job search toolkit. Even as artificial intelligence (AI) and applicant tracking systems (ATS) increasingly shape hiring, your resume remains the primary way employers evaluate your fit for a role. It offers a concise snapshot of your skills, qualifications,…
5 Reasons Your Summer Job Search Is Not Working (and How to Fix It) Does July have you daydreaming about a Caribbean beach, a last-minute escape to Asia, a summer share in the Hamptons, or a backyard BBQ? Whatever your summer fantasy looks like, it’s often interrupted by a persistent thought you can’t shake: You want to leave your current…
Career Advancement: Tips for Moving to a New Role If your job search feels stalled or you’re unsure how to move into your next role, these career advancement tips can help you regain momentum. Whether you want a promotion, a career transition, or simply greater clarity, small strategic steps can create meaningful change. To understand shifts in employment trends and…
Jump Start Your Career Transition: A Practical Guide to Finding Your Best-Fit Role Quick answer: To jump start your career transition, begin with a personal inventory of your strengths, skills, and values; set SMART career goals; create 3–12 month action plans; and amplify your ambitions through targeted networking and personal branding. These steps will build confidence, increase momentum, and help…
Intrapersonal Combat: How to Overcome the Fear of Making Career Decisions By Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD Feeling stuck at a career crossroads is common when you struggle with the fear of making career decisions. The fear of making career decisions is one of the most common internal battles professionals face. You may worry that one “wrong” move will ruin your future,…
How to Succeed in Business by Strategically Trying! As the first quarter closes, many employees enter performance review season—an experience that can feel stressful, discouraging, or even demoralizing. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 46% of workers are dissatisfied with recognition practices, and 44% feel they lack opportunities for growth. When employees feel undervalued, the impact is…