by Solange Lopes | Oct 26, 2016 | Career
Our Coffee Break feature discusses everyday issues or topics faced by women (and men) at work. Think of it as your daily chat with your work BFF…
So if you happen to have a gym on your work premises, or even nearby, that you could use either before work or during your lunch hour, would you exercise in between your work hours? Or would you rather save your fitness routine for the times you’re nowhere near work?
My $0.05: There are pros and cons to exercising on your work premises or at a site really close to work in between your work hours.
Among the pros, is the fact that you get to save time and fit in your exercise routine during your workday. And you also have access to a gym on a daily basis.
But unless you’re Beyoncé and “woke up like this”, you know there are quite a few variables that go into looking the part at work. And puffy, sweaty hair with a side of running mascara, not exactly part of it!
I personally think if you have the right infrastructure at work (or at the gym), including fully functioning showers, lockers, etc, and you’re organized enough to have all your equipment and grooming supplies on hand, then it may work for you! You may also have to make sure you can have enough time to devote to a full workout, whether it’s before work or at lunchtime.
I have to admit, I tried it but couldn’t quite fit in enough time to work out, get presentable for work and be at my desk without losing my edges in the process! But that’s just me…
What has your experience been with exercising between work hours?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 25, 2016 | Career
Tina Pettigrew – Senior Community Manager at Ellevate Network
I first met Tina virtually through my blog, and later met her in person at the Ellevate Network’s Summer Soiree in New York. The first thing that struck me about her is the passion, enthusiasm and creativity she puts into helping others. If there’s one thing her career trajectory clearly demonstrates is that being open, engaging and passionate about one’s mission and purpose can create incredible opportunities for ourselves and others.
So, without further ado, here’s Tina!
1. Tell us a bit about you and what you do!
I am Sr. Community Manager at Ellevate Network. What that means is that I utilize strategic partners, press, social media, creative, and more to help build our brand as a company and make sure that everyone sees us as a thought leader in the “women in business” space. I do anything from utilize our media partners as panelists at events to write thought leadership pieces for the Ellevate site, to test creative copy in marketing materials and social media posts to see how they affect our business goals. It’s fast paced, I get to be creative, and build real relationships with amazing people – so all in all, a lot of fun!
2. What led you to work for Ellevate?
How did you decide on this career path? When I was in my Masters program for Bioethics at NYU, I was working part-time (and then later full-time) at a nonprofit in NYC that focused on workforce development training. I was the Office Manager there but really spent a lot of time creating curriculum and developing my social media expertise. After I left that job, someone who was on the board there remembered me and reached out to me for the Community Manager role at Ellevate Network (which was then 85 Broads). I think I fell into this career, as many of us do, because I thought the work was interesting, but ultimately it makes sense that I’m being creative every day, as I see myself as a writer at heart. And I love to engage with people and hear their stories/ points of view, so this job is a unique way to do that.
3. Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.
First and foremost I need to check in on trending topics and the Ellevate Network social media pages (Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Google +. My colleague Johanna manages our Instagram/ Pinterest, but I like to talk strategy/ make suggestions often [which she may or may not like, haha]). I need to respond to anyone on these pages and make sure that we speak in an authentic voice while keeping our business goals in mind. Then I likely check in with my media partners/chapters/bloggers, make sure everything is good to go for any marketing campaigns we have going on (a new partnership, Sallie’s book coming out, a discount code we’re promoting, upcoming events we need to sell out, etc.), schedule social media for the following day/ check in on my best performing pieces and adjust my strategy. I chat with people on the phone about partnering, interview intern candidates (depending on the time of year), oversee a handful of customer services issues, review product projects Rebecca sends me, copyedit, scan the landscape of SEO (and make adjustments), and occasionally create graphics and write. We work very collaboratively here, so it really depends on the day/ project.
4. What do you love most about working at Ellevate?
My team! I have a seriously hard-working, bright group of people that I’ve been through the fire with, and I cannot emphasize that enough. Having people you can trust through the good and the bad, who you can bounce ideas off of, and who you can be honest with, is priceless.
5. How do the goals of a company like Ellevate affect your day-to-day job, and your career and life goals in general?
I believe in the mission of Ellevate, so the company goals are my focus every moment I work. I try to ask myself, “How does this provide benefit to our members?” every time I make a business decision. Working for a company that does well while doing good is very important to me, and I think that I will always be working somewhere that has a conscience.
6. What’s the most challenging part of your job and how do you not let yourself get burnt out?
Great question! The most challenging part of my job is juggling priorities. Because after all this is important, and so is this, and so is this. So I often need to take a deep breath and just take care of things. I have had my fair share of burnout moments, but one thing I remind myself of is: “Nothing is more important than your health. Take time out every single day (no matter how small) to clear your head. Take accountability for your own actions.”
7. What advice would you give other women who may want to follow in your footsteps and pursue a similar career?
Just jump in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask smart questions. Keyword = smart. I believe that as an emerging professional, as well as young person in general, it is so important to be self-sufficient. There are so many tools at our disposal, use them! And then ask a smart question to figure something out. Also, find the people in your personal and professional life who have traits and habits that you admire, and build a relationship with them. They will be key to your success. And at work, always prove that you are useful – use your unique skills, whatever they are – and let your actions speak for you.
Bio:
Tina Pettigrew’s customer-focused and personable approach is what makes her such a dynamic Senior Community Manager at Ellevate. Prior to joining the Ellevate team, Tina worked for a number of esteemed institutions including the United Nations, the NYU/Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture, Workforce Professionals Training Institute and the YMCA, where her experience ranged from human rights advocacy and law to professional development and training, with a focus on social media marketing and customer relationship management. She earned her MA in Bioethics from New York University as well as a BA in Health Science, with a concentration in Business, from the University of Florida.
Tina engages the community in many ways: she cultivates partnerships that are mutually beneficial to the company and speak to our values and brand; she is often the face behind Ellevate’s voice, communicating with the press, in social media, and in Ellevate’s marketing campaigns (Invest in Yourself, Female Role Model); and has a hand in customer service. Tina has a reputation for honest and respectful communication, creative problem solving, and thought leadership.
In her spare time, Tina trains in MMA, chats with her 99-year old grandmother, cuddles her dog Poncho and cat Liberty, and makes a mean dark-chocolate pistachio sea salt granola.
Got questions for Tina, or just want to drop her a love note? Please leave a comment below, or email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Thanks so much Tina!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 24, 2016 | Career
Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our “Wear to Work” feature presents selected pieces of professional attire for women at work.
Today’s Wear to Work pick is this versatile ponte twist dress from Ann Taylor (psst….Ann Taylor is still having its 50% sale – use code OCTOBER50). Love the smooth style of this classic dress infused with a touch of wool, with a funky side twist to boot. This piece is perfect for work or after-hours, and will quickly become a LBD staple in your wardrobe. It’s $129 at Ann Taylor, and comes in sizes o to 14 Regular, as well as Petite 00 and 0 sizes.
Yay or Nay?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 24, 2016 | Career
Are you performing well at your job, but you just feel you could do so much more if everyone else around you were performing better?
Or would you like for someone else to walk in your shoes for only one day at the office, so maybe they would realize what your job really entails?
Have you been wondering what other parts of your organization do, and how that fits in with your own job?
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions (haven’t we all), then you may have thought about doing a job rotation. As in trying someone else’s job. And having someone else juggle the many hats you may be dealing with at the office, for a change.
I mean, how many of us want to be stuck in a rut, and do the same work day in and day out. Not to mention the lack of leadership opportunities that comes as a result of it. According to this 2016 Deloitte Millenial Survey, one in four millennials will quit their jobs in the next year, citing as one of the main reasons the lack of leadership opportunities. Considering the recent trend of flattening organizations, whereby companies are eliminating levels of bureaucracy, the corporate ladder has become well…more of a horizontal playground. Translation: the opportunities for growth and advancement are limited. Which takes us back to feeling stuck at work…
Business Insider quoted this expert’s statement to the Washington Post: “The biggest driver of disengagement is people feeling like they’re stuck in a job, and there’s nothing for them there. It’s easier to quit your company and find a new job than find a new job within your own company.”
So what can you do when your organization or department’s structure is pretty flat, yet you still want to improve your career without jumping ship or waiting for the next winning lottery ticket? The answer can be as simple as looking and signing up for a job rotation. Here’s why:
You Get to See that Same Old Company With Brand New Eyes (And Actually be Excited About Your Job for a Change).
You know that feeling when you re-decorate your living room, and it looks like you’ve just stepped into a brand new place? Well, imagine the same feeling, but in your career. As in for once in a really long time, you may actually be jumping out of bed to go to…work (compare to the usual feet dragging and snooze button hitting). Plus the fact that you will better understand your organization as a whole, and be more open to collaborating.
You Get to Build New Connections On the Spot (think express networking).
Nothing like being part of a job rotation program to expand your network overnight, literally. It’s like having a new job while keeping your old one. Except here, you get to meet a whole new team, department, or even mini-organization and establish relationships right on the spot. Think of it as express dating, but at work, without having to split the bill…
You Get to DramaticallyImprove Your Skills (and Fast too) .
Yes, you may stay at your current job, take oodles of training and invest in countless certifications to learn and improve your skills. But there’s something about experiencing a job first-hand that makes you learn those skills ten times faster than you would through a training or class. A job rotation will help you improve your existing skills and acquire new ones in a record time.
You Get to Position Yourself For Success.
A job rotation not only exposes you to new areas of your company, new people, and new skills, but it also helps you position yourself for career success. How? By having access to information and networks you wouldn’t otherwise by doing the same job over and over again. The same people and groups you may get to rub elbows with on your new rotation, may also the ones who may vouch for you when it’s time to apply for that big leadership role. Or put in a good word or recommendation for you when it’s time to explore bigger and better opportunities, in or outside of the company.
In Conclusion…
Between quitting your job, resigning yourself to hating Monday mornings, or exploring potential job rotations, the latter may be the best (and maybe most enjoyable) option.Not sure that’s the right solution for you? Start looking for short-term rotations first, until you can fully commit to a longer-term one. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the process too…
Have you participated in a job rotation? What has your experience been?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 21, 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 this Ellevate Network article, Liz Fedor pulls back the curtain as women CEOs reveal how they climbed to the top;
- Looking for a job? Business Insider has the 10 skills in high demand around the world;
- Undercover Recruiter lists which company clues you can pick up right at the interview;
- Tired of complaining? Entrepreneur tells you how to stop complaining and start hustling?
- Speaking of hustle, The Corporate Sister herself has a few tips on developing a hustling mindset at work;
- And if you’re already hustling in your own business, this entrepreneur gives you a few secrets to start working with your dream clients. Read it on Ellevate Network;
- Bought a new iPhone 7? Forbes confirms you’re in for a shock;
- The Lindsey Pollak Blog discusses the pros and cons of using social media at work;
- Ready for a laugh? Business Insider lists the 14 most ridiculous reasons why people call in sick;
- Corporette tips you off on putting workwear to work for Halloween.
Anything I missed? Leave a comment or email me at corporate@thecorporatesis.com!
Successfully Yours,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 20, 2016 | Career
Super Business Cards – Photo credit: moo.com/us
Disclosure: As a career writer, I have partnered with MOO to be an affiliate for their products. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
In the current professional and business world, the competition is too fierce not to show up prepared. Whether you’re a corporate sister (or dude), or are an entrepreneur, you need the right tools to strive in your career or business. Which also means a plain, basic stock business card isn’t exactly going to help you stand out…
I recently went to a women’s networking event, where this woman’s business card single-handedly created a buzz for her business! The colors were great, the design one-of-a-kind, and the back was adhesive too…Which prompted a whole conversation about her card first, then her business, and before you know it, she had made a bunch of strategic contacts. And it all started with a unique business card…
Which is why award-winning print and design MOO company makes so much sense. It specializes in premium business stationary and promotional materials that stand out in the usual sea of boring, ultra-basic cards and print tools. I absolutely love the originality of their designs, and the freedom and flexibility you have to craft your own brand of business cards, postcards, invitations, and other print accessories right from your computer screen.
Soft floral business cards – Photo credit: moo.com/us/
MOO has three new, exciting deals going on this October:
MOO Notecards – Photo credit: moo.com/us
Here’s to success in your business and career!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 20, 2016 | Career
We’re about three weeks away from one of the most charged and tense elections we’ve seen in the US. Which also means as neutral as we may want to be, it can be a bit of a challenge to spend over eight hours plus at work day in and day out, without thinking or uttering a single word about politics. I mean, there are only so much office gossip and shoe sales you can discuss during coffee breaks…
I have to admit, while I tried as hard as possible to zip it at the office about anything remotely politics-related, it hasn’t always been effective. Especially when your next cubicle’s co-worker’s political rants have you beating your own typing record. Or when someone says something about last night’s debate that reminds you you haven’t had your daily dose of caffeine (or chocolate, or whatever it takes to balance your blood sugar)…
Yes, experts widely recommend the “zip-it” approach when it comes to talking politics at work. And yes, grating people’s world views and most intimate opinions can seriously create divisiveness in the office. Not to mention generate more work for HR…
If you’re going to talk about politics at work, which unless you’re made of steel or are getting ready to move to Canada (oops), you might as well check a few do’s on your list of “things to do to keep your job“:
DO Check Yourself.
As in: be aware of what sets you off when it comes to discussing politics. Personal topics, such as women’s rights, or immigration, can hit close to home, and evoke strong emotions. Except the workplace is just not that place where you can let those strong emotions loose…
So know what sets you off before even starting, or reacting, to a sensitive conversation at work. Use this to control your own emotions and response. And if you can’t, recognize the emotional signs of upset in you, and be willing to walk away…fast!
DO check in with the other person.
It’s easy to assume that the other person, or the rest of the group, wants to launch into a touchy political subject. Or that we’re close enough to them to lay our personal views bare for all to see and hear. But that could also be a damaging assumption that could wreak havoc on your work relationships…
So if you must crack the political joke of the century, or express your concern over the looming immigration reform, make sure to check in first. As in, asking the other person if they’re open to such a discussion. A simple ” I’m open to discussing this issue, and am not trying to impose my views. Would it be ok if I explained how I view this situation, so I can better understand where you stand as well?” Yes, it’s called “diplomacy”, and it’s good for you too…
Do Check Your Facts.
There’s a lot of information available out there. Every time you scroll Facebook, log into your Instagram, or get ready to tweet something. And a lot of that information is not exactly accurate…
So before you launch into a sensitive conversation about politics at work, please consider checking your facts. If you’re not sure of the supporting figures backing up your argument, it’s ok to ask for a time-out until you can actually do some fact-checking of your own. Just politely stop the conversation, and say something to the effect of: ” I would like the opportunity to research this a bit further. Can we table this for now, and pick it up later when I can bring some more insight into the conversation?”
Are you checking for these three things before talking about politics at work? What has been your experience?
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
