by Solange Lopes | Jun 6, 2016 | Career

Savvy app – Photo credit: savvy.jobs
What if you were given a career crystal ball to pick the perfect job for you? I mean, your dream job. The one that wouldn’t just be tailored to your preferences and qualifications, but would also match the particular way women conduct their job searches? Like Tinder for savvy career women…
There’s An App For That Professional Women Looking for their Prince Charming Perfect Career…
Turns out, there’s actually an app for that, and a pretty good one at that! The Savvy app targets experienced professional women, catering their content especially to them and the employers that would potentially hire them. It started out as an app called Poacht, where job seekers could anonymously input information about their desired positions and look through available openings.But when co-founder and CEO Maisie Devine started noticing the app’s popularity with women, she decided to pivot it towards women professionals, and renamed it Savvy.
When I first read about the Savvy app, I literally jumped in my career woman’s heels. It’s about time that the fact that women approach the job search process differently than men be acknowledged, and even better, catered to. “Women follow a different job search process. When a woman looks at a job description, she will apply only if she feels 80 percent qualified, whereas men feel comfortable applying if they’re only 20 percent qualified,” Devine said in summarizing the app’s appeal. This alone makes the entire recruiting process incredibly gender-biased.
It’s A Win-Win for Professional Women and Companies…
In addition to helping women find the right career fit, this app also helps employers leverage the enormous high-potential pool of female talent that may be self-disqualifying. In addition to giving companies the opportunity to tap into the value of gender equality within their own walls…
All in all, this app is a win-win for both professional women, and companies alike. So next time you’re in search of a great career fit, or know a corporate sister who is, please share the wealth…
What other apps would you recommend for professional women?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 4, 2016 | Career

Muhammad Ali – Photo credit: quotes gram.com
On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali, aka The Greatest of All Time, ended his last fight on Earth, at the age of 74. The three-time heavyweight champion’s being remembered for more than his spectacular fights in the ring. We also remember Ali for being a civil rights champion, an outspoken leader, and in general for living a big, bold, most inspiring life. For generations, he’ll always be the emblem of ultimate strength, courage and service.
Reading his most famous quotes this morning, I can’t help but feel a surge of hope, passion, and determination at the remembrance of an extraordinary life and legacy. And as we close another chapter, I’m filled with pride as I read over and over about the life of a man who rose to the greatness he himself never doubted, the success he could see in the eye of his mind, even before anyone else could…
As a career woman, I take with me these few universal, yet powerful, lessons we can all apply to the work of our lives, as we seek to make a difference in our own great, unique capacities:
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
“I am the Greatest; I said that before I even knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali
If there ever were a quote from Muhammad Ali to give us that oomph, that belief that you can break any barriers, remove any obstacles, and beat the odds no matter what, it would be this one. At the end of the day, it’s a mindset thing! You become what you believe, so believe you’ll succeed. Stop looking at your present circumstances, your current job, that boss, those co-workers, and instead work towards those goals…
You’ve got to pay your dues.
“Don’t quit; suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali
Career success doesn’t just happen; it’s the sum of those tough, hard moments spent working after-hours, studying for that certification, putting in that extra effort! Whether it’s finally getting that degree, going for that challenging certification, or putting in the extra time at work, those hard-earned dues are what set the greatest apart. And yes, you may buy the shoe after…
Fake it ’til you make it.
“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.” – Muhammad Ali
As women at work especially, we tend to doubt ourselves way too much. Many times, we’d rather think we don’t deserve the promotion, or don’t meet all the qualifications, than actually go for the job or ask for the raise. The old adage of “fake it ’til you make it” still holds. From dressing for the position you want to going for that job you’re only 60% qualified for, pretending you are the best can actually turn out to be half of the battle.
Be bold.
“I am gonna show you how great I am“. – Muhammad Ali
There’s something about being bold that takes you one step further, even when you’re not quite sure where you’re going. Even when your knees are shaking in the meeting room, and you fear speaking up. Or when you’re scared of asking the money you deserve in a salary negotiation. Or when you have to fight to get credit for your work.
Ask for those opportunities to lead at work. Speak up and present a different point of view. Don’t be afraid to disagree, not even with the boss. Boldness has a way of opening doors…
But remain humble…
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali
I know there were times when ambition in my own career made me forget to be humble and also serve others. Despite all the talks about advancing oneself at work and “taking your opportunities”, the mark of true leadership is humility and service to others. It can be a hard balance to strike though…
Remind yourself to help others along the way, even as you fight to make a spot for yourself. Mentor others, help them reach their potential, make time to answer questions and provide guidance. And constantly remind yourself that someone also did it for you…
Take risks
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life”. – Muhammad Ali
Are you willing to take risks to take your career to the next level? Whether it’s accepting that challenging position, or actually resigning from that zero-potential job, mustering the courage to make the difficult decisions in your life and career is what will separate you from the rest of the fold.
You don’t have to be the best at everything, but whatever you do, be the greatest at it!
“You could be the world’s best garbage man, the world’s best model; it don’t matter what you do if you’re the best.” – Muhammad Ali
Public speaking is not my strength, writing is. I could write reports, emails, and memos of all kinds for hours. Put me in front of an audience, and I might need extra cupcakes to keep going…
In your career as well, capitalize on your strengths. Dedicate yourself to what you do, and do it better than everyone else. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, especially not at work. Do what you do, and do it so well everyone will know you by name. Period.
What other career lessons has Muhammad Ali’s life and legacy taught us?
RIP Muhammad Ali!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 3, 2016 | Career
This Franco Sarto Holt flat is absolutely fabulous (and this is coming from a heel addict)!. Today’s Corporate Catwalk pick is a head-turner, and a perfect addition to your summer (casual) work wardrobe. I’d definitely sport it on a casual Friday at the office, and most definitely on week-ends. For less conservative offices, this could be an everyday shoe. It’s $48.76 at 6pm.
Similar flats include this stunning Proenza Schouler D’Orsay pair, and these open toed Nine West ones, also from 6pm.
These are perfect with tailored cropped pants like these twill cropped pants from Everlane (I also like this funky polka-dot pair from Farfetch).
Which one is your fave?
PS: Like this post? Click HERE to get The Corporate Sister’s career, lifestyle and entrepreneurship, bi-weekly updates!
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 3, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news update, 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…
Happy Friday
PS: Like this post? Click HERE to get The Corporate Sister’s career, lifestyle and entrepreneurship, bi-weekly updates.
To your success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 2, 2016 | Career
Today’s Corporate Catwalk will take you to a tropical place, even as you sit at your desk typing away. This orange Lily pencil skirt from Dorothy Perkins is a fun alternative to your classic pencil skirt, with colorful patterns and a vibrant hue. At $35.00, it’s also a major fashion steal!
I also like this similar orange pencil skirt from J. Crew Factory, or this lace one too! And I definitely wouldn’t mind this Marco Bologna gorgeous printed number!
Which one is your fave?
PS: Like this post? Click HERE to get The Corporate Sister’s career, lifestyle and entrepreneurship, bi-weekly updates!
Love,
The Corporate Sis.