first-time manager Archives

Graphic showing why leadership coaching matters in sustained DEI transformation, highlighting how it sustains DEI training impact, builds long-term planning, supports difficult dialogues, and provides a safe space for growth.

How to Help Your DEI and Anti-Racist Champions Heal & Find Joy

DEI Leadership • Wellbeing • Inclusion Strategy By Richard Orbé-Austin, PhD • October 24, 2025 • Updated October 24, 2025 Summary Supporting DEI champions year-round means treating inclusion work as mission-critical: fund it, coach its leaders, create confidential healing spaces, measure progress, and celebrate wins regularly—not only during heritage months. Provide DEI leadership coaching, ongoing community support groups, paid recovery… Read More →

silhouette of a client and career counselor in a consultation session, illustrating how to choose a career counselor

How to Choose a Career Counselor: A Practical Guide

Career Coaching: Focused Career Assistance for Today’s Job Market In today’s unpredictable job market, many professionals know they need support but aren’t sure how to choose a career counselor or career coach they can trust. The term “career coach” isn’t regulated, and almost anyone can use it. This makes it challenging to determine who is qualified, ethical, and truly equipped…

Career coach leading a focused career coaching session with diverse professionals in a modern office

Career Coaching: Focused Career Assistance for Today’s Job Market

In today’s volatile job market, many professionals, including entry-level employees, mid-career changers, and seasoned leaders alike, are anxious about their futures. Rising unemployment, layoffs, and rapid industry disruption have intensified fears about long-term career stability. In this environment, people often search for quick fixes and trending “hacks” instead of building a thoughtful, sustainable plan. Unfortunately, such urgency leaves individuals vulnerable… Read More →

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,…

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…

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…