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…

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,…

Illustration representing cultural competence in career counseling with a diverse group meeting with a career counselor

Cultural Competence in Career Counseling | Dynamic Transitions

Increasing Cultural Competence in Career Counseling As the workforce becomes more diverse across race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, immigration experiences, age, and ability, cultural competence in career counseling has become essential, not optional. Even though economic downturns are often described as affecting everyone in the same way, research shows that unemployment, underemployment, job access, and workplace treatment vary widely…

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 →

Two professionals talking in an office with tech icons in the background, highlighting the importance of social skills at work

Apps and Algorithms Won’t Save You: Why Improving Social Skills at Work Still Matters

We live in a world where technology promises to simplify everything. From shopping and fitness to dating and scheduling, there’s always an app claiming to make life easier. Many professionals, especially those in tech, see algorithms as the ultimate solution to every problem. But while technology enhances convenience, it can’t replace the depth and warmth of genuine human connection. Improving… Read More →

Tag: starting a business

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…