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…

Business etiquette in hiring graphic showing employer and employee shaking hands to represent repairing the employer–employee relationship.

Business Etiquette in Hiring | Repairing Relationships

The current economic climate has amplified a long-standing issue in the U.S. job market: the erosion of trust and respect between employers and employees. With six candidates for every open role, organizations now hold unprecedented power in the hiring process. Unfortunately, this has intensified frustrations on both sides—leading to delayed communication, endless interview rounds, and unclear expectations. To rebuild this… Read More →

Silhouette of a person with a keyhole symbol in their head and a hand holding a yellow key, representing unlocking the mind, insight, and personal growth.

Finding Your Assertive Voice: How to Speak Up with Confidence

Finding your assertive voice is both a personal and relational journey. Many high-achieving professionals, especially those managing Imposter Syndrome, have learned to quiet their needs, minimize their perspectives, or avoid conflict to “keep the peace.” Over time, that quieting becomes automatic—until one day you realize you’re no longer expressing who you really are. The good news is that assertiveness is…

Illustration of a leader figure being lifted by team members, symbolizing teamwork and leadership support.

Dissension in the Ranks: Assessing Team Conflict at Work

You can sense it. Your team is fragmented. Maybe you notice edginess in meetings, tight shoulders, and clipped responses. Maybe it’s whispered hallway conversations and eye rolls. Or maybe someone has come directly to you to share concerns. Whatever the signs, one thing is clear: you need to deal with it. Most managers and executives would rather focus on strategy,…

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…

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…