This episode of How to Corporate with host Fela Abioye and guest Dr. Jackie C. Thomas Jr. explores The Power of Feedback and its critical role in career growth. Dr. Thomas, an Executive Coach and seasoned professional in higher education and, shares his journey and insights on navigating feedback effectively to achieve success.
The discussion begins with an overview of career paths in higher education, followed by personal anecdotes about receiving and responding to challenging feedback. Dr. Thomas highlights the importance of self-awareness in the feedback loop and elaborates on the distinction between reacting vs. responding when processing feedback.
Key topics include strategies for mastering the feedback cycle, tips for interpreting and acting on feedback, and reflections on why people often resist constructive criticism. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners looking to leverage feedback to propel their careers forward and practical tips for maintaining an open mindset toward growth.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to embrace feedback as a tool for professional development and success.
You can email Dr Thomas at INFO@COMPEDV.COM or visit his website at https://competitiveedvantage.com/
Visit How to Corporate’s website at howtocorporate.net/ to purchase our book, How to Corporate: Proven Lesson for Winning at Work
It’s been a while and I missed you! Thank you for continuing to rock with me, but it’s good to be back. We’ve been working on some exciting projects that will be announced soon so remain the lookout through our social media pages.
We’re switching it up this time in this episode. My guest, Whitney White, a Senior Culture & DEI Consultant interviews me as I share the what, how, and why I started How to Corporate.
We also discuss the challenges of podcasting, the financial gain, and what’s coming soon.
I started this show to empower you the working professional so you can advance your career through other people’s experiences. If you’re a new or existing listener, check out the prior episodes filled with gems to help you along your career.
Click this link to subscribe for additional content and follow our social media pages: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
Have you ever thought of your career as one big science experiment?
In this episode, my guest, Carla Fowler, MD, PhD, a former scientist introduces us to the concept of career experimentation through the lens of performance science.
Running a “test and reaching new conclusions” allows an opportunity to make mistakes, learn, and grow. As an Executive Coach to leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives, Carla has a wealth of knowledge that she gladly shares with us.
Check out the entire episode to learn more. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level.
Carla has provided a free download just for How to Corporate listeners on how to look for and choose a coach plus how to avoid common mistakes.
https://www.thaxa.com/p/how-to-corporate - 8 Biggest mistakes people make when choosing a coach (and how to avoid them)
You can connect with Carla at her website, via LinkedIn, or X - previously known as Twitter
Click this link to subscribe for additional content and follow our social media pages: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
If you were offered a new role in another city or your current employer asked you to relocate would you make a move?
There is a lot of contemplate. What are all the risks? How would a move benefit my career? What support would I have in a city? How long is the commitment?
My guest, Shaun Mayo, Chief People Officer for the Arizona Cardinals, faced this challenge head-on relocating a number of times in his career. In this episode, he shares what it’s like to move away and what he faced in pursuit of accelerated career growth.
Together we discuss his professional wins, personal setbacks, and evolved life perspectives that can come along with leaving “home” and leaving your comfort zone…
Sometimes if you want to GROW, you have to GO. Check out this episode to learn more. It could be life-changing!
You can connect with Shaun on Linkedin here or via email at Mayo.Shaun@gmail.com.
Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
Navigating Corporate America can be quite the challenge for anyone, but this is especially true for parents with young families at home. Our careers can be demanding. And if you add in the unique demands of single parenthood… that’s when things really get interesting.
My guest, Crystal Smith, is Financial Literacy and Career Coach that focuses on single parents. She herself is a single parent and understands all too well the hardships that come with balancing a household, a business, and a thriving career.
In this episode, Crystal shares her unique perspectives on the following areas:
- Her definition of Organized Chaos and how to work through it
- Importance of Communication along with Examples
- Analyzing what you can or can’t sacrifice
- Remaining flexible
- Anticipating the outcome and pre-planning
- Creating Efficiencies
Together we discuss real-world common obstacles that single parents face when looking to get ahead at work, and provide strategies that can help make their professional goals more attainable.
For more info, you can check out Crystal’s podcast here; So you’re a Single Parent Know What – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-youre-a-single-parent-now-what-podcast/id1626857490
Or visit her website at Six Figure Single Mom https://sixfiguresinglemom.com/
Challenges are meant to be defeated… so check out this episode for the advice you need to WIN!! Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
Bring your “whole self” to work is a well-known phrase and movement in Corporate America which was inspired by a book of the same name written by Mike Robbins.
The COVID years propelled this concept when the lines between work & personal were blurred even further.
The idea is that being your authentic self at work could unlock untapped potential, creativity, and performance. Sounds refreshing and great, but what does that look like in the real world?
Is it practical to bring 100% of ourselves to work? How often do you hold back parts of your personal self from the workplace? Maybe you’re just fine with separation. How has this impacted your career?
In this episode, my guest, Ngozi Nnaji, an entrepreneur, insurance brokerage owner, consultant, and professor shares her experiences with code-switching, redefining professionalism, empowerment, the role your work environment plays, and defining who you are at work.
Get ready to take notes… because defining “who you are in the workplace” could be the step you need to take your career to the next level!
You can email Ngozi at ngozi.nnaji@akoinsuranceconsulting.com or visit her website at www.akoconsulting.com. She is also active on LinkedIn here.
Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
The negotiation process between employer and employee can be intimidating for many employees or future employees, especially when making a counteroffer.
In this episode, Dr. Rochelle Parks-Yancy, a business professor, career coach, & author, explains how and why you should always counter! Yes, you should always counter!
Employers have a responsibility to manage their costs effectively i.e. employee compensation so don’t assume the first offer is the best one.
In the words of Dr. Parks-Yancy, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate”.
But realize compensation and counter offers aren’t just limited to salaries. Think creatively. Do your research. Ask yourself what’s important to you.
We break down all the ins and outs of counteroffers in this episode and provide you with real-life examples that you can use today.
Negotiating is a skill just like anything else! You will get better with time if you study and practice.
For more gems with Dr. Parks-Yancy, check out Episode 2, How to Negotiate Your Worth.
Dr. Parks-Yancy’s book Be Your Best Career Architect! Here the Blueprints is available on amazon. You can also follow her on LinkedIn here
Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
#howtocorporate #keepbuilding
What is the difference between visible and invisible work?
A concept that seems simple to understand, but difficult to manage in our careers. In this episode, my guest Helen Appleby, an executive coach and advocate for women shares her perspective on the subject.
We all want credit and recognition for the hard work we put in, so it’s vital that we not only understand what is “invisible” work but also how we can turn that into “visible work”. Helen shares tangible examples to put this strategic way of thinking into action.
It takes more than hard work to get to the mountain top so let's start the new year with a plan and strategy to take your career to the next level!
You can reach out directly to Helen on her website here then click the resources button to access her book & podcast, The Unwritten rules of Women’s Leadership.
And be sure to click SUBSCRIBE to this SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!!
Until next time… #keepbuilding.
Unexpected career changes can be nerve-racking but are inevitable so how you prepare and react will determine your outcome.
But how do you deal with an ever-changing work environment and stay ahead?
Les Brown says it’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.
My guest, Elois Joseph, co-founder of Greenwood Project embodies the spirit of “staying ready” for anything so we tackle the subject in this episode. Listen now to learn about her career experiences in the financial services industry and as a Chicago-based non-profit co-founder focused on helping students navigate professional work industries.
Opportunity waits for no one! Put the learnings from this episode into action. Don’t wait.
You can keep the conversation going with Elois on LinkedIn , or with me via any of my social media platforms. Click here to check out the Greenwood Project site.
And be sure to SUBSCRIBE to this SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!!
Until next time… #keepbuilding.
No one should tell YOUR story better than you do.
Why do we keep quiet and let other people control OUR narrative??
When you don’t:
-build extending relationships,
-find ways to gain supporters,
-make your voice be heard…
you’re actually limiting your options for the future. You’re also leaving room for anyone with influence to “fill in the blanks”— which could be to your benefit OR detriment.
That’s why establishing your voice is so crucial. You are the overseer of your personal brand.
In this episode, I talk to Mel Kirk — Executive & Change Leader — about the importance of speaking out while staying authentic to you, conformity, controlling your narrative and how doing so positively impacted his long-standing change management career. Listen to hear detailed examples of how speaking up in an authentic way led him to success.
You can keep the conversation going with Mel on LinkedIn, or with me via any of my social media platforms.
And be sure to SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!!
Until next time… #keepbuilding.
Your behavior & intentionality can manifest OPPORTUNITY.
But often we spend time going through the motions of what we "think" we're supposed to do and later ask ourselves why we don't get the results we want?!
The decisions you make every day create a snowball effect. This is why being deliberate is so vital to your career progression.
In this episode, I talk to Ashtyn Duncan – Readiness & Onboarding Manager – about how she maximized her college years, after giving up something she loved to do to focus on her future career. She provides real life experiences of how to overcome fear and disappointment to achieve personal goals.
You can keep the conversation going by reaching out to Ashtyn on LinkedIn or with us on any of the social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
And DEFINITELY don’t forget to subscribe to the show and write us a review!
What characteristics come to mind when you hear the phrase “model employee”? Someone that:
· Keeps to themselves?
· Observes without speaking?
· Works independently?
Or are they more likely to:
· Be the center of attention?
· Think out loud?
· Prefer group assignments?
While any of these points could describe a great team member, many organizations encourage people to emulate extroverted qualities. Not a problem for extroverts. But where does that leave everyone else? How do you succeed at work as an introvert?
Those are the questions I explore in this episode with my guest, Lissa Appiah – Certified Career Strategist. We discuss what it means to be an introvert, how to identify opportunities for improvement, and strategies for showing up as your authentic self at work while STILL building a successful career.
Check out the episode for this critical career guidance. Don’t forget to subscribe and write a review when you’re done!
For additional content from How to Corporate, follow the show here: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate #keepbuilding!
Imposter Syndrome manifests in many ways that we don’t always recognize and can be debilitating to your career.
With this in mind, we kick off Season 2 with my guest Qiara Suggs, Senior Vice President, and Chief Human Resources Officer to discuss this important topic so we spend this episode first clearly defining what Imposter Syndrome really is.
Qiara shares her unique experiences in human resources dealing with and overcoming imposter syndrome. Her story is an example that we all face this issue at some point in our careers, but we don’t have to be defined by it. Listen to the episode now to apply these learnings in your career and start winning!
You can reach out to Qiara on LinkedIn under Qiara Suggs.
Make sure to write a Review & Rating for this episode and hit the subscribe button.
Click here to follow How to Corporate for additional content.
Just like that, Season 1 is a wrap! In one year we produced and released 21 episodes so cheers to our 1 year anniversary!
Reflection is important at all levels to truly be successful so that’s what the ReCap episode is focused on. There have been an endless amount of learnings this year that required so many changes along the way.
This episode covers How to Corporate’s geniuses and how the show has evolved over time. Whether it was figuring out the show’s target audience or testing the episode length or buying the wrong mic there were countless mistakes this season but we persevered.
You only lose if you don’t get back up! THANK YOU for supporting this movement to EMPOWER you, the working professional, to better advance your career.
DON’T forget to take a moment to write a review or leave a comment, provide a rating, and share this podcast with a friend/colleague!
We continue the journey with Season 2’s premiere on September 21st‼️
Click here https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate to subscribe and follow How to Corporate for additional content.
Your career is a MARATHON.
Meaning that at times you will pace ahead of the goals you set for yourself, while at other times you may fall behind.
When it comes to running YOUR race, it starts with a positive mindset and good energy. That’s what PROPELS you forward, especially during challenging times.
In this episode, my guest, Dr. George Okpamen, shares his story of how maintaining good energy helped him overcome multiple hurdles and failures throughout his career which ultimately lead to success.
Check out the full episode for this critical career guide.
Don’t forget to Subscribe and Write a Review!
You can reach out to George on Instagram @georgeokk, LinkedIn, or following Pharmacy Initiative Leaders (PILs) Inc
Click here to follow How to Corporate for additional content.
If I were to ask, what skills do you possess what would you say?
You’d likely make reference to the skills you’ve built from your current job title or career. Is that it though?
What if you decide to switch careers? How about seeking a promotion? Do you qualify for these opportunities if you don’t have the skills?
Or maybe you DO but you just don’t know it.
Think about all your LIFE experiences and what type of transferable skills you’ve learned that could apply to any career.
In this episode, my guest David Anderson, shares how he switched careers from veterinary technologist to accountant but realized many of the skills he learned from his first career were transferable to his new career.
Check out the episode for this critical career guide on transferable skills.
You can reach out directly to David J. Anderson on LinkedIn under his name or via email: djoel.anderson@gmail.com
Click here to follow How to Corporate for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
Book References:
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most - Douglas Stone
You Turn: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, and Design Your Dream Career - Ashley Stahl
A lot of emphases is placed on mentorship throughout our careers, but what about sponsorship?
In this episode, my guest, Irlande Audenier, a Vice President in insurance, dissects what sponsorship is, how you can recognize it, and why it's vital to your career growth.
Irlande explains how a Sponsor is someone:
· that knows you
· that can advocate for you
· that is willing to put their reputation on the line for you
· that sees your potential
Check out the full episode for this critical career guide.
You can reach out directly to Irlande Audenier on LinkedIn under her name.
Click here to follow How to Corporate for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
Do you go to work fantasizing over an idea that you wish you could bring to life?
Do you have a side business that you wish could be your “main business”?
Do you love the idea of working for yourself and creating?
What’s stopping you? Who’s stopping you? Are you YOUR biggest obstacle?
In episode 17 my guest, Travis Smith, had to figure out his WHY when deciding to take the leap from Corporate America to Entrepreneur. The path hasn’t been easy but we share his entrepreneurial journey as an example of how he overcome fear, doubt, and restlessness when contemplating if/when to make the jump. Nothing is guaranteed, not even a career in Corporate so you owe it to yourself to at least try!
You can find where their food truck will pop up on their website here: https://thefunnelbar.com/
You can also follow The Funnel Bar on social media @thefunnelbar. Life is short eat dessert first!
Click here to follow How to Corporate for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
I'm BACK!!! Did you miss me?? I know it's been a while. What I thought was a short break turned into a sabbatical! Sometimes we all need to take a hiatus to reflect and reset but I'm happy to report that I'm back in action.
Going forward, I'll be releasing episodes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. First come-back episode will release Wednesday, July 6th.
My mission is to empower working professionals who are struggling with career advancement but can’t figure out why. If you want help identifying what’s holding you back in your career then this is the podcast show for you. I'm here to be your guide to a thriving career!
The biggest lesson I've learned during my hiatus is the importance of PACING. Don't let anyone tell you how to run your race, folks. Let's get after it!
Click here and follow my pages for additional content and subscribe: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
We don’t always get the opportunity or role we want on the first try so what happens if you don’t get it?
Do you stop trying and convince yourself you weren’t a fit? Do you settle back into your existing role? Does anything change?
Your career is a long and winding road but far too many times we quit at the first sign of failure.
In Episode 16, my guest Will Womble, MBA, Sales Leader in Big Pharma, says “we have to accept that rejection is a part of the equation.” Will uses his personal story of facing rejection to showcase how your response to adversity makes the real difference between winning and losing.
We also discuss interview preparation and tips to make you stand out, finding commonality when building connections, how to maintain decorum at work functions, navigating office politics, and more.
Below is a link to Will’s LinkedIn page and list of his recommended reads:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-womble-mba-47359820/
Talent is Never Enough by John Maxwell
On Becoming a Leader by Warren G. Bennis
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
How to Win Friends, Influence People and Succeed in a Changing World Book by Dale Carnegie
Click here and follow my pages for additional content and subscribe: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate
