Career Mastered Magazine Fall 2024 by Career Mastered Magazine

Fall

FASHION FOR SUCCESS

A slice of

THE PIE

TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING HIGHER PAY

PRESERVE YOUR WEALTH FINANCE TIPS FOR HIGH EARNERS

DIANA & GLENDA LEWIS BUILDING A

$14.25 CANADA

EVERYDAY WAYS FOR FINDING MEANING AND BUILDING YOUR CAREER LEGACY

$12.50 US

FALL 2024 EDITION

LEGACY SEP 2024

FALL 2024

Advancing Black Pathways We’re dedicated to building a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for the Black community. To create stronger pathways toward economic success and empowerment, we’re:

• Committing $30 billion to help close the racial wealth gap • Expanding access to business education and coaching for entrepreneurs

• Offering minority-focused wealth-building programs, tools and opportunities

• Deepening our relationship with HBCUs and expanding student development programs

• Increasing access to well-paying career paths and supporting Black executives To learn more, visit jpmorganchase.com/abp

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NEIGHBORS

SAVINGS MADE EASY ——— for our ———

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Inside

CAREERMASTERED.COM // FALL 2024

34 EV ER YDAY WAYS F O R F IN DIN G MEANING A N D B UILDIN G YO UR C A R EER LEG ACY W ITH D I A NA & GLE NDA LE WI S

FEATures 34 LEAVING A LEGACY

HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR WEALTH

Finance tips for high earners.

SLICE OF THE PIE

Tips for negotiating higher pay.

15 EVER CONSIDER JOINING A BOARD?

How joining a board can skyrocket your career.

18 SQUASH-ING THE COMPETITION Tips for standing out in life and business.

26 HOW TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP TALENT Learn how to build and sustain a high caliber workforce.

LEADERSHIP TIP Leadership tips for navigating a new senior role.

46 THE AGE OF AI

What entrepreneurs need to know.

55 FALL FASHION

How to dress for success this season.

58 FALLING FORWARD

How to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and move ahead.

DEPARTMENTS

ADVANCING TODAY'S GLOBAL CAREER WOMAN

4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 21 JOB HUNTING?

24 BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN THE WORKPLACE

49 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

28 YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

52 THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

Strategies to gain recognition in the workplace.

How to adjust for fluctuations in the market.

Meet Career Mastered member, Stacey Horn.

When your partner isn’t supporting you.

61 LEADERSHIP?

Tips for leading effectively.

Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker, PhD

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD

Gary Dent, Devine Talent Management, LLC Monica Emerson, Inclusive Performance Solutions LaToya Everett, D.A. Everett Construction Courtney Gentry, Center for Creative Leadership Dawn Cullars Johnson, Dawn Johnson State Farm Insurance Agency Donna Joseph Kemp, DMJ Group, LLC Mark S. Lee, The LEE Group The Late Florine Mark, Formerly,The WW Group, Inc. Marie McLucas, Primax Properties Greg Ridella, Eastman & Smith LTD Dr. Tamara Lindsay Roberts Excel Village Center for Learning Heather Troutman, blueharbor bank Arvis S. Williams, BorgWarner, Inc. Dr. Geneva J. Williams, Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC Natalie Williams, NAW4 Integrated Business Solutions, LLC Deidra E. Willis, Northwestern Mutual Scarlette Whyte, CNN & Turner Sports Warner Bros. / Discovery Glen Wright, II, Worth Advisors

MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Rhodesia Jackson

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Jasmine Ball

` WRITERS

Jasmine Ball • Rechelle Andrews • Marci Bryant Asia Ferguson • Hadley Roy • Stephanie Hancock Nicole Hudson • Dr. Sabrina Jackson • Priya Kumar Lee McCalla • Kristin Morgan • Haseena Shaheed-Jackson Kayvonna Stilgal • Evelyn Summerville • Jody Triewieler Robin Wilson • Glen Wright II

RESEARCH EDITOR Lendell McEwen

32 32 LOVE WHO YOU ARE

Rhodesia Jackson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Santanna Hayes • Jenny Risher

FOR MEMBERSHIP, ADVERTISING CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES info@careermastered.com

HIKE YOURSELF HAPPY

Fall beauty & confidence tips.

How hiking can improve your overall health

37 THE ULTIMATE FALL READING LIST

67 EMBRACING CHANGE

Five books for your next fall read.

Five ways to pivot during a career plateau

39 PLOWING THROUGH LIFE

70 POWER PLAY!

How to handle feeling overworked

CREATIVE DESIGNERS

Change the odds: Five steps to shape your future.

©2024 Linwick and Associates, LLC P.O. Box 5132 • Mooresville, NC 28117 Ph: 866.601.4441 www.careermastered.com Inquiries/Ad Submissions: info@careermastered.com FIND US @CareerMastered » Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn @LindsayWicker » LinkedIn • Twitter

Career Mastered Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Career Mastered Magazine standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Career Mastered Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. An advertised special printed in this magazine is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Printed in the United States of America.

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Tips to avoid a bad-fit role & land one you’ll thrive in.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Leaving a legacy.

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

LEAVING A

LEGACY A

s we enter the fall season with the changing leaves, shorter days, and cooler nights, it reminds us of nature’s cycle of life and how we, too, face constant changes. We can reflect on these changes while planning and working to leave a legacy. I personally associate fall with the growing cycle of ripeness, maturity, and harvest. The harvest is associated with abundance, prosperity, wealth, and wisdom. Each of these are part of the legacy I hope to leave to my children along with faith and prayer. Building a legacy is a lifelong journey and accumulation of impressions we’ve made in others through our daily lives. Ultimately, it’s about the person we’re becoming, our character, faith, and its impact. For some leaving a legacy is much more about leaving wisdom, values, and influence in the lives of their children, grandchildren and beyond than mere physical assets. If there’s anyone, we can learn from about leaving a legacy within our home, community, and the world, it’s Detroit’s legendary and former WXYZ-TV news anchor Diana Lewis. In this issue, we share about her trailblazing career across 44 years and the history she made with her daughter Glenda, anchoring at “Legacy is about WXYZ-TV in Detroit. the person we’re

“

becoming, our character, faith and its impact.”

As with all issues of Career Mastered Magazine, we ensure our articles are relevant and practical. So, sit back,

relax, and reflect as you lean forward to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and move ahead. You will read about how to be taken seriously in the workplace, tips for negotiating higher pay, the age of AI and what entrepreneurs need to know, beauty tips and dressing for success. Between our quarterly issues, we keep you informed through the Career Mastered website and bi-monthly newsletter. There, we keep you in touch with career stories, photos of our events, and our social media platforms, where women can join the Career Mastered Women’s Leadership Network (CMWLN). To check it out, simply log on to www.careermastered. com Here’s to enjoying the beautiful fall colors and reflecting on today and the legacy you are leaving for tomorrow. Love,

Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker, Publisher Contact Dr. Lisa via email: info@careermastered.com

areer Mastered, in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) has developed a women’s Level-Up experience to enhance your personal leadership skills and navigate through life’s changes. Learn CCL’s new and innovative tools within each session as you walk through the Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Model, based on the book “Standing at the Crossroads: Next Steps for High-Achieving Women” by Marian Ruderman and Patricia Ohlott.

The Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Model SELF-CLARITY: Knowing who you are, how you fit into the world and how outside forces affect the way others see you. Experience: Self Discovery, Cognitive Reappraisal, Emotional Intelligence AUTHENTICITY: Having a good understanding of your priorities, emotions and sensing what is important to yourself versus what is important to others. Experience: Values Exploration, Authentic Relationships AGENCY: The willingness and ability to take action on your own behalf and control your own destiny. Experience: Goal Mapping; Goal Action Alignment CONNECTION: Connecting, maintaining and creating support systems within your many relationships - family, friends, acquaintances, peers, co-workers and your employer. Experience: Unpacking Your Learning, Building – Maintaining – Nurturing Relationships WHOLENESS: Integrating all parts of “self” together enables us to feel good about ourselves, perform effectively and live a rich and varied life! Experience: Mapping Your Identities, Strategies for Achieving Wholeness, Integrating Our Roles

SIGN-UP FOR A LEVEL-UP EXPERIENCE!

A CUSTOMIZED ON-SITE, ONE DAY PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR 15 OR MORE WOMEN. ____________________________

FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 1.866.601.4441 OR EMAIL INFO@CAREERMASTERED.COM

Tuition Assistance Available TO LEARN MORE about this workshop or if you are interested in offering this within your organization or group, call 1.866.601.4441 or visit www.careermastered.com/levelup

C AR E E R M A S T E R E D MAGAZINEQuarterly

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Advancing Women’s Leadership

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WRITERS AND EDITORIAL STAFF

JASMINE BALL

Senior Copy Editor/ Contributing Writer Founder, BTM Writing Services

STEPHANIE HANCOCK Contributing Writer Founder, Career Rise, LLC

NICOLE HUDSON Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, The Hudson Collective

HASEENA SHAHEED-JACKSON

Contributing Writer Founder, Faith Hope & Spirit, LLC

MARCI BRYANT, MBA

RECHELLE ANDREWS

Contributing Writer Inspirational Makeup Artist; Founder, Inspired Beauty

Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, SYNC Digital Agency

DR. SABRINA JACKSON Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, Essential Colors & Sabrina Jackson Enterprises Known as "The People Expert"

KAYVONNA STIGALL

Contributing Writer, Author & Poet CEO, Rise Above the Clouds/iSpitInk, LLC

PRIYA KUMAR

Contributing Writer Leadership & Lifestyle Coach, Trainer, Blogger

Contributing Writer Analyst & Developer, MRM

Contributing Writer Freelance Writer

Contributing Writer Founder/Business Coach, Pivot My Profit

EVELYN SUMMERVILLE

HADLEY ROY H.

ASIA SHAMIR FERGUSON

LEONYE MCCALLA Contributing Writer Freelance Writer

JODY TRIERWEILER Contributing Writer

Host/Co-Producer, "Jody’s Fitlife"; Fitness Expert, Live in the D - WDIV, Ch 4 Detroit

KRYSTIN MORGAN

Contributing Writer Writer, Career Consultant, and Talent Acquisition Professional

ROBIN M. WILSON

Contributing Writer, Author Owner, Robin Wilson Educational Consulting & Heritage Home and Garden, LLC

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD

GARY DENT

MONICA EMERSON

Devine Talent Management, LLC

Inclusive Performance Solutions

THE LATE FLORINE MARK Formerly, The WW Group, Inc.

MARIE MCLUCAS Primax Properties

DR. GENEVA J WILLIAMS

Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC

LATOYA EVERETT

D.A. Everett Construction

GREG RIDELLA

Eastman & Smith LTD

NATALIE WILLIAMS NAW4 Integrated Business Solutions, LLC

MARK S. LEE

DAWN CULLARS JOHNSON DONNA JOSEPH KEMP Dawn Johnson State Farm Insurance Agency

DMJ Group, LLC

DR. TAMARA LINDSAY ROBERTS

HEATHER TROUTMAN

Excel Village Center for Learning

DEIDRA E. WILLIS Northwestern Mutual

blueharbor bank

SCARLETTE WHYTE CNN & Turner Sports Warner Bros. / Discovery

The LEE Group

ARVIS S. WILLIAMS BorgWarner, Inc.

GLEN WRIGHT, II Worth Advisors

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Thank you for taking the time to make a lasting difference. At PNC, we’re proud to celebrate Career Mastered for making our community an even better place to be. Thank you for all you’ve done and all that we know you plan to do. pnc.com

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Shattering expectations. And glass ceilings. At Comerica Bank, inclusion and equity define who we are. That’s why 65% of our workforce is female, including one-third of our executive team and board of directors. And that’s why we’ve been named Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women.

Raise Your Expectations MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. CB-652171-02-03-01-01 02/23 Ennis, Dawn. “America’s Best Employers for Women.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-women. Published July 26, 2022.

www.itc-holdings.com 11

Smart phones, connected homes, electric vehicles. Every day, technology is changing the way we use and think about electricity. You may not realize it, but in our increasingly electrified society, that’s where electricity transmission infrastructure matters most. ITC is working every day and investing in infrastructure to modernize the grid in order to move electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. That means safe, secure, reliable electricity to power economic growth, job opportunities, and our long-term energy future. We’re ensuring the grid can meet your energy needs now and long into the future. At ITC, we’re always working for the greater grid.

@ITCHoldingsCorp @ITCGrid ITC Holdings Corp

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EMPOWERED WOMEN, POWERING OUR FUTURE

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How to Preserve Your

WEALTH FINANCE TIPS FOR HIGH EARNERS

BY: Marci Bryant, MBA FINANCE

financial goals and risk tolerance. A coordinated effort from these professionals can help you navigate the complexities of money management, ensuring that your financial decisions are well-informed and strategic.

DIVERSIFY

Bianca Pope, CEO of The Greenwood Institute, recommends starting with a team of financial experts to help you manage your funds. According to Pope, your dream team for wealth preservation should include an accountant, an estate planner, a tax attorney, and a wealth advisor. While an accountant manages and optimizes your finances to ensure compliance with tax laws and maximize deductions, an estate planner helps you structure your estate in a way that minimizes taxes and ensures your final wishes are honored. A tax attorney can provide specialized knowledge on complex tax issues to protect your assets from legal challenges, and a wealth advisor can provide strategic investment advice tailored to your

Mohip also stresses the importance of retirement planning and risk management. Corporate employees can use deferred compensation plans to build their retirement funds, while self-employed professionals may benefit from a Solo 401(k) to plan for retirement. And finally, Mohip recommends that you manage the risk of financial loss with adequate life and disability insurance, including an umbrella policy that can provide an extra layer of protection for your growing assets. Riches are temporary, but true wealth builds legacy and creates lasting impact. Make the decisions today that will preserve your wealth for many years and generations to come. If you are looking for tools to help you manage your own finances and business affairs, please visit https:// polishedbusiness.gumroad.com x Marci Bryant, MBA is an Amazon best-selling author, professional speaker, facilitator, business strategist, AI trainer, and CEO of SYNC Digital Agency, where she specializes in helping businesses scale utilizing AI and automation combined with her proprietary frameworks. In her personal time, she loves growing vegetables in her garden and making farm-to-table meals for her family.

Connect with Bianca M. Pope, MS and The Greenwood Institute on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit https://www. thegreenwood.institute. Bianca M. Pope

Lanesha Mohip

Connect with Lanesha Mohip, MBA, MHRM, and Polished Business Solutions on Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and Pinterest, or visit https://www. herpolishedbusiness.com.

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UTILIZE A WEALTH DREAM TEAM

PLAN FOR RETIREMENT

any of us equate financial success with personal success, yet it almost seems inevitable that we are only one pink slip or lost client away from losing our financial footing. As we grow professionally and our lifestyles evolve, we become more exposed to the devastating consequences of economic downturns. It’s time we realize that making money can only take us so far if we are unequipped to manage it for growth and preservation.

Polished Business Solutions CEO, Lanesha Mohip, says that diversification is the key to building long-term wealth. She recommends that in addition to traditional stocks and bonds, you should explore alternative investments such as real estate (REITs) and private equity, especially if you are an accredited investor. You should also consider geographical diversification, as exploring international markets and currencies can help you hedge against domestic economic fluctuations. Wealth preservation often means protecting against downside risks as much as seeking upside potential.

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Membership

Space

Foundation

Café

IMPACT PROGRAMS Zero-to-One Entrepreneurial Fellowship Art of BasBlue Membership + Community Programming Founders + Fund(Her)s Pitch Day Trailblazer-in-Residence Scholarship Volunteer Opportunities

BasBlue is a non-profit organization, made possible by The BasBlue Foundation, dedicated to empowering economic mobility and leadership skills by providing resources for personal and professional developmental growth to underrepresented and under-resourced women and non-binary individuals in Southeast Michigan.

Access

Growth

Incubate

Community

The BasBlue Foundation directly funds our collaborative spaces, programs, membership, and Café. Your support fuels scholarships, education, networking, mentorship, business opportunities, and capital, shaping an equitable future.

Impactful Member Programs Diverse BasBlue Membership Trailblazer-in-Residence Scholarships Awarded Inclusive, Local Artworks Exhibited

www.basblueus.com 110 E . Ferry St. Detroit, MI 40202 @basblueus

BasBlue

Ever Consider Joining a

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BOARD?

Learn how joining a board can skyrocket your career. BY: Nicole Hudson CAREER

n business and professional development, joining a board of directors can be a game-changing move for your career. Whether it’s a corporate board overseeing a company’s strategic direction or a nonprofit board guiding its mission, these leadership bodies play crucial roles in decision-making and governance.

BUT WHAT EXACTLY CAN BOARD MEMBERSHIP DO FOR YOU? Being part of a board helps you grow both professionally and personally. As someone who has served on the board of Community & Home Supports, a nonprofit organization, for 10 years, I can attest to its transformative power. It has enhanced my leadership and executive skills and led to lifelong friendships and valuable business connections. While joining a board does require commitment and may add a few events to your calendar, the benefits far outweigh the extra effort. In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons for securing a board position as a significant asset to your career legacy.

KEY BENEFITS OF JOINING A BOARD

These insights come from my personal experience and a conversation with a fellow business owner who also sees the benefits of joining a local board, Brenda Arbelaez, CEO and founder of PALS International, a global business specializing in language instruction. Brenda states, “You meet people, and how many people remember you is beautiful. You just don’t know who you’ll meet that will help you later.” Brenda is also a board member of Global Ties Detroit, which strives to connect Detroit businesses with global leaders.

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Let’s dive into how becoming a board member can open doors, sharpen your skills, and propel your career to new heights.

An opportunity to grow and strengthen your professional network

Joining a board allows you to make meaningful connections with professionals in your field. You’ll be face to face with well-connected, influential people with similar goals and values, so take advantage of it. As important as first impressions are, don’t stop with one conversation. Set up casual meetups to share information and have deeper, more personal connections.

Gain knowledge or sharpen skills within your field

Joining a board can add new skills to your resume or sharpen the skills you already have. You’ll be able to develop your leadership skills, your communication skills, and learn how a company is managed on a deeper level.

Increased visibility

Sitting on a board puts you in front of a crowd of potential referrals and communicates that you are a reliable source. So, when your fellow professionals need a service you can provide, your name will be at the top of their list. Brenda says, “It’s like paying it forward, that’s the best way to put it. You must

Brenda Arbeláez

be good to everyone and help. And somebody else will come back to you and do something for you.”

The chance to make your mark

Want to see change in your field? Joining a board is a great way to influence change and leave your mark, especially as a woman in business. You’ll be trusted to help make the big decisions around policy, and you’ll have the opportunity to make suggestions that could lead to real change. Throughout her 40 years as a woman in business, Brenda says it’s always been her goal to help other women thrive by opening doors for the next generation. Joining a board could allow you to leave a legacy behind and pay it forward in a big way.

Supplement income and grow your financial profile

Sometimes joining a board means compensation, stock options, or getting in at the ground level of a new business or startup. So, if you’re looking to diversify, or for an investment opportunity, joining a board could offer options you may not have considered before. If you’re feeling stuck and you’re looking for a way to go even further in your professional life, joining a board is a great place to start. You never know who you’re going to meet and what opportunities will come your way. x Nicole Hudson is the Founder of Hudson Collective, an integrated digital strategy and communications firm creating social impact by activating their communities through branding, storytelling, and expanding their engagement with a robust online presence. Hudson’s strategies are driven to deliver compelling messages and a suite of business tactics that engage, inform and influence audiences to action that creates lasting impact.

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Helping others while helping your career. That’s being good at life. Visit www.newyorklife.com/women-career to speak with a recruiter. Insure. Prepare. Retire.

SMRU 1835171(Exp. 10/31/21) ©2019 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 New York Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/ Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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SQUASH-ING

THE

COMPETITION

Tips for Standing Out in Life and Business BY: Kayvonna Stilgal LIFESTYLE

ompetition can be fierce. Look around and it’s everywhere, especially in today’s changing trends and economy. In business, competition inspires innovation and creativity in order to win over customers. In life, healthy competition could lead to personal growth and improvement. But there comes a time when we *need* to stand out in life and business so we can win deals, promotions, love interests, negotiations, prizes, and various other types of rewards over others.

So, when you’re met with those times, you can use these tips to help you stand out and squash your competition.

Dare to be yourself

Widen your net I’m sure by now we all know that social media is a powerful tool that can help you broaden your reach. Whether you want to stand out for personal reasons or for business, social media can be a great and free platform to put yourself out there and reach new audiences. How you can use it to “squash competition” is to become a disrupter. What I mean

If you’re already making waves on a smaller scale or in close circles, use social media to broaden your reach, increase your size of impact, and cast a wider net that brings on a larger customer base. Finding groups and creating ads, at a nominal fee most times, can support your efforts of standing out as you tap into this tool that will allow you to communicate with people all over the world.

Push for greatness If your business is known for top-tier customer service or you as a person are known for being a person of excellence, you will surely stand out as one of the greats. Keep it up! When you can engage with others and develop a space where people feel they matter beyond you just trying to sell a product and service, then your business cannot remain in the background for long; it will start to rise to center stage. Standing out above the competition requires us to be the one who delivers the most value, do the extraordinary, and be the one who pushes for greatness. Many people try and fail. It’s called “ordinary” for a reason. There are few who are the type to become a person of excellence, someone who is “extraordinary”. Becoming the best version of ourselves is a never ending journey that may be intimidating to some, however that is not your problem. You may face adversity while in route to becoming one of the greats, but that’s okay! Be great anyway. Set goals and crush them. Let your actions be a testament of your ability to thrive, preserve, grow, and push for greatness in yourself and in your business. As you do the work, let your name and accomplishments exceed you and become your legacy of success. x

Kayvonna K. Stigall is a published author, freelance writer, and poet from River Rouge, Michigan. Instagram: @riseaboveclouds

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Stay true to your message, your convictions, your why, and have enough courage to be yourself, let loose, be vulnerable, and speak your mind. Try to be purposeful and present when you need to show up — even if you’re afraid.

Standing out above the competition requires us to be the one who delivers the most value

In case you needed this reminder, I’ll go ahead and say it: There’s only one you. You and your business are automatically different because it’s your business and you have your own unique flair, personal touch, and way of interacting with people. However, I know it’s still easy to compare what you have going on with others. Just never let what your competitors are doing distract you, make you second guess your worth, or impact the way you show up in life or business.

by that is to not be afraid to go against the grain, stand for something, and be a trailblazer… the one who’s brave enough to go first.

S:7"

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It only feels expensive The Taos German engineering, engineered for everyone

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JOB HUNTING? Tips to Avoid a Bad-Fit Role & Land One You’ll

THRIVE IN BY: Jasmine Ball CAREER

n the work world, there is nothing worse than being at a job for a few months and then finding yourself dreading going in; and whenever you do show up you just want to leave.

impacts your work and strains relationships you have with friends and family.

If you get knots in your stomach and can't face going into work “tomorrow” more often than not, then this is a telltale sign that it's not the right fit and it’s time to start looking for something new and better.

If this is a situation you would like to avoid in the future, let’s reassess what went wrong and determine what you can start doing now to make things feel right. You can start by asking yourself the following question to gain clarity around what exactly makes you feel like it’s a bad fit in the first place.

No job is worth having these types of feelings. And the truth is it never just impacts just you. It also negatively

Is it the work itself, the company culture, the management, or something else?

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Identifying the root issue can help determine the best next step. After you’ve determined what’s working and not working for you (and before accepting your next job offer), ask these questions in the interview process in order to avoid landing a bad-fit role to instead get one you’ll thrive in: • Why is the position open? • Where are the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? • What will your initial training look like? • How will you be supported in the new role? • How is success measured and what does it look like in this role? • What’s to be expected of you (if you were to take the position) in the first 30, 60, or 90 days? • How is work divided among the team? • What opportunities does the company offer for professional growth? • What are the other avenues for growth within the company? • How does the company support work life balance? As you learn of their nuances and do your due diligence on the employer, company culture, and conduct your own background check on the organization, you can next ask yourself the following questions to get closer to determining if it’ll be a good match: • Does the job align with your long term career goals? • What will you be able to get out of the experience?

• Does the position allow you to feel fulfilled in any way? • Does the work environment (according to current or past employees) check any or all of your boxes? • What is essential for you? • What are your priorities, and do they align with the priorities of the company? • Where are your deal breakers? In the job hunting process, it can be easy to feel like the underdog when a lot is unknown, like if you’re making a good impression, if you’re standing out above competition, if you’re able to be compensated generously, and if it’s a company you’ll actually love. However, there is something you can do during the hiring process to improve your chances of landing a role you’ll thrive in, especially if you strike when the iron’s hot!

According to the Harvard Business Review, right after you receive a job offer you have more leverage to shape your job description and improve your salary and benefits package than you do in your first two years of employment. Essentially when a company makes you an offer, they’re proclaiming you to be “the one”, so it’s a critical moment in the job hunting process for you to be straightforward and think about the trade offs you’re willing to make in order to land a position that’s a better fit. Use that golden moment to negotiate what matters most to you to be sure the next job you accept is one you can build a legacy in and start to thrive like never before. x Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services, a writing firm helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives.

Can we make health better by making it better for everyone? Can we impact today and inspire tomorrow?

corewellhealth.org/we-can

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Can we build stronger, healthier communities?

What can we do together?

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HOW TO BE TAKEN

S E R I O U S LY WORKPLACE IN THE

BY: Stephanie Hancock CAREER

he landscape of the workplace has transformed significantly over the past four years. Remote and hybrid work arrangements, once optional in certain industries, have become the standard. While this new normal presents unique challenges, such as visibility within the organization, it also opens opportunities for professional growth.

In the past, casual interactions—whether in an elevator or during lunch—facilitated connections with colleagues and leaders alike. Today, fostering these connections requires intentional effort, but it is achievable. Enhancing your visibility within your organization is essential for advancing your career trajectory. This article will outline effective strategies to transition from being unseen to gaining recognition in the workplace.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLARITY Before embarking on the journey of elevating your workplace visibility, it is crucial to first evaluate your mindset. Consider the following questions:

• What are the key values and goals of the organization, and how can I align with them?

• How can I solicit and apply constructive feedback for personal and professional growth? Assess your emotional state to avoid self-sabotaging behaviors that may hinder your progress.

Seek experienced colleagues who can broaden your organizational knowledge. Next, take stock of your current position within the organization by asking: • What are my current job responsibilities, and how effectively am I meeting them? • How do my performance evaluations and feedback from supervisors and peers reflect my contributions? • Are there any gaps in my knowledge or skills that I need to address? • What key areas can I improve to add greater value to my team and organization?

In his book Make Your Bed, Admiral William McRaven advises, “Find someone to help you paddle.” This wisdom underscores the importance of collaboration in both work and life. Reflect on whether you are an effective collaborator. Collaboration is essential for problemsolving and innovation. Identify internal and external mentors who can help you develop your strengths and navigate your weaknesses. Seek experienced colleagues who can broaden your organizational knowledge. Collaborate with them to create a six-month action plan that includes stretch assignments, allowing you to work cross-functionally and gain greater visibility while deepening your understanding of the organization. Pay attention to others in your organization with broader spans of control. The organizational chart can provide valuable insights into potential connections. Remember that all relationships are reciprocal. Look for opportunities to support those who have assisted you. Be a connector—facilitate introductions or share resources that can benefit others. If you seek out mentors, consider offering compensation for their time and expertise. Sincere appreciation and gratitude go a long way in fostering lasting relationships. By embracing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your workplace visibility and position yourself for continued growth and success in your career. x Stephanie Hancock, MAIOP is the Owner of Career Rise, LLC, specializing in Professional Development. She is a Human Resources Professional, Certified DISC Consultant, Real Colors Facilitator, Certified John Maxwell Team Trainer, Speaker, and Coach.

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• How can I enhance my communication skills to ensure my ideas and contributions are recognized?

BUILDING STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

• How can I consistently demonstrate an initiativetaking and solution-oriented attitude?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions— honesty is key. Gaining clarity about your current situation will create a solid foundation for developing a vision for your future.

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HOW TO

ATTRACT & RETAIN

TOP

TALENT BY: Evelyn Summerville CAREER

Whether the job market is stable, overheating or cooling, attracting and retaining top talent boils down to the employee experience. The pillars of which are respect, recognition and reward. Employers need relevant strategies in place that appeal to a multi-generational workforce. These strategies should permeate the organization like a heartbeat pulsing through one’s body. Regularly communicating and delivering results in these areas cultivates trust between the employer and employee.

BUILD AND SUSTAIN A STRONG EMPLOYER BRAND

A recent study by Gallup indicates that 54% of employees worldwide

Implementing one of these best practices may help you achieve your employment goals.

Job candidates research organizations looking for their ideal match. This includes aligned passions and core values, flexible work from home policies, even pet insurance provisions to name a few. Employees take pride in being associated with an organization’s positive reputation. Elements of an employer brand may include being named as a best workplace in areas of leadership, product development, service delivery, employee retention

and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

HAVE A WELL-DEFINED ONBOARDING PROCESS People expect to be set up to succeed from the start. A thoughtful approach to onboarding new hires factors in relationship building, organizational learning, and performance expectations. Onboarding can span from three to six months. A 90-day action plan helps new hires focus on the top priorities from day one. Providing an executive coach can also strengthen an employee’s onboarding experience.

PROMOTE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EMPLOYEE WELL BEING Gone are the days when employees are told to check their personal lives at the door or fear being shamed for their emotional responses to work situations. Now employers provide resources, benefits and training to promote well-being of mind, body and spirit. Mindfulness, emotional intelligence and mental health programs are some resources being availed. Counseling is normalized for persons experiencing burnout, depression or anxiety. When employees know they are cared for they are more likely to be attracted to and remain with an organization. Gallup, Inc. “Global Indicator: Employee Retention & Attraction - Gallup.” Gallup.Com, Gallup, 8 Mar. 2023, https://www.gallup. com/467702/indicator-employee-retentionattraction.aspx. x Evelyn Summerville is an executive, leadership & life coach. She harnesses the experiences and lessons learned during her time as Director of Marketing Research & Analysis for a Fortune 500 firm to support leaders in fast tracking their success. In doing so, Evelyn empowers people to live and lead with purpose, passion and excellence.

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believe now is a good time to find a quality job, up from 44% in 2020. Remaining competitive means that attracting and retaining top talent must remain at the forefront of an organization’s business strategy.

ompeting for top talent is likely to come across as a bit cliché. Truth is, there is no escaping this duo of human resource imperatives. From recessionary heights to the great resignation, CEO’s and HR executives alike incessantly strive to build and sustain high caliber workforces.

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ADJUSTING YOUR

FINANCIAL PLAN

BY: Glen Wright II FINANCE

luctuations in the market, commonly called corrections, significantly impact investment decisions. Adopting a strategic approach enables you to realign their financial plans effectively during these times. Embracing market variability requires resilience and finding

avenues for seizing emerging opportunities with astute strategies. Understanding the impact of these fluctuations on your investment choices and recognizing the role emotions play in financial decision-making is critical in navigating through these times.

Diversification & Long-Term Protection

estate. The underlying principle is risk mitigation. It is achieved by offsetting one asset class’s potential losses with stable or positive returns in another. For instance, a downturn in equities might be counterbalanced by the relative stability or gains in the bond market, thus moderating the impact on the portfolio as a whole. The essence of diversification lies in its capacity to protect against sudden financial downturns, ensuring a more consistent revenue stream. This tactic aligns with the understanding that not all investment types react similarly to market changes, offering a buffer during downturns. By spreading investments across various sectors and asset classes, you’re less exposed to a single economic event’s fallout. The practice of

Equally paramount is adopting a longterm perspective. Short-term market movements are inherently erratic; however, a historical overview reveals an overarching growth trend over extended periods. Anchoring your financial objectives firmly and avoiding precipitating decisions swayed by fleeting market sentiments is crucial. In other words, don’t be tempted by shiny objects. You and your advisor will continuously evaluate and adjust your portfolio. Financial advisors are instrumental during such times, offering clarity and stability. They are a steady hand, guiding through market volatility and reminding investors of the importance of sticking to their financial roadmaps. These professionals encourage focusing on the bigger picture, beyond the immediate downturn, to help their clients realize their longterm financial goals. They also emphasize the value of patience and consistency in investment practices, which are key to

Shape Your Financial Future Market fluctuations underscore the value of a robust financial plan that can adapt to shifting dynamics. Financial advisors deliver tailored advice that resonates with your unique financial circumstances and objectives, instilling confidence amidst market volatility. Contact us at worthadvisors.com/contact to set up a consultation. Disclaimer: Always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This material is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns, which may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, which, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. x As a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Investment Advisor Representative, Glen E. Wright, II is a Top of the Table member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an exclusive honor achieved by only the top one percent of all financial advisors worldwide. A published author (The Financial Shepherd: Why Dollars + Change = Sense and notable speaker, Glen is passionate about philanthropy and actively gives back to the local communities in which Worth Financial operates.

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Shift to a Long-Term Perspective

overcoming the temptations of reactive trading. Advisors will always consider risk tolerance and life goals before making assessments and adjustments. This proactive stance enables capitalizing on market upswings and mitigating losses during downturns, effectively navigating through the cycles of market volatility.

Expanding your investment portfolio is at the core of surviving marketing volatility. This strategic diversification encompasses allocating assets across various categories, including equities, bonds, and real

dollar-cost averaging plays into this strategy well. Looking into stable sectors that show resilience during downturns, like healthcare or utilities, can further solidify your portfolio against market volatility. Lastly, considering alternative investments outside the traditional stock and bond markets can provide additional security and potential growth layers.

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5605 77 Center Drive, Suite 101 Charlotte NC 28217 (704) 731-0121 - Office worthaxadvisors.com

Planning For Your Future Should Not Be A Concern

At Worth Advisors, we are here to help you make informed financial decisions that will take your plan to a new level.

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Team Up With Experts Glen E. Wright, II

CFP®, AIF® Chief Executive Officer Worth Advisors

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Love W H O YO U A R E Fall Beauty + Confidence Tips BY: Rechelle Andrews BEAUTY

s the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn arrives as a reminder of transformation and renewal. The fall is a great time to reflect on your journey, project confidence through your own personal style all while embracing your legacy.

It is important to remember that a lasting legacy is not just about what you leave behind; it is about the mark you are making today. Take a moment to reflect on your journey. What challenges have you overcome? What milestones do you have yet to reach? This self-awareness will ground you in who you are and where you’re heading so embrace your legacy and draw sustaining energy from it. With this in mind, I offer a few tips to help you project confidence and radiate at the highest level this fall and beyond.

Fall is synonymous with warm, earthy tones. Incorporate shades like burnt orange, deep burgundy, and rich browns into your makeup palette. These colors not only complement the season, but also exude a sense of confidence and sophistication. A bold burgundy lip or a smoky brown eye can be your go-to look for professional settings, ensuring you feel powerful and poised.

STAY HYDRATED As temperatures drop, maintaining hydration is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Invest in a rich, moisturizing cream to combat dryness and keep your skin supple. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods into your diet. Radiant skin is a confidence booster, reflecting inner health and vitality.

ADOPT A MEANINGFUL MAKEUP ROUTINE Fall is a great time to adopt a more meaningful makeup routine. Focus on enhancing your natural beauty rather than masking it. A light foundation, a hint of blush, lip gloss and a touch of highlighter can go a long way. Remember, confidence comes from being and feeling authentically yourself, so let your natural features shine through.

BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU Loving who you are is a continuous journey. It’s about recognizing your worth and celebrating your uniqueness. As a career woman, balancing professional demands with personal care can be challenging, but it is essential. Prioritize self-care rituals that make you feel good both inside and out. Whether it’s a morning meditation, a brisk walk in the autumn air, or a spa day, find what nurtures your soul and try to make it a mandatory part of your life. Fall is a season of change and reflection. Embrace your legacy, project confidence through your beauty routine, and most importantly love who you are. As you navigate the demands of your career, remember that your confidence and authenticity are your greatest assets. Let this fall be a time of reaffirmation and empowerment, where you step into your true self with grace and poise. x Rechelle Andrews is a career woman and skincare/makeup enthusiast. She has been a contributor to the Career Mastered Magazine since 2018. Through her encouraging words and professional tips in makeup application, she hopes to inspire you to be your most beautiful self, inside and out. Feel free to reach out to her anytime at inspirebeautiful2@gmail.com

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USE WARM, EARTHY TONES

Photograph by: Jenny Risher

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LEAVING A

here is a beautiful quote I once read from Ralph Waldo Emerson that stated, “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Etched in the minds of many conspiring to be great lies the burning desire to leave behind something when we die… a legacy... to make a difference and be, do, or create something that will leave a lasting impression with at least one person changed for the better as a result of crossing paths. When many think of legacy, the buck stops at generational

Building a legacy is a lifelong journey and accumulation of impressions we’ve made in others through our daily lives. wealth (money or property), rather than broadening the view to also consider the stories, how we’ve made others feel, and the footprint we leave behind in route to making a difference in our home, community, and the world. If there’s anyone we can learn from about leaving a legacy within our home, community, and the world, it’s Detroit’s legendary and former WXYZ-TV news anchor Diana Lewis. Before retiring in 2012, Lewis accomplished a trailblazing career in news that spanned across 44 years and earned her many honors including multiple Emmy Awards, the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and honored at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington D.C. She also made history anchoring with her daughter, Glenda at WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

BY: Jasmine Ball LIFESTYLE

Building a legacy is a lifelong journey and accumulation of impressions we’ve made in others through our daily lives. Ultimately, it’s about the person we’re becoming, our character, faith, and it’s impact.

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Everyday Ways for Finding Meaning and Building Your Career Legacy

LEGACY

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Below is what we learned from Lewis and her legacy of strength, courage, generosity, and care for her community, family, and making the world a better place. Use these everyday ways to help live a more meaningful life and establish a legacy of pricelessness and longevity.

Follow Your Heart & Help Someone Love is the most powerful feeling. If our goal is to make a difference, we have to follow our heart and help someone. Lewis has had a lifelong love and care for people. Her choice to help others can be seen early on in her youth when she regularly volunteered in nursing homes, through her initial choice to pursue social work in the early days of her career, through her years working in journalism and television, and even now serving as a caregiving role in retirement.

Put Yourself Out There You never know where your journey may take you, which is why we shouldn’t be afraid to put ourselves out there. In the case of Lewis, a visit with a friend to NYC in 1962, turned into an inspired conversation with Barbara Walters who was then working at NBC. “At the time, I was on a path to graduate with a degree in social work, but during our visit, Barbara suggested I give some thought to becoming a journalist.” In 1968, a few years into Lewis’ teaching career at Scott Intermediate High School, Lewis got the opportunity to get her foot in the door of journalism. She joined Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV as a parttime assistant producer for Black Book, a program about issues in the Black community, after learning about the job posting from her stepfather, who encouraged her to apply.

In her home life and community, especially now in retirement, Lewis practices selflessness, kindness and generosity daily. That same year, Lewis made her first on-camera debut on Black Book after guest host Maya Angelou fell ill shortly before the taping. The producer Jim Blocker asked Lewis to step in for the taping to replace her, recognizing Lewis as “a public speaker, in touch with the people, and having good charisma.”

Let Your Light Shine Taking chances on yourself is one thing, but believing in yourself and choosing to evolve into a newer version of you is another. If we want to leave a legacy of impact, we can’t remain unseen, blend into darkness, or dim down our light to fit in. Instead we have to let our light shine. There are a few moments in Lewis’ life where she recalls “something went click”, where she chose to recognize when opportunity was knocking, have faith in God, and become the person she wished to see. During her first taping, “I claimed my voice, so help me, to be a voice for the people.” The je ne sais quoi she exuded during her time at Black Book helped to catapult her career in news. She was promoted to newscaster, and when she later moved to Los Angeles in 1974, her work in news attracted the attention of Sylvester Stallone who asked her to appear in his next film, Rocky as a tough, sensitive TV reporter. Over the years, she has also gone on to appear in the television shows All My Children, Murder She Wrote, The Twilight Zone and the movies The Monster Squad (1987) and The Squeeze (1987). Not to mention, joining one of Detroit’s most successful news teams alongside star primetime anchor Bill Bonds

at WXYZ and going on to make history and form the country’s first mother/daughter news anchor duo at the same station –a feat Maya Angelou embraced and called “the Lewis dynasty.”

Be Selfless The size of life Lewis has been able to live along with the amount of lives she has been able to impact and touch is hard to quantify and summarize in just one article. Lewis’s legacy extends beyond the personality we’ve seen on screen. In her home life and community, especially now in retirement, Lewis practices selflessness, kindness and generosity daily. Lewis took on caregiving for her mother for a number of years until her passing at 103 in 2022. She also cared for her recently deceased marine sergeant husband who had also retired from WXYZ as the station’s first Black editor. Together, they reared two daughters (Glenda and Donna) and loved on two grandchildren. “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – Kalu Ndukwe Kalu Ultimately, leaving a legacy isn’t always about what we leave for people, but more so what we leave in people. If we want to build a great legacy, it’s important to find a balance in practicing selflessness while still carving out the time to lean into being supported and taking care of you. x Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services, a writing firm helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives.

THE

Fall Reading List FOR BOOKWORMS BY: Krystin Morgan BOOKS

BOOKS FOR YOUR NEXT FALL READ

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U LTIM AT E

Woman of Interest

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utumn is the perfect time to curl up in a cozy chair and dive into a good book. Whether you’re looking for creative nonfiction, ancient legends retold in the present day, or literary takes on meaningful issues, this list has your next read.

by Tracey O’Neill

Described by the New Yorker as “at once old-fashioned and contemporary,” this memoir uses a detective story framing to detail the experience of Tracey O’Neill as she searches for her South Korean birth mother. As she tries to find and understand her legacy and the mother she never knew, she discovers more about herself and her own power, as well.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Hold onto the last slips of summer with this literary thriller, set in the Adirondacks spanning the 1905s to 1970s. In August 1975, a young girl turns up missing from her summer camp, but she’s not just any camper. She’s the daughter of the family who owns the camp and employs much of the town—and her brother disappeared as well, a decade and a half ago.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

This young adult fantasy novel is inspired by West African mythology, following Zélie Adebola as she seeks to restore magic to her community and honor the longstanding legacy of her family. Joining forces with a rogue princess, Zélie outruns danger—and a prince who wants to remove magic forever.

This multi-narrator story weaves together themes of motherhood, family secrets, and wealth, plus enough suspense to make it impossible to put down.

Fruit of the Dead by Rachel Lyon

You may recall the basic details of the legend of Persephone and Demeter: Hades pulled Persephone into the underworld, ending with Persephone choosing to split her life between Hades and Demeter, the mother who searched for her. In fact, this tale was used to explain the change in seasons: autumn and winter is when Persephone goes to the underworld.

The first in a series, Children of Blood and Bone will open up a world you won’t want to leave.

The Silence of the Choir by

Mohamed Mbougar Sarr When 72 asylum seekers from Africa arrive in Sicily, they find themselves in the middle of an ongoing debate about their presence. This story oscillates between several points of view—the asylum seekers themselves, politicians, advocates, and more—giving insight into how society views the plight of refugees.

Fruit of the Dead is a modern-day retelling of this legend, featuring a young woman who is whisked away to the private island owned by the CEO of an opiate-manufacturing corporation while her mother relentlessly searches for her.

Krystin Morgan is a writer, career consultant, and talent acquisition professional living in Seattle, WA. She’s spent 15 years helping grow tech companies and now spends her time consulting and writing.

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PLOWING THROUGH LIFE

BY: Jasmine Ball EDUCATION

HOW TO HANDLE FEELING

OVERWORKED

f you’ve been feeling like you are having to plow through life lately, because you are overworked, just know you’re not alone. According

to SHRM, 44% of 1,405 US employees surveyed in 2024 felt burned out at work, and a Deloitte US survey found that 77% of respondents experienced burnout at their current job.

If you are wondering how to handle feeling overworked, here are helpful ideas to turn things around for the better.

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CHANGE OF MIND Whenever you feel there’s too much on your plate, your energy is changed. It can also start to change how other people experience you and can negatively affect your work quality. When you are stretched thin, you are no longer upbeat, enthusiastic, and confident. Instead, you may show up as dry, grumpy, irritable, drowsy, or overall unpleasant to be around. People notice. People can feel when you are tired and burned out, but they may not always see the contributing factors or be as forgiving. So let your yes mean yes and your no mean no. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind and setting boundaries on what you can and cannot do. The lesson in feeling overworked is giving yourself permission to change your mind regarding what you take on. Learn to not overcommit and when to not overextend yourself in responsibilities. Also when it comes to new, longer term commitments, before signing the dotted line, see if you can instead work out a trial period of a month or two to test if it’ll in fact be a good fit. That way you can amicably step down the moment you realize it’s not in alignment.

CHANGE OF (TIME) MANAGEMENT Feeling overworked is usually always a sign to reevaluate how you are organizing your time. Recognizing what your “time leaks” are can empower you to take back control of your schedule and ultimately your day. An example of a time leak may be all the time you spend constantly replying to communication interruptions like phone calls, texts, nonurgent emails, or other notifications you get throughout the day from various apps and alerts versus having designated times blocked off to engage in those types of interactions. With more control of your time, you can feel organized, in charge, and productive with less burnout.

CHANGE THE ETA To piggyback off the time management idea, sometimes catching a break is as simple as changing the estimated time for when you will be able to complete a task. Even if you need another week, there should be no shame in asking to reschedule something because you’re double booked or overcommitted at a given time. You

may even need a day to just collect your thoughts and get yourself together for your mental health. Sometimes the best way to handle being overworked is asking for an extension or more grace and wiggle room so you can do a great job and execute the thing within a more fair amount of time rather than having to rush to the finish line.

CHANGE OF HEART No matter what life throws your way, there is always a silver lining. It’s easier said than done, but practice mindfulness and seeing the good that could come out of anything. Have gratitude for what is and find ways to count your blessings. This is a surefire way to boost your mood and re-energize you with vigor and hope. For example, rather than saying, I have to go to work, say instead I get to do it. Having a change of heart and a can-do attitude will help you plow through challenging moments in life and improve your mood, work quality, and productivity. Overall, by taking a serious assessment of where we are volunteering our time, we will be better equipped to manage our commitments, let go of what’s no longer serving us, lean on support, and adjust the way we show up in the world. In doing so, we will be able to handle the cards we were dealt and put our best foot forward to establish a living legacy of perseverance, tenacity, and resiliency. x Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services, a writing firm helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives.

THE PIE Tips for Negotiating

H I G H E R PAY BY: Haseena Shaheed-Jackson CAREER

he inequality of pay and treatment in the workplace for women is not a new topic. Men and women are unique, autonomous and invaluable. Both deserving pay to match their intrinsic worth.

The battle for women to have an equitable slice of the pie dates back to the Equal Pay Act of 1963. The first legislation that forbade all employers from paying women less money than men for jobs that require the same

skills and responsibilities. It is disheartening that nearly 60 years later, women are still not getting paid for their value at the same rate as their male colleagues. Recent data by PayScale indicates that women in America still make only $0.82 for every dollar a man makes. Women’s History Month Programming Guide (updated February 2023) provides further analysis that the gap widens based on age. Women 45 and older in comparison to men in the same age category make $0.73 for every dollar a man made in 2022.

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A slice of

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This data can put a damper on negotiating for higher pay; however, it does not make it impossible. Obtaining higher pay is possible with the power of negotiating. Use these seven tips for navigating the process of negotiating for higher pay.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH Research the market value for your position and industry at websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary.

2. KNOW YOUR WORTH

6. CONSIDER TOTAL COMPENSATION Compensation includes bonuses, stock options, benefits, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and career advancement prospects.

7. FOLLOW UP IN WRITING Once an agreement is reached, ensure all terms discussed are documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings providing clarity for all parties moving forward.

Evaluate your own skills, experience, and achievements to strengthen your value proposition. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or successful project completions.

3. TIMING IS KEY Pick the time when you have leverage, such as after successfully completing a significant project, receiving commendations, or when your skills are in high demand. For a new job, I do not recommend discussing salary early in the interview process but when the employer has expressed serious interest in hiring you.

4. PRACTICE YOUR PITCH Preparation equips and empowers so develop a compelling argument for why you are deserving of higher pay in accordance to your value. Role play with a friend or mentor to help anticipate potential objections and prepare responses that highlight your qualifications and achievements.

Combine these seven tips with listening and collaborating. Effective negotiation is a two-way street. Listen to understand the employer's perspective to identify the constraints and be open to alternative outcomes. Actively seek creative solutions that benefit you both. Demonstrating a collaborative mindset shows your commitment to building a mutually beneficial relationship.

Actively seek creative solutions that benefit you both.

Throughout the process maintain a positive attitude and continue to demonstrate your value to the organization. Do not waiver on your value. Stay committed and dedicated to being compensated for your worth.

5. BE CLEAR AND ASSERTIVE Communicate your expectations clearly and confidently. State your desired salary range based on research and achievements. Aim for a slightly higher target salary to allow room for negotiation.

x Haseena Shaheed-Jackson is the Executive Director/Founder of Ava’s Pathways, a non-profit organization for women supporting women providing coaching and community circles. She is a lifelong learner, has an MBA, Distinguished Toastmaster and recently obtained a Masters of Art from Liberty University. Haseena has also authored three books Created to Soar, Messages from the Spirit and Reflections from Within and is working on her fourth book, Journey to Sight.

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LEADERSHIP TIPS FOR NAVIGATING A

NEW SENIOR ROLE BY: Lee McCalla WORKPLACE

orking your way up to a leadership position is a momentous occasion. It energizes you, but can also be scary at the same time. You’ve proven yourself to be an expert at what you do, and have what it takes to lead others in the same direction. However, transitioning into a new senior role can be challenging. It requires a shift in duties, mindset, and in one’s ability to also be accountable for others. Relationships may also change as peers become subordinates, which could alter the nature of the interactions you once had with each other.

You cannot do everything on your own as a leader; sometimes you will need to seek guidance and counsel from others.

Additionally, leaders become much more visible in the company and held accountable as integral parts to the organization’s overall success.

Communication is the basis of every interaction you have with your team. We’re all familiar with verbal, non-verbal, and written forms of communication. In reality, there are additional forms of communication including listening and visual cues. Connecting with your team is about understanding their communication style and the best ways to convey your message to others. You must also be aware of your own communication style and how it impacts the team.

Stay connected to the work As a leader, you don’t spend much time working on the day-to-day minutiae of the job. Your role is to focus on the bigger picture and ensure the department meets its overall goals. This shift can disconnect you from the work your employees do, and you may not understand their daily tasks and responsibilities. It’s important for you to know what your employees do and how they perform these tasks. Schedule consistent one-on-ones with your employees where you discuss their job responsibilities and tasks. These meetings keep you grounded in the business and allow you to better map out goals and initiatives for the team. With this information, you can also streamline processes to help increase the team’s efficiency by delegating tasks based on employees’ strengths and weaknesses.

Seek mentorship and build a supportive network You cannot do everything on your own as a leader; sometimes you will need to seek guidance and counsel from others. Having a mentor is an excellent way to grow and develop your leadership skills. Think about some of the attributes you admire in a leader and the skills you want to develop. Then, reach out to people inside and outside your organization who embody those qualities. Your mentor can act as a sounding board, allowing you to bring your questions along with issues and struggles to the table. It would help if you also cultivated a supportive network of colleagues, friends, and industry insiders. These people can also provide a much-needed reality check and comfort you when you feel overwhelmed. By implementing these tips, you show everyone your willingness and ability to rise to the expectations of your senior role. x Hailing from New York City, Lee McCalla is a writer that loves all things creative. As an entrepreneur herself, she loves to share knowledge and tips with others.

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Communication is key

This transitional phase from employee to leader doesn’t come with a handbook, but these tips can help you to navigate through this newfound journey.

Being an active listener is another important communication skill. Don’t just listen to respond, but listen to understand the speaker’s viewpoint. You want to foster an environment where your employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and believe their opinions matter to you. Keeping the lines of communication open could help boost employee engagement.

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AI THE AGE of

he age of artificial intelligence (AI) has dawned, bringing with it transformative changes across industries. For entrepreneurs, understanding and leveraging AI can mean the difference between success and obsolescence. As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative for business leaders to grasp its potential, applications, and implications.

WHAT ENTREPRENEURS NEED TO KNOW BY: Priya Kumar TECHNOLOGY

UNDERSTANDING AI AND ITS POTENTIAL Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to think and act like humans. This encompasses a range of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. According to a

report by McKinsey, AI could potentially deliver $13 trillion in additional global economic activity by 2030, boosting global GDP by about 1.2 percent a year.

1. Customer Experience Enhancement AI can revolutionize customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools can provide 24/7 support, handle routine inquiries, and free up human agents for more complex issues. For instance, companies like Sephora and H&M use AI chatbots to assist customers with product selections and inquiries, improving customer satisfaction and engagement.

2. Data-Driven Decision Making

1. Ethical and Legal Issues The deployment of AI raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding data privacy and security. Entrepreneurs must ensure that their use of AI complies with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and considers the ethical implications of their AI applications.

2. Skill Gaps Implementing AI requires a workforce skilled in AI and data science. Entrepreneurs need to invest in training and development or collaborate with AI experts to bridge this gap. A survey by PwC found that 54% of companies cited skills shortages as the biggest challenge in adopting AI.

3. Integration with Existing Systems Integrating AI into existing business processes can be complex and costly. Entrepreneurs must carefully plan and manage this integration to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

AI can accelerate the pace of innovation.

AI excels in data analysis, offering insights that can drive strategic decisions. Entrepreneurs can leverage AI to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and operational efficiency. Predictive analytics can forecast demand, optimize inventory, and personalize marketing efforts. For example, Netflix uses AI algorithms to recommend content based on user preferences, driving engagement and retention.

3. Operational Efficiency AI can automate routine tasks, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. In manufacturing, AI-driven robots can handle repetitive tasks with precision and consistency. In the finance sector, AI can automate processes such as fraud detection and risk assessment.

4. Innovation and Product Development AI can accelerate the pace of innovation. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can identify gaps in the market and suggest new product ideas. It can also enhance product development processes, from design to testing. For example, pharmaceutical companies use AI to speed up drug discovery and development.

4. Bias and Fairness

AI systems can perpetuate and even amplify biases present in their training data. Entrepreneurs must be vigilant in ensuring their AI systems are fair and unbiased, conducting regular audits and updates as needed.

CONCLUSION The age of AI is no different than the age of the internet. The fears, lack of skill set, opportunities, and the endless possibilities are all present. By understanding AI's potential, practical applications, and associated challenges, entrepreneurs can strategically harness this technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to thriving in this new era. x Priya Kumar is a Financial Strategist educating and empowering women business owners on creating thriving businesses and a partner with nonprofits to bring financial literacy to underserved communities in order to rebuild and create opportunities.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF AI FOR ENTREPRENEURS

While the potential benefits of AI are substantial, there are challenges and considerations that entrepreneurs must address: 47

For entrepreneurs, this presents a unique opportunity. AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. Companies that effectively integrate AI into their business models can achieve significant competitive advantages. However, the successful adoption of AI requires more than just understanding its capabilities—it demands a strategic approach to its implementation.

CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

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MEET Stacey Horn

DRIVING CHANGE THROUGH HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION BY: Robin M. Wilson MEMBER PROFILE

tacey Horn is on a mission to drive change in the healthcare system. For more than six years, she has worked in healthcare administration and project management. As Senior Project Manager in the Marketing Department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), Stacey analyzes and updates medical software systems. Whether it is electronic medical records or billing system software, Stacey leads a team that works to ensure systems work effectively.

and emotional intelligence,” Stacey said. Stacey says human connection is a characteristic of quality healthcare—a competency that she models in her work.

“We have all been patients at some point in our lives and it is important that the business side flows smoothly,” Stacey said, “enabling our medical professionals with the tools that they need to do the best job that they can is what drives me.” Before coming into her current role, Stacey worked on healthcare projects nationwide. While her work has been recognized within her industry, Stacey says there is still room for growth. She is now completing her doctoral studies to have a further impact in the healthcare space. “I'm exploring the relationship between remote project management

Stacey Horn

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Career Mastered Member

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One of the ways she drives change in the healthcare system is by developing the next generation of healthcare administrators. Stacey is a mentor to college interns through the Young Professionals Network, a workplace mentorship program that is offered at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “I want to make sure that whatever knowledge that I have, I make it accessible, to pass it on to an intern,” Stacey said. Stacey is shifting her workplace culture and cultivating a legacy of influence. We had the chance to get to know her better, where she shared exactly how she’s able to do just that. R: Why did you decide to become a part of the Career Mastered community? What do you hope to contribute to the Career Mastered community? S: You have to meet people and learn from their lived experiences. You can't just get all of your education and your knowledge from books. I feel like I should, at this stage in my life, enter more spaces where I do not know anyone. That forces me to come out of that introverted shell, meet others, network, learn from them, and see if there's anything I have to offer that they can learn from. So, that's really my reasoning [for joining Career Mastered]. I would like to discover where the greatest needs are in the Career Mastered Network and use my skills to serve. R: If you were to list your top three essential skills or talents that you bring to the spaces where you serve, what would they be? S: Project management is my top one. I'm very good with putting together a project plan from start to

finish. Secondly, I would say coaching. I'm very good with coaching. So, if we get off of our timeline a bit, I'm very good with coaching my project stakeholders out of the issues or the roadblocks that they're having to get back on track. Thirdly, I would say inspirational because I want everyone to know that they're capable of doing whatever it is that they put their mind to. I notice that sometimes people doubt themselves. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. That's a sign of strength, and it lets you get to where you need to go. R: What do you want your leadership legacy to be, and how are you cultivating that legacy? S: I want to leave a transformational mark. As the business grows, as people grow, I want to be able to grow with them. I want people to say that I exhibited a focus on innovation, creativity, and intellectual

“One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.” —Lewis Carroll stimulation. I want my legacy to be one of influence— to be that role model, where people can say that I talked the talk and walked the walk, and embodied those values. I am cultivating that legacy by passing on my knowledge and modeling the leadership values that are important to me such as my work with the mentorship program. x Robin Michelle Wilson is a published children’s author, greeting card designer, multidisciplinary artist, business leader, and an educator. Robin is the owner of Vesey Lane Goods LLC. She serves on the Board of Directors for ARISE Detroit.

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WHEN YOUR PARTNER ISN’T GIVING YOU

the Support

You Need BY: Jasmine Ball LIFESTYLE

As shocking as those statistics are, the truth is in the pudding. It is all too common within a marriage to not feel as supported as you’d desire during at least some point. I guess that’s part of the struggle with becoming one? But what do you do when you don’t feel supported by your spouse? As someone who’s been with my partner for nearly fifteen years, here are some ideas you can try to help shake things up and find common ground. If you have ideas of your own, join the conversation online using the hashtag #careermastered. We’d love to hear from you!

ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT Sometimes we can run off the assumption that our partners should already know what we want and need, can read our minds, or have known us long enough to know what the right thing to do is during certain times.

ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS When we do exceptionally well in one area like excelling in an executive leadership position or taking on an entrepreneurial endeavor by storm, it's only natural for things to fall by the wayside in other areas of our lives and for our partners to have to pick up some of the slack. When you feel as if your partner is not giving you the support you need, especially in the event of a new change, it’s important to at first have patience and have zero expectations. In many cases, the other person also has a lot of other things going on in their world or can feel the weight of your new role affecting them harder in certain ways. During this time, try to at first adjust your expectations of your partner by having patience until you both can come to an agreement and understanding for what you want your new roles to look like going forward.

ADOPT A HEALTHY FRIEND CIRCLE If you are feeling on the outs like your partner just doesn’t understand, and you’ve done all you can do, then this is a good time to lean on the support of a healthy friend circle you can trust. Sometimes this looks like being vulnerable with your close friends in confidence and sometimes it looks like bringing up the challenge during your next therapy session. In either case, find someone you can confide in to help you recognize that you are valid for the way that you feel, you’re not wrong for what you expect, and it’s okay to have your desire. Whoever you confide in should also ideally be the type to call you out if they don’t agree and let you know if and when you need to instead show your partner some grace. If couples therapy or marriage counseling are options, this is also a trusted middle ground where the two of you can lean on each other with professional help to turn things around. x Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services, a writing firm helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives.

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These percentages ranged from “61.4% to 71.3% for husbands and from 81.4% to 91.9% for wives.” Wowsers!

However, regardless of how long you’ve been with your partner, it’s always a good idea to speak up, open your mouth, and ask for what you want. This is especially true during the times of transition like a new job proposition, a new hobby, or new expansion of your family. When you feel as if you are lacking something you want or need, ask for what you want rather than assume. In other words, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. So how will your partner know unless you speak up?

id you know? A study done by the National Library of Medicine revealed that “approximately two-thirds of husbands reported receiving less support than they desired and almost all wives reported receiving less support than they desired at some point during the first five years of marriage.”

9/15/22

3:22 PM

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LOH IV00191409-Lowe's Diversity Woman Magazine Ad copy.pdf

Home to diversity The collective power of our team is the blueprint of our business. Embracing diversity starts at the top. It is deeply embedded in our culture—and everyone—from across the board—plays a critical role.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson STYLE

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Fall Fashion

If you truly want to achieve full-on lookbook-worthy fashion this fall, here are some styling tips and top trends to take your outfits to the next level.

HOW TO STYLE FOR FALL Think of warmth, not the season

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While there are timeless trends to embrace every fall like turtlenecks, puffer jackets, trench coats, stockings, knitwear, and wool, a common misconception for fall is that you’re only limited to dark colors and knitwear. Life (and personal style) is all about adapting while maintaining your authenticity. There’s no need to completely abandon your current wardrobe from the warmer months. Instead, we should maximize and expand it. What makes this season so fun is the ability to layer your life away. The more you layer, the better the outfit! To get the most fashionable looks this season, experiment with mixing and matching between wool, denim, knitwear, leather, and even faux furs. Fashion is an artistic sport and this is the time to be your most creative yet.

Embrace what’s trending If you’re looking to elevate your traditional fall looks, consider incorporating these trends from Fall/ Winter 2024-2025 fashion week.

BOLD FAUX FURS For the regions that drop well below a comfortable temperature, this faux furs can help you channel your inner mob wife or take your style a step up above your go-to trench coat. BOHO CHIC Aesthetics from brands like Chloe and Free People have pioneered a resurgence of the boho chic movement reminiscent of Lynn from ‘Girlfriends. If this aesthetic

is something you’d like to explore, incorporate flowy skirts, earthy color tones, and loose silhouettes. COWBOY/WESTERN TAKEOVER Pharrell (Creative Director at Louis Vuitton) and Beyonce have also pioneered a new acceptance of cowboy boots/hats, statement belts, and wide-leg jeans. This fall will continue to ooze ‘Western Takeover’ reimagined. COLORS/PATTERNS: RED, SAGE GREEN, AND LEOPARD We’re all aware of what colors flatter us the most by now. However, if you’re looking to stay trendy, pops of red could take your looks a long way this season. Since it is a bold color, add a red bag or shoe if the idea of strutting around in a red suit feels a bit overwhelming. Sage green is also a perfect color to romanticize yourself in this fall. Runways worldwide have been implementing the robust hue a lot more lately. Soon we should be able to shop for sage green colors in more variations. Also, for our women who are more daring and extravagant with their looks, leopard dresses, heels, or even coats should fit right into your collection seamlessly!

CORPORATE CORE Who would’ve guessed that our daily business attire would be so in style? “Corporate core” is now the new trend and being worn by anyone and everyone with or without a 9 to 5. For many women, a 3-piece suit has been the go-to for years. Now all can get ready for a new wave of silhouettes and color hues that could potentially replace your current rotation of favorite office wear. While Spring/Summer can be the most freeing season, Fall/ Winter is the most expressive and experimental. With the drastic drops in temperature for some regions and barely a hint of snow for others, fall welcomes the idea of playfulness and bravery. Keep in mind that some trends could expire after one season, and that’s okay. Be open to experimenting with new styles, stay true to yourself, and ONLY incorporate what you feel comfortable and confident wearing. x Asia Shamir Ferguson is an Atlanta-based fashion and entertainment journalist. Asia is part of Generation Z of storytellers, fashion writers, and creatives.

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FALLING FORWARD h o w to

EMBRACE CHALLENGES, LEARN FROM FAILURE,

+ MOVE AHEAD

BY: Dr. Sabrina Jackson TOOLKIT

he word failure emotes so many negative emotions for people. The disappointment, frustration, shame, guilt, fear, sadness, hopelessness, anger, and regret can all come up. These emotions can be paralyzing and cause people to feel stuck. However, just as failure can evoke negative emotions, positive emotions can also be present.

Tapping into these positive emotions can be a game changer when it comes to experiencing failure. Failing forward is a concept that emphasizes learning from failures and using them as stepping stones for future success. Some of the positive emotions that can occur from failure are relief, determination, humility, resilience, learning, motivation, acceptance, and gratitude.

4 SEEK FEEDBACK

Based on your analysis and adjustments, set new goals for yourself that align with your revised approach. There are several examples of women who have had public failures, but did not allow the challenge to stop them from moving forward. One example is Vanessa Williams who made history in 1983 by becoming the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America. However, she resigned from her position in 1984 due to a scandal involving the publication of unauthorized nude photos of her. This iconic beauty went on to perform on Broadway, have a Grammy nominated music career, act in several Blockbuster movies, owns a fashion line, and is known for her philanthropic work. This is a super example of failing forward!

Here are tips on how to make failing forward a normal practice in every area of your life.

1 ANALYZE THE FAILURE

Take the time to reflect on what went wrong and why. Identify the root causes of the failure and consider what you could have done differently. This analysis will help you gain valuable insights that you can apply in future situations.

2 EMBRACE THE MINDSET OF

LEARNING

View failures as opportunities to learn and grow rather than setbacks. Understand that failures are a natural part of the learning process.

3 ADJUST YOUR APPROACH

Use the lessons learned from your failure to adjust your approach and develop a new strategy. Consider what changes you can make to increase your chances of success in the future. Be open to trying new methods and techniques.

6 TAKE ACTION

Put your new plan into action and be proactive in tackling the challenge. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Use your past experiences to fuel your motivation and drive towards success. The Bible has a scripture in Romans 8:28 which says, “All things are working together for your good.” This scripture is a great focus for failing forward as it says ALL things not just the good things. Failure does not mean don’t do it again. It simply means don’t do it that way. x Dr. Sabrina Jackson, “The People Expert” helps people with people, even if that person is themselves. She is a speaker, TV/radio personality, author, and life coach seen on Fox 2 Weekly with Mental Health Mondays. Follow her on Instagram @ThePeopleExpert_ website: sabrinajackson.com

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5 SET NEW GOALS

This is huge as coachability is the number one reason why people fail. Because how can a person improve if no one can tell them anything? Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for feedback on your approach and ideas for improvement. External perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you see the challenge from a different angle.

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1/22/18 4:26 PM

WHAT IS

LEADERSH I P ?

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PART 1

DIRECTION,ALIGNMENT, & COMMITMENT

BY: Center For Creative Leadership (CCL) LEADING EFFECTIVELY

eadership is defined by 3 outcomes — direction, alignment, and commitment — and it’s a social process, where individuals work together to produce results that they could never achieve alone.

The Definition of Leadership It’s a Social Process Leadership is often described by what a leader does or the capabilities they have. Yet while the skills and behaviors of individual leaders are important, the true meaning of leadership is about what people do together. Said another way, everyone in an organization contributes to leadership. So, what is leadership, really? Based on our decades of pioneering

research and experience, we define leadership as a social process that enables individuals to work together to achieve results that they could never achieve working alone. Understanding how leadership works as a social process is important for several reasons:

• This definition of leadership avoids putting the entire weight of leadership on a few individuals — or limiting the leadership potential of others. Each person can discover and build upon their own leadership potential.

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• This view of leadership is both realistic and adaptive — because the truth is, leadership doesn’t take place in isolation. It reflects, responds to, and shapes many different relationships, cultures, and systems. • It’s also practical. When we define leadership as something that happens through the interactions among people with shared work, we have many opportunities to amplify leadership potential. Plus, in a group, a multitude of skills, perspectives, and expertise work together, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Any individual weaknesses are overshadowed by the strengths of others, and the team or group thrives — accomplishing more together than any one individual could ever do alone.

Management vs. Leadership What’s the Difference? The terms management and leadership are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences, so understanding the definition of leadership vs. management can be helpful. The key difference between them: • Management is the process of planning and control, while

Effective managers deploy resources and work through others to gain efficiency, quality, and accomplish goals. What Do Managers Focus On? Management roles and responsibilities involve planning, organizing, getting things done, and solving problems. Effective managers deploy resources and work through others to gain efficiency, quality, and accomplish goals. The focus is on day-to-day operations and tasks, and ensuring employees meet expectations for what they do and how they do it. A good manager delegates tasks effectively; ensures the team meets any deadlines and targets; manages resources; and addresses conflicts efficiently.

What Do Leaders Focus On? • Leadership is the process of people working to achieve something together. Both management and leadership are important for accomplishing goals or making change happen, and depending on your role, you will need to draw on aspects of both to be effective.

Leadership roles and responsibilities are broader, and involve influencing, inspiring, and bringing out the best in others. Leaders see the big picture, help others connect the dots, and fill in gaps. Effective leaders motivate and influence teams to work towards achieving a common goal and invest in the whole — the collective people and systems needed to succeed. They set a clear vision, encourage

innovation, and support personal and professional growth in others. Whether you’re currently leading people and projects, a team or department, or an entire organization, your role will involve aspects of both leadership and management, as both are important. And when facing a new challenge, goal, or situation, remember the definition of leadership as a collective process, and consider what’s most needed in the moment: leadership vs. management. With that clarity, you can learn or apply the skills, behaviors, and capabilities most likely to solve a problem or support the desired shared outcome — and guide others to play their part, too. x Since 1970, The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®) has been committed to delivering results that matter through leadership solutions customized to clients’ needs. CCL helps its clients to grow by accelerating their leadership performance, their knowledge and partnerships drive sustained results for clients, and committed to create a better world through our work in the social sector. More resources available at www. ccl.org

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HIKE YOURSELF

Happy

LEARN HOW HIKING CAN IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL WELLNESS

BY: Jody Trierweiler FITNESS

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” `- John Muir

’ll be honest, I’m not a hiker. You probably aren’t either. Let’s not label ourselves though because if you’re able-bodied, you’re eligible to go on a hike and reap the incredible benefits.

Here are several reasons why hiking will improve your health both physically and mentally.

1 GREAT FORM OF EXERCISE Hiking is an excellent way to strengthen skeletal muscles and your heart muscle, improving overall

Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression, according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University. Breathing fresh air, touching plants, and feeling the sun on your skin are a few reasons that being outdoors can make you feel incredible.

3 DECREASE RISK OF MENTAL DETERIORATION When you are outdoors hiking, your brain has to make multiple decisions each second such as where to place your foot, how to balance as you step up, where to lean your weight, and many more. This forces the neurons in your brain to work harder and creates stronger neural pathways, improving brain function. Studies have shown that doing this may

4 IMPROVES RELATIONAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CONNECTION Studies show that people who exercise with others socially live longer. Tennis players lived an average of 9 years longer than the average person who doesn’t play tennis. Hiking with friends and family can offer you the same benefits! It improves connections and strengthens relationships when you are doing challenging things together. Bonds form and grow when you spend time together engaging in physical activity. To learn more about hiking trails and where to hike in National Parks, go to the National Park Service at nps.gov, it is a wonderful resource for a beginner hiker, with over 21,000 miles of trails. x Jody Trierweiler, C.N.C is a CM Magazine Contributor, and health and fitness expert in Metro Detroit. You can learn more at Jodysfitlife. com @jodysfitlife on Instagram, or see her on Live In The D on WDIV-4 NBC Detroit. Take one of her fitness classes at LifeTime Fitness in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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For the purposes of this article, what hiking is not, is walking on a sidewalk, track, flat manmade surface, or indoors. For your information, trekking is actually hiking on steroids, where you hike for more than one day and carry sleeping gear in a backpack. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be an “outdoorsy” type, you might love hiking.

2 MOOD BENEFITS

potentially decrease your risk of dementia.

What is hiking anyway? Is it trekking through the woods with a backpack, wading into streams, climbing over rocks? Hiking is simply walking in nature. That can encompass a variety of outdoor landscapes.

heart health. It strengthens tendons and bones while improving your balance. Your respiratory system will also improve from hiking. A typical hike lasts at least an hour and often many hours, which challenges your body physically to become stronger.

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For everything we do, we’re all better off with an ally.

BY: Hadley G. Roy H. LIFESTYLE

ometimes in our careers we just feel…stuck. A career plateau can be frustrating, and often occur in mid-career and mid-life. But solutions are available! Check out five tips below for how to handle a career plateau, and pivot to your best path forward.

1 Know What You Want When you’re feeling stuck and frustrated, it can feel like any change would be a good one. But don’t give in to a desire for “different” rather than “better.” Spend time figuring out what you actually want out of your next step. First set a time frame for research - typically two to three weeks is sufficient - and then spend that time digging into what about your career you love, what you don’t love, and where you feel your core skills are being well utilized and under utilized. After taking stock, track a path forward towards a goal that’s truly in line with your desires and needs.

2 Talk To Your Manager Once you know what your plateau pain points are, talk to your manager. Organizations are always looking to retain talent and there’s a chance

you can pivot within your company or even your department, so start there. Be specific in where you’re feeling stuck and focus on how the pivot you’re looking for could help the organization. If days turn into weeks turn into months and there’s still no movement, then it’s time to consider other roles to achieve your next step.

3 Upskill While you’re waiting to see how things play out with your current organization, strengthen your resume by upskilling. As time allows, try learning the latest version of an industry software, taking a leadership seminar, or exploring automation and artificial intelligence advances in your field.

4 Consult a Professional Sometimes, even when you’ve outlined your goals, talked to your manager, and spent time building your skills, a career plateau can still feel overwhelming. In that case, consider consulting a professional. Career coaches can help you pinpoint the best next steps and navigate a big career change. For recommendations, try checking in with the career services office at your alma mater, if

available. They may even have alumni recommendations to help set you on your path to success!

5 Try a Side Gig Sometimes you can’t, or shouldn’t, solve a career plateau with a big career change. Maybe your job and industry no longer feel inspiring, but provide valuable pay and benefits that your family needs. In these cases side gigs can be a great solution. Try picking up simple tasks that sound fun on freelancing platforms like UpWork or consider selling a favorite craft or recipe at a local farmer’s market. A career pivot doesn’t always mean a change in title or company, but anything that helps get you inspired to keep being a stellar professional! If you’re going through a career plateau and considering a pivot, remember to take it slow. Talking to your manager and a career coach are great steps to help a career change go smoothly. And in the meantime, upskilling and side gigs can keep you focused and on track. Hadley Roy H. is an Analytics Manager at Campbell Ewald, where she specializes in user experience optimization and creative analytics. Hadley lives with her husband, their 15 houseplants, and two sourdough starters in Southeast Michigan.

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WAYS TO PIVOT DURING A CAREER PLATEAU

EMBRACING CHANGE

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N E W C L A S S S C H E D U L E S S TA R T I N G N O W F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w. d r l i s a w i c k e r. c o m

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Power Play

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with Lisa J. Wicker, PhD

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE “My choice, my responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.”

- Elaine Maxwell

ometimes, in the midst of a divorce, bankruptcy, losing a loved one, or just day-to-day stress, a shift occurs in our attitude and expectations. We experience despair, feel vulnerable, and have no hope for the future.

You’ve been there. I’ve been there – that place where we feel we have little influence. That place where we have allowed ourselves to believe we are a victim of the circumstance. We give in to the moment and doubt the greatness of the future.

www. careermastered.com

Consider this: Words of action shape your future. Create, Invent, Produce. Prayer, faith, strength, and belief in your ability to free yourself from personal limitations, worry, or anxiety will keep your dreams alive. Commit to shaping your future day-by-day by challenging the odds. Inventory your values, your goals, your focus. Remind yourself of who you are and what you are about. Success, period. The picture of your future will form when you decide where you want to be. Where you are matters as much as what you are. Decide today to own and shape your future regardless of, and despite, the circumstance.

CHANGE THE ODDS - FIVE STEPS TO SHAPE YOUR FUTURE 1. Pray for strength and endurance. 2. Keep the faith and know that you are more than enough. 3. Don’t be anxious about today or tomorrow. 4. Stay focused and act on the dream. 5. Passionately go after your future, with purpose. Internationally recognized HR executive, thought leader, author and career strategist, Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker shares contemporary relevant work life experiences and empowering principles with her clients as demonstrated in her books, The Winning Spirit, Power Play! and her awardwinning release - Capacity: Women Shattering the Limits - NOW! With her dynamic approach to life and her signature style, she connects people across the world and finds her mission to be that of helping others to get the most out of their work lives and companies to create value. She is the founder/Chief Visionary of Career Mastered. Following prominent human resources careers with Fortune 50 Companies, Dr. Lisa established her Detroit, MI and Charlotte, NC firm, Linwick & Associates, LLC (LWA).

Inside Our Next Issue! www.careermastered.com info@careermastered.com

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When your job is making people healthier and happier in our communities, there’s no better feeling. And that’s why a career at Walgreens feels so good. With plenty of learning and growth, exciting challenges and talented teams, you’ll have everything you need to see your future in a whole new way.

Together, we care | jobs.walgreens.com