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Prepare Mentally and Tactically to Negotiate Under Pressure

high-pressure negotiation Feb 22, 2024
 

Have you ever found yourself in a meeting, presentation, or other high pressure conversation, emotions are running high, and you’re thrown off your game? Whether you’re negotiating a raise, a new role, or to gain buy-in from your leadership, the ability to negotiate under pressure is a vital skill to have in your tool belt. Let’s explore some key strategies from the Fearless Female Leadership framework that can empower you to handle emotionally charged conversations and high-stakes negotiations and ensure that you are heard, valued, and respected in the moments that matter...

The Three Critical Steps: The Fearless Female Leadership Framework emphasizes clarity, confidence, and influence. These are foundational to any successful negotiation, especially ones that are or have the potential to be emotionally charged.

World-Class Preparation with the ABC Prep Sheet: Just like Olympians, leaders should prepare comprehensively for crucial conversations. The ABC Prep worksheet encourages thi...

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Owning Your Worth - an Interview with Jane Boulware

worth Feb 15, 2024
 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jane Boulware, the Chief Marketing Officer and acting Chief Strategy Officer at The Gottman Institute, Chairman of the Board (or I should say Chairwoman) for the Boys and Girls Club, former top 150 Microsoft executive, and now author!. Jane recently shared her journey and valuable lessons from her life and from her book, ‘Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft’.

Her experiences, from overcoming poverty and self-doubt to achieving executive roles at Microsoft, offer powerful insights for female leaders and emerging leaders. Jane’s book, "Worthy," is not just about her ascent; it's a testament to overcoming personal and external limitations and embracing one's true potential.

Key Takeaways:

Inspiration Behind "Worthy" [00:01:12]:
Jane discusses her motivation for writing her book, emphasizing overcoming external limitations and self-imposed barriers, and the importance of helping others ascend in their careers. Advocating for Chang
...

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Unlocking the Power of Leadership - My Conversation with Ideagen CEO George Sifakis at the 2023 Global Acceleration Summit

leadership Feb 06, 2024
 

Last Fall, I had the honor of being interviewed by George Sifakis, the CEO of Ideagen, for their 2023 Global Acceleration Summit. The summit’s focus? Assessing the progress of the United Nations’ 17 Social Development Goals at the halfway mark to 2023.

It was a riveting experience, and I’m thrilled to share some key takeaways with you:

Key Takeaway 1: The Importance of Mental Toughness in Leadership
Think about one person who has inspired you. Chances are, they exhibited a level of mental toughness that drew you in. During the interview, we dove into the concept of mental toughness, especially for women in leadership. It’s not just about being resilient; it’s about being emotionally agile and prepared for any situation. I’ve even been studying FBI hostage negotiations to equip leaders with the skills to be heard, valued, and respected.

Key Takeaway 2: The Role of Personal Stories in Shaping Leadership
Personal stories aren’t just for memoirs; they’re the backbone of authentic leadersh...

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Building Your Authentic Brand - an Interview with Cheryl Cook

 

In case you missed my interview with the incredible Cheryl Cook, Senior Vice President at Dell Technology, here are some key takeaways, or you can watch the entire interview above:

  • Embracing Challenges and Risks: Moving across the country at 21, Cheryl’s career is a testament to the growth that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new challenges.
  • Navigating the Zigzag Path to Success: Her path to becoming a Senior Vice President was a series of opportunities and lessons, highlighting the importance of being open to new experiences.
  • Courage Over Fear: A key element in Cheryl’s success has been recognizing fear and choosing to move forward regardless, a trait essential for effective leadership.
  • Authenticity in Personal Branding: Cheryl stresses the importance of authenticity in building trust and credibility, crucial for establishing strong professional relationships.
  • Trusting Your Instincts: Cheryl advises trusting your gut, especially when making critical
  • ...
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Gavriella Schuster Interviews Me About Strategies to Navigate Career Crossroads

 

As female leaders, we often find ourselves at life's crossroads, where the roads of impact and bold decision-making intersect. This was exactly the focus when Gavriella Schuster, former VP One Commercial Partner at Microsoft and equality advocate, interviewed me.

Gavriella expressed a sentiment many of us feel at crucial career junctures – the wish for a process to guide her.  If you’re thinking about gaining clarity on ‘what’s next’, it’s my sincere hope that you’ll find our conversation helpful.

Key Takeaways:

Embracing the Normalcy of Transition: Gavriella’s story at Microsoft is a powerful reminder that feeling uncertain about major career moves is normal. It's a sign that you’re ready to explore new horizons. 

The Importance of a Guided Process: Reflecting on her own experiences, Gavriella wished for a structured approach like the Fearless Female Leadership Journey. Such a framework can provide clarity and direction during times of change.

Seeking Clarity and Confidence: The ...

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Mental Preparation Prior to Influencing Under Pressure

curiosity empathy optimism Jan 17, 2024
 

Navigating high-pressure situations in the corporate world demands more than just skill - it requires mastery in the art of influence. As leaders, especially women leaders, it’s essential to communicate with clarity and impact.

Introducing the "ECO" Mindset Model – a transformative approach to influencing under pressure:

"E"mpathy: Step into their shoes. Understand their pressures and motivations.
"C"uriosity: Cultivate genuine interest in their perspective, wrapped in compassion.
"O"ptimism: Envision the best outcome. Let positivity guide your decisions.

Interested in refining your influence skills or seeking guidance on your leadership journey? I’m here to support and guide you. Feel free to send me a message for insights on leadership and influence – let’s elevate your leadership together.

Enjoy the video, or you can listen in on my podcast here.

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Building Work Life Integration - an Interview with Michelle Ragusa-McBain

work-life Jan 09, 2024
 

If you have not met Michelle Ragusa-McBain, this will be your chance to get up close with a distinguished and influential female leader in the global technology channel, a relationship-builder extraordinaire, and an all-around fun and compassionate human being! Michelle's journey, marked by resilience and determination, has been nothing short of remarkable. From her family's immigration to the United States to her groundbreaking achievement as the first in her family to attend college and earn an MBA, her story is a testament to the power of unwavering commitment.

In this conversation, Michelle dives into the intricacies of her career path, being a mother, and emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the pursuit of purpose in the tech industry. Her wisdom transcends her own experiences, offering invaluable guidance for those seeking to leave their mark in the world of technology.

Here are the key takeaways from the interview:

The Power of Resilience (00:01:31): Michele's upbringing,...

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What it Takes to Achieve ‘What’s Next’ (Part 3): Achieve

achieve agile metrics Jan 03, 2024
 

You've dreamed it, you've planned (or envisioned) it, and now it's time to just do it! Execution is where the rubber meets the road. It's the culmination of your vision and planning. But remember, achieving a dream is a marathon, not a spring. Consistency, discipline, and accountability are your best allies
 And I’m here to help!

Here are 4 things to keep in mind when setting out to achieve your dream, your next level of impact, and your Olympics!

Metrics Matter: Track AND Celebrate Your Progress
I’m not a data girl, however, I’ve experienced the challenges of not doing this as well as the triumphs when I’m consistent. It's not enough to rely on gut feelings or anecdotal evidence. Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are directly aligned with your goals. This data-driven approach will not only keep you accountable but also offer actionable insights. It allows you to make informed decisions, optimizing your strategies for better outcomes.

Adapt and Overcome: The Power of Bei...

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Top 5 Lessons Learned in 2023: A Year of Empowerment for Female Leaders

 

As we prepare for the new year, it’s a great time for reflection and introspection. The year 2023 has been a remarkable journey, not just in terms of the challenges we faced but, more importantly, in the lessons we learned and the growth we experienced. This year has been a testament to our strength, adaptability, leadership, and resilience, particularly in the face of unprecedented challenges. It was a year that not only tested us but also highlighted our unique capabilities as women in leadership roles.

These insights have shaped our approach, honed our skills, and prepared us to lead with more conviction and impact. Here are the top five lessons that have been particularly resonant, each shaping our path toward a more empowered and influential future.

  • Embrace the Power of Dreams and Vision: This year has underscored the importance of dreaming big and aligning those dreams with our values and vision. As female leaders, we’ve seen the power of visualization and ambition in turning
  • ...
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Stop Being Hysterical and Slow Down - an Interview with Laura Guio

 

It was such an honor to spend time with Laura Guio, a powerful and influential leader with a 30-year career at IBM. Laura joined us from Copenhagen, Denmark to share her journey, filled with invaluable lessons, challenges, and the wisdom she gained along the way. 

Laura dives into the nuances of building a successful career, the importance of adaptability, and the art of maintaining a strong personal brand. Her insights are not just reflections of her professional journey but also serve as guiding principles for anyone looking to make their mark in their career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE INTERVIEW:

Embrace Continuous Learning and Role Versatility (02:15): Success often comes from the willingness to learn and adapt. Taking on various roles to understand different aspects of a business can be more beneficial than excelling in just one area. Being versatile and competent across multiple domains often outweighs being a specialist in a single field.

Cultivate a Strong Personal Brand (05:04...

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