Ever found yourself in a situation where you hesitated to say "no" because you didn't want to be seen as disagreeable? Today I’m bringing on the importance of setting boundaries and embracing the power of "no." Have you ever had an experience that made you rethink your ability to say "no"? Well, I confess I do rethink it quite frequently. My favorite sport is swimming. Last summer, while away from home, I stumbled upon a local gym with a promising swimming pool. It took me quite a while to locate it, costing me valuable time. I was thrilled when I finally found it. However, upon arrival, I w ..read more

Ever found yourself with too much free time at work and wondering how to make the most of it? Let's dive into an interesting scenario I recently discussed with a dear client. It might just resonate with you or perhaps give the inspiration you're looking for. I had the pleasure of catching up with a remarkable client who recently made a significant leap in her career. She ascended to a higher level, but interestingly, she now faces some unique challenges as she adjusts to this new career altitude. One notable change is having more free time on her hands. Yes, you read that right – extra time! F ..read more

Ever wondered how your unique strengths could be the key to unlocking your next career move? Let's dive into a thought-provoking discussion. First things first, have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your strengths? You might be surprised at how they can shape your career journey. I'll share a bit of my experience to illustrate. In my case, I've identified three core strengths: Maximizer, Activator, and Ideation. These strengths have been my guiding stars, both personally and professionally. Let's break them down: 1. Maximizer: This strength drives me to seek efficiency in everything I do ..read more

Ever found yourself in an interview with a junior recruiter and felt like you're the one guiding the conversation? It's a common situation that I recently discussed with one of my early clients, and it got me thinking – maybe you've been there too. Picture this: You're a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience, and across the table is a junior recruiter who's still finding their footing. You start asking advanced questions about the company, the role, and they struggle to provide in-depth answers. Suddenly, you're left with doubts about the company's quality or the job itself. It can ..read more

Stumbling over the question of salary expectations during job interviews? If you're unsure about your worth in the job market, you're not alone. I recently worked with a talented software developer who felt uncertain when asked about salary expectations. She realized she wasn't paying much attention to her paychecks, and that got me thinking – do you regularly open yours? If you're not keeping an eye on your pay stubs or even your retirement plan, it might be a signal that personal finance isn't your top priority. But here's the thing, there's a difference between compensation and salary. Comp ..read more

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, contemplating a major career shift? I recently had a conversation with an expatriate engineer who was torn between continuing in engineering or diving into the world of coding. And to add to the mix, he was pondering the possibilities across different countries. It's a scenario where the decision seems as blurred as ever, right? Reflecting on my own journey of reinventing my career three times over the last two decades, I shared some advice with him. I emphasized the importance of experimenting – of stepping out of your head, putting thoughts into ..read more

Have you ever thought about the pros and cons of romantic engagements in the workplace? It's a topic that's been buzzing in my mind, given the countless stories I've encountered throughout my corporate journey. Marriages, affairs, partnerships, even kiddos. But let's flip the coin for a second – what are the boundaries when it comes to finding love at work? Let me share a bit of my own story and how I met my husband. Funny thing is, we never worked at the same company, not even affiliated ones. Our career paths just happened to cross indirectly, and that's how we got introduced. See, one of my ..read more

Do you send a thank you note after a job interview – even if things didn't go as planned? A few weeks back, I caught up with a dear friend and former colleague. We had this amazing partnership at work a while ago. During our coffee chat, she spilled the beans about her job hunting strategies. She recently scored an interview at her dream company, but for some reason, her profile wasn't a perfect match for that particular role. The hiring manager, though, was really kind and told her they'd have a better fit soon and would get in touch. Now, here's where it gets interesting. Four weeks later ..read more

Did you know that finding effective strategies to grow and stand out can be a game-changer for your career? I have a cool story to share about navigating a competitive work environment with some simple yet awesome tactics. Once, I was about to meet the big boss for a budget meeting – the company president! He was this busy and seemingly cold guy. While waiting, I couldn't help but notice management, personal development, and high-performance books on his desk. It was intriguing! So, I sneaked a peek at the titles and decided to buy them later. (By then, I was too introverted to ask him if I ..read more

How to strike a balance between telling a hiring manager what they want to hear and staying true to your own values and aspirations? During a pivotal job interview, I found myself in the office of a newly-promoted CFO. As I entered the room, I quickly observed the surroundings – a family photo on the desk, a perfectly arranged line of Nespresso capsules – all clues that helped me paint a picture of the person before me. Considering the individual's nationality, career stage, and time spent as an expat - I did my homework on LinkedIn and found many details about him there - I realized that suc ..read more