Career Mastered 2024 Winter/Holiday by Career Mastered Magazine

ADVANCING TODAY’S GLOBAL CAREER WOMAN

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

MOLLY GRANTHAM

CULTIVATING A POWERFUL PRESENCE

& MORE!

$11.99 Canada

EMBRACE A NEW SEASON OF SUCCESS $8.99 US

HOLIDAY 2023 /WINTER 24 EDITION

RESET AND REFOCUS

DEC 2023

HOLIDAY 2023

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CAREER MASTERED WOMEN’S HISTORY LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY SUMMIT & LEGENDS BALL AWARDS

SAVE THE DATE MAY 15-16, 2024 D E T R O I T ,

M I C H I G A N

Celebrating10Years! MORE DETAILS FORTHCOMING

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Inside

CAREERMASTERED.COM // HOLIDAY 2023/WINTER 2024

C OV E R S T O RY

FEATures 8 START YOUR YEAR STRONG!

Goal setting strategies to dominate in 2024.

RESET & REFOCUS WITH MOLLY GRANTHAM

26 BE AN ALLY

Explore simple ways to ways to support, empower and be an ally for women in the workplace.

11 LOVE AFFAIR WITH WORK Tips to ignite a spark in your career.

17 CULTIVATING A POWERFUL PRESENCE

Learn 3 ways to perfect your executive presence.

20 NAVIGATING WORK POLITICS

How to move your ideas forward effectively.

35 THE ART OF NEGOTIATING A RAISE

How to get the compensation you deserve in the coming year.

38 TIS' THE SEASON TO GIVE

Business operations expert Tiffany Nance shares her gift of helping people organize their lives and business operations.

40 VISION

The power of self-visualizing yourself at the finish line.

50 WHAT BOARDS WANT

Position yourself for advancement.

65 VALUABLE WORK LESSONS

Profound lessons to empower you to reset, refocus, and thrive in every facet of your life.

DEPARTMENTS

ADVANCING TODAY'S GLOBAL CAREER WOMAN

4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Embrace your season of success.

Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker, PhD

23 EXERCISING IN WINTER WONDERLAND

Guidelines to stay safe and burn more calories this winter.

31 ON YOUR MARK. GET SET. GO!

Insight on setting goals that will advance your work/life in the new year and beyond.

48 RECLAIMING YOUR TIME

How to establish a leadership presence in meetings.

52 WINTER FUN!

Enjoyable activities to try this season.

55 LEADERSHIP POWER TOOLS

5 tools you can add to your belt to grow your leadership power.

MANAGING EDITOR/ ART DIRECTOR LaTanya Orr

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Jasmine Ball

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rechelle Andrews • Jasmine Ball • Marci Bryant, MBA Paige Cerulli • Asia Shamir Ferguson • Stephanie Hancock Nicole Hudson • Priya Kumar • Leonye McCalla Krystin Morgan • Lisa Nichols • Hadley Roy H Haseena Shaheed-Jackson • Emily Rehterford Kayvonna Stigall • Evelyn Summerville Robin M. Wilson • Glen Wright, II

RESEARCH EDITOR Lendell McEwen

61 33 SLAY THE HOLIDAYS

57 WINTERPROOF YOUR SKINCARE

5 style ideas to inspire your holiday look.

Changing your skincare routine could be the secret to having beautiful skin this winter.

42 HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE

59 SUCCESS FOR WOMEN LEADERS

Strategies to not only combat the winter slump, but also elevate your productivity during these cozy, short days.

Explore 4 keys to embrace in your career/work development.

45 CAREER MASTERED BOOKSHELF

College chapters forming NOW!

5 books that will keep the winter blues away.

63 I AM HER

68 POWER PLAY! Challenge the odds.

CREATIVE DESIGNERS Stephanie Ashman • LaTanya Orr

PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Cash • Wendy Frazier Santanna Hayes • Cherie Jzar

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

©2023 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 • X ( formerly 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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7 keys to incorporate into your daily interactions.

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

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD

13 EFFECTIVE PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

EMBRACE YOUR SEASON OF SUCCESS!

uccess is defined differently by each of us, and rightfully so. Whatever your vision is of success —walk in it, sister!

As I reflect on this holiday season, I am more than grateful for the successes I’ve had in just this year alone (not to mention across the course of my lifetime). From the successful Career Mastered Women’s Leadership Summit & Awards held in Atlanta this year to the continued leadership my team and I have shown by supporting and recognizing more than 400 plus women and girls over the course of almost 10 years, we’ve been resilient since the idea and concept of Career Mastered was created. Today and in this season, I’m embracing every aspect of what success looks and feels like to me. So how are you embracing your season of success? Are you sharing and celebrating it with the world? For me, I think it is important to not sit by your success and instead continue next leveling by taking the time to reset and refocus.

In this issue of Career Mastered Magazine, we spoke with our cover girl, Molly Grantham, who makes success look so easy while juggling a busy life as an evening news anchor with WBTV a CBS Affiliate station in Charlotte, a mother of three, an award-winning author and the list goes on and on. We’ve also penned articles on navigating work politics, goal setting strategies for 2024, how to reclaim your time, winter activities for your leisure, plus as always, we provide you with the latest on financial literacy, winter looks and books to love. Career Mastered is turning 10 in 2024, and we’re pumped about our celebration plans. Here’s how you lean in right away…

be sure to nominate a deserving woman for the 2024 Career Mastered Awards and follow us on social media to ensure you are the first to learn about the details of our 10th Anniversary Celebration, which will be held in the city where it all began: Detroit, May 15-16, 2024. We wish you the merriest of holidays and a joyous new year!

Lisa J. Wicker, PhD Publisher

Contact Lisa via Email » info@careermastered.com

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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

EMILY REHTERFORD

Contributing Writer SEO Content Strategist and Writer

RECHELLE ANDREWS Contributing Writer Inspirational Makeup Artist; Founder, Inspired Beauty

MARCI BRYANT, MBA

NICOLE HUDSON Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, The Hudson Collective

HASEENA SHAHEED-JACKSON Contributing Writer Founder, Faith Hope & Spirit, LLC

PAIGE CERULLI

Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, SYNC Digital Agency

Contributing Writer Founder, Wild Mare Marketing

PRIYA KUMAR

LEONYE MCCALLA

Contributing Writer Founder/Business Coach, Pivot My Profit

KAYVONNA STIGALL

Contributing Writer Freelance Writer

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

EVELYN SUMMERVILLE

Contributing Writer Leadership & Lifestyle Coach, Trainer, Blogger

ASIA SHAMIR FERGUSON Contributing Writer

KRYSTIN MORGAN

Contributing Writer Writer, Career Consultant, and Talent Acquisition Professional

JODY TRIERWEILER

HADLEY ROY H.

Contributing Writer Analyst & Developer, MRM

LISA NICHOLS Contributing Writer Founder/CEO, Love Your Niche

ROBIN M. WILSON

Contributing Writer Contributing Writer, Author Host/Co-Producer, "Jody’s Fitlife"; Owner, Robin Wilson Educational Fitness Expert, Live in the D Consulting & Heritage Home and Garden, LLC WDIV, Ch 4 Detroit

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

DR. GENEVA J WILLIAMS Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC

Primax Properties

NATALIE WILLIAMS

NAW4 Integrated Business Solutions, LLC

LATOYA EVERETT

D.A. Everett Construction

GREG RIDELLA

Eastman & Smith LTD

DEIDRA E. WILLIS Northwestern Mutual

DAWN CULLARS JOHNSON Dawn Johnson State Farm Insurance Agency

DR. TAMARA LINDSAY ROBERTS

DONNA JOSEPH KEMP DMJ Group, LLC

HEATHER TROUTMAN

Excel Village Center for Learning

blueharbor bank

SCARLETTE WHYTE

GLEN WRIGHT, II

CNN & Turner Sports Warner Bros. / Discovery

Worth Advisors

MARK S. LEE The LEE Group

ARVIS S. WILLIAMS BorgWarner, Inc.

LATANYA ORR Selah Branding & Design LLC

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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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StartYour YearSTRONG! BY: Hadley G. Roy H. STRATEGY

GOAL SETTING STRATEGIES TO DOMINATE IN 2024

etting goals and achieving growth is often in the forefront of people’s minds, but especially when approaching the start of a new year. Why is it that most New Years’ resolutions fail, and in a matter of weeks or months people often fall short of goals they set for themselves?

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To help you dominate in 2024, here are four key tips to achieve your goals and make big changes going forward. HABIT STACKING

First theorized by S.J. Scott and introduced to most Americans in James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, habit stacking is an ingenious goal-achievement solution. Habit stacking is a method of behavioral change where new habits are paired with automatic behaviors. This pairing of an old habit with a new makes it easier to remember new activities, until those become habitual as well. To try habit stacking for yourself, start by taking inventory of all the tasks on any given day (for instance, making a cup of coffee each morning at 8:30), then select a manageable new habit to attach to that existing activity (writing a to-do list for the day). It’s rare to forget about making that first cup of coffee in the morning, so by attaching the activity to the new to-do list habit, the “habit stack” can help hack your routines and drive productivity gains in the new year.

S.M.A.R.T.

First introduced by George T. Duran in a 1980s issue of Management Review, S.M.A.R.T. provides a valuable framework for selecting and articulating goals. “Smart” goals are specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time-related. In other words, they are goals that aren’t so broad or unattainable as to be overwhelming. These goals can be proven successful by a predetermined metric, and are time-bound rather than clouded in an ambiguous “someday.” Try writing down existing goals in the S.M.A.R.T. format to take big, ambiguous dreams and turn them into manageable steps for you to achieve.

NUDGE THEORY

In their landmark book Nudge, Richard Thaler and Cas Sunstein introduced the idea of nudge theory. The theory is built on mental heuristics pioneered by decision scientists like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, and focuses on how to influence decision making in non-restrictive ways. For example, Thaler and Sunstein discuss how the order food is presented in a cafeteria can influence how healthy or unhealthy people’s meal choices are, even without changing the food itself that is offered. To apply nudge theory for 2024 goal setting and habit building, work to create as little friction for new goals as possible. If, for example, one of your goals is to reduce your environmental impact in 2024, consider putting paper towels in an inconvenient location and a reusable swap somewhere

convenient, tricking your brain into making the optimal choice without effort.

FOSTER ACCOUNTABILITY

Once you’ve set reasonable goals, started stacking your habits, and smoothed the way to progress with nudge theory, there’s a final step to encourage achievement in 2024 and that is fostering accountability. Consider telling a family member or close friend what you hope to achieve and ask them to check in periodically. Or, if you like, consider using some kind of visual representation of your progress to stay accountable to yourself. If your goal is to build customers for a new business, consider putting a check mark on every calendar day where you contacted a potential new client— creating a visual reward for progress and encouraging you to keep on dominating! x

Hadley Roy H. is an Analytics Manager at Campbell Ewald, where she specializes in user experience optimization and creative analytics. She also runs @Just_Had_Tea on Instagram. Hadley lives with her husband, their 13 houseplants, and two sourdough starters in Southeast Michigan.

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Use these tips if you’re struggling to ignite a spark in your career and want to create a love affair with what you do.

Love AFFAIR CREATING A

WITH WORK BY: Jasmine Ball CAREERS

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ork doesn’t have to just be a means to an end. It can be the main event!

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Change Your Perspective If the honeymoon stage has ended and you’ve lost the steam you once had about your workplace, ask yourself why? Have you lost a passion for your career field or are your negative feelings due to the work culture, relationships with management, salary, or the role you’re playing, etc.? Pinpoint the reason you have lackluster thoughts about your work, then take action to change what’s within your power. And if you can’t change it, change your perspective and list 10 things you can feel grateful for so you can begin to get excited again.

Stay True to Your Desires A major part of creating a love affair with your work is being honest with yourself about what it is you truly want to be doing. If you close your eyes, place your hands over your heart, and take some deep breaths, what feels good and like a “yes” to you? What feels uneasy and like a hard “no”? Your desires are yours and meant to be followed. So whether you desire to go back to school, change careers, get a raise, company hop, or stretch yourself in a new position, go for it! When you remain true to your desires, it’s easy to fall in love with whatever you do. You’ll know it’s right because you’ll lose track of time, are excited about learning, and want to always give it your very best.

Walk in Alignment Once you start declaring what it is you want to do, especially to others, you might notice doors beginning to open or opportunities starting to present themselves. Say “yes” to more of what brings you closer to your desires and say “no” to the jobs that only burn you out and distract you from what it is you truly love. In other words, prioritize you! Put your action steps where your mouth is; and in the words of Nike “Just do it!” even if you’re afraid.

Reset and Refocus Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Sometimes you have to take a break away from working in order to come back fully recharged and excited to get back to work. A real break. One without your work phone and emails. Only you know what helps you truly feel well rested. So whether you need to use your PTO to take a day or two off for yourself or if you need to plan a trip to the beach to recharge, that’s up to you! Step away from work for a moment to put as much effort into

taking care of you as you do taking care of business. If you can find something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Hopefully these tips will help you fall in love with some aspect of your career, whether it’s the mission, the people, or the work itself. Good luck! x

Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services. Throughout her career, she’s been 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.

TO EFFECTIVE

PEOPLE

W BY: Nicole Hudson CAREERS

MANAGEMENT

inter is the perfect time of year to reflect on and refocus your people management skills. It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day tasks and become complacent with your management style throughout the year, especially when you have your own projects to complete.

So, if it’s time for a refresh, here are 7 keys to effective people management you can incorporate into your daily interactions. How to reset & refocus your people management skills this winter

Communicate clearly What they say is true, when it comes to any relationship, communication is key. Clear, honest, and open communication can go a long way in the workplace. Christine LaSalle Christine LaSalle, Director of Operations at Hudson Collective, knows a thing or two about people and project management.

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KEYS

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According to Christine, “Clear communication is so important when managing a team. That way, they know what the expectations are, and you provide them with the information needed to do what they need to do.” When you communicate clearly, your employees will know exactly what’s expected of them, and they’ll feel confident coming to you with any questions or issues.

Listen actively When your employees do give you feedback or choose to come to you with issues, it’s important that you’re actively listening to them. Put down whatever you’re working on and focus completely on what they’re telling you. To take a more proactive approach, Lara Galloway, Senior Vice President of Channel Management at White Glove advises that asking big questions allows you Lara Gallaway the space to actively listen to your team. Laura says, “By asking your team powerful questions in 1 on 1 meetings, you get a chance to learn more about what's happening in their lives and what motivates them. And by listening when they respond, you show respect and deepen trust. When you earn their trust, they WANT to do their best for you. They'll also tell you what they need from you as their leader.”

Lead by example When you’re in a management position, your team will follow your lead, so model the behavior that you want to see. If you’re

stressed and agitated, your employees will become stressed and agitated. If you’re glued to your desk, then your team will think they need to be as well, and no one benefits from round the clock work. Take breaks, and take it one step at a time.

Be creative When it comes to problem solving, it’s okay to think outside of the box. Take your team’s strengths into consideration and get creative. Just because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean that’s the only way to do it.

Set goals At the beginning of a quarter, or when you and your team are starting a new project, it’s always helpful to set reachable goals together. Sit down as a team and decide when things need to be completed and how much flexibility is available. People tend to be more productive when they’re striving toward an attainable goal.

Celebrate wins When you do reach those goals, celebrate! Words of encouragement

and praise can go a long way. If it’s a bigger goal, involve the entire team and reward them for a job well done. People are better, happier employees when they feel like their hard work is appreciated.

Have trust And last but not least, trust your people. As a manager, trusting your employees and giving them space to complete their assignments is critical. Your trust will encourage confidence. Be sure to offer flexibility and don’t micromanage, even under a deadline. If an employee needs a walk or a break to come up with a solution, grant them the space to do so and trust they’ll complete their task on time. Managing people is not always easy. It takes constant reflection and adjustment to ensure that your team is getting what they need from you. By implementing these seven concepts into your management skills, you’ll be setting you and your team up for success this season. 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.

CEOs, inventors, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, doctors, bankers, innovators and trailblazers. Women have proven themselves in all of these and countless other roles. As we continue to lift barriers that can hold women back, there’s no stopping what they can do in the workplace and beyond. That’s why we sponsored the Career Mastered 2023 National Diversity Summit & Awards.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. CS4579

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A woman’s work is unstoppable

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www.itc-holdings.com

EMPOWERED WOMEN, POWERING OUR FUTURE

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

- Walt Whitman

CULTIVATING A

POWERFUL

Presence

any people consider executive presence a nebulous skill. It is a superpower you can spot in the blink of an eye, yet grapple for the right words to describe its essence. Some go so far as to say you either have executive presence or you do not. Who’s got it right? The truth is, like many success attributes, executive presence can be developed and mastered over time.

BY: Evelyn Summerville SUCCESS

Perfecting your executive presence is a worthwhile goal. Presence is not only how you show up when you enter a room, it’s how you interact with and impact others. It’s your influence. The more you hone this skill, the more powerful you become in connection to others. Following are three ways to cultivate a powerful presence.

Say Affirmations and Practice Power Poses Daily.

Your relationship with you is an integral aspect of executive presence. The greater your self-esteem and efficacy, the more positive and powerful you are in essence. Presence begins as

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We convince by our presence.

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a seed on the inside that flourishes into your ultimate greatness when you channel it effectively. Build yourself up by reciting a few affirmations daily. Examples of affirmations are: I am powerful. I am influential. I am confident. Another positivity technique is to stand in front of a mirror and strike a powerful pose for one minute. This can be standing with your fists above your head or even with your chest poked out while your arms hang at your sides. Whichever helps you feel victorious and invincible … that’s the one for you. When you recite affirmations or practice power poses, you are sending signals to yourself of your greatness. The more consistently you transmit these signals, the faster they become your new state of mind and reality.

Work With Fashion and Beauty Consultants. Wearing clothes in colors and styles that accentuate your authentic beauty builds confidence. It also communicates your inner power to those around you. A meeting with an image consultant or a personal shopper can put you on the right track to enhancing your wardrobe. There are also several online shopping services offering convenient ways to style yourself in the latest fashions. Beauty consultants can assist with makeup tips and hairstyles. Your features are uniquely you. Understanding how to highlight your face, lips, cheekbones and eyes

helps present your best self. Learning simple beauty techniques that you can incorporate everyday will also boost your confidence. Taking classes offered by local makeup artists or watching videos on YouTube are a few approaches you can consider to learn how to apply makeup and cultivate a powerful presence.

Explode With Gravitas and Grit. This final strategy is about exercising your authority and using your voice. Gravitas and grit are behaviors that others see and associate with your executive presence. Take yourself seriously and others will too. When you speak, be full of command and confidence. Make sure that you are holding your head up and making eye contact with others. Be graceful. Be dignified. Be on point. Convey with your words that you can be firm when the situation calls for it. Demonstrate that you are decisive. Allow your passion to keep you connected with your values, your north star. But also notice when you need to connect, relate and empathize with others for maximum impact. Take note of the temperature in the room and how it’s affecting you. Adjust accordingly, even if it means putting the conversation on hold. This is how you guard your presence and grow your powerful reputation. Now, you are ready to take the next step in cultivating your powerful presence. Pick one of these ideas to implement today. x

Evelyn Summerville is an executive, leadership and 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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We’re all better off with an ally.

digit financi person

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NAVIGATING WORK POLITICS

BY: Paige Cerulli CAREERS

HOW TO MOVE YOUR IDEAS FORWARD EFFECTIVELY

very workplace has its own social structure. There’s a balance of power among coworkers, also referred to as workplace politics. Learning to navigate work politics is key to your success in your career, and it can help you to move your ideas forward effectively.

Recognize Common Workplace Politics Challenges Navigating work politics begins with recognizing the challenges that you face. Dr. Diane Rosen, a workplace expert and principal at Compass Consultants, explains that understanding the culture is a challenge in any workplace. “Organizations have norms both explicit and tacit, their own ‘currency’ and customs,” she says.

“The challenges that arise are in understanding hierarchy and perhaps more importantly, power centers, who does what, how to obtain resources, dress code, preferred methods of communication, expectations around office etiquette, how formal or informal is the culture and how and/or the extent to which people socialize outside of the office.”

Learning about the specific politics in a workplace can help you to better understand and navigate them, so you can also move your ideas forward. Dr. Rosen encourages professionals to carefully observe a workplace, especially when they’re new to the setting. “First, be a detective,” says Dr. Rosen. “Look for clues and cues from coworkers. Be a keen observer of how people interact, who is the ‘go to person,’ and who people seem to be avoiding.” It's also important to ask questions, rather than making assumptions or guessing. “Don’t be afraid to ask a manager or team leader if there is something you don’t know,” she says.

DEVELOP VALUABLE SOFT SKILLS Certain soft skills are advantageous in navigating work politics and presenting your ideas in a way that they will be well-received. Groom recommends professionals take the time to develop these soft skills: • Emotional intelligence: Helps you recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions while also being considerate of others’ emotions.

to you. “Be authentic,” encourages Dr. Rosen. “Trying to be or act like someone else will not serve you well. Skip trying to impress and focus on doing your job well, interacting with others in a calm and pleasant way and work on emotional intelligence.”

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Try to build relationships with your coworkers. “Strong relationships help in many ways,” says Dr. Rosen. Relationships with coworkers mean you have someone to act as a sounding board, help you talk through issues and give you honest feedback and advice. Those qualities can be invaluable when preparing to present an idea to coworkers or a supervisor.

Navigating work politics can be emotionally draining, and when you’re trying to move ideas forward, you’ll inevitably face some criticism and rejection. Dr. Rosen encourages professionals to find ways to emotionally self-regulate themselves. “Avoid catastrophizing, jumping to conclusions or making ungrounded assumptions,” she says. “I like to play the ‘so what’ game: If this happens or doesn’t happen, then so what? What are the likely consequences and with respect to those consequences, so what? What is the likely downside or upside? Engaging in this exercise helps put things into perspective and tame feelings.” Navigating work politics takes time and careful observation. Once you have a clear understanding of the dynamics in effect, you’ll be better prepared to strategically present and advance your ideas. x Paige Cerulli is an award-winning freelance content writer and copywriter. She owns Wild Mare Marketing and helps business owners better connect with their audiences. Paige’s work has appeared in Business Insider, USA Today, Vice and more.

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OBSERVE AND ASK

FOCUS ON YOUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Miriam Groom, an Industrial • Active listening: Helps you and Organizational understand others’ viewpoints Therapist and HR and can help to de-escalate Strategist, is the owner potential conflicts. of Groom & Associates and founder of Mindful • Negotiation: Skillful Career. Groom notes negotiation can steer that women may face situations to mutually additional work politics beneficial outcomes. challenges. “Females in the workplace often face nuanced • Adaptability: Being flexible and adaptable political challenges due to historically means you can maneuver through changes ingrained gender biases,” Groom explains. without getting caught in political crossfire “They might confront stereotypes questioning their competence in leadership Dr. Rosen highlights the importance of roles, deal with imbalanced power awareness of yourself and of others. Focus dynamics or experience instances of being on how you are showing up, how others are overshadowed in meetings.” showing up and how others are responding

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You gave her a role. Now give her a voice.

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D EXERCISING

IN WINTER

WONDER LAND! FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO STAY SAFE AND BURN MORE CALORIES THIS WINTER. STAY HYDRATED.

First, dehydration carries the same risk in cold weather as it does exercising in heat, except the body will feel up to 40% less thirsty in the cold. (The Effects of Temperature and Seasons on Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue in Humans: Evidence for Thermogenic Gene Induction).

electrolytes to replenish lost minerals. Body Armor Lyte is a good low-sugar option, available at Target and Amazon.

FUEL YOUR BODY. When it comes to fueling up, your body will When you breathe in cold, dry air, your body warms and humidifies that fatigue faster in the cold weather without adequate fuel. The cold slows down all of air. When you exhale, the vapor you see is actually fluid loss. When your body’s chemical processes, including speed skaters practice they are skating indoors or outdoors, most of them wear a scarf over their face or a face mask to prevent dehydration your nervous system’s ability to generate muscle contractions. and to keep their airways moist. A good rule of thumb is for every hour of physical activity in the cold or in the heat, the body needs 16 ounces BY: Jody Trierweiler of water. If you’re exercising longer than an hour, you need a drink with

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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There are some precautions that need to be taken in order to workout safely in the cold.

id you know? A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (“The Effects of Temperature and Seasons on Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue in Humans: Evidence for Thermogenic Gene Induction”) found that cold weather workouts could burn more calories than warm weather workouts.

Two to-4 hours before your workout, and within 30-60 minutes of completing your workout, you should eat a carbohydrate and protein rich snack. This will properly fuel your body for exercise as well as replete glycogen stores in the muscles and stimulate muscle repair afterwards.

and pay special attention to extremities at highest risk of frostbite, like hands and fingers, feet and toes, tip of the nose, and ears.

Shovel snow safely.

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It’s important to address the potential risks and dangers related to Here are a few suggestions: snow shoveling when • A fruit and yogurt smoothie discussing cold weather • Whole grain toast with nut butter exercise. According to • An apple or banana with nut butter a 2020 statement from the American Heart Watch the weather. Association, snow To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, shoveling may carry move your workout inside if the increased risk for a temperature drops below 0°F or the cardiac event. wind chill reaches -17°F. You are unlikely to get frostbite when the Studies show that after temperature is above 5°F and the only two minutes of snow wind blows at less than 25 mph, shoveling, “participants’ heart rates exceeded according to the National Weather 85% of maximal heart Service, but that risk increases rate, which is a level more substantially as the temperature commonly expected drops and wind speeds pick up. during intense aerobic Exposed skin can develop frostbite exercise testing.” Winter in 30 minutes at a wind chill of weather in general -19°F. It’s best to dress in layers can contribute to the increased risk as cold temperatures may increase blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. “The impact is hardest on people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity, being a current or former smoker, having diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, as well as people who have had a heart attack or stroke.” When shoveling snow, it’s important to listen to your body, shovel smaller amounts, take frequent breaks, and not work until exhaustion. WIth those precautions in mind, there are many safe

and effective options for enjoying outdoor winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, or simply walking and jogging outdoors. Please share this information with your friends and loved ones so that we can all stay safe and healthy this winter! x

Jody Trierweiler, C.N.C is a 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 sharing valuable information about improving your health.

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NEIGHBORS

SAVINGS MADE EASY ——— for our ———

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SIMPLE WAYS

TO BE AN

ALLY

IN THE WORKPLACE

s women continue to change the narrative and become recognized partners in the business world, it's essential to keep the momentum going in order for it to stay that way! This is a call to action to keep women relevant in all facets of today’s decisions. Here are several ways to support, empower and be an ally for women in the workplace.

BY: Kayvonna K. Stigall CAREERS

LISTEN ACTIVELY

Actively listening to women and their ideas and input is a great way to be supportive in the workplace. Many times people listen to respond. Instead, count the feedback you receive from women as important information. Listening to gain understanding and acceptance of someone else’s views and opinions is an important skill. It can open

Another way is to be an ally for women in the workplace is to speak up for them and allow them to speak up for themselves. If there isn’t already a platform available for this, creating one will make the difference! It doesn’t have to be an additional space, but rather an equal opportunity to “take the floor” and be heard. Making sure that the environment is inclusive and fosters new voices and opinions is key to empowering women not only to speak up, but to know that when they do speak up they will be heard.

Support fair career growth opportunities for women within your company. Statistically “for every hundred men hired or promoted to a higher position, only 72 women are promoted and hired for the same role” according to a study done by Women in the Workplace. Supporting fair growth opportunities shows women that they are not only wanted in the workplace, but they are also valued. Doing so will benefit the company as a whole and shine a light on the positive company culture.

APPLAUD CONTRIBUTIONS

Celebrating women’s accomplishments and contributions in the workplace can build up the work culture and promote healthy relationships and collaborations. When a person feels like their work and input matters, it's more likely that they will continue to do it and do it well. Empowering women by acknowledging when they are doing a great job will help to build confidence and company loyalty.

BECOME A FOREVER STUDENT

Education is powerful and always a door to learning something new. Learning about women in the workplace will help establish understanding of them and assist with being a better ally to them and colleague. Empowering women to go forward in the workplace to be the best version of themselves can only bring about great possibilities and growth. Being supported and valued will always be a way to bring unity and inclusion to any environment. Women are valuable assets in the workplace, let's make sure they feel like a supported member of that space. x Kayvonna K. Stigall is a published author, freelance writer, and poet from River Rouge,Michigan. Instagram: @riseaboveclouds

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CREATE A SAFE SPACE

SUPPORT FAIR GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

up doors of new opportunities, which can lead to business growth. Women have a lot to say and contribute to the betterment of the workplace just as their male counterparts. The workplace is a great space to remind everyone of that and support the process.

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Reset

BY: Jasmine Ball FEATURE

AND

REFOCUS EMBRACE A NEW SEASON OF SUCCESS CAREER MASTERED EXCLUSIVE WITH 4-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNING NEWS ANCHOR - MOLLY GRANTHAM

e’ve all been here: Riding the wave of momentum, excelling to new heights in your career, and then for whatever reason you enter a season of transition and worry and wonder. It’s like all of a sudden life starts life-ing, and maybe you feel as if you’re being called to reset, refocus, and embrace a new season of success.

Hear about some of the lessons she’s learned resetting and refocusing from being a career woman to a working mom in her newest book, “Practice Makes… Progress“. Hopefully some of the advice shared is able to help you embrace a new season of change and success.

“I THINK ‘BALANCE’ IS A CRAPWORD. I NEVER SAY BALANCE. I SAY JUGGLING... I REALIZED WITH JUGGLING IT GIVES YOUPERMISSION TO DROP A BALL AND PICK IT BACK UP LATER INDIFFERENT SEASONS OF LIFE.”

We had the opportunity to chat with news anchor, author, public speaker, wife, and mom — Molly Grantham — who is no stranger to having to refocus and embrace a new season in both her professional or personal life. She shared some of the challenges she often faces juggling being a mom of multiples and having a very public, successful career… and how she manages it all.

GETTING IT ALL DONE

Molly Grantham’s career in TV spans across 20 years and has since landed her four Emmy wins, a Tedx Talk, and over 200,000 followers on social media to name a few. However, when Molly’s not delivering the news or empowering women and corporate groups through speaking gigs around the nation, she’s busy juggling life as a mom of three — a hat Molly’s learned to embrace in a new season of her success. “I work at night so I miss some of my kids’ things. I don’t get to every volleyball game, but I get to all of the soccer games,” said Molly.

PHOTO CREDIT: WENDY FRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP AND WARDROBE CREDIT: MACY'S SOUTHPARK, CHARLOTTE, NC

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MOLLY GRANTHAM

“WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A RESET, YOU JUST KNOW. MY BEST ADVICE IS YOU HAVE IT ALL BY NOT HAVING IT ALL, BY LETTING YOURSELF BE IMPERFECT."

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Molly unsubscribes from the notion that you have to strike a balance with work and life because she’s found that you can never truly give each area 50% of your time, energy, and effort. Instead, she focuses on helping others learn how to become better jugglers — meaning they know how to prioritize what’s in front of them right now and also have permission to sometimes “drop the ball,” figure things out, and change.

are just days. Keep going, keep going. Be great in small ways and you'll get there,” says Molly.

“I think ‘balance’ is a crap word. I never say balance. I say juggling... I realized with juggling it gives you permission to drop a ball and pick it back up later in different seasons of life,” said Molly. “I realized that if you juggle rather than try to make it all perfect, it’s better.“

"WE’VE BEEN TAUGHT WRONG, ESPECIALLY WOMEN. WE THINK THINGS NEED TO BE PERFECT. VERY LITTLE IS PERFECT. AND IF YOU LET YOURSELF MESS UP AND FIND MAGIC IN THE MESS, IT IS SO MUCH BETTER.”

STRIVING TOWARDS PROGRESS

A few years ago, Molly began chronicling her journey as a working mom by writing and publishing three books documenting “the off-camera life of an on-camera mom." Her books “Small Victories” (2017) and “The Juggle is Real” (2020) have sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. Her newest and final book in this 3-part series “Practice Makes...Progress" just hit stores in October. In the series, she doubles down on the need to stop striving for perfection and instead focus on progress. “This book is a mission to anyone, in any walk of life, to focus on PROGRESS. Just keep going. Woman or not. Parent or not. We've been taught wrong. Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice Makes... Progress. Some days

It’s often believed that success is linear; but that’s just not the case. Success is full of twists and turns, moments of pause and delay, and even failure. On the journey to success you may have to constantly adapt to changes that require you to visualize a new version of yourself and ultimately think differently, act differently, or live differently.

“When it’s time for a reset, you just know. My best advice is You have it all by not having it all, by letting yourself be imperfect. The name of the new book is called Practice Makes... Progress because I think we’ve been taught wrong, especially women. We think things need to be perfect. Very little is perfect. And if you let yourself mess up and find magic in the mess, it is so much better.” If ever you’re challenged with change and need to reset and refocus, lean in and embrace wherever you are so you can kickstart a new season of success. To purchase a copy of “Practice Makes...Progress" or to book Molly for keynote speaking, visit mollygrantham.com. x

GET SET BY: Glen E. Wright II FINANCE

GO!

Perhaps the most important part of any type of plan is the goal-setting process. Our goals provide a mark to aim towards, or better yet, a direction to advance. They also bring about the structure that is necessary to plan successfully. When I was a college

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On Your MARK

My experiences as an athlete and as a college basketball coach have enabled me to learn and develop skills that I have been able to use on the court and in real life situations. It was during my coaching years that I realized how the lack of a plan or being ill-prepared can be detrimental to your future. Knowing what play to call when you are down by two points with eight seconds to go in a double overtime game does not matter if you have not practiced (planned) a play to run for that very situation.

ow many times have we heard someone say, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail?” Well there is a lot of truth in that statement because not having a financial plan is the equivalent of throwing darts in the dark or basically leaving your financial future up to chance.

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basketball player, every year I knew that our coach would call a team meeting prior to the season to make sure we were all mentally on the same page. As a team of players and coaches, we would write out our goals and the objectives that it took to reach each one. Our coach would then copy the goals and post them on our lockers so that we could see them and be reminded daily of what we were planning to do. It’s amazing how the basic tenets of goal setting can be used in sports, academics, and with your finances. What’s even more amazing is how the Bible similarly used an example of an athlete in scripture to help me apply these same principles to my own life. First, you must have a goal to work toward. Having no goal is like walking in the dark with a blindfold on. It’s not possible to see in the dark even when your eyes are not covered, but when you don’t have any directions or plans to get out of the dark, then you choose to cover your own eyes (blindfolded) and you choose to continue to wander aimlessly.

We must follow the example the Apostle Paul set for us in 1 Corinthians 9:26, “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.” Second, your goal(s) must embody the principle of sowing and reaping. Simply put, you will get out of something what you put into it. I like the way The Message version of 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 communicates this principle:

“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” And last, your goal(s) should always put you in a position to be successful. First Corinthians 9:24b tells us to “Run in such a way that you may win.” What is the purpose of setting a goal if you do not have plans to attain it in the first place? Why set a goal if you don’t expect to be successful?” 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 operate. Excerpt Adapted from: "The Financial Shepherd® –Why Dollars + Change = Sense" by Glen Wright and Sy Pugh.

Slay the Holidays

BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson STYLE he holiday season is the perfect time to reset and refocus your style to match the new version of you that’s heading into the new year.

As we grow and evolve, our sense of style should also be changing – for the better of course! There are multiple ways we can experiment and elevate our style to slay the holidays. Use these tips to discover the latest fashion trends and learn how to wear them to work, holiday parties, and more!

Let go of the old.

Have you been trying to force your old style to align with your new identity? Accept the loss of your old self and embrace the new you! The most fun way to do it is through your style. I know you may hear holidays and think only seasonal colors and UGGs. But the holidays allow you to channel so much more. Take a minute to decide who you desire to

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Style Ideas to

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be going forward and what she looks like. Allow yourself to be inspired from the media, runway, streetwear, and more. You can even take it a step forward by creating a mood board of inspired looks and ways you desire to express your sense of style going forward.

Less is more.

Monochromatic and minimalist trends have been dominating this winter. Sticking to the basics with your style isn’t as boring as it sounds. A simple neutral colored look for the holidays can channel a cozy, laid back vibe. Versus a monochromatic red look will give you a bold, festive touch. Whether it’s with basics, tailored business suits, or casual denim, going the toned-down cozy route is the best bet for an easy-going holiday season.

Defy the norm and brighten it up!

Maybe sticking to the basics just isn’t your style and you crave more elements to your

look. When holiday style is mentioned, it’s often associated with dark, robust, and seasonal colors. The seasonal colors help with romanticizing the season; however, don’t be afraid to incorporate color blocking, for a festive touch. Whether it’s incorporating bright bags or shoes, adding bold colors to your look will romanticize your holidays even more. Stay versatile by adapting your style to the weather, not the season.

Add your own flare.

The details make the outfit! Create the outfit surrounded by the accessories to spice it up and a personal touch. The holidays are the best time to romanticize the cold weather with accessories and layering techniques. One of the most prominent fall trends is metallic. From handbags to coats, the trend is versatile. Adding a leather coat to any look instantly elevates it and channels chicness in fall and cozy weather. Whether it’s statement jewelry, oversized totes, or layering, adding a special touch to your outfits during holiday season elevates it beyond fall or winter.

Layer your life away.

What’s the key to a warm and stylish holiday outfit? The layers! The holidays are the time to reset all your beliefs about style, experiment, and have fun. Consider all the possible patterns, textures, and silhouettes you could pair together for warmth. The options are endless when you explore stockings, scarfs, coats, flannels, and cardigans. The best part is there are no rules to layering so you have complete freedom to channel any vibe you desire. The layered look is hard to ruin if you stay true to your style and have fun. Taking style inspiration can be daunting at first. The key is to enjoy yourself, take risks, and always add your personality. Monochromatic looks can be incorporated for any time and occasion. To romanticize holiday occasions, don’t be afraid to lean towards bold and bright colors in any criteria. Last, but not least, play with layering and statement pieces to add to the excitement of the season. While you're slaying these holiday looks, don’t forget to incorporate that slay into the new year! x Asia Shamir Ferguson is a content creator, wardrobe stylist, and journalist based in Atlanta, GA. She is also a part of Generation-Z of fashion writers and micro influencers.

ART

THE

OF NEGOTIATING A

RAISE

hat happens when you’ve been working in a position for a while, but believe you deserve a raise? How do you approach this conversation with your manager? Discussing compensation with your employer can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Salary expectations vary based on several factors including education, years of experience, location, and job duties. There is an art to negotiating a raise and getting the compensation you deserve. As we go into a new year, here’s what you need to know to get higher pay.

BE CONFIDENT.

The first, and most important, step in negotiating a raise is letting go of the fear associated with asking for what you deserve. Employees must be confident when initiating this conversation and they must understand the value that they bring to the company. Without confidence, the employee will not be able to articulate and identify the ways they add value to the company.

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BY: Leonye McCalla CAREERS

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HAVE GOOD TIMING. The average annual salary increase for most companies is between 2-5%. In contrast, some companies do not offer annual wage increases at all. Therefore, employees must negotiate if they want a considerable raise. For companies that offer raises, discussions are held during performance review season. Try to initiate the conversation a few weeks or months before performance discussions start. You can also talk about compensation after a strong financial quarter for the company. Employees should have a definitive number in mind for the raise. A 10-20% increase is a good starting point.

DO RESEARCH BEFORE THE CONVERSATION. Conducting research and presenting your findings during the conversation is vital to salary negotiations. You need to understand the market rates for employees in your industry with your qualifications and skills. You also need to know the salary ranges for employees at other companies and be comfortable sharing this information with your employer. Talk to people at your level and find out what they’re getting paid.

and write them down. Include all BE PREPARED the statistical data to support FOR A FOLLOW UP your claims such as the amount CONVERSATION. of money you saved the company, how much money they made during Remember the initial conversation Additionally, research your company and the quarter with your help, etc. is just a starting point. Your their current economic situation. Is your boss will probably have another company going through a tough period The employer needs to see in black conversation with you after and possible layoffs? Are they doing and white the ways in which you talking to their superiors. Upper well financially and hiring new workers? enrich the organization. You can management may also request Make some effort to understand the inner also pinpoint your job duties and to meet with you to discuss these workings of your company so you have a how they have grown, changed or salary changes. After the initial clearer picture of what you’re up against. increased during your tenure at the conversation, be prepared to talk company. You need to also let the with your manager more than once LIST YOUR manager know how the company about this topic. Preparation is ACCOMPLISHMENTS. benefits by giving you a raise. Will key so keep everything in writing this make you more efficient or and save it so that you can refer to Showing your value to employers is not loyal? Talk to your manager about these documents later. x only about listing your qualifications. how your salary increase will help Employees need to show their boss clear them in the long run. Companies and tangible ways they have benefitted want a return on their investment in the company. Employees need to highlight you and it helps when you outline Leonye McCalla is a writer living in New York the times they’ve helped the organization City. As a contributing writer to Career Mastered, the benefits for them. make money, save money, streamline Leonye enjoys sharing tips and tricks to help women on their entrepreneurial journey. processes, etc. The best way to do this is to keep a list of your accomplishments

Together, we are now

corewellhealth.org

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CA R E E R M A S T E R E D M E M B E R S POT L I G H T

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“THE SERVICE YOU DO FOR OTHERS IS THE RENT YOU PAY FOR YOUR ROOM HERE ON EARTH.” - MUHAMMAD ALI

TIS' THE SEASON TO

GIVE

How Tiffany Nance Gifts Business Leaders with Time

iffany Nance is on a mission to help people organize their lives and business operations. Her company Etcetera Assistant was established in 2009 to help save people the valuable time they would spend growing their businesses or with family and friends.

BY: Robin M. Wilson ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How does she do that? “I make sure that my clients have what they need,” says Tiffany. “If she [my client] is a speaker, that’s all I want her to have to do. I don’t want her to worry about managing her speaking engagement

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calendar, missing deadlines, or on-site logistics.” Tiffany’s commitment to excellence in service has endeared her to executive leaders and professional women in various industries. While her skills are recognized by professional organizations, Tiffany says her journey to start a virtual and personal assistant company began with service at home and within her community. “I’m the oldest in my family,” Tiffany said. “I’ve always liked to help others—it’s what I’m known for… I take great joy in assisting and resolving issues.” Following the passing of her mother, Tiffany says

she paused her career to consider what direction she wanted to take. During that time, Tiffany volunteered as a way to heal and give back. “I gained so much from volunteering, and people noticed my organizational skills,” she said. Her service within the community further affirmed her desire to serve and to help others. In 2019, she made the decision to run Etcetera Assistant full-time. She has not looked back since. “I made the decision that I was going to provide for my family emotionally and financially,” Tiffany said. “I wanted to have more time to spend with my family.” Today, she has time flexibility and it is a gift that she passes on to clients through the services she provides. From performing administrative tasks to providing timely mobile notary services, Tiffany has built a reputation

for her attention to detail and her ability to develop systems and solutions for business leaders. She serves clients nationwide.

I SPECIALIZE IN ADMINISTRATIVE WORK WHILE WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES TO SAVE PEOPLE TIME AND TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS. As her company grows and expands, Tiffany says that she is now ready to bring on team members to deliver administrative services to clients. “I plan to hire and train other virtual assistants who can do the work that I do.” If your business is in need of a virtual or personal assistant, learn more about Etcetera Assistant at www.etceteraassistant.com x Robin Michelle Wilson is a published children’s author, greeting card designer, keynote speaker, business leader, and a certified teacher. Robin is the owner of Robin Wilson Educational Consulting LLC and Vesey Lane Goods LLC. She actively serves on the Board of Directors for ARISE Detroit.

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VI SIO N THE POWER OF

SEEING

YOURSELF

AT THE FINISH LINE

BY: Haseena Shaheed-Jackson SELF-VISUALIZATION

rnold Schwarzenegger says, “Create a vision of who you want to be, and then live into that picture as if it were already true.” We live in a world filled with endless possibilities. Possibilities that serve as a guiding light and inspire the extraordinary power of selfvisualization.

Envisioning yourself at the finish line is an incredible tool that could empower you to unlock a reservoir of motivation and resilience, resulting in the realization of those possibilities. Here's how to tap into the power of vision to bring your desires into reality.

What is self-visualization? Self-visualization is where one discovers inner potential, sets audacious goals and embraces the journey to success with unwavering determination. It is creating the mental image of self at the finish line and requires seeing beyond natural sight to create a vivid vision of succeeding. How does one see self at the finish line? The short answer is envisioning. Cultivating a compelling vision of achieving the desired outcome.

Follow this 7-step process:

SET CLEAR GOALS: Start by defining your goals with clarity. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

CREATE A MENTAL IMAGE: Close your eyes and create a vivid mental image of what success looks like for you. Imagine yourself at the finish line, having achieved the goal. Picture the surroundings, the people, and the emotions you would feel.

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES: Use all your senses to make the mental image as real as possible. Think about what you would see, hear, smell, taste, and touch at the finish line. This multisensory approach makes the visualization more compelling.

FEEL THE EMOTIONS: Experience the emotions associated with reaching your goal. Feel the excitement, pride, and fulfillment as if you've

STAY DETAILED AND SPECIFIC: The more detailed and specific your mental image, the more powerful your visualization will become. Include small details and nuances in your visualization.

levels in your life. Taking consistent steps toward your goals increases motivation, focus, and determination turning visions into reality. Envisioning the finish line unlocks an incredible reservoir of motivation and resilience. You have the power of vision and the power to reach the finish line of your desired outcome. x

OVERCOME OBSTACLES: In your visualization, acknowledge and visualize overcoming obstacles or challenges that may come your way. This helps you prepare mentally for setbacks.

REVIEW AND ADJUST: Periodically review your goals and adjust your visualization as needed. As you make progress, your mental image may evolve. Is this all that I need to do? Yes, for envisioning. You are now empowered and energized to take the final three steps. The final three steps put the vision into action. The action to make it to the finish line. BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE REQUIRES THESE THREE STEPS:

TAKE ACTION: Getting to the finish line requires taking the complemented action. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps and work consistently toward them.

“Vision with action can change the world.”

-Nelson Mandela

CELEBRATE MILESTONES: Celebrate achievements as progress is made along the way. Acknowledging successes reinforces the belief in your ability to reach the finish line. Do not stay stuck in this activity because you will get stalled.

BE FLEXIBLE: Sometimes the path to the finish line may need adjustments. Be open to adapting your goals and plans as necessary. This visioning process is a continual loop. You will need to rinse and repeat. Consistently envision yourself at the finish line to keep progressing to higher

Passionate about valuing others and helping them moving forward by believing and seeing more, Haseena Shaheed-Jackson challenges individuals to live a life that is significant and impactful. She has published three books: Created to Soar, Messages from the Spirit and Reflections from Within. She stands by not allowing anyone or anything to place you in a corner to be forgotten or cause you to believe that you are insignificant.

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HOW CAN I IMPLEMENT THIS TECHNIQUE?

already achieved it. Emotions can be a powerful motivator.

Envisioning is a powerful technique that requires faith, perseverance and commitment. Faith is believing in you. Perseverance is sticking to the commitment. Commitment is the promise.

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"We must learn to invite the winter in. We may never choose to winter, but we can choose how." - Katherine May

HOW TO STAY

PRODUCTIVE DURING SHORT WINTER DAYS

inter days grow shorter, and the reduced hours of daylight can make completing daily tasks feel like a race against the sun. For ambitious, career-driven women, maximizing every moment of these limited hours is essential. Discover strategies to not only combat the winter slump, but also elevate your productivity during these cozy, truncated days.

EMBRACE AN EARLY START

Rising with or before the sun offers several benefits that extend beyond the first sip of morning coffee.

When you start your day early, you naturally align with the Earth's circadian rhythms, often resulting in a more energized and focused state. By setting aside quiet moments in the morning to strategize and prioritize, a foundation for success is laid. Also, leveraging the morning hours can set an undeniably positive tone for everything that follows. Tasks tackled during these serene, distraction-free moments tend to be completed

BY: Emily Rehterford PRODUCTIVITY

Natural light isn't just a backdrop to your workspace; it's a catalyst for mood enhancement and productivity. Studies have consistently shown that exposure to daylight can elevate our spirits, reduce fatigue, and improve focus. Consider these straightforward modifications: • Shift your desk or workspace closer to windows • Incorporate light colors and reflective surfaces in your decor • Invest in a daylight mimic lamp, if necessary

PRIORITIZE AND TIME-BLOCK TASKS Prioritization is key to getting your daily tasks completed on days when gloomy weather gets you down. By tackling your most critical tasks first, you ensure that your peak energy levels

result? A significant boost in energy and a natural remedy for the winter blues.

You don't need to commit to lengthy or intense sessions either. Simple indoor exercises, like stretching But prioritizing isn't enough on its own; routines or short yoga sequences, the technique of time-blocking can be a can make a noticeable difference. game-changer. Allocate specific blocks Alternatively, embrace the crisp winter of time to dedicated tasks to create air with short outdoor walks. These a roadmap for your day. This method minimizes the risk of distractions, ensures not only reinvigorate the body but also provide a refreshing mental break. balance between varied responsibilities, and grants you a clearer view of what It’s common to get into a slump can be realistically achieved in a day. during the winter months, and the shorter days make it hard to stay productive. But by making a few TAKE REGULAR BREAKS TO simple adjustments to your routine, STAY ENERGIZED you can still manage to get a lot Contrary to what your relentless drive accomplished.x might suggest, non-stop work doesn't equate to peak productivity. In fact, science underscores the importance of regular breaks. Neurological studies reveal that periods of rest allow our brains to reset, paving the way for enhanced concentration and renewed creativity upon return. Stepping outside for these pauses offers dual benefits. Even a brief outdoor interlude allows you to soak up natural light, vital for regulating our internal clocks and mood. The fresh air, meanwhile, can rejuvenate the senses, staving off any afternoon slumps.

STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Physical activity isn't just about maintaining a fit physique; it's a cornerstone for mental well-being, especially during the colder months. When the days are shorter and the temperatures dip, it's easy to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. But engaging in even minimal movement can stimulate the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals, and serotonin, which plays a pivotal role in mood regulation. The

Emily Rehterford is an SEO content strategist and writer who has run several online businesses since 2008. She’s passionate about helping women achieve financial freedom by turning their passions into successful online companies.

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OPTIMIZE YOUR WORKSPACE

align with projects that demand the most attention. This not only guarantees that essential tasks won't be left unfinished, but it also sets a productive momentum for the day.

with greater efficiency and clarity. As a result, a sense of accomplishment is felt, propelling you through the rest of the day with confidence and purpose.

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TH E C AR EER M ASTER ED BOOK SH ELF 45 C a r e e r M a s t e r e d • H O L I DAY 2 0 2 3 / W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

BOOKS THAT WILL KEEP THE

WINTER

BLUES AWAY

BY: Krystin Morgan BOOKS

Embrace the season and boost your spirits with these reads

inter descends upon us every year, bringing chilly weather, long nights and dark days. It’s easy to let it affect your mental health. According to Mental Health America, about 5% of the United States is affected by winter blues in any given year, and a whopping 80% are women.

To beat the blues, it may help to think of winter as a time to hunker down, relax and reset. We share five cozy, comforting books to keep the blues at bay—a warm cup of cocoa in book form.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

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Part memoir, part study in the art of “wintering,” Katherine May’s book explores how to get through the winters in our lives, whether figuratively or literally. With a focus on rest and retreat, May takes readers through a journey of finding the beauty in a difficult season.

Rhimes, creator and executive producer of shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” shares her story of transforming from fearful and introverted to living a life of “yes.” It’s the perfect dose of inspiration as you settle into a winter cocoon and fantasize about spreading your wings in the sunshine. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Creativity is an excellent antidote to the winter doldrums. Elizabeth Gilbert dives into her own creative process, sharing insight into inspiration, curiosity and fear. She provides a how-to guide to get in touch with your own creative side—even if it scares you.

You may find yourself embracing winter, however it appears in your own life, and appreciating it for the solitude and introspection it brings. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking

Who knows, you may even find that it’s the perfect time to dive into a new creative pursuit or pick up a long-forgotten hobby.

What better way to enjoy the coldest season than by embracing the Danish idea of “hygge,” the sense of coziness, comfort and contentment? Author Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, takes readers through the meaning of hygge and how the Danish have cultivated it to become known as the world’s happiest people.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Snuggle up by the fire, grab a cup of hot tea and your favorite scarf, and learn the best way to make the most of life, whichever season you’re in. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes Winter is the perfect time to step into solitude and silence to dream about what’s next. Shonda

Finally, if you prefer fiction, Ove and his neighbors are just the injection of hygge you need. Chronicling the adventures of a misanthropic, irritated man on a journey to (begrudging) happiness, this book introduces you to a cast of characters who will feel like friends. You’ll laugh, cry, and come away feeling like you’re wrapped in your favorite quilt.

As the winter season approaches, take some time to prepare for the colder months with these cozy reads that’ll help you embrace solitude, ignite your imagination and cultivate comfort. Settle in with your comfy socks and let the magic of winter unfold. x 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.

Career Mastered actively supports, celebrates and empowers women’s careers. The Hartford proudly served as a sponsor of the Career Mastered Leadership Diversity Summit & Awards. TheHartford.com

The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 23-DI-1686051 © January 2023 The Hartford

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WHEN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IS A PRIORITY, EVERYONE BENEFITS.

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HOW TO ESTABLISH A LEADERSHIP PRESENCE IN MEETINGS

RECLAIMING

YOUR TIME

n 2017, a three-word phrase Congresswoman Maxine Waters repeatedly used during a contentious House Financial Services Committee debate with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin set off a political and social media frenzy. The phrase “reclaiming my time” quickly became a popular joke among professionals because it accurately describes how so many of us feel when we want to save time in the office.

Long considered the main source of communication and sharing ideas, meetings can become one of the biggest time-

BY: Marci Bryant, MBA LEADERSHIP

wasters in the office when done improperly. Here are some tips to help you create a strong leadership presence in meetings and reclaim your time, even if you aren’t the host. REVIEW THE AGENDA Review the agenda to find out what information or deliverables are expected from you. Agendas provide details on who will speak

PREPARE FOR THE MEETING If you have been assigned deliverables for the meeting, get clarity on the method by which the information should be delivered. Are you expected to have an oral report, an infographic, an executive summary, or a full presentation deck? How much information do you already have, and who do you need to contact to get the remaining details required to complete the assignment? How much time do you have to speak or present? If your deliverable involves other team members, reach out to them as soon as possible to discuss the project and timeline. Make time to practice at least once and be sure to test all media. HOST TIP: Create a master presentation that includes all meeting decks and request that all presentations are submitted at least one day in advance to avoid technical mishaps.

HOST TIP: Arrive a few minutes before the meeting starts to prepare the room or virtual space and greet attendees personally. Use meeting software to record if allowed or be prepared to take copious notes. Don't wait more than five minutes for late attendees before starting the meeting.

AFTER THE MEETING Review your meeting notes while the information is still fresh. Fill in additional details as necessary and add relevant follow-up tasks to your calendar. Share your notes with the host and include all other attendees if you've decided to provide meeting minutes with everyone. HOST TIP: Send a thank you note with meeting minutes to all attendees and set the next meeting date before you adjourn. Follow up with the next meeting invitation. Use these tips to start establishing a leadership presence in meetings and successfully reclaim your time in the office! x Marci Bryant, MBA is the owner of SYNC Digital Agency and a HubSpot Certified B2B Strategist focused on aligning marketing, sales, and service teams to improve the customer experience in digital spaces.Connect with Marci on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcibryantmba

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HOST TIP: Give the meeting a name that accurately describes the goal of the meeting, and provide an agenda that provides a roadmap of how to accomplish that goal within the allotted time.

DURING THE MEETING Arrive on time (early, if possible) to ensure a timely start for the meeting, and alert the host if you will be late. Confirm whether or not the host will be taking notes and sending minutes to follow up after the meeting. Be prepared to take your own notes either way and offer to assist the host with note-taking if they are unable. When it's your time to present, be mindful of your time and decide if you will leave time for questions afterward. Be clear about your findings, next steps, and deliverables from stakeholders.

during the meeting, and what will be discussed. If there is no agenda, reply to the host and include all other invited guests, asking for an agenda or a list of topics that will be discussed during the meeting so that you can properly prepare. You are including all other invited attendees as a courtesy because everyone would benefit from having that information.

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WHAT BOARDS WANT Positioning Yourself for Advancement

dvancing your career is a valuable pursuit, but it requires aligning yourself with the right people and resources to gain the skills and experience needed. In this article, we will discuss the role of the board and how to demonstrate your value so you can be recognized as a strong leader.

COMPREHENDING THE FUNCTION OF THE BOARD

If you work for a publicly traded company, a non-profit organization, a private company, or academia, you are probably led by a board of directors. According to the Harvard Business Review, understanding the roles and

responsibilities of the board of directors is crucial for career advancement in the business world. This knowledge can help you contribute effectively to the board and demonstrate your leadership potential. The board of directors is responsible for providing direction and oversight to ensure that the interests of stakeholders and shareholders are taken care of within the company. They oversee the business operations by creating necessary governance policies, hiring, and firing, and directing the executive leadership. BY: Stephanie Hancock ADVANCEMENT

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Boards have a fiduciary duty to establish a strong corporate structure. This is achieved by promoting the value of the corporation and exercising sound judgment when evaluating potential risks and opportunities.

HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR ADVANCEMENT PRIORITIZE AI AND SOFT SKILLS As we enter 2024, corporations will need to adjust their focus to thrive in the post-pandemic era. According to Forbes, businesses should prioritize AI and machine learning to stay ahead. Additionally, to complement this enhanced focus, soft skills must be upgraded to create better employee and customer experiences. This means leaders need to be strategic thinkers, data-driven, and strong thought partners who are also resilient. Embrace Data, but Remain Human Alvin Toffler, a renowned Futurologist, once said, "You can use all the quantitative data you can get, but you still have to distrust it and use your intelligence and judgment." This implies that data is not the absolute truth, and we need to apply our intelligence and judgment to make sense of it.

While data plays a crucial role in shaping a company's future, it is important to recognize that it is not the only factor. The board relies on data insights to evaluate risks and opportunities to steer the business forward. By improving your data analysis skills, you can better understand operational efficiencies, identify potential risks and opportunities, and create effective marketing campaigns that can lead to superior customer experience.

we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." It is essential to be aware of how others perceive you, and if there is an opportunity to improve, you should not hesitate to take it. Think about how you come across to others. When executives are However, it is equally important to develop discussing opportunities and trust your human instincts to capitalize with the board, you want on the market and deliver quality results. them to mention your By doing so, you can establish yourself as name and have someone someone who truly understands the business vouch for you. It's and the customers and be considered a important to be aware of valuable thought partner. how others perceive you. HAVE SELF-AWARENESS There has been a recent debate regarding how individuals should present themselves at work. Should they bring their authentic self or just their professional self? The answer to this question is largely dependent on the work culture and the individual. As you progress in your career, it is important to invest time in your professional development. Understanding your communication style, operational style, strengths, and areas for improvement is crucial in accelerating your personal growth. Viktor Frankl, the author of "Man's Search for Meaning," said, "When

As the year ends and a new one approaches, it's important to set ambitious goals and challenge ourselves to grow. Reset your thinking to align with this idea and be brave enough to move forward. x Stephanie Hancock is the proud owner of Career Rise, LLC. She is a certified DISC consultant and trainer, as well as a Real Colors facilitator. Stephanie is a certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, and Coach who has a strong passion for motivating others to achieve their career goals.

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Fun Winter BY: Hadley Roy H. LEISURE

ACTIVITIES TO TRY THIS YEAR!

inter is an exciting time! With the weather getting colder, there’s a bounty of fun and unique pastimes to explore. Whether you live in a temperate or four-season climate, there’s bound to be a new activity to discover; and if you are looking for ideas, here are nine to get you started!

WINTER SPORTS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE 1. SNOWSHOEING

With a slower pace than flashy downhill skiing, snowshoeing is a fun outdoor activity for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Snowshoe rentals are readily available both around ski resorts

and at state parks throughout the country. Snowshoeing provides great opportunities for bird watching and spotting local wildlife during your adventure.

3. ICE FISHING

Ice fishing is a fun way to connect with nature and maybe even catch your dinner! In colder climates, ice fishing is easily accessible and a great way to get outside. To get started, you’ll need to find a safe body of water to fish in, an auger and a fishing pole. Be sure to check with experts on how thick and secure the ice is for fishing. Bring cozy snacks and lots of hand-warmers, it can get chilly!

Maybe you live in a warmer climate where winter sports aren’t an option or maybe you just like to stay near your central heating. If that’s the case, consider learning to bake sourdough bread for a unique winter activity. King Arthur Baking provides a multitude of resources for new bakers, including both instructions for making your own sourdough starter or an option to purchase one.

2. BUILD THE PERFECT WOOD FIRE

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If you want an adrenaline rush, put Muskegon, Michigan on your winter must-visit list. Muskegon is home to the country’s only public-access louge track. Louge involves sliding down an oftensteep, always icy track and provides a huge thrill for participants!

1. BAKE SOURDOUGH BREAD

2. LOUGE

AROUND THE HOUSE

Many of our homes have unused wood-burning fireplaces. To make carolers and seasonal treats. In Michigan, this winter extra cozy, consider there’s the Holly Dickens Festival, which learning to build the perfect runs from late November to mid-December wood fire. First have your chimney with free admission. All the fun of a cleaned and inspected by a Renaissance Faire, but with snow! professional (safety is critical!). Then experiment with different 2. EXPLORE MULTICULTURAL types of wood, varieties of fire HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS starters, and arrangements of logs Holidays are a big part of the winter to find the perfect combination season here in the United States. Consider for your needs. There’s even visiting local churches or synagogues for options to make your fire burn holiday services or finding a local gallery different colors! or museum featuring multicultural holiday art. For Michigan residents, there’s the 3. MAKE DIY HOLIDAY yearly holiday tree and decoration display DECORATIONS at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, which There’s plenty of holiday features decor from around the globe. decorations available off the shelf, but nothing beats the 3. VISIT AN ICE CARVING satisfaction of making them FESTIVAL yourself. For an easy project, If you live in a climate where it’s routinely consider clove-studded oranges below freezing, consider visiting an ice or or if you want something more snow carving festival. Artists may build big ambitious, try making a wreath or sculptures or small, but their skill is sure to learning to needle-felt a cheerful impress and delight. x holiday gnome.

CULTURAL 1. VISIT A DICKENS FESTIVAL Want to get social? Check out your local news outlets for a Dickens festival and go enjoy the holiday season with costumed

Hadley Roy H. is an Analytics Manager at Campbell Ewald, where she specializes in user experience optimization and creative analytics. She also runs @Just_ Had_Tea on Instagram. Hadley lives with her husband, their 13 houseplants, and two sourdough starters in Southeast Michigan.

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TOOLS

THATGROW YOUR

LEADERSHIP

POWER

ecoming a great leader doesn’t happen overnight or the second you get promoted into your management level position. Leading well requires a considerable amount of effort adapting to the constant changes in business.

BY: Jasmine Ball LEADERSHIP

If you want to grow your leadership power, here are tools you can add to your belt in order to do just that.

SEEK LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT There’s a saying that goes “You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” a quote attributed most often to motivational speaker Jim Rohn. Whether it’s true or not, what is true is the fact that iron sharpens iron.

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In the business world, it matters who you connect your wagon to when you’re looking to grow. Leadership consultants or coaches are a great point of contact for leaders seeking to improve their individual effectiveness and drive business growth. With leadership development, you can work with a mentor or trainer one on one or in a group setting to see improvements in your power to lead both in and out of the office. BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL BRAND A major part of one’s capacity to lead is attributed to their “brand”. A professional brand is in essence the "mark" you have around your name or your career. In other words, it’s the summation of the lasting impression you leave with people. Think – your energy, attire, communication style, and expertise. If you want to grow your leadership power, a tool you can take advantage of is your professional brand. Leverage your professional brand to change the way you show up for yourself, your team, and the company. Find ways to be united with your team so you can earn more of their respect. Having a well-established professional brand can help build your credibility and reputation as an authority in your industry.

GROW YOUR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Great leaders need to maintain a certain level of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is one’s ability to perceive, understand, manage, and handle the emotions of self and others. People with high emotional intelligence are able to lead with logic and adjust their emotions to adapt to different environments. In other words, they have strong social skills and know how to read the room. If you want to grow your leadership power, grow your emotional intelligence and use it as a tool to learn how to sense what others are thinking and feeling and inspire people to trust you enough to follow your lead. DEMONSTRATE COURAGE AND VULNERABILITY Rising up the ranks of leadership requires courage and vulnerability. The more you manage, the more responsibility and risk you tend to take on. Leaders

have a lot of weight on their shoulders being responsible for the success of their team and the company. If you want to grow your leadership power and reap the rewards, you have to step out of your comfort zone. Use courage as a tool when you need to put yourself out there and take on more risks. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER Leading a team oftentimes requires you to adopt new ways of thinking and working. The same hard work that landed you your managing role won’t be the same hard work that’s required to succeed in that role. In order to be recognized as a strong leader, you’ll need to start working smarter, not harder. One way this can be done is by better understanding how your company works, how it generates profits, and how the systems that are in place work and why. Developing this level of awareness can help you as you make business decisions because you can do so knowing the implications of your decisions as it relates to your responsibilities as a leader.

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." -Jack Welch x Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services. Throughout her career, she’s been 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.

ASSESS YOUR SKIN TYPE

t’s that time of year again to assess your skincare regimen and make adjustments based on your skin type and condition. This is a step that really should be taken every season. However, this is especially true now in the colder, winter months. While it’s common to think skin will be dryer in the winter months, fun fact – your Ph can adjust up or down, which could result in oily skin in the winter too! Pay attention to how your skin responds to the colder months and make changes in products used if needed. As always, consult your dermatologist for any sensitivity that you need to consider when selecting skincare products.

BY: Rechelle Andrews BEAUTY

COULD BE THE SECRET TO HAVING BEAUTIFUL SKIN THIS WINTER. BELOW ARE TIPS TO COMBAT SKIN CHANGES THIS SEASON WHETHER YOU’RE USED TO HAVING NORMAL, OILY, COMBINATION, OR DRY YEAR- ROUND.

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ROUTINE

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Winter PROOF your SKINCARE

CHANGING YOUR

A WINTERPROOF SKINCARE ROUTINE

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CLEANSING

Some foaming cleansers tend to strip the skin of natural oils. A foaming oil or cream-based cleanser will offer nourishing properties that will keep your skin refreshed and insulated for the brisk and colder weather. In the morning, try cleansing with just water then applying your serum and moisturizer as normal.

TONERS

Try a Ph balancing toner with a milky or gel-like consistency. In the winter, it may be best to stay away from water-based astringents such as witch hazel to retain as much natural moisture as possible.

SERUM

The right serum can promote a healthy Ph balance in the skin which

is key to long term results. I always do my research when it comes to selecting a serum as there are many options to choose from that serve different purposes. However, some ingredients to look for that have generally worked for all skin types are: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and/or niacinamide. These ingredients are present in anti-aging, pore reducing and hydrating formulas that may be beneficial to add to your regimen in the winter months.

The key is to have ingredients that support a healthy Ph balance. However, if you have combination or oily skin, you may choose to replace your moisturizer/serum options with a product especially made for oily skin in your favorite skincare brands. Remember to reset your routine seasonally as needed and refocus on the need to find balance in your skin care. By reflecting more consistently on healthy habits, I believe confidence and energy will keep showing up in amazing life fulfilling ways. x

MOISTURIZERS

I typically use two different moisturizers daily. In the morning, I use a lighter weight moisturizer mixed with sunscreen. And yes, sunscreen should be worn in all seasons! This can act as a primer under makeup or be worn alone for the look of healthy glowing skin. At night, I use a moisturizing balm. This will soothe and hydrate the skin while I sleep and give the skin extra protection against the drying effects of the colder months.

“WINTER IS A SEASON OF RECOVERY AND PREPARATION.” — PAUL THEROUX

Rechelle Andrews is a career woman and skincare/makeup enthusiast and 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.

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4 KEYS

SUCCESS

BY: Center for Creative Leadership LEADERSHIP

FOR WOMEN LEADERS

or today’s women leaders, success is about more than maintaining balance, breaking barriers, and achieving professional goals. Burdened by the effects of the global pandemic and its aftermath, many women are feeling spread thin, burnt out, and deeply torn between caregiving responsibilities and work.

In the past rwo years, women’s labor force participation has dropped to its lowest level in over 3 decades, and many organizations are struggling to retain and regain the women that have been disproportionately leaving the workforce.

Together, these themes are a useful starting point for individual women to explore, and for organizations to consider as women’s leadership topics to prioritize in their development initiatives and retention efforts.

Our research has found that highly successful women leaders often approach their careers and their lives by embracing these 4 keys to success: agency, authenticity, connection, and wholeness.

4 KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR INDIVIDUAL WOMEN 1. AGENCY.

“Agency” refers to intentional actions taken toward achieving a desired goal. Agency

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is about taking control of your career, being your own pilot, and feeling as if you’re shaping your job, your leadership style, and your life. Strategies for realizing greater agency include: • Analyzing your career steps and living with intention, both at work and at home; • Asking for challenges outside your current functional orientation to broaden your experience and perspective; • Intentionally cultivating your leadership brand;

friendships and family ties drove many of the goals, • Defining boundaries to choices, and decisions of help you manage competing the women in our study. responsibilities and seeking out Even the busiest executives the types of support needed for invest in connections, the work-life juggle; and both personally and • Setting goals that align with professionally. your values, and developing a plan for achieving them. To strengthen your professional connections:

2. AUTHENTICITY.

Authenticity is being genuine and being yourself. As the lines between work and home life continue to blur, it’s more important than ever before for women to resist the urge to comply with policies, expectations, practices, and environments that are in opposition to their needs as leaders.

1. Slow down and take time for people. 2. Build relationships. 3. Network, network, network. Find a mentor or establish your personal “board of directors” to serve as a support system and sounding board.

Authenticity is important for all leaders, but it can be particularly 4. WHOLENESS. challenging for women to show Wholeness represents the desire to seek roles beyond up as their genuine selves if work or to unite different their organizational culture life roles into an integrated is rife with gendered double whole. Some women in our standards. Authenticity comes from finding your own style, your study reported that they were concerned that they way of leading. By developing self-awareness, you gain clarity had nothing else in their lives but work. about your values, behaviors, preferences, and skills. You can then determine the gap between Others expressed concern about wholeness because “fitting in” and being yourself. they feel fragmented and divided between work and 3. CONNECTION. Connection involves a focus on other life roles. They value relationships. A desire for closer multiple roles, life beyond

work, and a broader definition reports as much autonomy as possible. For example, don’t make assumptions of success. about whether a woman on your team might want to take on a difficult new To help you gain a sense of wholeness, let go of the idea project or role — just ask her directly and let her speak for herself. that it’s about “balance” or equitable division of time Support authenticity by offering resources, between work and other training, and ample opportunities to roles. Wholeness is about setting priorities and valuing reflect, so leaders better understand their own preferences, motivations, and the all your commitments. It’s ways that aspects of their social identity about setting boundaries may affect how they lead. and saying no to roles or obligations that no longer Senior leaders should focus on building serve you. a culture of inclusive leadership so that all people, including women leaders, feel How Organizations Can able to bring their whole, authentic selves Prioritize These Women’s to work. Leadership Topics in Development Initiatives Build connections by ensuring senior leaders are aware of the importance of For women leaders to succeed, their organization’s coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship for women. You can download our free culture must be structured resources on sponsoring and mentoring in a way that supports women, which include questions and them in cultivating these exercises that can help create connection, 4 keys, and that starts with opportunities, and building those critical a focus on equity. Once relationships. x policies, procedures, and behaviors that promote equity have been established, organizations and senior leaders can additionally encourage women (and everyone) to embrace the 4 themes that our research Since 1970, The Center for Creative Leadership uncovered are often integral (CCL®) has been committed to delivering results that to success, in the following matter through leadership solutions customized to clients’ needs. CCL helps its clients to grow by specific ways: accelerating their leadership performance, their Promote agency by ensuring that bosses give their direct

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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Glass ceilings were made to be SHATTERED.

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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.

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Looking for female founders ready to shatter the limitsNOW!

COLLEGE CHAPTERS FORMING

mpacting women’s global leadership and careers begins with providing a strong foundation for success and a powerful network of women who are influencing the world.

Dr. Lisa Wicker has created a network that does just that. Beginning with Excel Village, girls in 5th-12th grades are mentored and provided with opportunities to learn and develop. The Career Mastered I AM HER College Experience supports female students navigating higher education, equipping them to achieve their goals in the corporate world or entrepreneurialship. For those women already in their careers, the Career Mastered Women’s Leadership Network (CMWLN) is a community of iconic women who are leaders in their industries. Throughout the entire career pipeline, Dr. Wicker influences women and encourages them to “shatter any limits to create their desired future” (Wicker, 2021, p. 11). The I AM HER College Experience strengthens and cultivates student leaders by offering opportunities for growth through interactions with successful women in the CMWLN. This enables soon-to-be college graduates to “Be in the power of proximity,” according to Dr. Lisa Wicker. In bringing Corporate America to college campuses, highpotential students are given the key to unlock potential internships and future job offers by connecting with companies even before they graduate.

BY: Lisa Nichols CAREERS

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I HER I Am

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I AM HER College Chapters foster, they also connect talented young women with corporations who want to build their candidate pipelines with those who are emerging as next-generation leaders. Corporate sponsors partner with I AM HER, because they understand that the future begins today. Developing relationships with students who demonstrate leadership potential strengthens their emerging talent pipeline and positions their companies for growth. In today’s career landscape, encountering opportunities prior to graduation is invaluable, considering the alarming statistic from a recent Burning Glass Technologies study that “those who graduate into underemployment are five times more likely to remain stuck in mismatched jobs after five years compared with those who start in a college-level job.” As the Wall Street Journal states, however, “Colleges that work aggressively now to prepare students for the jobs that remain in demand can ensure that graduates still make a strong start.” Now, more than ever, students need connections and leadership development on their campuses to prepare them for career success.

careers. Through group mentoring with the Founder of the Career Mastered Women’s Leadership Network, Dr. Lisa Wicker, students are encouraged to build their capacity and remove the boundaries that are holding them back. As Dr. Wicker says —

In anticipation of the next Career Mastered I AM HER College visit, we’re looking for female founders to partner with us to establish I AM HER College Chapters on their campuses. As new chapters are launched all over the country, the Career Mastered Women’s Leadership Network is preparing to motivate and inspire students through training that helps them to develop their leadership capacity and grow in confidence as they learn to make life, work and finance decisions.

“Capacity isn’t potential. Potential means you just haven’t done it yet. Capacity is the power to do it now.”

You can be part of this incredible movement to support the leadership development of women at the inception of their careers. Eexercise your talent muscle by committing to initiate the I AM HER founder’s conversation with your Career Services office. Now is the time to launch a Career Mastered I AM HER Chapter on your college campus.

As they near the end of their college careers, she reminds young women that they This is the reason that now is the time have the power to shatter to form Career Mastered I AM HER the limits that have been College Chapters starting with every imposed on them and move HBCU campus across the country. Each in the direction of their goals. Chapter creates a link from educational experience to career accomplishment The goal of the CMWLN is to for both current and subsequent support college students and generations of women. to let them know that they are not alone in their career Through I AM HER College Chapters, we journey. The key to career send a powerful message to students: success is relationships, and our network of iconic “You are not alone. You have the and influential women is support of the entire Career Mastered committed to helping college Network. We’re here to help you juniors and seniors establish navigate your career.” valuable connections as they position themselves to I AM HER College Chapters open the achieve their career goals. door to developing an influential professional network and learning Beyond the personal from those further along in their relationships Career Mastered

Alumni networks can also help to establish I AM HER Chapters in support of current and future students at their alma maters. Will you be part of this opportunity to impact the next generation of women leaders? Female founders are women who are committed to empowering other women, as they pursue growth for their own career journeys. If that sounds like you, contact us at 866-601-4441 or careermastered. com/contact-us for more information and additional benefits. Become a female founder today! x Selingo, J. & Sigelman, M. (2021, February 4). The crisis of unemployed graduates. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-crisis-of-unemployed -college-graduates-11612454124 Wicker, L. (2021). Capacity: Women Shattering the Limits – Now! Archway Publishing

Lisa Nichols helps leaders empower their teams and expand equity by creating spaces that give each person a voice. You can find her baking, drinking coffee, or enjoying healthy food when she’s not busy changing the world. Connect with her on linkedin.com/in/ lisacnichols or instagram.com/loveyourniche.

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VALUABLE

WORK

LESSONS

LEARNED THIS YEAR

BY: Priya Kumar WORK/LIFE BALANCE

n the journey of life, we often find ourselves donning various roles and titles. Personally, I wear the hats of an entrepreneur, managing a full-time job, a dedicated single mother, an educator involved in serving nonprofits, and a marathon runner. These roles, though diverse, have taught me profound lessons about balancing life and work. In this article, I would like to share the five most powerful lessons I learned this year, which have enabled me to reset, refocus, and thrive in every facet of my life.

1. THE POWER OF SAYING NO The first lesson I learned was the profound power of saying no. It is crucial to understand that by saying no to certain clients, opportunities, or events, I am, in fact, saying yes to myself and what I value most. Juggling multiple responsibilities can

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be overwhelming, and without the ability to say no, everything connected to me would suffer if I am not performing at my best. This could ultimately compromise my reputation and integrity. Saying no is valuing oneself and the priorities at hand, emphasizing quality over quantity. It has also revealed that I possess more control over my life than I initially believed.

2. EFFECTIVE GOAL SETTING Balancing a multitude of roles and responsibilities can often feel like attempting to balance on a soccer ball while wearing heels. Just having a calendar for events and tasks is insufficient; an effective goal setting plan is essential. I needed to set clear objectives and then establish goals that aligned with those objectives. Understanding how these goals connected with the bigger picture of growing my business, securing my financial future, and maintaining my overall wellness became a game-changer. Goals without a broader context can lead to more work and stress.

3. INTENTIONAL CONNECTION

to a targeted one, focusing on individuals who shared my vision and values. This approach not only allowed me to impact a wider range of people but also opened doors to opportunities that I might not have encountered otherwise. Being intentional with my connection turned my interactions into an action.

investment options, and funding requirements; then work towards them systematically.

5. CELEBRATING AND TAKING BREAKS Celebrating small wins and taking regular breaks have been transformative for me. I used to be the type of person who only celebrated major milestones and chastised myself for not meeting smaller goals within the set timeframe. However, celebrating even the smallest victories has allowed me to value and honor myself. Moreover, taking genuine breaks – those where

4. FINANCIAL SECURITY you leave your laptop and business phone

One of the most significant stressors in life is finances. In the past, I attended numerous It can often be the networking events, both in-person reason we remain in toxic and virtually, and scheduled personal and professional numerous 1:1 calls to get to know relationships. While the people I met. However, over time, goal is to achieve financial this became overwhelming, and security, having a clear I began to dread networking plan in place is key to events. It was then that I decided attaining this objective. to take a step back and refocus. I Start by identifying the asked myself, "What is my primary most critical financial goals goal for my business this year? such as additional revenue, Who will be the best person to debt reduction, assets, have in my network that aligns retirement, college funds with my vision?" This allowed me for kids, life insurance, to shift from a scattered approach different types of

behind – initially seemed daunting, but proved to be an essential self-care practice. These breaks were not just pauses; they were essential rituals of self-care that rekindled my spirit, enabling me to return with renewed vigor and creativity. Embracing these five lessons has enabled me to reset and refocus in both my personal and professional life and thrive in my diverse roles. I encourage you to reflect on these lessons and consider how they might apply to your life. In doing so, you can reset and refocus, ensuring a healthier, more fulfilling, and successful journey ahead. x Priya Kumar is a Financial Empowerment Coach educating and empowering women on how to create financial security, freedom, and success. Her program offers financial trauma healing and a step-bystep process to rebuild and grow.

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Power Play with Lisa J. Wicker, PhD

CHALLENGE THE ODDS

Be bold and confident. Free yourself from personal limitations, worry or anxiety.

ou may have dismissed your dream because it seemed unattainable. Perhaps you wanted to be a medical doctor. Were you discouraged from shooting for that career goal because biology is not your favorite subject? Don’t accept limitations. Challenge the odds and become that doctor the world needs.

Do you dream about becoming a manager, but haven’t moved up the ladder? Believe that you can do it and act now. This is not gambling where the odds are stacked against you. In life, if you work at beating the odds, nine times out of ten you’ll make it.

www. careermastered.com

Henry Ford said, ”Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right.” Giving life to uncertainties, unknowns and false limitations won’t get you the new job, college degree, promotion, sales contract, or mentor you desire – or any other goal you have set for yourself. Wishing on a star won’t either. A Winning Spirit, prayer, and the subsequent appropriate action will get you there. Act as if your win is a guarantee and it has already been delivered. Have complete faith that your goals, dreams and visions will happen. Be willing to change the course and shift gears on self-doubt by going for it and following a new level of performance achievement and behaviors. Make a commitment to take a risk for and on yourself. Plan. Prepare. Then go for it. Successful people blaze new trails and take meaningful risks. x

FIVE STEPS FOR CHALLENGING THE ODDS: 1. Say “YES” to yourself, even when others doubt your ability. 2. Don’t accept the status quo. If you wait until you “feel” ready, it will never happen. 3. Keep a fresh perspective on who you are. Stay up to date on your expertise and know your stuff. 4. Stay positive and pray daily, especially when times are tough. Prayer is a positive, constant shield. 5. Know that you have already won! 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 award-winning 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

SPRING 2024 ISSUE

MARCH/APRIL/MAY CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH » SPACE CLOSE: JANUARY 30 • MATERIALS DUE: JANUARY 15 AVAILABLE: MARCH 1

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