As a professional speaker, I have honed my craft and grown my business with the tremendous resources of the National Speakers Association. NSA's current President is Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP. In a recent NSA Speaker Magazine, Ruby outlined suggestions to put goals into actionable steps.Creating goals is essential but unless you also develop a plan of action and accountability - your goals may never become reality. Check out...

As a career development and executive coach, I often work with people that brand products or services for an organization but have no real awareness of their unique professional brand and why it matters. It’s time to take stock of your own brand and use it to achieve your career goals and tell your authentic professional story.Your Story Matters – when was the last time you checked in with colleagues, or your boss to ask ho...

The US Labor market is picking up speed and your promote-ability could follow suit. While asking for a raise may be something you look forward to as much as a root canal, being well prepared will help reduce your anxiety and up your chances of getting a promotion. Remember, you’ll never get it of you don’t ask.Manage Up – Don’t assume that your boss knows everything that you are doing, including the accolades and successes...

The double standard for men and women continues in the workplace. The recent media debate about whether Carrie Fisher is aging well or not in the blockbuster, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” movie, is an example of women facing scrutiny about looks and appearance in the workplace that does not equally apply to men.It’s a given that the Hollywood lens is more critical for actresses in the film industry with unrealistic Founta...

As the year draws to a close, I am reminded of the great leadership lessons I have learned from colleagues, mentors, sponsors, coaches, and a myriad of incredible people I’ve encountered on my professional journey. May these words of wisdom give you the courage and fortitude to chart your unique path with confidence so you can thrive!Self Confidence Rocks – as the research indicates, people are often hired for potential so...

These days, advertisers have a whopping five to eight seconds to fascinate and entice a consumer to make a purchase, according to an INC. article on marketing trends, and Sally Hogshead, author, speaker and founder of Fascinate, Inc., says it’s no different when it comes to you and how you impress an interviewer, new client or room filled with team members.In her latest book, How the World Sees You: Discover Your Highest Va...

It’s been a great year, you’ve worked really hard, and your company has brought back the holiday party to reward the team for a job well done. Before you pop the champagne be mindful that your behavior at the holiday bash will impact your professional reputation come Monday morning and beyond. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you celebrate with colleagues this season.Drink in ModerationIn many organizations, the bo...

Hollywood has depicted the stress of the holidays with iconic movies that make us laugh (or cry!) because of the relatability of the zany characters and dysfunctional scenarios in life and career. I encourage you to start this festive season with a different mindset so you don’t get caught running on the hamster wheel of stress.Redirect your worries by focusing on others in your professional life. Be sure to take time to co...

There’s no doubt that being back in the job market in your 40s and 50s can be more challenging than earlier days on the job-hunting trail. Many of my 40-plus coaching clients feel out of interview shape and daunted by the job-search process – especially if they’ve been steadily employed for years, or even decades.While ageism certainly exists for over-40 job seekers, many of my mature clients have successfully landed jobs b...

My life and career philosophy focuses on authentically giving to others. As the recipient of priceless wisdom and generosity from others throughout my life, I want to share ideas that will help you focus on paying-it-forward.When You Give – You Also Receive – Consider how you can give of your time, talent, or treasure to others. The more you give away, the more comes back to you in the karmic circle of life. Consider how yo...