Practical Wisdoms: Recent Episodes
Petite2Queen
Petite2Queen® delivers practical wisdoms to assist women in navigating their journey for life, at work, and in sales. The Practical Wisdoms series is inspirational and includes an element of fun, engaging the listener in a vibrant and energetic environment.
Most of us have faced some traumas in our life, and these can manifest in our relationships, affecting who we partner with and how the relationship works out. In our new interview, we spoke with Riana Milne about how you can identify and overcome traumas and improve in love and life. Riana is a licensed mental health counselor, certified mindfulness coach, and clinical trauma professional. She has over 20 years of experience helping all ages heal from various types of adverse events or trauma.
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Believe it or not, a lot of our professional success comes from our own business mindset. Sometimes we hold ourselves back or don’t position ourselves for career growth. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. What if we could change that negative mindset to one, instead, of success? We recently spoke with author and podcaster Holly Worton about how to transform your business beliefs and accomplish your professional goals.
To kick off our discussion, Holly explains the importance and power of mindset and belief.
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For the past few months, sales leader Patrick Carter and our CEO Lynn Whitbeck have been working through their new 12-part series all about sales power skills, as explained through their “PERFORMANCE” acronym. We’ve learned all about the first four letters – “Problem Solving,” “Engagement,” “Resilience,” and “Flexibility” – and this week, the duo are offering a bonus episode. Flexibility isn’t just a skill for sales success; it’s also instrumental in demonstrating genuine respect for others.
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America is a nation of immigrants, and we welcome people from all over the world. But the last several years have been especially turbulent for our immigrants. What is it like to be an immigrant here today? We spoke with Irina VanPatten, originally from Moldova, about her own experiences and her new book on this subject. Her recently published book, Welcome to America, Welcome Home!: An Immigrant’s Guide to Success, is based on interviews with American immigrants and professionals alike, illuminating successes and hardships as immigrants try to assimilate and succeed in America.
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Earning role of leadership in your career is a goal many of us have, and rising up in your organization can be a source of great pride. But what if your promotion to a more influential position has you feeling nervous and underqualified? What if you feel that you lack management skills? Don’t worry! We spoke with leadership coach Grace Judson about how you can gain these valuable leadership skills and become a better manager.
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Sales leader Patrick Carter and our CEO Lynn Whitbeck have been working through their new 12-part series all about sales power skills, explained through their “PERFORMANCE” acronym. Following discussions of the first three letters – “Problem Solving,” “Engagement,” and “Resilience” – the duo are now back to discuss the fourth letter: “Flexibility.”
Why is flexibility so important as a professional? Let’s start by breaking down what it means. Flexibility is being able to step outside of your comfort zone.
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Many of us struggle with our weight, sometimes leading to lower confidence or insecurity about our appearance. Why is it so hard to maintain a specific weight? For many, it comes down to emotional eating. We spoke with Renée Jones about this and how she has developed a method that tackles that fundamental issue. After 40 years of trying various diets, she has unlocked a process to move past triggers, end self-sabotage, and maintain your goal weight.
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If you’re like us, you aim for success in your career. But your journey may come with a variety of roadblocks and setbacks, and it can be hard to transcend your circumstances and achieve your goals. If you’re struggling on your way to the top, you’re not alone. We spoke with Lisa Fabrega, a leadership coach who has worked with entrepreneurs, corporate executives, Academy Award nominees, and Nobel Prize organization candidates, helping them to break through the barriers holding them back.
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Three weeks ago, sales leader Patrick Carter and Petite2Queen’s own Lynn Whitbeck shared a podcast all about “Resilience,” and how it is a skill you need to thrive in your sales career. It’s part of their “PERFORMANCE” in Sales power skills series. Before they continue on to the fourth letter in that acronym, Lynn and Patrick decided to offer a bonus episode that’s more specifically relevant to the harsh circumstances of today. With COVID-19 altering our lives in unprecedented ways, how can resilience help us get through this difficult time?
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Many people reach a point in their lives where they feel stuck. We’ve all been there: feeling trapped and like we can’t see a path forward. But you can move past this. Following a recent podcast about overcoming addiction, Dr. Cali Estes returns for our latest conversation, this time about how to get unstuck and move forward to find happiness and success.
Dr. Cali Estes is an addiction recovery coach and life coach who has appeared in media like NBC, CNN, CBS, The Huffington Post, HBO, People Magazine, and more.
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In February, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck to introduce their new 12-part series. In that first episode, Patrick and Lynn revealed their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Following discussions of the first two letters – “Problem Solving” and “Engagement” – the duo are now back to discuss the third letter: “Resilience.”
Why is resilience such an important skill for sales professionals to acquire?
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So many people suffer from an addiction, or have a loved one who does. And yet, despite the numerous people facing addiction, it’s not something people always feel comfortable talking about or know how to discuss. Moreover, it can be incredibly difficult to overcome, and when treatments and attempts at quitting don’t work, what do you do? We spoke with Dr. Calie Estes about her alternative path to recovery – one that works and lasts.
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Have you ever wondered how to get your dream job? Maybe you’ve wondered how you can figure out what career path is best for you. Or perhaps you’ve thought about working with a recruiter, but don’t know what to expect. If any of those sound like you, be sure to listen to our new podcast! We spoke with Brianna Rooney, the founder and CEO of Techees and The Millionaire Recruiter. She answers our biggest recruiting questions and shares how she helps people like you find the right job.
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Last month, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck to introduce their new 12-part series. In that first episode, Patrick and Lynn revealed their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Following a discussion of “Problem Solving” earlier this month, the duo are back to discuss the second letter, “Engagement.”
To start the discussion, Lynn describes engagement as being about the relationships we nurture and form, our ongoing interactions, and how we are perceived by others.
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We all have desires, but turning our dreams into reality can be tricky. It’s something nearly all of us have faced, and something our guest, Piper Lauri Salogga, has worked to understand. In our latest podcast, we learn how the life you desire is real and waiting… and how you can finally get there.
Piper is the founder of Beauty of Being Human, which offers coaching and classes on how to embrace your whole self – the beauty and the bumps.
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Why should you have a mentor? How can you go about finding the right person and asking them to help guide your career? We spoke with Tatia Zuloaga, a mentor relationships expert, to find out. Tatia co-founded Upnotch to encourage mentorships in the Seattle community, and she shared her invaluable advice in our latest podcast interview.
We’ve all heard of mentors, but not everyone understands the full scope of how they can impact you.
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In our last sales podcast, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck for the first installment of a new 12-part series. That episode introduced their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Today, Patrick and Lynn dive into that first P in PERFORMANCE: Problem Solving.
What do you do when you’re confronted with an issue? How you respond depends on a lot of factors: How prepared were you for such an issue?
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Last year, we had the pleasure of speaking with LM Bennett about how to get your ish together – inspired by her book, Get Your Ish Together: A Workbooks for the Purpose-Driven Life. So we were more than happy to have LM back for another discussion. In our new podcast, we spoke about time management – an issue many of us still struggle with! – and how being selectively selfish can finally get you on track.
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In 2019, we were glad to have sales leader Patrick Carter join us for a podcast about the retail apocalypse. That discussion went so well that we now get Patrick back for a whole 12-part series! To kick off this series, he and our CEO Lynn introduce listeners to the 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career.
It all comes down to PERFORMANCE, an acronym that will help you remember each valuable attribute.
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Do you love traveling? What if you could turn your passion for exploring the world into a successful career? That’s exactly what Kelly English did when she founded Explore California Travel. After incredible trips around the world, she returned to her original home in the Golden State to create memorable experiences for travelers to California.
In our new podcast interview, Kelly English tells us how she turned a passion for travel into a thriving lifestyle business.
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We all have a comfort zone, a set of habits and places where we feel most at ease. But as great as comfort zones are, it’s necessary to step out of them sometimes. How else will you grow as a person? Treading into the unknown can lead you to learn new skills, meet new people, and discover new interests. It leads to self-improvement and memorable experiences.
Even so, for many people, stepping outside your comfort zone can be scary.
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How can you achieve sales success this 2020? It starts with laser focus and the right tools. Lynn spoke with sales expert Gresham W. Harkless Jr. on how entrepreneurs, business owners, and people with a side hustle can find new opportunities and sales leads for their organizations. Ring in the new year with these unmissable tips.
Gresh manages a community of niche business blogs and content called CEO Blog Nation. He also hosts CEO Podcasts – including the “I AM CEO” podcast and “CEO Chat” podcast – which air daily.
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start and run your own travel company? Matilde Melendez did just that, founding Conquer Peru and arranging trips to her home country, Peru. We spoke to Matilde about her experiences and advice for others who want to follow in her footsteps.
In our new interview, Matilde first describes how she first found the inspiration to start Conquer Peru. She describes how being a Peruvian woman based in the United States has impacted her perspective, and how being an immigrant entrepreneur posed its own unique set of challenges.
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Self-care is so important, yet many of us don’t practice it enough, especially when we need it the most. How can you take care of #1 (that’s you!) even when you’re feeling burned out? Even when you’re so busy that just the thought of adding one more item to your to-do list stresses you out? We’ve all been there… and continue to be there. But we’ve learned some tricks along the way. In our new podcast, Amanda and Rachel share some of their best tips to guide you to a consistent self-care routine – no matter what life throws at you.
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How do you obtain customers and effectively manage relationships with them in the tech industry? We spoke with Dennis Sullivan, a sales expert and relationship ninja who leads from the heart to build strong, lasting connections. Although the sales profession has changed a lot over the years, Dennis’s unique approach in the tech field has helped him secure continued success. In our new podcast interview, we learned how you can unlock tech sales with some of his best tips.
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So many people are burnt out from their rigid 9-to-5 grind. You wake up early, drive through rush hour traffic, sit through 8+ hours of work, drive through rush hour traffic again, and have a finite amount of time to spend time with your family, cook and clean, and maybe pursue your own hobbies. It can feel exhausting and like there’s not enough time for the people and things you love. But what if there was another way?
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In the past few years, it seems that being politically aware and involved is becoming more and more common, and it’s great to see women and young people play a bigger role in this important sphere. But even as we see a growing presence of women, people of color, people of religious minorities, and millennials in politics, many of us still don’t feel confident enough to join in ourselves. Even if we want to, we often don’t know how.
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Sales careers are dependent upon having a strong network of clients. How do you build up this network? One of the best ways is through referrals. Referrals are highly coveted and a vital way to boost your sales career, but it can be daunting to seek them out. How do you ask for referrals without coming across as desperate? What does it take to earn them from your best clients? We spoke to Patrick Carter, a sales leader passionate about helping professionals reach their goals.
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Humans have a natural capacity and desire to create – to invent. Have you ever wanted to indulge this instinct and become a bona fide inventor? Real-life inventors like Hedy Lamarr, Grace Hopper, Deepika Kurup and movie heroes such as Dr. Ryan Stone from Gravity and Shuri from Black Panther make amazing role models, and we can’t blame you if you want to emanate their inventive genius. But how do you go from daydreaming about genius inventions to actually making them?
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Have you ever wanted to write a book? Do you feel under-qualified, overwhelmed, and unsure how to start? We have some aspiring writers here at Petite2Queen, and trust us, we’ve been there. So many people dream of writing a book… yet many of us don’t know where to start or where to find the confidence to do so. Whatever you want to write, we want you to be empowered to put pen to paper (or, er, fingers to keyboard) and get your story out there.
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Networking is a key part of growing in your career, and yet so many of us dislike it. Or perhaps a stronger word is more appropriate? It’s not uncommon for people to say they hate networking and will avoid it at all costs. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In our newest podcast, Lynn shares how you can unlock your networking potential – no matter how bad you think you are at it.
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How much does your attitude impact your career? Quite a lot, as it turns out. You shouldn’t underestimate the power of the mind and how important thoughts can be in your job ascendance. Chelsea Behrens, a consultant, thought leader, speaker, and motivator of positive change, recently spoke to us about the influence of our thoughts. (We previously spoke with Chelsea about finding the courage to pursue the career you want – see that video here!)
Chelsea didn’t always see things this way, but her personal journey led her rethink the value of our mindset.
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Do you feel stuck and like you don’t know where to even start? Whether it’s regular growing pains or an actual quarter-life crisis, learning how to overcome hurdles and handle issues like an adult is hard. And trust us, we’ve been there. But you don’t have to go through it alone! We recently spoke to LM Bennett, the author of Get Your Ish Together: A Workbooks for the Purpose-Driven Life, to learn how to transform your attitude, emotions, and outlook on life.
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Sales isn’t just the art of convincing people to buy the product or service you’re selling. In fact, the foundation of sales lies in quality communication: You must learn to actively listen so you understand what your customer wants and needs. But this is easier said than done. Luckily, we got some key tips to improve your communication fundamentals. In our new podcast interview with Casey Boggs, we learn the principles that will lead to sales success.
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We recently had the opportunity to speak to Vicki Fenton, the Vice President of Core Services at Viacom, the American media conglomerate. Vicki is responsible for facilities, construction, real estate, and special events for Viacom’s West Coast Headquarters. In our new interview, Vicki reveals how she got started in the entertainment industry and climbed the corporate ladder. With her years of experience, Vicki know what it takes to pursue your dream job. She shares advice for women interested in pursuing a career in film and television.
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In the last few years, probably all of us have heard of the pink tax. A major point of conversation lately is about what products men and women use and the cost differences between them. Why is it that women’s deodorant often costs more than men’s deodorant? Why the price difference between razor blades for men vs. women? We at Petite2Queen have certainly noticed these discrepancies – the “pink tax” – and decided to dig deeper.
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Lately, you can’t escape discussions about how artificial intelligence – AI – will inevitably disrupt and even end retail sales. We’re already seeing the rise of self-checkout stands at grocery stores, and chatbots are an increasingly common part of online purchasing experiences. Are we on the verge of a retail sales apocalypse? We spoke to Patrick Carter, a sales leader passionate about helping professionals reach their goals. In our new podcast interview, he shares how we can position ourselves and adapt to continue thriving in retail sales.
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Most of us have been there: a relationship comes to a dramatic end and you’re left broken-hearted and alone. Breakups can suck, but they don’t have to be that bad! In fact, they can actually lead to new levels of self-love and confidence. How do you get such a positive change out of something so catastrophic? We spoke to Lady Jasmine Love, who specializes in love and spiritual transformation consulting for single women.
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Depending on your career and personal needs, job sharing may be an ideal option for you. Even in sales, job sharing is possible! But how can you pursue this option in your sales position? In a new interview, Lynn spoke to two sales women who successfully job shared for over a decade. After all that time, Liz Pearl and Tari Gordon know quite a few secrets to make a clean shift into this alternative work arrangement.
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So many of us have amazing ideas that we want to turn into lucrative careers. But starting your own business takes a lot of work! What should you know before becoming an entrepreneur? Our first tip in learning about this career path is to listen to our new podcast interview with two guests who know a thing or two about starting a successful business: Michael Maloof and Michelle Dickman. Michael and Michelle are a powerhouse team of serial entrepreneurs and startup investors, and as they describe it, Michael builds the products and Michelle builds the companies.
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It’s a scary world out there, and the many threats we could potentially face can leave you feeling fearful and insecure. Olivia Round knows exactly how that feels, because that’s how she felt growing up. But at one point, she decided that she needed to overcome her fears. So how did she do it? Olivia chose an unexpected journey to self-empowerment: a cross-country bike adventure! She rode her bicycle – alone – across the continental United States from Oregon to Florida.
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Whether you work in sales directly or work with sales, you may wonder how you can work more effectively with procurement and provide long-term value in your client-vendor relationships. Kendall Cowdrey, a senior procurement facilitator at a Fortune 500 organization, knows a thing or two about developing lasting relationships. She offers expert advice in our new podcast interview.
Kendall explains how often vendor sales team should interact with the various departments to understand unique business unit priorities.
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How do you combine your passions with an opportunity to turn them into a business? What if your passion is, say, food? You can find out in our new podcast interview with Angela Shen, a food-loving entrepreneur who got the idea for and started her own successful culinary touring company, Savor Seattle Food Tours. From a daughter of immigrants running their own restaurant to a key position at Quaker Oats to getting into the world of food tours, Angela has followed a passionate journey centered on cuisine.
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Probably all of us have gotten calls, texts, or emails from scam artists trying to get access to your bank account. It’s getting tougher and tougher to protect ourselves against these fraudulent attacks. Luckily, we’ve got your back on this. In our new podcast interview, author Greg Aunapu reveals how we can spot the newest schemes, avoid them, and protect ourselves from being conned.
Greg has written and reported for dozens of national magazines and newspapers.
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Believe it or not, there’s never been a better time to start on a career in sales. Why is that? As industry leaders Lynn and Steve explain on our new podcast, there are many reasons why sales careers are so highly coveted.
First, it’s no secret that companies rely on a source of revenue to survive and thrive. But where does that revenue come from? More than any other department, sales people are the revenue producers for their companies.
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Nearly all of us have had to endure long, stressful commutes to and from work. While the daily commute can be a drag, there are ways to make it tolerable and even fun! Melissa Addey is an author, speaker, and Creative Writing PhD student at the University of Surrey. Her book, The Happy Commuter, offers over 100 ways to improve your travels. We were also thrilled to interview Melissa in our latest podcast.
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Caroline Garnet McGraw is an author, speaker, coach…. and, in her own words, a recovering perfectionist, workaholic, codependent, and people-pleaser. She started a blog in 2011 about trading perfectionism for possibility. In September 2014, she gave her first TEDx talk, “Perfectionism Doesn’t Protect Us.” Two years later Caroline returned to the TEDx stage as an All-Star speaker with, “You Don’t Owe Anyone An Interaction.”
Today, she joins us for an illuminating conversation on how to find value in mistakes, overcome your fears of inadequacy, and, ultimately, recover from perfectionism.
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In our dog-eat-dog world, many people feel that they must use every tool possible to get ahead. This as true in sales as anywhere else. When a study suggests that saleswomen are 20% more successful when they flirt with clients, you can understand why some saleswomen would follow that path. But is being a flirt as lucrative as it seems?
Experienced sales people Lynn Whitbeck, Keith Larson, and Debbie George take on the issue.
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People have been talking about the importance of work-life balance for years, but lately, new opinions on the subject are emerging. Though many have taken its value for granted, some are actually starting to reject work-life balance. Some say it’s unattainable, or at least unrealistic. Some say the focus is wrong, and instead we should aim for work-life integration or harmony. Still others point out that we have one life, not two. There are all kinds of perspectives and arguments that lead in different directions.
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Do you believe woman should have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment as men? Do you believe in the values of feminism? If yes, do you openly identify as a feminist? For a long time, feminists have had a bad reputation… but why? Why do people who believe in the core values of feminism shy away from identifying as feminists?
In our new podcast, Rachel, Amanda, and Lynn talk about what’s in a name.
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We’ve all heard of branding, but have you thought about why it’s so important? How do you develop your style and brand so that you’ll succeed in your career? Special guest Melissa Forziat joins us for an illuminating interview all about crafting your branding. With Melissa’s experience as a small business marketing coach and event manager, she has all the tips you need to know.
Melissa starts by offering some pointers on making the perfect business brand.
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Singer/songwriter Mandy Bon is an up-and-coming musician that any 20-something can relate to. From young love to the dreaded feeling of being stuck, her new EP, Traffic Jams, showcases four songs that articulate honest hopes and worries. Mandy composed, recorded, and mixed all four tracks on her new EP, and even took charge of most of the music video production, too. She clearly has a lot of talent and drive, but where does it all come from?
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How do you find a fulfilling, purposeful life? It’s a question many of us ask, but it takes a lot of trial and error to figure it out. Author Nate Nasralla has already done his fair share of navigating the ups and downs in life, and he joins Lynn and Amanda for our latest podcast. In our conversation, Nate shared the many lessons and paradoxes he’s learned on his path to finding significance.
What exactly is meaning?
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Receptionists: They’re often the first person seen and the last person considered. However, a smart saleswoman will recognize them for the power they have. Receptionists, like personal assistants and coordinators, are gatekeepers. Gatekeepers can be the difference between you connecting with your potential buyer and being shown out the door. Indeed, it won’t matter how well you can sell your product as something desirable and world-changing. Your commitment to making your client’s life easy won’t save you, either.
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Have you ever considered starting your own business? Have you ever been struck with an exciting idea that could change the way you work? So many of us want to pursue an entrepreneurial idea, but we don’t always know how. Luckily, there are experts out there who can help. Aidan Vuocolo started Stories Behind the Grind and, through interviewing the people behind successful small businesses, has learned a lot about what it takes to make it.
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Last week, we talked about how we chose our favorite movies highlighting strong women. But there were so many, we had to make a part 2! Putting together this list was a lot of fun for us at Petite2Queen, and it took a lot of discussion. We considered characters strong in combat and women overcoming grief and depression. Some are leaders, but all stay true to their values. Strength comes in many forms, and we discuss a number of them here.
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Last week, we told you which movies we think are the best at highlighting powerful women. Putting together this list was a lot of fun for us at Petite2Queen, and it took a lot of discussion. We considered characters strong in combat and women overcoming grief and depression. Some are leaders, but all stay true to their values. Strength comes in many forms, and we discuss a number of them here.
Of course, our team could talk about strong woman characters for days, so this is only Part 1 of the discussion.
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How do you find your purpose and passions in life? It’s a question many of us grapple with, and it can take years to figure it all out. Luckily, there are some amazing people who have been through it, too, and they’re more than happy to share what they’ve learned along the way. In our latest podcast, Lynn and Amanda are joined by a very special guest, author Tikiri Herath, whose book, My Rebel Dreams, is all about finding your purpose and passions.
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Business travel can bring a nice change from the usual office routine, but it also comes with its own set of difficulties. How do you keep up with your sales and workload when you’re on the road? How do you stave off jet lag and travel exhaustion and get the most out of your business trip? With a little self-care and planning ahead, you can manage your sales like a pro, even when you’re on the road.
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Ever since we were little, we’ve been asked what we want to be when we grow up. A doctor? Maybe a firefighter? And as we grew older, we needed to create 5-year career plans, choose our college majors, and take steps to reach our dream jobs. But how many of us have the same goals now that we did 20 years ago? How many of us know what we want to do even now that we’re adults?
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How often do you come across puppies and kittens up for adoption and think, “I want you!”? Most people love these furry little companions and will bring a pet into their lives as soon as they can. Once you’ve moved into an apartment that allows animals and you’re considering adopting a new pet, though, be sure to stop and consider all that goes into caring it. How will a pet fit into your lifestyle? What type of animal will be the best fit for you?
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In sales, you meet all kinds of prospects and clients. Depending on your industry, you may run into so-called pay-to-play clients. As the name suggests, these are potential clients who require some form of payment before you can participate in a particular business activity. But isn’t that shady? It depends on who you ask. Lynn and Tina have both dealt with their fair share of clients, and they weigh in with their thoughts on pay-to-play clients.
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Negotiating raises can be difficult or even scary for a lot of people, but it seems especially so for women. Why are so many women reluctant or even afraid to ask for a raise? How can we overcome these feelings?
We could have an entire discussion about how societal norms can harm a woman’s confidence and feelings of self-worth. But suffice it to say that by recognizing what’s holding us back, women can make conscious decisions to counteract them.
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Do you know how to take care of yourself? We don’t mean just addressing your vital needs – how do you truly treat yourself? All of us need to practice self-care, but sometimes we just don’t know how or can’t fit it into our schedules. What are some of the best ways to exercise self-care? What do you need or want most in order to be content? And when life gets busy – which, let’s be honest, it always is!
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Sales is a tricky business that requires excellent people skills as you build trust with your clients. But no matter how much you’ve mastered the art of sales, you’ll still make mistakes from time to time. What kinds of missteps can occur during the sales process? What about client relationships – are missteps more serious and harder to overcome? Moreover, how can you repair the damage after you’ve messed up? Recovering from a misstep is a vital skill to learn if you want to excel in your career.
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Regardless of the stage of your career, it’s paramount that you surround yourself with team members that are reliable, supportive, positive, and work well together. How can you choose the right people to work with? How do you find an environment that inspires your best work? Do you recognize the true importance of a village?
You know what they say: There’s no I in TEAM. So, it’s important that your team is the right fit for you.
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What tools have been liberating for you as a woman? We’re not talking metaphorical tools, here… What have been your physical tools of liberation? Have you ever used a hammer or an electric drill? Have you ever built or fixed something on your own? While there’s the common trope of the “handyman” who can take care of his home with little need for outside help, that’s not so common with women. But despite outdated gender norms, women are just as capable.
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In sales, your customer needs should be important to your organization. While this should go without saying, it’s easy to lose sight of your customer focus. How do you improve your customer focus and relevance? How do you talk to your customers and truly listen so you can ensure you’re fulfilling their needs or providing something they lack?
Sales experts Lynn and Tina share their best advice on paying attention to what your clients need.
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Oftentimes, the only way to grow is to get outside your comfort zone. Likewise, it’s not surprise that purposeful discomfort goes hand in hand with vigorous career growth. What is purposeful discomfort? It starts with learning a new skill, flexing your work paradigm, and experiencing new concepts or foreign ideas. You may feel a bit out of balance, and it can even seem daunting to take on a new challenge to grow. But this is the only way to evolve.
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Moving out is a huge step in anyone’s life. How do you know when you’re ready? What should you do if you’re not? Once you’ve decided to rent your own home, there will be plenty of logistics to sort out and plan for. On top of this, how will you handle the emotional impact of leaving the nest? Whether you’re moving to a new city or will stay close to your family, whether you’ll have roommates or will be on your own, there’s so much to consider before taking the leap.
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In sales, demonstrating sincere interest in your clients, or worthy intent, is invaluable. It’s how you build stronger, lasting relationships with your clients. Worthy intent in professional sales is all about building relational capital with your prospects and clients – the practice of making a deeper connection with the individuals you work with. You accomplish this by shifting the focus to the individual, their interests, goals, and passions.
How can you improve and communicate your worthy intent?
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Mark Twain has widely been attributed as saying that “the secret of getting ahead is getting started.” His words ring as true now as they did a hundred years ago: If you want to reach your destination, you have to take that first step in the right direction. While this is true across all aspects of life, it’s especially important when thinking about your career. Some of those first steps will involved finding resources, support, and mentors.
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We all make bad decisions from time to time. So why is it so hard to admit our faults and that we need to change course? Why do we sometimes think they have to live with those bad choices? As much as we all hate being wrong, avoid the urge to dig yourself a deeper hole. Here’s how you can commit to cutting your losses and moving forward. Hard as it may seem, learning to let go of bad decisions will improve your life.
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What is the difference between solution and relationship selling? Which sales method will be most effective in your approach? Most sales efforts will fall into one of two categories. Knowing your product or service, your clients, and your sales objectives will help you determine whether to offer solution selling or relationship selling. Different skills apply to each method, though. So you may find you need to build up your skill set for one or the other.
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Relationships in the workplace can be tricky. Should you befriend your co-workers, or is it better to keep the relationship strictly professional? How can you develop strong relationships with your co-workers to build a solid team? How do you determine whether friendships at work are hurting you professionally? On the flip side, you may have to work with people you don’t get along with. How should you navigate working with divergent personalities?
All types of relationships exist in the workplace.
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For many of us, letting go of old things is difficult. So many of us are pack rats, and we still treasure a lot of the things we hold onto. But do all of these things really hold sentimental value? How do you determine whether it’s worth keeping? How do you decide what’s truly special, and what’s actually useless to you? Many of us struggle with these decisions. Lynn, Tina, and Rachel each share their perspectives on this sensitive subject.
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What is a thought leader, and why is it so important to become one? You may have heard buzz about thought leadership a lot in the past few years, and it’s becoming increasingly important to establish your role in it. Developing your part in this will lead to greater sales success. Indeed, thought leadership can give you an edge in your sales career!
But how do you get started in building your role as a thought leader?
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Our workforce today is as diverse culturally as it is in the ages of workers. With millennials, boomers, Gen-X, and Gen-Z doing business side by side, it’s natural for there to be some generational clashes. We recently shared a podcast about overcoming differences in communication styles. Now, let’s dive into how we can bridge the generational gap in attitudes, approaches, and perspectives.
What are the biggest differences in attitudes and approaches between generations?
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Rejection can be hard to take in your sales career, whether you just started or have been in the industry for decades. How do you handle it with grace? Moreover, how do you move forward from it?
Sales veterans Lynn and Tina have been there, done that…. time and time again! They’ve learned from experience how to not only maintain professionalism during the rejection, but keep the door open afterwards. How can you turn the experience of rejection into a positive?
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Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” It sounds so simple, yet it also means that who you become is up to you. It all depends on the choices you make each day. How realistic is this concept of self-determination? How does it play out in your everyday life?
In contrast to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s beliefs, it’s also worth pointing out that we don’t live in a bubble.
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Our workforce today is as diverse culturally as it is in the ages of workers. With millennials, boomers, Gen-X, and Gen-Z doing business side by side, it’s natural for there to be some generational clashes. One of the biggest clashes is in our divergent communication styles. From written notes to verbal interactions, there are always tons of differences and misunderstandings.
Do millennials really prefer texting? Why do older generations like setting up meetings for every little thing? Understanding each other is the first step in bridging generational gaps in communication styles.
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You know what your mother used to say: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, so many of us forget this sentiment. And given the current social climate, kindness can feel even farther away than ever.
How can you infuse your life with kindness, no matter where you go or who you’re with? How do you demonstrate warmth, no matter how you’re feeling? Regardless of what anyone tells you, being kind is always important.
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In sales, knowing the ins and outs of your product or service is crucial. Being well-versed in the features and benefits is the foundation of sales success. While knowing these details is invaluable, it’s not a panacea. You must also think about how an organization’s culture will play into the resonance of these features and benefits. How well do they match up with the client?
There’s also something to be said about keeping the dialogue engaging.
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Have you ever noticed the behavioral pattern women have to constantly apologize? What are we so sorry for, anyway? Why don’t we hear men apologizing every five minutes? The reasons behind women’s perpetual apologizing run deep, going back to our early childhood and repeated social training thereafter. Despite indications to the contrary, our work does have merit and validity. How can we break the habit of over-apologizing?
It may be hard, but you need to minimize “sorry” in your vocabulary.
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We’ve probably all felt it: the struggle of finding motivation to act in order to achieve your goals. We all want to reach for the stars and check things off our to-do lists. And yet, having the time, inspiration, and willpower – all at once – can be a challenge. Motivation wanes. How can you overcome this struggle? How can you choose goals and stay motivated to do your best? What inspires you to stay productive?
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The importance of actually doing what you say you will do cannot be understated. If you make a promise, you need to keep it. While this rings true throughout life, it’s especially crucial in sales. You gain trust when you keep your word. On the flip side, not following through undoubtedly harms sales. And no matter how reliable you are, things will occasionally go awry; how do you remedy a situation in which you are unable to meet your commitments?
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Think about the exceptional leaders you aspire to emulate. What traits and characteristics do they possess? Which leadership skills will help you engage, inspire, and motivate others? To climb to the top of your career, you’ll need to develop your leadership skills. Knowing what to work on will help you cultivate the right traits. Effective leading also takes also takes a certain amount of courage. Do you have what it takes?
Regardless of your current position and past experience, you can hone leaderships skills.
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People have been saying for years that money doesn’t buy happiness. But is this actually true? Like it or not, money is a part of our society. We require it to pay bills, eat, and travel. How much cash leads to happiness? If financial stability or excess doesn’t buy happiness, then what does? Or is money one of many necessary ingredients to find happiness?
In this podcast, speakers Rachel, Lynn, and Tina weigh in on the monetary debate.
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In professional sales, you’re always on the move. When you’re constantly traveling to new destinations, it can eat into your work time. How do you stay productive while you’re on the road? How can you utilize your business travel time more effectively? Sales veterans Lynn and Tina share their top tips to maintain sales while on the move. Make the most of your commute – whether by car or by plane. With a little better use of your travel time, you won’t come home to a mountain of work to catch up on.
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Have you ever worried that your marital status might limit hiring prospects and promotions? For decades, women have faced the burden of being negatively judged for being married or having children. Meanwhile, men don’t suffer these same stigmas. In fact, oftentimes, these perceptions are subconscious.
But does marital status still affect women in their careers? How does it impact a woman’s trajectory in the workforce? What actions can women take to minimize and address this challenge?
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Most of us use social media on a daily basis. From the obsessive poster with a huge following to the reluctant interloper, people use social media for a variety of purposes. It may be to keep up with friends or colleagues. It may be to keep tabs on what’s going in the world. For many, it’s a way to document our own lives. But with such a pervasive presence in our lives, it’s important to consider how social media can be used for good and how it can lead to problems.
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A successful sales career is all about having the right strategy. So what’s better? Should you focus your sales efforts on a few top prospects, or is it better to throw a wide net?
Sales experts Lynn and Tina each share their own insights into which strategy to utilize. In part, it depends on your sales goals and the objectives your organization has set for you. How do you set these goals and determine your success?
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Today’s generation faces a tougher job market than any in recent history. Many young women – even those with advanced degrees – are enduring what feels like an endless loop of job applications and interviews. With no clear end in sight, it’s easy to get discouraged. After repeatedly getting rejected for job prospects, how do you keep your hopes up? How do you stave off self-doubt, anxiety, and hopelessness as you continue your job search?
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Have you heard of emotional and social intelligence? Do you know how your understanding of the two enhance your life? Emotional and Social Intelligence, or ESI, refers to the competencies linked to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, which enable people to understand and manage their own and others’ emotions in social interactions.
We all have different social skillsets and levels of emotional awareness. Likewise, we all have ways we can improve.
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You’ve probably heard that patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. But does persistence really pay off in sales? There’s a fine line between being persistent… and being a nuisance. In your sales position, you want to maintain both good relationships and good results.
Not sure where that line is? Lynn and Tina – both sales experts with years of experience – are here to help. Listen to our podcast below for suggestions on staying focused and not giving up on a prospect, ensuring that you’re adding value rather than noise, and sharing ideas that will have resonance with your prospects.
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For many of us, each day is just go, go, go! We’re constantly busy with our jobs, household chores, errands, and trying to fit in quality time with our loved ones and maybe a good book. When ambition runs high, we often take on more than we have time for at work. With so much on our plate, it’s easy to get burned out. But it’s time to take a step back – you need to.
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Some friendships are forever, but what about the ones that aren’t? Unfortunately, sometimes people grow apart as their lives diverge. Sometimes, we might even find that certain friends are bad for us. How can you identify if a friend is holding you back? And once you do realize who your bad friends are, what do you do? When should you try to help your friend become a better person, and when should you cut them out?
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We’ve all head experiences in which a sale goes cold. It can be frustrating and confusing when you and a prospect had a real connection with a spark of interest, but now the prospect has gone cold and you can’t get a pulse. What do you do when they’re suddenly ghosting you?
Lynn and Tina have both been there. They know some ways to think outside the box to get the sale back on track.
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Accounts of sexual harassment have been everywhere in the past few months. Harassers like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey aren’t just in the movie industry. They exist in nearly every level of every industry. Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue, and thanks in part to the #MeToo movement, there’s finally an open dialogue on a problem that should have been addressed years ago. It’s about time.
One issue that’s arisen in all of this is the constant shifting of blame in cases of sexual harassment.
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Greek philosopher Heraclitus is said to have observed, “Change is the only constant.” Indeed, it can feel like everything is always changing, and it can be hard to predict how life will turn out. How well do you respond to the changes that impact your daily life? How do you maintain a sense of stability when everything is up in the air?
When it feels like the rug has been pulled from underneath you, how do you regain your balance?
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Like it or not, and try as we might, not everyone will like you. For some this can be hard to accept, but realize that this doesn’t speak badly of you. As likable as you are, some people just won’t get along with you. That’s fine in life, but how will it affect your sales career? Sales is about building relationships, so how do you work successfully with individuals you don’t necessarily get along with?
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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the current President of Liberia, once said, “If your dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.” Indeed, with so much opportunity in the world, why settle for mediocre? Aim high!
How does this quote apply to women in the workplace? How can women overcome the doubts that hold them back at work? Women are talented, intelligent, and capable; we have what it takes to excel in our careers.
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Roy Disney once said, “It is not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” How much do you agree with this statement? It may depend on how well one knows their own values. But what about gray areas? Some things are more subjective. Sometimes we need to reevaluate our own values. How does that impact our ability to make decisions?
Listen as Lynn, Tina, and Rachel discuss this quote in the podcast below.
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Ladies, have you ever considered a career in sales? Contrary to the trope of sales being a man’s career, women excel in this industry. Why is sales a good career path for women? What are women’s strengths in sales? What do women bring to the table?
In addition to being a great fit for sales, this career path is often a great fit for women. It generally affords more flexibility for its workers that most jobs – a great plus for many women!
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Dress codes have been a prominent part of work culture for as long as anyone can remember. Oftentimes these guidelines are meant to ensure the employees all look neat and professional. In certain industries, it addresses safety concerns. But then there are clothing codes that are based on gender roles. How are men and women allowed to present themselves at work?
In recent years, women have called unfair and sexist dress codes. Yet, in many cases, gender-based rules still exist.
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Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a teabag – you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Are women really comparable to teabags? Indeed, women are much stronger in everyday life than we often get credit for. How does this quote speak to the way women are socialized? When is a woman’s strength most evident, whether in inner strength or the perception of others?
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Promoting yourself is a vital component of career success, especially in sales. Yet for many women in sales, self-promotion is very difficult. Women have been socialized to be modest, agreeable, and quiet, while men have been instilled with the very skills that are praised in the workplace. It’s time for ladies to feel just as confident as men. It’s time for women to promote themselves in the workplace.
What personality traits help you promote yourself?
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Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has been attributed as saying, “People will forget the things you do, and people will forget the things you say. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Other people have expressed similar sentiments over the years, and indeed, the words ring true.
How does this idea apply in the workplace? How do you try to make people feel at work?
Remember that although actions and words slip from memory, their impact does not.
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You may have heard that desperation never sells. You should never let them see you sweat! Why does appearing desperate not help your sale, or even damage it? When you’re struggling to meet your quota, how do you keep that from seeping into your conversations and presentations? How can you stay positive and motivated when your sales are struggling?
Find the answers to these questions and more in our podcast below. So, what do you think?
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Have you ever thought about how women are described and addressed at work? More than men, women are often referred to with nicknames like “honey” or “missy” – but is that kind of language kind or belittling? Where is the line between appropriate and inappropriate when addressing women?
How women are referred to is directly related to the respect people have for them. Although the terms might be meant to be nice, they can also be disrespectful.
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What is the impression you leave with people? Writer Shannon Alder has said, “One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” Being true to yourself is so important, but it can be hard. How do you find that kind of confidence? What if your true self is at odds with those around you? How can you be authentic in the face of others’ influence?
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