stepping stones in a peaceful garden symbolizing the first steps of practicing mindfulness and building a calm daily routine

First Steps of Practicing Mindfulness: How to Start and Build a Consistent Daily Practice

One of the most difficult aspects of beginning any mindfulness practice is simply getting started. Even when individuals understand the benefits of mindfulness—reduced stress, increased emotional regulation, improved focus, and greater well-being—the hurdle is often initiating a consistent routine. Research supports this challenge. In a study looking at habit formation, researchers found that it takes, on average, nine weeks of…

File organizer labeled “Talents” representing skills and adding competencies to your resume.

Adding Competencies to Your Resume: How to Stand Out in Today’s AI-Driven Hiring 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, and experience in a format that both humans and technology can review quickly. However,… Read More →

Two Black professionals in business attire shaking hands in a bright office lobby, symbolizing confident networking and strong professional pitches.

How to Build a Strong Professional Pitch: Your Guide to Crafting a Memorable Professional Narrative

How to Build a Strong Professional Pitch: The Basics By Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD A Department of Labor survey indicated that more than 50% of jobs are obtained via networking, while only about 5% of jobs come from the open job market of online job listings. I share this fact with many clients, yet networking remains one of the most resisted…

Checklist asking whether to start my own business with yes selected, representing entrepreneur vs employee career decision

Entrepreneur vs Employee: How to Own Your Career Path and Choose the Right Future

Entrepreneur vs Employee: Addressing Dissatisfaction by Owning Your Path If you’re deciding between the entrepreneur vs employee paths, the right choice depends on your risk tolerance, values, financial readiness, and comfort with uncertainty. By understanding your motivations and building a strong safety net, you can choose the career path that truly fits your long-term goals. Many professionals reach a point…

Person resting in a bathtub filled with flower petals, symbolizing recovery and self-care after overcoming the work martyr complex

Black Mental Wellness: A Campaign to Make Black Lives Matter in Psychology

Happy Black Mental Health Awareness Month! Despite the pain, racial trauma, and microaggressions the Black community continues to face, our collective resilience is undeniable. In honor of this month, I’m proud to launch the Black Mental Health Awareness 2025 campaign—an initiative dedicated to decreasing stigma, diversifying psychology, and improving mental health outcomes for Black people over the next five years.… Read More →

Tag: feedback conversations

Time to plan — preparing for a performance review with a strategic mindset

How to Prepare for a Performance Review: A Coach’s Guide to Owning the Conversation

Career Growth • Performance The best way to prepare for a performance review is to document measurable wins, reflect honestly on growth areas, and enter the meeting with a clear ask—such as a promotion, raise, or development opportunity—so you guide a two-way conversation rather than receive a one-sided verdict. What’s inside Why Your Performance Review Matters Step 1: Track &…