by Solange Lopes | May 12, 2014 | Career |
Work Gossip – huffingtonpost.com[/caption]
Happy happy Monday! Hope all of you corporate sisters out there had a wonderful Mother’s Day week-end, and that you are up and ready to face the day on this sunny Monday (at least on this side of the blogosphere)…Ok, ok, a bit too enthusiastic for a Monday morning, when many of us would rather get back under the covers and watch some gossip channel…
Well…about gossip, some good news is that it can actually help you at work. Unlike what Aunt Shayna’s advice may recommend, minding your own business at work may not exactly play to your best advantage. Actually, quite the opposite may prove to be true. Gossiping, positive gossiping that is, may actually very well turn out to be one of your main career advancement ingredients.
Spreading positive gossip about your work or department will pay back. As the famous saying goes, charity begins at home. And when it comes to gossiping, the rules are the same. Have you recently successfully completed an outstanding project? Has the department you manage been nominated for a Breakthrough Award? Or are you just working on new, exciting projects that may bring about some positive changes? Well, gossip about it. Good news and positive energy are contagious, and while they may shine some great light on you, they may also encourage others to follow suit.
Speak positively of others: if you have to spread gossip about others, let it be positive. And by the same token, let it reflect positively on you as well. Have a member of your tea who’s just been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the company? Gossip about her. Is your Director spearheading one of the most innovative projects since sliced bread? Yup, time to gossip.
Influence positive change through gossip: Not only should you use your gossiping power for your own and others’ career good, you can also encourage colleagues, managers and other stakeholders to join in the fun. Careers and career advancement are no longer what they used to be. As networking plays a huge part in what have increasingly become non-traditional career paths, we are called to non-traditional (and frankly more fun) devices, like some good ol’ (positive) gossiping.
Gossiping at work? Good for you…
by Solange Lopes | May 9, 2014 | Career |
Black Patent D’Orsay Pumps – $22.97 – old navy.com
For our last coffee break of this week, we’re leaving you with a cutesy find we snatched at Old Navy, that will look oh so cute with your jeans this week-end, and with any outfit you decide to don on Monday as you return to work…And since it’s Mother’s Day week-end, it’s also a nice gift (one of them gifts) to yourself.
These black patent D’Orsay flats are $22.97 at Old Navy, and they’re just too cute to pass up. Get them in black or navy, and have yourself a wonderful Mother’s Day week-end!
And if you stop by our website long enough, leave us a comment on what you are planning to do for Mother’s Day…
Happy Friday!
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | May 9, 2014 | Career |
Happy Friday! TFGIF!
Black Check Suit – $198 – bananarepublicgap.com
So you’ve been doing an outstanding job, and looks like you’re next in line for a promotion? Or your boss just left and rumor has it that Human Resources will probably be hiring from within? In any case, you’re worthy, ready and prepared for the next level…And while your qualifications, reputation and stellar performance may be aligned with your goals, your appearance also needs to be.
I’ve found that throughout my career and the various positions I’ve held, my professional style has evolved. And as we get ready to assume new responsibilities, a new title, and some more money in the bank, it only makes sense right?
1. Invest in a suit! And we mean, a SUIT! Not a frumpy, ultra-conservative, “I am forced to wear this” suit! Thankfully, the traditional suit has evolved A LOT, and there’s now a great selection of elegant, modern and well-fitted suits in most sizes. I still remember being on a budget right after college, and having to settle for the MOST ill-fitting suit ever for my first job interview. Now I go directly to the Petites section! And if you tend to err on the safe side, a black or grey suit is perfect! We love this Banana Republic black check suit in lightweight wool. It’s a great alternative to your traditional all-black, grey or brown suit, yet professional and stylish enough.
2. Mind Your Shoes! As a shoe-addict/ lover, I strongly believe that many a times, if not most times, the shoe makes the outfit! Don’t underestimate the power of a great, appropriate shoe for work! I once heard this VP admit that he would judge candidates, both male and female, by their shoes…among other criteria! And please, please, leave your 7-inch platforms where they belong…in your party closet!
Andriana Pointy toe pumps – $79 – ninewest.com
These pointy toe pumps from Nine West are your purr-fect, no-fail, no-nonsense, yet still elegant work shoes. Can’t go wrong with these…
Curvy Straight Leg Jeans – $54.99 – loft.com
3. Upgrade your jeans! In some offices, you may just have to ditch the jeans entirely! However, when permitted, you may still have to upgrade your jeans wardrobe. I personally opt for a nice, straight leg or slightly bootcut cut, in a darker wash. Paired with some low heels, a nice blouse and elegant blazer or cardigan, you can’t miss the fashion mark! Loving these curvy straight leg jeans in ornate blue from LOFT (pssst….LOFT is also currently having a 40% sale!).
Ready for that promotion? Well, at least you look the part…
by Solange Lopes | May 8, 2014 | Career
Urban Decay Naked Palette – $54 – Sephora.com[/caption]
What is your go-to makeup for work? Depending on your respective work environments, you may prefer a more discrete makeup look, if any makeup at all. Corporate sisters in less conservative work settings may experiment a bit more with makeup shades.
As a makeup gal and a corporate sister, I err on the side of what I like to call “conservative dolling up”. In other words, I’m not giving up on my makeup palette, just switching it around a bit for a more professional and put-together look. Most days, I go for the nude makeup look, which is still polished yet subtle enough for everyday wear.
And in case you were wondering, here are my favorite “cult” items for work makeup:
The Urban Decay Naked Palette, available at Sephora.
NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss – $26 – sephora.com[/caption]
NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss, also available at Sephora.
What are your favorite makeup items for work?
by Solange Lopes | May 8, 2014 | Career
Cardigan jacket – $39.90 – uniqlo.com
For our lunch break, we are recommending this cardigan jacket from UNIQLO. Really, what better than a cross between a cardigan and a blazer-like jacket?
Even as temperatures start rising, the inside of our offices are kept fresh, not to say cold, most of the year, what with the AC blasting in the summer. I usually leave a cardigan at work just in case, or make sure to bring one with me. So to have a cardigan that’s also perfect for work meetings and impromptu client lunches is great!
I love it in navy, as it’s a nice, dark (and safe) alternative to basic black. It’s $39.90 at UNIQLO.com, and is worth the double take….and the purchase!
Seen a great, office-friendly fashion piece you’d like to recommend? Please post a comment or email us corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
by Solange Lopes | May 8, 2014 | Career |
Brittany Young
Happy Wednesday!
Today, in our “Sister of Impact” series, we are featuring a sister under 30 who is already making a difference in her community, and also happens to be a future successful corporate sister. Her name is Brittany Young.
I had the pleasure of meeting Brittany through Twitter (thank you Twitter!), and immediately loved her bubbly, entrepreneurial, and ambitious personality. Through her words, her dedication and commitment to advancing the cause of minorities and furthering her own career and mission in life were evident. So much so that Brittany is not only majoring in Chemistry at UMB, while working at various companies, but she is also putting together community events motivate and inspire the youth in her community and beyond…Read below for much more Brittany and her upcoming breakfast prayer meeting, set to be help on the 24th of this month (please participate and donate!):
1. Hi Brittany! Can you tell us a bit about you, what you do, and what you are passionate about?
I am Brittany Young chemical engineering major at UMBC that hopes to finish with her PhD. I am currently employed as a project engineer for Key Technology Inc in downtown Baltimore. Its a small engineering company and I work with mechanical engineers testing prototypes, mostly medical devices and doing research and development. I have worked for NASA, APL, the YMCA and McCormick.
I am passionate about STEM education and increasing diversity within my field. its 2014 and I usually am the only female or Black person at whatever job I work at. I want to mentor students because its one thing to just tell them to become an engineer, its another to actually look like them and come from a similar background as the students and give back. My business partner and I co founded a program atthe high school I graduated from to mentor students. And I have a special “Spooky Science” camp that I run in a Baltimore YMCA for students where they do hands on chemistry experiments as a paranormal investigator. I also have several elementary school robotics teams that I help. Id its about STEM and students, I’m all on it.
2. You have an upcoming prayer brunch on May 24th. Can you tell us about it, and how we can get involved in it?
The brunch is called “Leaders of the New School: A Fundraiser Brunch Supporting Community Activism” This year I turn 25 and instead of doing the normal things like clubbing and all of that I instead wanted to have a fundraiser that honors local non profit groups and leaders my age within my community who have programs designed to help the youth and better the city. The event also gives the chance to network and connect with professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs. Its far too often that we hear about the bad things in Baltimore city especially with my age group.
To get involved anyone can donate or purchase tickets that is not local by contacting me directly and referring to the website:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/leaders-of-the-new-school-a-prayer-brunch-fundraiser-tickets-11121465603?aff
Any and all donations are expected and tickets are available to purchase until
May 14. Individuals or groups can also be listed as sponsors by contacting me where an ad will be placed as well as a 45 second “commercial” for guests to see during the event. Again ALL PROCEEDS support the non profit groups.
3. What motivates you to be involved in your community?
When I was growing up there wasn’t anyone who looked like me that wanted to do what I wanted to do. And the lack of diversity that i see as a professional is also what motivates me. I also enjoy helping others especially students that need guidance and STEM really is fun. The kids always like the programs I have been involved in and would never would have thought they liked it otherwise. Its always a good thing to spark interest early.
4. What are your future plans in terms of career and community involvement?
In the long term goal I see myself owning my own engineering firm (fingers crossed) and retiring to teach in later years just for fun. I also plan to expand my programs and venture in non profit management. Basically I want to be in engineering until around 45 while expanding community efforts. At 45 retiring and working full time as a philanthropist, lol thats my goal. Set myself up now as professional and own company to seed my philanthropy.
Thank you so much Brittany, and much luck in all your future endeavors!
5. Lastly, what message would you like to send to your community and other Black/minority women out there?
Its time we took on our roles as leaders and help make positive endeavors for the community. Also as black and or minority women, change is coming and we have to usher in the catalyst.
by Solange Lopes | May 7, 2014 | Career
thegrio.com
So it’s after-hours, you left work, picked up the kids, ran a quick errand, or just dashed straight home…Or maybe you went to that happy hour after all…Yet, as you’re driving home, getting in the door, or even sipping on that cocktail at the bar after work, you’re thinking about…work! About this project that you’re having a hard time finishing, the co-worker who was trying to school you earlier, or the manager still ignoring your nagging emails….
Or maybe the day went great, and you’re already anticipating showing your manager this great memo you typed up to close the loop on that challenging audit! Whatever the case is, you’re out of work, but your mind quite isn’t….just yet! After all, it’s hard to leave work at work…
As corporate sisters used to multi-tasking, multi-thinking, and multi-doing pretty much everything, compartmentalizing different areas of our lives is most times mission impossible! So we think about dinner at work, and about work as we’re over-baking the pork chops for dinner! And here we are, after looking forward to getting out of work, mentally right back at our desks rummaging through the mental pros and cons of the week…. So what do we do to disconnect the one thing that does not have a battery life, plug or expiration date, that is…our brains?
For my $0.05, mentally disconnecting from work, especially after a long, tough day at work, is the hardest thing. So I do what I usually do when I can’t willingly do something, I force myself to do something else:
- Exercise: Mind in overdrive after work? Schedule an exercise routine after work. Yes, you’ll drag your feet to go, but that’s one hour of mental silence and health boosting you’ll get. Check!
- Meditate: Really, meditating after work when all you want to do is plop yourself on the couch? Schedule some reading or meditation time to unwind after work. Sounds counter-intuitive. Just try it….
- Do something you enjoy: I enjoy writing after work, it takes up the extra space my mind would otherwise use to run back to my desk at work. And since I stopped running about 10 years ago, I need to do something else, like something that makes me a
better more bearable human being….
Are you still thinking about work?
Work Gossip – huffingtonpost.com[/caption]
