people-centered leadership Archives

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…

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…

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 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 →

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…

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,…