people-pleasing at work Archives

Professional woman meeting with a recruiter during an interview, demonstrating how to work with a recruitment agency effectively

How to Work With a Recruitment Agency: Get Better Job Offers

Working with a Recruitment Agency: Keys to Producing Ideal Outcomes If you want to know how to work with a recruitment agency in a way that leads to better roles, stronger offers, and less wasted time, it starts with having a clear strategy and understanding how recruiters really operate. If you’ve ever felt like applying online is slow, discouraging, and…

How to Build a Best-in-Class College Career Center

Optimizing Greatness: How to Build a Best-in-Class College Career Center By Richard Orbé-Austin, PhD Key takeaway: A best-in-class college career center functions as a career education hub grounded in partnerships, assessment, innovation, professional development, and sustainable funding. A best-in-class college career center no longer operates as a quiet corner for résumé reviews and job listings. Today, these centers are dynamic…

Green highway sign reading “Success Just Ahead,” symbolizing progress and goal setting with Imposter Syndrome.

Goal Setting with Imposter Syndrome: 5 Traps to Avoid

A new year often brings a fresh wave of hope, motivation, and goal setting. However, goal setting with Imposter Syndrome can trigger anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt. If you’re just starting to explore what Imposter Syndrome really is, learning a different approach will help. Why Goal Setting Feels Hard with Imposter Syndrome Goal setting with Imposter Syndrome means creating goals without…

Career Networking Strategies: A Complete Guide to Building Meaningful Professional Connections

Career networking strategies help you access the hidden job market, build visibility with decision-makers, and create long-term career resilience. Use the 5 P’s of Networking (Patience, Positive Tone, Professional Pitch, Post-Networking Follow-Up, Practice) to connect with others authentically—without feeling awkward, salesy, or pushy. Networking often feels intimidating, awkward, or even overwhelming for many professionals. As a career coach, I regularly… Read More →

Woman experiencing workplace stress with hands on head, representing the emotional impact of toxic work environments.

How to End Toxic Workplaces: A Ten Point Plan

Toxic workplaces hurt confidence, mental health, and physical wellbeing. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, unhealthy work settings are a public-health issue. Therefore, ending toxic workplaces takes system-level change: bring DEI into strategy, train leaders, build psychological safety, set fair workloads, and normalize joy and balance. In this guide Introduction What Defines a Toxic Workplace? The 10-Point Plan Conclusion FAQs…

Work Martyr Complex title card in navy and gold color palette with Dynamic Transitions branding, minimalist design emphasizing setting boundaries without losing respect

Work Martyr Complex: How to Stop Sacrificing Yourself at Work (Without Losing Respect)

If you've become the resident hero who stays late, fixes emergencies, and carries everyone's load, you may be stuck in the work martyr complex. Here's how to set healthier boundaries, keep your reputation intact, and free up time for strategic work. Quick definition: The work martyr complex is a workplace pattern where you habitually sacrifice your time and energy—staying late,…