by Solange Lopes | Nov 25, 2014 | Career
If you open any news media outlet this morning, you won’t be able to escape news and images about Ferguson, MO. And neither would you want to. We all have something to learn about this tragedy, regardless of race, gender or opinion for that matter.
One of the recurring words I keep reading and hearing on the radio is “fairness”. What happened to African-American teenager Mike Brown, shot and killed by a Caucasian police officer back in August, many will tell you, was not fair. And the fact that no indictment came out of the Grand Jury’s decision threw things even more for a loop, with protests all over the country calling for justice.
Yet, as many complain about unfairness, can we also ask ourselves, what’s really fair nowadays? Should we even expect fairness when we all are trying to heal from the remnants of a traumatic past? Many of the laws and institutions that created the chaos in Ferguson, and many other places, were the doing of older generations and differing mentalities. So how can we speak fairness towards a world we still have to work at changing?
Yesterday, as I watched the protests in Ferguson, my heart ached. I went to hug my son, as I mourned for another Black woman’s child. Yet deep inside, I knew for as long as we’ve come, we still have some ways to go. And for as much fairness as we hope for, truth is, fairness is overrated; it has been for some time now.
What matters is the stand we each individually take, regardless of race, gender and opinion, to bring about positive change. Before blaming the system, we must take responsibility for our part in it. We must strive to educate ourselves to stand at the polls and make informed choices. We must work to reach the levels of influence that will allow us to stop wishing and start acting. We must, in peace, be the fair change we keep hoping for.
No life is ever in vain, and no deed ever lost in meaning. If anything, Mike Brown taught us all a lesson, he did leave a legacy. Not a legacy of fear, violence or retribution, but one of positive, educated change.
Today, as you work at your craft, work harder to make a difference. As you read the news, think about how you can best vote to bring about better results. As you head to class, dedicate yourself to learning about making a better life for yourself and others.
When you speak, write or however you choose to express yourself, do it out of a place of resolve, determination and faith, not out of anger or fear. Sit at the front of the class, stand up in the meeting, make your voice heard. Be excellent, stay hungry.
Do what you can, the best you can, right where you are.
RIP Mike Brown.
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 24, 2014 | Career
Thanksgiving gift – Photo: freeinternetpictures.com
Thanksgiving is here, literally, and while we’re running around trying to fix last minute menus and meet work deadlines,a minority of employers may be offering late November gifts, also known as Thanksgiving gifts ! While one-third of employers will require their employees to work this holiday season (which will not exactly be more conducive to an attitude of gratitude), they may also be distributing turkeys, gift certificates, and luncheons to thank their employees for their commitment…
However, very few employers and offices altogether do this for employees. Similarly, the practice of giving each other Thanksgiving gifts at work hardly happens any more.
So what do you think? Is the Thanksgiving gift-giving practice dead?
My $0.05:While I’ve had managers who were keen on giving small gifts to their teams at Thanksgiving and Christmas, this was more of a personal incentive from these managers than a company-wide practice. Times have definitely changed, and while gift-giving at Thanksgiving and during the holidays can make a dent in the annual budget, it can also be a great source of motivation (and even loyalty) for employees…hint, hint!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 24, 2014 | Career
Cutout Pin Dress – $425 – Photo: neimanmarcus.com
I’m in fashion lust with this Raoul Salvador contour cutout pin dress from Neiman Marcus. Loving the standout magenta collar of this statuesque dress, and the original shoulder cutout with a bar brooch pin. Stunning! At $425, this dress is definitely a splurge, yet the contemporary details coupled with the classic sheath silhouette make this a worthwhile investment for business and pleasure!
And while we’re talking about cutout dresses that are still work-appropriate, this Emilio Pucci shoulder cutout wool dress is a super-splurge but what a classic beauty! In a more reasonable price range, I also like this French Connection cutout sheath dress, as well as this Vince Camuto steal!
Seen a great, work-appropriate fashion pick you’d like to share? Please leave a comment!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 23, 2014 | Career
Weekly news update – Photo: blackgirllonghair.com
Happy Sunday! Hope everyone is having a great week-end, as we’re preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving! Here is my weekly news update:
- In great women’s leadership news this week, the Wall Street Journal celebrates the US naming its first female Postmaster General;
- In boss news, Inc. writes about the 5 things your boss wants to hear;
- Forbes reveals Linked In has a new competition in the upcoming “Facebook at work” service, Slack;
- Bustle writes about how to respond to harassment at work, on the street, and everywhere, while revealing retailers are now using skinny mirrors to motivate buyers (I knew that dress wasn’t a size 4);
- Planning to go back to work after a leave of absence? The Huff Post Business tips us off on how to explain gaps in employment, and also why you may not be getting the job;
- Did you know women make even less when they work for men? Well, the Washington Post explains why;
- Wondering what a hiring manager sees when they look at your resume? Slate literally highlights how they scan your resumes in about six seconds (yes, six seconds);
- We already knew sexism is well and alive, and the Huff Post Media follows an Australian TV anchor who wears the same suit every day to prove sexism is wrong;
- Fast Company writes about the incredibly inspiring women who are trying to change the media and tech establishments;
- This Harvard Business Review article will make you rethink “what you know about high achieving women”;
- As we’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Fashionista writes about how to stylishly hide a food baby during Thanksgiving;
- Last but not least, I wrote about 5 ways social media is ruining your career, and why wisely choosing your partner can save your career.
Happy Sunday, and happy reading!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 21, 2014 | Career
Photo: ghanacelebrities.com
I wrote earlier about 5 ways social media is ruining your career, and before you click away to get back to your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, please hear me out. Have you ever asked yourself how much time you really spend on social media while at work? Or do you just avoid the question altogether (because the answer would make your head spin)? Well, maybe you should, maybe we all should…
According to Entrepreneur magazine, the average millennial spends 18 hours consuming media, mostly content by peers. Business Insider found that social is now the new Internet activity, while BusinessWeek is astounded that the average American is neglecting their pets in favor of social media (shut the front door!). And out of all that crazy use, 60% of all employees admit to wasting 30 minutes to an hour each day at work on the Internet and social media. And unless you’re a social media manager (which most of us aren’t), there’s no rhyme or reason for all this social voyeurism while on the clock, talking about you’re trying to keep in touch…And even then, there’s an app for that…
So, really how much time do you spend on social medial while on the clock?
[polldaddy poll=8467301]
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 21, 2014 | Career
Tory Burch Corss-body bad – $304.49 – Photo: nordstrom
Sooo I’ve been on the hunt for a ladylike, stylish AND practical cross-body bag (notice how practical is my last desired attribute, not even two toddlers and zero time will make me become fashion-practical…anyways, don’t judge me!). My week-end (and Christmas, dear hubby, are you reading?) pick is this Tory Burch Amanda cross-body bag from Nordstrom. It’s a bit of a splurge at $304.49 (although it’s 30% off).
I like the fact that it’s roomy enough without the backpack look, and the nude color complements pretty much any outfit style or color. Plus, really, who doesn’t love Tory Burch anything?
I also like this Michael Kors flat cross body bag option, and this colorful version from Coach warms my shopper’s heart. Now this Rebecca Minkoff one from Bloomingdale’s is more suited to a nice dinner date out (minus the kids’ diaper bag), while this color blocked Kate Spade has me wanting to head to Sunday brunch early.
What are your favorite cross-body bags?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 21, 2014 | Career |
Photo: the grio.com
Ok, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and a few other social media sites. And although I’m not posting any drunken, or inappropriate selfies (I never understood the drunken selfie concept, shouldn’t you be unable to function let alone take a selfie, but I digress…), I realize, as annoying as it may be, my simple online presence may wreak havoc with my career. Yes, while social media sites like Linked In for instance can boost your chances at landing the career of your dreams, others can spell the end of your professional reputation.
Take for instance, befriending a co-worker on your Facebook page. Or having an old high school girlfriend unearth questionable pictures or stories about you? There are indeed many ways your seemingly innocent social media banter can cost you at work:
1. There’s a thin line between…personal and professional! And these can be blurred pretty fast, and at times irretrievably…Avoid mixing personal and professional on your social networks, and if you do, keep some clear boundaries between your contacts! Sites like Hibe.com can help you do just that…
2. Keep your network in check! Oftentimes, it’s less about the stuff you post than the stuff others post about you, on your page. If your audience is less politically correct than Jimmy Kimmell, you may want to put them in check….or restrict your privacy settings, pronto!
3. Timing is EVERYTHING! Remember your posts are time-stamped, so if you’re posting links to hilarious videos during work hours, beware! This could get you fired or dropped from the running to the job of your dreams, so post carefully!
4. First impressions matter! If your profile picture features your side boob as main character, or last year’s wardrobe malfunction somehow found its way on your Instagram page, you’re not exactly making the best first impression! Prospective employers do scour your social media profiles, and so do current employers! So just as you wouldn’t want your annoying sister-in-law to find a less than flattering pic of you anywhere, polish your appearance, both in person and on social media!
5. What happens on the Internet stays on the Internet! Those pics from Spring break in Cancun with you adoringly cradling a bottle of Moet? They were, and still are online somewhere. So don’t let your new educated, “bourgie” reputation fool you! What happens in Internet Land stays in Internet Land, except there are no secrets on Internet Land, and that banking firm may not exactly pick your stellar resume over your questionable love pics with champagne bottles! Dust the skeletons in your closet, and get to deleting…
What are other ways to prevent social media from killing your career?
The Corporate Sis.
