by Solange Lopes | Oct 25, 2016 | Career
Tina Pettigrew – Senior Community Manager at Ellevate Network
I first met Tina virtually through my blog, and later met her in person at the Ellevate Network’s Summer Soiree in New York. The first thing that struck me about her is the passion, enthusiasm and creativity she puts into helping others. If there’s one thing her career trajectory clearly demonstrates is that being open, engaging and passionate about one’s mission and purpose can create incredible opportunities for ourselves and others.
So, without further ado, here’s Tina!
1. Tell us a bit about you and what you do!
I am Sr. Community Manager at Ellevate Network. What that means is that I utilize strategic partners, press, social media, creative, and more to help build our brand as a company and make sure that everyone sees us as a thought leader in the “women in business” space. I do anything from utilize our media partners as panelists at events to write thought leadership pieces for the Ellevate site, to test creative copy in marketing materials and social media posts to see how they affect our business goals. It’s fast paced, I get to be creative, and build real relationships with amazing people – so all in all, a lot of fun!
2. What led you to work for Ellevate?
How did you decide on this career path? When I was in my Masters program for Bioethics at NYU, I was working part-time (and then later full-time) at a nonprofit in NYC that focused on workforce development training. I was the Office Manager there but really spent a lot of time creating curriculum and developing my social media expertise. After I left that job, someone who was on the board there remembered me and reached out to me for the Community Manager role at Ellevate Network (which was then 85 Broads). I think I fell into this career, as many of us do, because I thought the work was interesting, but ultimately it makes sense that I’m being creative every day, as I see myself as a writer at heart. And I love to engage with people and hear their stories/ points of view, so this job is a unique way to do that.
3. Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.
First and foremost I need to check in on trending topics and the Ellevate Network social media pages (Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Google +. My colleague Johanna manages our Instagram/ Pinterest, but I like to talk strategy/ make suggestions often [which she may or may not like, haha]). I need to respond to anyone on these pages and make sure that we speak in an authentic voice while keeping our business goals in mind. Then I likely check in with my media partners/chapters/bloggers, make sure everything is good to go for any marketing campaigns we have going on (a new partnership, Sallie’s book coming out, a discount code we’re promoting, upcoming events we need to sell out, etc.), schedule social media for the following day/ check in on my best performing pieces and adjust my strategy. I chat with people on the phone about partnering, interview intern candidates (depending on the time of year), oversee a handful of customer services issues, review product projects Rebecca sends me, copyedit, scan the landscape of SEO (and make adjustments), and occasionally create graphics and write. We work very collaboratively here, so it really depends on the day/ project.
4. What do you love most about working at Ellevate?
My team! I have a seriously hard-working, bright group of people that I’ve been through the fire with, and I cannot emphasize that enough. Having people you can trust through the good and the bad, who you can bounce ideas off of, and who you can be honest with, is priceless.
5. How do the goals of a company like Ellevate affect your day-to-day job, and your career and life goals in general?
I believe in the mission of Ellevate, so the company goals are my focus every moment I work. I try to ask myself, “How does this provide benefit to our members?” every time I make a business decision. Working for a company that does well while doing good is very important to me, and I think that I will always be working somewhere that has a conscience.
6. What’s the most challenging part of your job and how do you not let yourself get burnt out?
Great question! The most challenging part of my job is juggling priorities. Because after all this is important, and so is this, and so is this. So I often need to take a deep breath and just take care of things. I have had my fair share of burnout moments, but one thing I remind myself of is: “Nothing is more important than your health. Take time out every single day (no matter how small) to clear your head. Take accountability for your own actions.”
7. What advice would you give other women who may want to follow in your footsteps and pursue a similar career?
Just jump in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask smart questions. Keyword = smart. I believe that as an emerging professional, as well as young person in general, it is so important to be self-sufficient. There are so many tools at our disposal, use them! And then ask a smart question to figure something out. Also, find the people in your personal and professional life who have traits and habits that you admire, and build a relationship with them. They will be key to your success. And at work, always prove that you are useful – use your unique skills, whatever they are – and let your actions speak for you.
Bio:
Tina Pettigrew’s customer-focused and personable approach is what makes her such a dynamic Senior Community Manager at Ellevate. Prior to joining the Ellevate team, Tina worked for a number of esteemed institutions including the United Nations, the NYU/Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture, Workforce Professionals Training Institute and the YMCA, where her experience ranged from human rights advocacy and law to professional development and training, with a focus on social media marketing and customer relationship management. She earned her MA in Bioethics from New York University as well as a BA in Health Science, with a concentration in Business, from the University of Florida.
Tina engages the community in many ways: she cultivates partnerships that are mutually beneficial to the company and speak to our values and brand; she is often the face behind Ellevate’s voice, communicating with the press, in social media, and in Ellevate’s marketing campaigns (Invest in Yourself, Female Role Model); and has a hand in customer service. Tina has a reputation for honest and respectful communication, creative problem solving, and thought leadership.
In her spare time, Tina trains in MMA, chats with her 99-year old grandmother, cuddles her dog Poncho and cat Liberty, and makes a mean dark-chocolate pistachio sea salt granola.
Got questions for Tina, or just want to drop her a love note? Please leave a comment below, or email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Thanks so much Tina!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 24, 2016 | Make More Money
Our “Ask A CPA ” feature answers everyday (and not so everyday) questions you may have around personal finance and accounting topics, from a Certified Public Accountant (moi!). Please note that you should always seek professional advice for more personalized advice. Got something on your mind? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
We’re a few months away from the dreaded tax season. And while you may be busy wrapping up the year at work and getting ready for the holidays, the Phantom of the Opera Tax Season may be hanging out in the back of your busy mind. So, is there anything you can start (or stop) doing now to prepare for tax season?
My $0.05:
You know what they say, there are two things you can’t escape, death and taxes (plus those pesky extra pounds on your thighs after the holidays, but I digress…)So, like with all things you can’t pray, eat or bribe away, you should take every opportunity to prepare ahead of time. As in, don’t wait until April 14th to start looking for your tax documents…
Here are a few quick tips even the busiest corporate and business sister (or dude) can start applying today to get a head start:
Get Organized!
Have you been postponing going through your files and paperwork? Well, it may be time to put all that filing and paperwork organizing back on your schedule. Just grab a pint of sea salt caramel ice cream (you know, with the big spoon), put your curls in a pineapple, and get to sorting, digging and filling.
- Keep proofs of expenses and profits: As much as possible, try and retrieve as much proof of the expenses you’ve incurred and the profits you’ve been making. It will come in handy in case you get audited. If anything, it’ll make you sleep easier at night knowing that you have proof for what you’re claiming on your return.
- Create your own filing system: All the electronic records and paperwork can get pretty overwhelming. The best way to tackle your tax and financial information is to devise your own filing system. Only you know what works best for you, so pick a system that’s easier for you to remember and deal with. I’m a bit old school, so I like my good ol’ color-coded folders and labeled files. Whatever works…
- Save hard copies: Ok, I know y’all trust in the cloud and the almighty wifi. But as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing better than having a hard copy in case you’re stuck in no wifi zone or your brain bails out on you when trying to remember your 125th password…Just sayin’…
Check Out Your Investments!
If you have any investments, it’s always a good idea to check them out frequently to strategically prepare for tax season. Look into reorganizing your investments into tax-favored accounts like 401K and IRAs, because this way, you can postpone taxes until you actually get the money distributed to you (which is until you’re 591/2, unless you decide to get an earlier distribution, in which case you will incur both taxes and a penalty).
If you have more complex investments, you should seek professional advice. In general, be sure to keep good records of your investments. This is especially important in case you make some reinvestments, so that you don’t pay too much tax on funds you were already taxed on when you received them.
Repeat after me: How Can I Reduce My Taxable Income?
Remember you’re always taxed on your income, so the more income you have, the more taxes you pay! The easiest and most straightforward way to bring your taxable income (and your taxes) down, is to invest in your 401K or other workplace retirement plan, allowing you to deduct contributions. This way, you can postpone paying taxes on your contributions, as well as on the earnings. In other words, you’re basically putting away money that compounds tax-free until you retire!
Very Important: If your employer matches your contribution, try to contribute enough to get the maximum matching contribution.
If you invest in an IRA and qualify for this deduction, you may also be able to deduct an IRA contribution (up to $5,000, or $6,500 for those 50 and older).
If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, consider setting up a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to an HSA are deductible as well.
If you pay for health care or the care of dependents (daycare costs for example), check if your employer offers a flexible spending account. This will help you get a tax break too.
Be Charitable!
Giving isn’t just good for the soul, it’s great for your taxes too! Make donations until the very last day of the year to save on your taxes. So go ahead and make those donations!
If you want an extra benefit, give appreciated assets such as stocks or funds. For example, if you’ve owned appreciated securities for more than a year, you may be able to deduct the full market value of the securities and avoid paying tax on the appreciation since you acquired it.
What do you do to prepare for tax season?
PS: Got something on your mind? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 24, 2016 | Career
Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our “Wear to Work” feature presents selected pieces of professional attire for women at work.
Today’s Wear to Work pick is this versatile ponte twist dress from Ann Taylor (psst….Ann Taylor is still having its 50% sale – use code OCTOBER50). Love the smooth style of this classic dress infused with a touch of wool, with a funky side twist to boot. This piece is perfect for work or after-hours, and will quickly become a LBD staple in your wardrobe. It’s $129 at Ann Taylor, and comes in sizes o to 14 Regular, as well as Petite 00 and 0 sizes.
Yay or Nay?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 24, 2016 | Career
Are you performing well at your job, but you just feel you could do so much more if everyone else around you were performing better?
Or would you like for someone else to walk in your shoes for only one day at the office, so maybe they would realize what your job really entails?
Have you been wondering what other parts of your organization do, and how that fits in with your own job?
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions (haven’t we all), then you may have thought about doing a job rotation. As in trying someone else’s job. And having someone else juggle the many hats you may be dealing with at the office, for a change.
I mean, how many of us want to be stuck in a rut, and do the same work day in and day out. Not to mention the lack of leadership opportunities that comes as a result of it. According to this 2016 Deloitte Millenial Survey, one in four millennials will quit their jobs in the next year, citing as one of the main reasons the lack of leadership opportunities. Considering the recent trend of flattening organizations, whereby companies are eliminating levels of bureaucracy, the corporate ladder has become well…more of a horizontal playground. Translation: the opportunities for growth and advancement are limited. Which takes us back to feeling stuck at work…
Business Insider quoted this expert’s statement to the Washington Post: “The biggest driver of disengagement is people feeling like they’re stuck in a job, and there’s nothing for them there. It’s easier to quit your company and find a new job than find a new job within your own company.”
So what can you do when your organization or department’s structure is pretty flat, yet you still want to improve your career without jumping ship or waiting for the next winning lottery ticket? The answer can be as simple as looking and signing up for a job rotation. Here’s why:
You Get to See that Same Old Company With Brand New Eyes (And Actually be Excited About Your Job for a Change).
You know that feeling when you re-decorate your living room, and it looks like you’ve just stepped into a brand new place? Well, imagine the same feeling, but in your career. As in for once in a really long time, you may actually be jumping out of bed to go to…work (compare to the usual feet dragging and snooze button hitting). Plus the fact that you will better understand your organization as a whole, and be more open to collaborating.
You Get to Build New Connections On the Spot (think express networking).
Nothing like being part of a job rotation program to expand your network overnight, literally. It’s like having a new job while keeping your old one. Except here, you get to meet a whole new team, department, or even mini-organization and establish relationships right on the spot. Think of it as express dating, but at work, without having to split the bill…
You Get to DramaticallyImprove Your Skills (and Fast too) .
Yes, you may stay at your current job, take oodles of training and invest in countless certifications to learn and improve your skills. But there’s something about experiencing a job first-hand that makes you learn those skills ten times faster than you would through a training or class. A job rotation will help you improve your existing skills and acquire new ones in a record time.
You Get to Position Yourself For Success.
A job rotation not only exposes you to new areas of your company, new people, and new skills, but it also helps you position yourself for career success. How? By having access to information and networks you wouldn’t otherwise by doing the same job over and over again. The same people and groups you may get to rub elbows with on your new rotation, may also the ones who may vouch for you when it’s time to apply for that big leadership role. Or put in a good word or recommendation for you when it’s time to explore bigger and better opportunities, in or outside of the company.
In Conclusion…
Between quitting your job, resigning yourself to hating Monday mornings, or exploring potential job rotations, the latter may be the best (and maybe most enjoyable) option.Not sure that’s the right solution for you? Start looking for short-term rotations first, until you can fully commit to a longer-term one. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the process too…
Have you participated in a job rotation? What has your experience been?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 21, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
- In this Ellevate Network article, Liz Fedor pulls back the curtain as women CEOs reveal how they climbed to the top;
- Looking for a job? Business Insider has the 10 skills in high demand around the world;
- Undercover Recruiter lists which company clues you can pick up right at the interview;
- Tired of complaining? Entrepreneur tells you how to stop complaining and start hustling?
- Speaking of hustle, The Corporate Sister herself has a few tips on developing a hustling mindset at work;
- And if you’re already hustling in your own business, this entrepreneur gives you a few secrets to start working with your dream clients. Read it on Ellevate Network;
- Bought a new iPhone 7? Forbes confirms you’re in for a shock;
- The Lindsey Pollak Blog discusses the pros and cons of using social media at work;
- Ready for a laugh? Business Insider lists the 14 most ridiculous reasons why people call in sick;
- Corporette tips you off on putting workwear to work for Halloween.
Anything I missed? Leave a comment or email me at corporate@thecorporatesis.com!
Successfully Yours,
The Corporate Sis.
