by Solange Lopes | Jan 5, 2018 | Career
Welcome to our weekly career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Happy New Year everyone!
Cheers to the New Year!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 4, 2018 | Career
Workwear: Turtleneck Sweater – Photo credit: uniqlo.com
Our Workwear feature presents various pieces of work-appropriate attire at different price ranges and sizes.
I love an elegant, classic turtleneck for cold months, like this high-quality, 100% extra fine merino wool number from Uniqlo. The fit is flattering and perfect paired with any bottom or under a blazer for the office. It’s also a great choice for the weekends over your favorite pair of jeans. Even better, it’s on sale for $19.90 at Uniqlo.
In the same style, I also like this luxurious 100% cashmere turtleneck sweater, also from Uniqlo. This long-sleeve knit number from White House Black Market is also a perfect layering option for any wardrobe.
What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post. Thank you!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 4, 2018 | Make More Money
The start of the New Year is always a great time to plan your finances. Making a solid financial plan should be at the top of your to-do list, as it can significantly impact your financial future as well as that of your children.
While financial planning is important for everyone, women tend to face unique economic and lifestyle challenges that require special attention. Women tend to live longer and earn less than men on average. Many, if not most women, are also responsible for the household budget. Additionally, they are examples for their children and tend to should the burden of aging parents and relatives as well.
As a working mom, the beginning of the new year is my favorite time to put my finances on the table and “get real” about our money situation as a family. This is especially important after the increased spending of the holidays. While some of us may want to avoid looking at your bank accounts right after the holidays, it’s better to tackle it and start on a fresh financial footing.
Here are 10 steps to making and implementing your financial plan this year:
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Confirm your financial priorities
We all have financial priorities. What are yours? As a working woman, it’s important to identify your life priorities and goals, so you can devise the right financial strategy for you. Your financial priorities may be related to sending your kids to college, being comfortable in retirement and/or being able to care for your elderly parents. Decide what’s most important to you in terms of life and financial priorities first.
To Do: Make a list of your life and financial priorities. If possible, share this with your spouse or your accountability partner(s).
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Learn to invest confidently
Even as a Certified Public Accountant, it took me a while to get comfortable with the idea of investing. For some reason, I felt that the investing industry was reserved to men, and that it failed to understand the needs of women. Thankfully, the investing landscape is changing for women. There are now a number of online investment options targeted to women specifically, and more women than ever are taking the lead in their finances.
As women, we have a lot of basic and natural skills that make us excellent investors, from managing our households to leading complex projects. However, we must commit to getting familiar with investments through classes, organizations or on our own, and invest more confidently.
To Do: Set some money aside every month as part of your budget to invest. When in doubt, consult with a financial advisor about possible investment opportunities that target your own financial priorities (see Step 1). You can also consult these online financial planning firms for women.
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Plan for taxes
Very few of us think to plan for our taxes. You know what they say: “There are only two things that are certain, death and taxes!”. Planning for tax savings options allows you to save money, and headaches, in the long run.
From saving your raises to make tax payments, to deducting your student loan interest, there are many ways you can plan ahead for your taxes. Make sure to consult with a tax professional on these.
To Do: Get clear on your upcoming tax payments, if any. If possible, set aside some money in your budget for your taxes. Consult a tax professional for the best options to save on your taxes.
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Save for retirement
Retirement is very real, and can be planned well ahead of time. In order for you to enjoy it and have peace of mind as you get there, consider starting your financial planning efforts now. It starts with determining how much you will need in order to retire comfortably. You can use the help of a financial advisor for this, as well as to make a plan to save accordingly.
To Do: Do some research and get familiar with the following questions/concepts when it comes to retirement planning:
- What is your life expectancy?
- How much will you need to healthcare costs in retirement?
- When is it best to claim your Social Security benefits?
- How much of your nest egg can you withdraw next year?
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Mind your spouse’s finances
Your spouse’s financial decisions can affect your own financial welfare. It’s important to discuss with them the financial plans they may have or decisions they may be taking. Not discussing finances with your significant other may lead to underfunded savings, financial mistakes and inaccurate budgets.
To Do: Have a money date with your spouse to plan your finances periodically. Pick a quiet time and place to discuss your budget, savings and retirement. Frequently ask questions, and create a common budget that takes into account your combined financial situation.
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Get adequate insurance
Insurance is basically your backup in case an unplanned occurrence requires you to spend a large amount of money. The right insurance plan will protect your assets and safeguard your peace of mind too.
When you think insurance coverage, don’t just limit yourself to your car or home insurance. You may also want to think about:
- Health insurance
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Business insurance
- Etc
To Do: Do your homework and research the best insurance options for your particular circumstances and budget. If needed, consult with an insurance agent or advisor as to your best options.
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Create multiple streams of income
Relying on one single income can not only be a source of stress, but also an obstacle if you happen to lose it. If you’re employed, consider pursuing a side hustle or starting investment funds that create additional income for you. If you’re a business owner, start thinking about ways to diversifying your income streams by offering varied products or services.
To Do: Brainstorm on additional ways you can create additional income. Try to implement at least one of these this year.
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Prepare for long-term care
Having health insurance is one thing, planning for long-term care is another one. Start thinking about ways to prepare for long-term care, especially as a woman. Women tend to live longer than men and tend to have a higher rate of chronic illnesses, which also means that they also need more long-term care.
To Do: Start planning for your long-term care needs by doing the following:
- Discuss your options with an advisor
- Consider shared-care policies with your spouse if you’re married
- Consider a hybrid long-term care insurance policy that pay you and your family in either long-term care benefits or life insurance proceeds
- Consider opening a Health Savings Account (HSA): You can use your tax-exempt dollars to pay for long-term care premiums, under certain condition.
- If you’re single, research the best options for single women or consult with your advisor
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Create your estate plan
There is another area that few think about as part of their financial planning efforts. However, it’s crucial as it allows you to plan for your assets after you are gone. This usually involves drawing out a will, and listing out all your assets ahead of time, with the help of an estate planner or advisor.
To Do: Start researching estate planning options and/or consult with an estate planner or advisor.
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Plan early and review your plan frequently!
Last but not least, do not wait to implement the various components of your financial plan. The earlier you start planning your financial future, the greater the rewards! In addition, make sure to review your plan as frequently as possible, at least on a quarterly basis. Don’t forget to adjust it in cases of life changes, such as marriage, divorce, children, etc.
To Do: Set a timeline for implementing your financial plan, and delineate action steps as to how you can realistically tackle it.
Have you set your financial plan yet?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 3, 2018 | Find Your Purpose
You know those moments when you feel like you can’t do it, whatever “it” may be. Those times when you can’t see the forest from the trees and don’t see a way. Or those instances when you feel like you’re not enough, you can’t measure up, or you simply don’t have what it takes. We all do know these, because at one point or another of our lives and careers, we all have experienced them.
Some of us are better at dealing with these times of self-doubt, or concealing them. The rest of us have a hard time letting it go. All of us must work on it. It’s called self-doubt, and it’s ruined many a promising future, career or business. It’s this implacable sense that who we are, what we have and where we’re headed is not enough. These voices in our heads that keep telling us we can’t be everything we want to be. The fear and negativity that keep us from living fully and enjoying the journey.
As hard as it is for me to admit, I’ve always been plagued by self-doubt. In my career, business and everyday life, I, like so many others, must fight thoughts such as:
“Can I do this?”
“Will people like me? Will they like what I produce?”
“What happens if I fail?”
I’ve learnt a while ago that self-doubt is natural. What’s not natural is allowing it to overcome our lives and take away every opportunity to better ourselves. The point is, it’s not so much that self-doubt will come, because it will.
The point is, we must move forward even as we’re tempted to be paralyzed by self-doubt.
We must keep pushing, even as we’re terrified, scared, and downright ready to quit and run the other way.
I’m still learning to overcome my self-doubt. I don’t believe I will ever be done. Over time, and after so many failures, here are some tips I have picked up to overcome self-doubt and build confidence as a working woman:
PS: Join our email newsletter as I share my journey and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way!
HOW TO OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT AS A WORKING WOMAN
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Start with your why
I often mention how important it is to know your “why”. When you’re defying stereotypes and working to rise above societal expectations and norms, knowing your “why” and trusting your values is crucial.
Many times, I have to ask and remind myself: “Self, why are you doing what you are doing?” When I’m reminded of my purpose, most often through prayer, It’s easier to let go of self-doubt.
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Allow yourself to feel self-doubt
This may sound counter-intuitive. However, taking the time and allowing yourself to feel self-doubt is actually healing. You cannot fight what you don’t know. Many of us choose to ignore our feelings. Instead, we drown them with work, a busy social calendar, or excessive social media use.
I’ve learnt to sit down with my self-doubt and look at it in the face. “Why am I feeling this way?” “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” “Would it even matter in five years?” All these are hard questions to ask oneself. Yet, they can put things in perspective. It’s never as bad as we may think. Everything is “figureoutable”.
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Stop comparing yourself to others
One of the worst initiators of self-doubt is comparing ourselves to others. It’s natural to do so, especially in the age of social media. I mean, how can you not compare the glamorous (and largely made-up) pictures on Instagram with your quiet Friday night at home with your family?
I’ve learnt that comparing myself with others is denying my uniqueness. It’s denying that I’m doing the best I can where I’m at, with what I have. It’s violating my own unique purpose. I know this sounds harsh, but it’s a reality.
Life simply happens, and it’s not a race! Stay in your lane, do your best, and keep true to your purpose in life. You’re already amazing!
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Just do it
Once you’ve allowed yourself to feel the weight of self-doubt and deal with it, it’s time to walk the walk. This means that you must do whatever it is that you have decided to do, regardless of the circumstances at hand or the negative voices screaming in your head.
I’ve learnt to put on blinders, shut down social media and distractions, and just work through it. Very often, it doesn’t look anywhere near perfect, but it gets done. The more I do it, the more the self-doubt melts away. It’s not pretty and the process can be downright painful at times. Yet, it’s in those moments when we’re not motivated and still push through, that our best comes out.
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Take care of you
Don’t underestimate the power of self-care to overcome self-doubt. Feeling exhausted, depleted and low energy does nothing to help you be more confident. Instead, take some time to be compassionate towards yourself. Do something nice for yourself as often as you can, even if it’s just reading a book you like or taking a warm bath.
I’ve learnt to keep reminders of things that lift up my spirits. For instance, I keep a list of my favorite and most uplifting Bible verses. I also keep a list of the major accomplishments I’ve done throughout life to remind myself of past victories. Pictures of testimonials from happy clients that I can look at when I’m feeling low always bring a smile on my face too.
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Share it
As strong working women, we may be tempted to keep our vulnerabilities to ourselves. However, there are times when sharing our self-doubt can not only make us feel better. It can also help us learn from someone else, and help them in the process too.
I’ve learnt that pride does not help with overcoming self-doubt. While I don’t necessarily share all my struggles with just anyone, I do have trusted people I confide in. Writing in this blog also warms my heart and helps me in the process.
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Break up with toxic people
There are confidence-suckers out there that will only increase the self-doubt in you. These are people who are experts at making you feel like you cannot do anything right. These toxic people don’t help you become more confident at all. You can tell by the way you feel after interacting with them: unmotivated, low and conflicted in yourself.
I’ve learnt to recognize the confidence suckers in myself and remove them from my life. This doesn’t mean being dramatic or argumentative. However, distancing yourself from those toxic friends and family members who feed your self-doubt can literally save your life. Trust me.
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Let go of expectations
You may not have realized it, but you grew up with sets of expectations about our lives. These are timelines, deadlines and aspirations that were chosen for us before we could even decide. Or it’s simply the need to compare ourselves with others and keep up with the Joneses. My mom always wanted me to be a doctor. If you’re from West Africa, most parents want you to either become a doctor, lawyer or engineer. I became neither.
I’ve learnt to release expectations on my life that don’t align with my God-given purpose. I’ve stopped praying for things that are not for me. I’ve also stopped trying to fit in instead of charting my own path.
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Release the past
In the same way, our pasts often keep us imprisoned in self-doubt. Our past failures, hurts and disappointments stand in the way of us taking risks and living our best lives. Instead of moving forward and trying again, we play it safe, afraid to get hurt.
I’ve learnt to stop letting my past dictate my future. Every time I’m tempted to retreat because of a past mistake or experience, I remind myself that today is another day. As much as I may be scared, I also know that things will work out differently.
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Get inspired!
I love reading inspirational books, articles and posts about people who’ve overcome struggles and achieved their dreams. It may sound cliché, but some things will speak to you in a way that can change your entire life. For me, it’s being inspired by achievers and leader-servants. For you, it may be something entirely different.
I’ve learnt that the right inspiration for you will keep you motivated even when you’re feeling low and unproductive. Whether it’s listening to a podcast, music, watching YouTube videos, or reading a book, pick a source of inspiration to keep self-doubt at bay.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Self-doubt is a normal part of our lives, careers and businesses. However, the better we can manage it, the more we can fight it and build more confidence.
How do you fight your own self-doubt?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 2, 2018 | Career
Being a woman of color at work can be an isolating experience in and of itself. Being “the only one in the room” or one of only a few can have its challenges, from fitting in to being afforded opportunities. It’s also the reason why we need support as we face the obstacles we’re often confronted to.
However, very often as women of color, we’re socialized not to seek help outside of ourselves. We’re supposed to be strong, and to look the part too. We’re supposed to raise families on our own, hold multiple jobs, and withstand difficulties alone. Over time, there’s a pride that has quietly overtaken us as well, whereby we won’t even begin to admit we need help.
Add to this the fact that women of color are at the intersection of racism and sexism, and often the subject of a form of exclusionary brand of feminism excluding them. When you consider how the recent policies can also harm women in general, and women of color in particular, it goes without saying that much support is needed to create safer and more progressive environments for women of color at work.
Here are a few ways you, as a woman of color, can get the support you need to be safe and thriving at work:
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Speak up and share your needs
I remember all the times when I failed to express what I really needed, for fear of being misjudged or worse, rejected. Truth is, an unexpressed need is as good as a non-existent one, especially when stemming from minority groups. This is exactly the reason why it’s important for women of color to speak up and express their needs, in a collaborative and professional way.
Most importantly, what you may need to develop and thrive at work may also be what countless other women of color, and women in general, also need. By expressing it, you’re also liberating others and giving them a voice.
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Tap into your informal networks
It took me years to discover and start tapping into informal networks such as my church’s business network, neighborhood association or other women’s groups. I didn’t realize early enough how powerful sources of support and growth these could be. As I speak to other women of color around me, I’m also realizing that they too have been pleasantly surprised to discover how supportive their own informal networks are. A friend of mine scored multiple business deals through her church network. Another was able to find the job of her dreams through the power of word-of-mouth.
As women of color, we have access to countless informal networks around us. Leveraging these as sources of support, growth and development can provide us with the contacts and influence to grow in our careers.
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Expand your network
Outside of informal networks, other networks are also great opportunities to garner professional and business support. We often underestimate the power of entering new circles, especially as women of color.
However, one of the best ways to overcome our fear of not fitting in is to actually face it head on. This means joining professional and business associations and networks we may not have considered before. It also means willfully committing to investing in our own growth and development though paid networks as well.
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Ask for help
One of the most challenging hurdles I faced in my own career was to simply ask for help. Whether to better understand an unfamiliar area, be mentored or have access to opportunities we desire, having the humility to ask for help can go a long way in getting the support we need.
There may be people around willing to help and support your growth. However, it starts with simply asking. After all, the worst answer you can get is a “No”. When asking for help, remember to come prepared with a plan as to how this support will help you accomplish your goals.
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Reach out to other women of color
One of the reasons why women of color are often isolated in professional settings is because of the lack of collaboration between us. There is a pervasive mindset according to which there is not enough room for all women of color in professional and business settings. As such, many believe that collaboration between us is not recommended.
However, we often overlook the fact that we can be each other’s strongest sources of support and advocates. After all, who better than another woman of color can fully understand their common challenges?
Reaching out to other women of color to create positive support and growth networks is a great opportunity to lessen the challenges we all face.
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Be willing to change your circle
Sometimes, our own circles of influence, whether it be our friends or family members, fail to support us adequately. This also means that in order to grow and thrive professionally, we must be willing to change our environment.
As difficult as it may be, evolving from unsupportive circles to ones that provide you with the support you need may be the best career or business decision you can make.
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Continuously develop yourself
Last but not least, the best way to support yourself as a woman of color at work is to continuously develop yourself. You must be committed to keep growing and educating yourself regardless of the circumstances you may be facing.
Whether it’s by furthering your education, meeting new people or working on your mindset, committing to self-development will always support your growth.
What’s your take on it?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister
