by Solange Lopes | Sep 22, 2014 | Career
Boat neck color block sheath dress – $150 – bloomingdales.com
Loving this stylish take on the traditional sheath dress! This Lauren Ralph Lauren sheath dress boasts a flattering boat neckline an original faux-leather trim for a modern yet classic silhouette.
The dark waist band is extremely flattering (and lunch forgiving), while the contrast of vanilla and dark colors make for a streamlined, clean shape. I’d pair this dress with minimal jewelry, and classic black or nude pumps. This dress is $150 at Bloomingdales.
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 22, 2014 | Career
If you were even so much as passing by on social medial last week, you would have heard about the (absurdly) incendiary New York Times article, depicting writer Shonda Rhimes as “an angry black woman”. And if you stayed long enough, you may have enjoyed some of the boomerang responses from the media, such as this one, and this one, oh and this one too!
As a Black woman, a professional, and a huge admirer or Ms. Rhimes, of course I went through the initial stages of “No, she didn’t”, and “What? ooh….”, all accompanied by regular eyebrow-raising motions and a few upwards glances for mercy every now and then. And like most women, Black or of of any other race, who read this piece, I also quickly understood this article was not just about Shonda Rhimes.
According to the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, women accounted for “57.2 percent of the working age women population in 2013, compared to 69.7 percent participation for men. And although the number of women is expected to increase, women are projected to represent only 46.8% of the labor force in 2022. That’s less than 50%!
When a woman makes a significant contribution through her work, it uplifts all of us, regardless of race. It gives little Black, White, Asian and multi-cultural girls something to look forward to.
Do you think little girls with a passion for music walk around wondering if Alicia Keys is more Black than White? I have yet to hear a toddler comment on Doc McStuffins, by saying “Oh she’s cool, but she’s Black”. And if it ever happened, they would have probably heard it from the mouth of an adult. Because what does it matter, really, the color that Excellence, Talent or Achievement comes clothed in?
Yes, I’m not oblivious to the fact that race matters, for having experienced it first-hand, in and out of work environments. Yet what matters most is the legacy we leave behind, the rock we add to the structure of women’s, all women’s rights.
As women at work, whatever our careers, calling or line of work, don’t we face enough obstacles as it is? Aren’t we plagued by enough stereotypes to add to the dimension of our struggle?
And most importantly, haven’t we realized yet that when we criticize, demean or belittle other women, we hurt all women, ourselves included?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 21, 2014 | Career, Find Your Purpose
Faith – Photo credit: beliefnet.com
Happy Sunday!
For the longest time, I avoided using the F-word at work. Not that F-word, the other one. As a matter of fact, even thinking about it at work would seem strange. And before you start even thinking we’re diving into some kind of religious tangent, let me clarify I am speaking about Faith, not religion.
All throughout my career, I’ve questioned myself about what Faith meant to my career, or even if the two should be acquainted in any manner. What does it matter to our careers that we even believe in anything? How could the wide subjectivity, breadth and intangibility of Faith even affect the very tangible, very concrete (albeit often illogical) world of work? And as much as most belief systems emphasize the value of work, does this make them intrinsically linked to our careers? Does Faith even belong in our careers? Is it better to keep Faith and work separate, or could Faith actually enhance our careers?
After trying both approaches, I would argue the latter. While I tended to restrict my Faith only to certain specific, secluded activities (usually reserved to hurried Sunday mornings), as I started applying the same Faith to my work, I noticed it…worked. I noticed speaking Life and blessings onto my day job did bring jus that. That thanking God for the favor I didn’t have yet, the positive results I had yet to obtain, produced those same results, and even better. Was it magic, wishful thinking or excess coffee? No, and neither was it religious infatuation. It was simply believing in the things that are not seen, the strength within, the power within. It was inquiring within…
So what’s Faith gotta do with it? More than we may think…Because embarking on days filled to the brim with to-do’s, meetings, and performance expectations without enough spiritual or mental preparation doesn’t work. Neither does failing to envision, speak and manifest our dreams, inspiration and calling. Because not believing you can, is failing before even starting.
And because Faith, as strange as it may seem, has got everything to do with it…
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 21, 2014 | Career |
News round-up – huffingtonpost.com
Happy Sunday!
Hope everyone is having a great week-end! Dear hubby’s stepfather came to visit all the way from the Cape-verde Islands, and we basically spent the majority of the week-end grilling, drinking wine, and yelling at the kids to stop digging out the worms. Hopefully, your week-end has been worm-free, and as you’re relaxing today, here is our weekly news update:
- This week, Working Mother rounded up the list of 100 best companies to work for;
- Forbes writes about the new mentor in the millennial workplace, and introduces their new e-book Their Roaring Thirties: Brutally Honest Career Talk from Women Who Beat the Youth Trap;
- Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve heard about the absurdly inflammatory piece from the New York Times depicting Shonda Rhimes as an “angry black lady”! And you’ve probably heard the thundering response from the entire Internet, such as this one in Slate, or this one in Vox;
- In women making headlines news, Bloomberg News writes that the Reynolds tobacco merger is the biggest deal every made by a female CEO (and we’re so giggling inside);
- Meanwhile, Tech Times wonders if the movement to empower women online will work after all (hello pessimism);
- In not so bright news, Inc. Lists the 10 dumbest (and funniest) corporate emails of all time;
- Ever thought of making gender equality official? Well, Fastcoexist writes about the new stamp of approval for employers truly committed to gender equality (and yes, I’m jumping in place);
- Fortune Magazine confirms women make groups smarter ( we did suspect it, but it’s making us feel all warm inside to read it);
- Missing summer? Project Eve showcases 5 must-have apps to go from workaholic to beach-bound in no time;
- Last but not least, The Corporate Sister ditches the motherhood penalty and instead recognizes that being a mom helps your career. Oh, and I also like the Poacht app.
Happy Sunday, and happy reading!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 19, 2014 | Career
Poacht app – Photo credit: poachtapp.com
So turns out there are quite a few things you can do on the down low, including looking for a job without alerting your current employer you may be coveting greener professional pastures. And of course, this is 2014 and there’s an app for that…Poacht (available on iOs and Android) will let you do just that.
Basically, you call your price (read desired salary level, benefits and perks), and the app matches you to one of the registered companies. You can even schedule an interview with a single tap…Lazy job hunter, you’ve been served…
My $0.05: Great tool for a low down job hunt! Yet, basing a job search primarily on salary level could have the risk of limiting prospects. Well worth the try though…
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 19, 2014 | Career
Circle skirt – $29.99 – jcpenney.com
Everyone (gentlemen may abstain) needs an easy, flouncy and feminine skirt to transition from Summer to Fall, and this circle skirt form JC Penney may be just it!
Loving this elastic was it, fit-and-flare skirt, perfect for casual or more conservative workdays. I’d pair it an elegant cardigan like this one.
This circle skirt is now on sale for $29.99 at JC Penney.
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 19, 2014 | Career
As you may have been able to tell (or not), I kinda like blogging. Maybe even a little bit more than shoes, or hazelnut chocolate (ok maybe not hazelnut chocolate)…Seriously, in a world where 43.7 million new posts are published every month, is the work we’re putting forth as bloggers making a difference in our careers?
The answer is, it does…In todays’ crowded market, standing out professionally involves doing a little (even a lot) more than having a great Linked In profile and/or outstanding resume. Actually, blogging can take your career through levels you may not have thought of before, and even get you a brand new career and/or business.
Read more on: 4 simple steps to create your WordPress blog with Bluehost
Here are a few ways blogging can help catapult your career:
Blogging Improves Your Professional Image!
If you plan on starting a blog related to your current industry, or to the industry/business you plan on entering, it will certainly improve your professional profile. It’s a great way to show hiring managers what you know, how you can help them, and what a difference you can make for them and their organizations.
You don’t need to have a lot of experience either. Being able to research and solve problems inherent to your industry or business will do wonders to establish your brand. It will also show your motivation, consistency and passion, as well as how well you’re acquainted with your niche.
Blogging Gives You Unique Exposure!
The unique digital footprint and online exposure that blogging gives you is truly unmatched! How else would you have the opportunity to publish a blog post, have it shared on mainstream social media and elite newsletters, thereby attracting the attention of leaders in your field? This means that large hiring companies, major decision makers, and influential people could notice and contact you much faster than traditionally.
For me, it’s translated into opportunities to guest post on influential sites and blogs, as well as to make great contacts in the blogging world that have opened even more doors for me. It’s also how I met amazing mentors who have been providing me with precious insights, advice and connections.
Blogging Enriches Your Network
You’ve heard the phrase: “Your network is your net worth!” By letting you establish your digital footprint, blogging also expands and enriches your network in unique ways. People can find you more easily through a blog, and reach out to you through your social media contact (please make sure to include it on your blog).
Networking is crucial to growing your career. However, it does require much time and effort, both of which can be minimized through a strong blogging presence!
Blogging makes you know yourself better!
Writing about just about anything brings you back to yourself. First, because we all are somewhat selfish. And second, because you will first look at anything through the lens of your own experience. And that’s how you realize how much you’ve learnt in that same corporate gig you loathe, and how you, yes you, can start making a difference right where you are…
Blogging turns you into a lifelong learner!
Our new work environments force us to learn on a continuous basis. So does blogging. From personal introspection to research skills and others, blogging will foster a thirst for information that can only help you as a professional.
Some of the valuable skills you can acquire through blogging include:
- Writing
- Social Media
- Use of CMS like WordPress
- Using analytical tools like Google
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Most of these skills are much valued by employers, and can help put you on the map!
Blogging Shows Leadership!
Every time you create content, share solutions, advice and tools with others, you help them! Helping people is one of the most important pre-requesites to effective leadership. It establishes you as an expert and an authority figure in your niche, in a way that very few traditional career accomplishments could ever do.
This is also one of the qualities that is very much valued by business and employers.
Blogging IS Entrepreneurship!
We all have entrepreneurship muscles (most of them dormant), eager to be exercised in our careers. Whether in our current career or the one we are building, blogging will definitely exercise this muscle… a lot!
Your blog can be the platform through which you grow your business, become a freelancer, and even get contacted to write a blog. Just look at blogger and best-selling author Luvvie Ajayi’s success story: from her successful blog came the opportunity to publish her first best-selling book!
Read more on: 4 simple steps to create your WordPress blog with Bluehost
Do you plan on starting a blog? How has blogging changed your career?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
