by Solange Lopes | Dec 21, 2016 | Career
Samantha Giannangeli
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha Giannangeli, Ellevate Network’s Chapter Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to Ellevate’s Owner and Chair Sallie Krawcheck. When I first virtually met Sam, I could feel her enthusiasm and passion bubbling under her professional and friendly voice. As I got to speak with her about what she does for Ellevate, and about her own life path, I discovered a woman filled with gusto for her mission and purpose to help women through her work. Without further ado, here’s Sam…
Hi Sam! Can you tell us a bit more about you and what you do?
Hi! I currently serve as Chapter Operations Manager for Ellevate network as well as Executive Assistant to Ellevate’s Founder Sallie Krawcheck, and work remotely from Texas. I officially started work with Ellevate last Fall, but have been working with Sallie since 2014. I was initially paired with her through a third-party company as an Executive Assistant, and things evolved from there.
What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
As Chapter Operations Manager for Ellevate, I tend to the needs of nearly 300 chapter members, and basically serve as the first line of defense for the organization. I organize new types of events for our members, and also serve as Executive Assistant to Sallie Krawcheck. This is all in addition to working on more strategic projects for the organization.
What’s the most challenging part of your work?
I would say the multi-tasking part is really challenging. There’s lots to do, and not enough hours in the day, pretty much.
I understand you work remotely. How do you like your current work arrangements?
As an introvert, working from home has really been a privilege for me. Actually, the joke aroud the office is that I don’t wear pants while working. On the fun side, I get to be home with my two cats and do work that I love from the comfort of my home office. I personally find the office has way too many distractions, and I tend to be much more productive here.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career?
When I made the leap to relocate to Brownsville with my husband, I didn’t know how hard it would be at first. I first thought it was a mistake to drop everything and move to a place where I would have to start from scratch and search for a new job. Yet what I thought to be a mistake worked out pretty well in the end. Had it not been for me taking the plunge, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. So sometimes what you think are your biggest mistakes lead you to great places…
What advice do you have for other women who may want to follow in your footsteps?
I would say to take your time, and carefully do your research. I remember when we first decided to relocate to Texas because of my husband’s job, I literally took on job hunting as a full-time job! But I also made sure to take my time and be careful with the decisions I was making…It’s also about finding a mission that resonates with you. For me, it was about advancing women, so Ellevate’s mission fully resonated with me and it was an easy transition.
Thanks so much Sam, for this fantastic feature on TCS! For more info, please read Sam’s official bio below:
Bio:
“Samantha Giannangeli made her Ellevate Network debut in September 2015, as the network’s Member Success Coordinator. She has since transitioned to Chapter Operations Manager, and spends her days helping Ellevate’s dedicated team of volunteers find ways to make the most of their work with Ellevate and deliver great experiences for their communities. Samantha has also been Sallie Krawcheck’s Executive Assistant since September 2014.
Before joining the Ellevate team, Samantha launched her career as an analyst for the United States government. There, she put her degree in history and international affairs to use by researching, writing, and presenting studies to military members and senior government officials. It was a fascinating experience, but it came to an end when a family move necessitated a career change. Samantha and Sallie began working together shortly thereafter, and the rest is history.
Samantha now resides in Texas with her husband and their pair of cats. When she’s not in the office, you can find her buried in a book, experimenting in the kitchen, or exploring her new hometown by bicycle.”
Any questions/comments? Please say it in the comments section below or email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 20, 2016 | Career
Waye Wrap Blouse – Photo Credit: shopstyle.com
I’ve been on the hunt for festive red blouses that can go from desk to wine during the holiday season. Hence today’s Wear to Work pick, this Wayf wrap blouse in deep burgundy.
Loving the modern twist on this otherwise traditional wrap blouse, with a band collar and bell sleeves that add a retro, edgy touch. This blouse is $59 at Nordstrom.
I also like this Vince Camuto tie-neck blouse, also from Nordstrom. And I certainly wouldn’t mind this Rag and Bone Max long-sleeve silk number from Neiman Marcus either.
Which one is your fave?
Fashionably Yours,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 20, 2016 | Career
“Yay, it’s time for my performance review”, said no one ever.
Regardless, it’s about that time of year, when you sit down with your manager and hash out your contributions to the team/department/company, results, and upcoming goals. Yup, it’s performance review time! And whether you love your job or have to drag yourself out of bed every morning, you still kinda have to go through it in most companies.
As fun (not) as it may be for you, it’s generally not all that great for your manager either. Generally-speaking, the whole process can be seriously awkward for both parties (in addition to upping your chocolate consumption for the period). As much as more companies are ditching the whole performance review thing, most are still doing it, which means you’re still on the hook here.
Which also means you may have to seriously consider preparing for it. Hence these 7 slightly unconventional steps to prepping yourself for a stellar performance review (even if you’d rather get a root canal than sitting on the other side of the table):
Dig Out Your (Interview) Prep Toolkit !
In many ways, a performance review is like a job interview. Except in this case, you already have a job, and you’re trying to keep it, upgrade it, or move it in a new direction. Either way, every time you sit at one end of the performance review table, your job’s future is on the line.
Which also means you have to prep for the conversation like a pro!
Put yourself back in interview prep mode, and go back to the same type of resources you’d consult for an upcoming interview. This means digging out your company manual and getting a quick refresher on the organization’s internal practices when it comes to reviews. Check that you’re using the right self-evaluation templates and following the guidelines as closely as possible. And don’t forget to look the part too! You want to project a confident image, so dress accordingly. You can skip out on the interview suit this time, but don’t show up in your casual Friday jeans either!
Also, read up on the department’s and company’s recent events and performance. This will help you place your own performance in the context of what’s happening around (in addition to making you appear extra committed and motivated).
Prep Your Elevator Pitch!
Elevator pitches are not just for networking events or when you run into the company’s CEO in the elevator (literally). Believe it or not, your elevator pitch also comes in handy during your performance review. Reiterating what you’re good at, and what makes you unique as a contributor in your team, department and in the company at large, is KEY!
Read more on how to craft an unforgettable elevator pitch!
Get Comfortable with the Spotlight
One of the most challenging obstacles faced by many women (and men) at performance review time is being comfortable with talking about themselves. You know that cringing feeling you get when you hear the sound of your own voice being replayed? Yes, something kinda like that…
So what we usually do is shrink back and miss out on telling the world (in this case your manager) why we’re so awesome (which we are!)…Instead of outlining our strong points and qualities (as well as recognizing our shortcomings) and letting ourselves be ourselves in the spotlight…
Still hesitating? Give yourself the pep talk, like “girl, you did a great job producing that report”. Or sharing this insight at the meeting, or training your new colleague. Start by writing down your accomplishments, and practice saying them out loud.
Be Your Own Devil’s Advocate
So there’s that part about any performance review that’s about what you’re not exactly doing right…Or the stuff you could improve. Or that time you dropped the ball.
And that’s absolutely normal. Any review has to balance out the “good” and the ” not so good”. Except no one really wants to hear about what they’re not doing so well…
Prepare yourself ahead of time by being your own devil’s advocate. Honestly asses s the times when you may have missed something, overlooked details or simply messed up. The trick here is to present these not as big mishaps, but as learning opportunities to strengthen your performance in the future.
Instead of saying “I totally ruined this report”, say: “this experience with this particular project has taught me to pay attention to accurate report writing in the future.”
Focus on the Positive
A key to a successful performance review process is to keep it positive. No need to dwell on that terrible email you sent to the wrong person, or how annoyed you were at not getting a raise the last three years in a row.
Not sure you can keep spinning on your positive side? Then ask yourself the question: “What did/could I learn from this?”
Every time you look for the lesson, something positive comes out. So when you run out of positive energy, pop the question in your head.
Make Peace with the Outcome
The last thing you want to do is go in to your performance review meeting with big expectations and come out disappointed. So mentally make peace with the outcome, whatever it may be, before even stepping in the room.
Focus on what you can control, i.e. your attitude, how you present your accomplishments and shortcomings, as well as your plans for the future. As for the rest, it’s out of your control…
Prepare to Follow Up
One of the most powerful things you can do after a performance review is follow up. Even more powerful, prepare ahead yourself to follow up …
As part of your performance review prep, include some questions to ask your manager about how you can most effectively follow up with him/her.
What other steps do you follow to prepare for your performance review?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 16, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, 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…
- In super exciting news this week, The Corporate Sister is featured in Ellevate Network’s Top Resources for professional women in the Media category (doing happy dance)! Check it out HERE!
- Feeling the holiday lull? The Lindsey Pollak Blog gives us some pointers to be productive when pretty much no one else is at this time of year (and here’s my take on dealing with office stress too);
- Ellevate provides some super-effective pointers on making others want to follow up with you after a networking event;
- Office gift exchange coming up? Business Insider lists 8 do’s and dont’s;
- Black Enterprise shares this new fund created to help Black entrepreneurs;
- Planning a holiday party? Ellevate Network is sharing 5 ways to make sure your guests are happy;
- Running a business with your spouse or considering to do so? Inc. describes the 3 phases of the process;
- Is being an entrepreneur driving you bonkers? Check out these six tips by Ellevate to maintain your sanity;
- Still pondering over the mistakes of 2016? Thought Catalog urges you to start forgiving yourself;
- Putting together last-minute holiday outfits? All the pretty birds has some inspiration for you;
- Hosting Christmas dinner this year? Food52 suggests 9 last-minute appetizers that don’t seem last-minute at all;
- Last but not least, The Corporate Sister share tips on teaching your kids how to deal with money during the holidays.
Happy holidays!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 15, 2016 | Career
Office holiday parties are in full swing, cookie swaps are all the rage, and year-end deadlines are raging. This is officially Pre-holiday Madness in the office (and everywhere else), and in between holiday planning, gift-buying (and giving and returning), co-workers on vacation and limited hours to finish unlimited work, you’re stressed out of your wits…
So what do you do when the most wonderful time of the year is also the most stressful time of the year, especially at work? When you must juggle all your personal and professional balls at once, all while keeping your cool, sanity and high-heeled boots intact…It’s the proverbial holiday office stress and while we may not be able to completely avoid it, there are a few things you can do to get through it with your edges (somewhat) in place:
Make a Plan.
via GIPHY
As in…make a plan, pronto! List all your deliverable say order of priority, and devise a plan to get as much done as possible. Keep your manager and co-workers in the loop as to what you plan to accomplish and when you expect to be done.
If you’re taking time off, follow these steps before leaving so you can actually enjoy your vacation. Whatever you do, keep the lines of communication open between you and your co-workers.
One Thing at A Time.
via GIPHY
We know, you’re a multi-tasker, and you’re pretty good at it too. Except it turns out that multi-tasking actually damages your brain and career, which would be kinda counter-productive, right?
So instead of messing with your brain by trying to do ten things at once, how about slowing down instead? It’s actually been proven that mindfulness can literally change your brain for the better.
Take some time to practice some meditation, or take up a more relaxing approach to your life and career. You can start with one of my favorite meditation apps, Headspace, which allows you to be quiet even while on the go. Too woo-woo for you? Tune out for a few minutes a day, go for a walk or just sit somewhere quiet.
Self-Care Alert!
via GIPHY
The busier you are, the more you should set aside time for self-care. Counter-intuitive? Try running on empty for a while and see how that leaves your edges…
So schedule that massage you’ve been thinking about for so long. Take that nap you’ve been dreaming about. Or just lock yourself in the bathroom and pee alone for once…
Ask For Help!
via GIPHY
Yes, you’re a #girlboss and you can pretty much conquer the whole world on your own. Except it’ll only make you more tired, mess with your skin and let’s not even mention your edges…
So go ahead, breathe in and ask for help. Whether it’s to finish a project that’s threatening to go past its deadline, or keep the kids for an hour while you run an errand (or take a nap), tap into your support system at work and at home to recharge your batteries and meet your deadlines.
Call Your #Girlsquad!
via GIPHY
Time to call your #girlsquad to the rescue! A UCLA study has shown that “female of many species, including human, respond to stressful conditions by protecting and nurturingtheir young (the “tend” response), and by seeking social contactand support from others – especially other females (the “befriend”response)”.
Which also means that you should lift your nose off the grindstone, take a break, and go on that girl’s night out!
How do you deal with office stress during the holidays?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 9, 2016 | Career
Silk Pajamas – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
My newest obsession? Luxurious pajamas!
Nothing spells comfortable coziness like a set of pajamas that make you want to cuddle under the covers with a hot cup of (liquor-infused) cocoa…Like this NM Intimates dot-print silk pajama set from Neiman Marcus. I love the soft elegance of this silk piece, adorned with one of my favorites polka dot patterns. The cut is classic and chic enough to receive the family over for a Christmas sleepover, yet comfy enough to slumber in style. It’s $190 at Neiman Marcus!
Luxurious pajamas are also great options for Christmas gifts. After all, you may hesitate to buy yourself a pair of silk sleep-in beauties, but the hubby may just think it’s the best gift (with side benefits for him)….
I also like this Victoria’s Secret The Dreamer flannel set from Victoria’s Secret, or this Toyshop menswear-inspired satin number available at Nordstrom. If you’re more into the pajama shorts style, this Kate Spade bow print charmeuse version will charm your socks off, while Cosabella pajama set from Neiman Marcus may just bring out your wild side.
Plus-size pajamas – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Plus-sizes.
In beautifully curvy sizes, my favorites are this PJ Salvage print flannel pajamas from Nordstrom, and this fun silk velour hooded set from Kohl’s, both available in sizes 1X-3X. I also like this DKNY contract trim set from Lord’s & Taylor.
Petites.
This petite Ralph Lauren folded brushed twill set from Zappos will just put a smile on your face. And how about this festive red cabernet petite geometric satin number from Dillard’s?
Which one is your fave?
Fashionably Yours,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 9, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, 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…
- In interesting news this week, the LinkedIn Blog has officially announced that Microsoft has acquired Linked In, which also translates: “look forward to some amazing new ways of searching for jobs!”;
- Not sure what to get for the Office Secret Santa event? Glassdoor lists 7 last minute gifts (under $25);
- Looking to change your business and life for the better? Sallie Krawcheck of Ellevate Network has a radical (and life-changing) approach;
- Did you know looking visibly happy can hurt your career? Read more on Fast Company’s take on it;
- Want to improve yourself for free this week? The Muse has some amazing suggestions;
- Job hunting this week? The Glassdoor Blog lists 13 companies hiring this month (yes, in December).
- Speaking of jobs, Inc. just published Glassdor’s 50 top companies to work for in 2017;
- Networking events coming up? Ellevate has a 5 tips to turn these into effective and fun times;
- Looking for workwear with super powers? Corporette lists some great options with secret shaping powers (hello hourglass silhouette);
- Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year is out, and Food52 has a few (interesting) thoughts on it;
- You don’t want to miss out on Ellevate Network‘s list of top resources for working women;
- Elf on the Shelf, anyone? Here are 3 lessons our family elf taught us this holiday season!
Happy Friday!
The Corporate Sis.
