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…

A professional sitting at a desk reviewing calendars and planning next steps, symbolizing being an entrepreneur for your career and taking ownership of professional growth.

Being an Entrepreneur for Your Career: How to Think Like a CEO of Your Professional Life

During uncertain economic periods, many professionals feel pressure to stay in their current roles—even when those roles no longer inspire or challenge them. Yet history shows that times of instability often spark the greatest innovation. People who are forced to rethink their careers frequently become more entrepreneurial, creative, and bold in pursuing what’s next. Being an entrepreneur for your career… Read More →

Colorful letters spelling LEAD emerging from the word LEARN on a chalkboard, representing leadership growth and first-time manager development.

First-Time Manager Tips: How to Successfully Lead a New Team

Stepping into your first leadership role is an exciting milestone. After years of strong performance, you finally earned the promotion you’ve worked so hard for. You now have the opportunity to influence decisions, elevate your profile, and contribute to your company in a new way. But that initial excitement often quickly collides with reality: “How do I lead a team…

Illustration of a professional advancing your career in tough times by climbing upward steps during an economic downturn.

Advancing Your Career in Tough Times | Strategies for Growth During Economic Downturns

Advancing your career in tough times can feel overwhelming when layoffs, hiring freezes, and economic downturns dominate the headlines. However, even during challenging periods, you can still grow, strengthen your position, and make intentional choices that support your long-term career goals.This guide will help you navigate economic uncertainty, cope with job market anxiety, and create a practical plan for advancing… Read More →

Black woman feeling stressed at her desk, showing workplace fatigue and emotional strain from gaslighting and bias.

How to Stop the Gaslighting and Mistreatment of Black Women in the Workplace

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, provide supportive sponsors, provide coaching that fits the culture, and enforce zero tolerance for bias and micro-aggressions. As a result, Black…

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 &…