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Let’s be real — climbing the career ladder isn’t just about working harder or being the most skilled. Success often comes down to how well you navigate the corporate playbook. It’s just the reality of workplace dynamics. But here’s the good news: if you approach it strategically, you can stand out, get recognized, and unlock bigger opportunities. 3 practical steps to master the playbook (plus a few mistakes to avoid): 1. Build strategic relationships It’s not just about who you know — it’s about who knows you. Identify key players in your department and across the company: Who runs major projects? Who has access to senior leadership? Reach out, introduce yourself, and express interest in learning about their work. Aim to connect with people — one coffee chat at a time could change your career trajectory. 2. Say yes to opportunities with important stakeholders Sometimes, it’s not about the project itself but who’s in the room. Volunteer to assist or observe in high-profile meetings. For example: "I’d love to join the ABC meeting to better understand our approach. I can also write a recap for the team afterward." Proximity to decision-makers often leads to recognition. 3. Make yourself visible — but with respect Don’t overdo it by trying to be a “know-it-all” in meetings. Instead of publicly correcting others, ask thoughtful questions privately. Courtesy goes a long way in building trust and avoiding unnecessary tension. Mistakes to avoid: Gossiping or venting about colleagues or your employer, especially online. It’s not worth the risk. Using unprofessional communication — crude jokes or casual remarks can backfire. Ignoring the power of perception. In a corporate setting, what looks good often matters as much as what is good.

With economists warning of a potential recession — some even saying we're already in one — it's hard not to feel the weight of global inflation, layoffs, and instability. While we can't control the economy, we can control how we prepare for tougher times. Being proactive is always better than being reactive. Here are 4 career strategies to help you stay ahead: Evaluate your company’s stability and your role's security. If your company seems vulnerable to layoffs, start preparing now. Polish your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and engage with recruiters. Remember, it’s easier to find a job when you already have one. Get involved with other teams. Make yourself harder to replace by gaining experience across different projects. In your next 1:1 with your manager, express interest in cross-team opportunities. Boost your visibility. Stand out, especially if you’re in a remote role. Contribute to shared documents that many people view. Volunteer to take meeting notes and send them out afterward. Network before you need to. Build connections consistently. Start small: aim to connect with 2 new people a week. Reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, expressing interest in staying on their radar for future opportunities. Stay ready, stay visible, and stay connected. Preparation today could save you from panic tomorrow. What other strategies have worked for you?

Pressure moments—whether it’s a big meeting, interview, or presentation can catch us off guard and impact our performance. Without a strategy to stay composed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and underdeliver. The good news? Staying calm under pressure is a skill you can develop. Here are three unconventional strategies that can help you perform at your best: Shift Your Perspective We often put unnecessary weight on a single moment, thinking it’s our only shot. In reality, it’s just one of many opportunities in your career. Instead of magnifying the stakes, remind yourself that this is a learning experience, and there will be more opportunities ahead. Get Moving Before the Event The hours leading up to a big event can feel overwhelming. To reset your focus, try a brisk walk or light exercise beforehand. Doing something physical helps clear your mind and puts you in a better state to perform. Mentally Prepare for the Key Moments Spend time beforehand thinking through the scenarios you might encounter and how you’d respond. When you mentally prepare for challenges ahead of time, they don’t feel as intimidating when they happen. You can approach high-pressure situations with confidence and clarity.

Storytelling is at the core of everything you do in your career—personal branding, interviewing, selling ideas, leading teams, or getting promoted. The most successful people? They’re all exceptional storytellers. When you ask for a promotion or sit in an interview, you're selling a story about what you’ll bring to the table. As a leader, storytelling helps you inspire your team to follow a vision. Why? Because storytelling is the ultimate tool for persuasion. It builds influence, gains buy-in and gets people on your side. But it’s not a talent people are born with—it’s a skill you can learn. Here are five storytelling tips to sharpen your edge: Use hard data: Support your story with facts and numbers. It makes your ideas more credible. Focus on one key idea, backed by three arguments: Simplify your message like a McKinsey consultant: "We should do X because of A, B, and C." Know your audience: Tailor your story to their goals and priorities. Repeat your key takeaway: Say it, repeat it, and hammer it home. Keep it simple: Stick to one clear, overarching message—don’t overcomplicate.

If you're a senior job seeker or aiming for an executive position, your resume needs to stand out in a different way. Hiring managers expect more from senior-level candidates — and your resume should reflect that. Here are a few key strategies for creating a resume that highlights your leadership and experience: Highlight Promotions Emphasize the progression of your career. Bold job titles that show clear promotion paths (e.g., Vice President → Director → Managing Director) to demonstrate your career growth. Showcase Leadership & Management Experience For senior roles, hiring managers want to know about the teams you’ve led and how many direct reports you’ve managed. Be specific about the impact you’ve had on your teams and the business. Skip the Outdated Details If your graduation date is over 12 years old, leave it off to avoid age bias. Also, don’t list outdated skills or software (think: Windows XP). Focus on what’s current and relevant. Include a Resume Summary A summary at the top of your resume is essential for senior-level roles. Unlike more junior resumes, yours will be longer, so a summary helps contextualize your accomplishments and clarify the types of roles you're targeting.

Career clichés often feel overused and generic, but some have valuable lessons hidden in them. Here are three clichés that stand out as practical and applicable principles: 1. “Fake it till you make it.” While it may sound counterintuitive, this phrase holds truth. Acting “as if” can create confidence over time. This concept, often called the As-If Principle, suggests that adopting the traits of confidence—good posture, vocal projection, and assertiveness—can eventually lead to genuine confidence. This approach is particularly useful in overcoming imposter syndrome or adjusting to new roles. It’s important to note that this does not advocate for dishonesty, but rather for embodying the traits needed to succeed. 2. “You can’t learn to swim without getting into the water.” This cliché highlights the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge. Transitioning to a new career or role often requires stepping out of the comfort zone. Freelancing, shadowing, or volunteering offers hands-on learning that reading or researching alone cannot provide. Real-world application accelerates growth and provides a clearer understanding of the field. 3. “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This principle underscores the impact of environment on professional development. Surrounding oneself with individuals who inspire and challenge fosters growth and builds habits aligned with personal and career goals. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or team dynamics, the influence of peers and colleagues plays a significant role in shaping beliefs, behavior, and resiliency. Some career advice may sound like clichés, but they endure because they work. These principles serve as reminders to stay proactive, seek growth, and leverage the power of environment and experience.

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to move up the career ladder quicker than others? Often, it’s not just about the work you do—it’s about how you position yourself within your organization. Here are a few practical strategies to help you grow faster in your company: Be Visible A key part of getting promoted is being recognized. Speak up in meetings, ask thoughtful questions, or contribute to shared documentation that leadership frequently reviews. Build Internal Relationships Most people focus their networking efforts externally, but internal networking is equally important. Identify decision-makers in your division and make an effort to get on their radar. Connect with them, express your interest in learning more about their work, and find ways to align your goals with the organization’s objectives. Diversify Your Work Collaborate with teams outside your own and get involved in cross-functional projects. This not only broadens your skill set but also helps you connect with colleagues across the organization. Volunteer Strategically Select events and initiatives where leadership is likely to be present. Volunteering at the right events can give you valuable exposure without overwhelming your schedule. Find a Mentor Seek guidance from someone in your field who can provide insights and help you navigate your career path effectively. Plan Backwards Define your long-term career goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Research the career paths of individuals in roles you aspire to, and use their work history as a framework for your own growth. Identify the experience and projects you’ll need to pursue along the way. What strategies have you found helpful in advancing your career? Let’s discuss.

All Growth Comes from Challenges Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Think about the last time you faced an uncomfortable situation in your career: A new boss or organizational restructure. Increased workload or more complex tasks. New processes that challenged the norm. Your gut reaction might have been frustration. Maybe you even thought, “Is it time to quit?” But here’s the truth: The biggest growth opportunities often come from doing uncomfortable things. Here are a few principles to keep in mind when navigating challenges: The best jobs challenge and grow you. If you’re working on hard problems, handling pressure, or managing difficult stakeholders, it’s a sign you’re learning and building new skills. Tough situations build resilience. The first time is always the hardest. Over time, you get better at handling difficult situations—and this resilience will serve you as you advance in your career. Comfort often equals stagnation. If your job feels too easy, it’s worth asking: Am I growing professionally? Choosing comfort over challenge can come at the cost of long-term career growth. The right environment matters. Not all challenges are good challenges. If a role feels unreasonably difficult, you may be in a toxic environment or working with the wrong people. Growth happens when you’re challenged in the right setting. Reframe the discomfort: When work feels hard, it’s often a signal of progress. Push through the challenges, embrace the growth, and you’ll come out stronger and more prepared for the next stage of your career. What’s the biggest career challenge you’ve faced, and how did it help you grow?

We’re excited to announce Part 2 of our series! 🚀 After an incredible first session, where we tackled the basics of succeeding in the UK job market, we’re back to go deeper and help you secure those top roles. We will be covering advanced strategies, new insights, practical tools to help you stand out in a competitive job market and we’re excited to have Nneka Onyeukwu,TMP, ACIPD, Founder of Veravril Limited, as a speaker for the day! If you’re aiming to break into professional roles in the UK job market and leave menial roles behind, you don’t want to miss this webinar! ✅ What UK employers really look for: Proven strategies ✅ How to tailor your CV and applications to stand out ✅ Best practices for roles in NHS, Civil Service, and beyond ✅ Live mock interviews, CV reviews, and expert Q&A 🔗 Secure your spot here: https://lu.ma/dk7k6ngb Whether you attended the first session or are joining for the first time, this is your chance to gain practical strategies that get results. Ready to land your dream job in 2025? Let’s make it happen! 🚀 #UKJobMarket #CareerGrowth #JobSearch #BreakingBarriers #JobgapAI

Unconventional Ways to Stand Out in Your Career Let’s start with an analogy. Imagine the hottest new venue just opened in your city, and there’s a huge line at the front door. Thousands of people are waiting, and it’s clear you’re never getting in. What do you do? You think creatively. Instead of waiting, you find a back alley, climb over a dumpster, and sneak in through the kitchen. You found the side door—the entrance no one else was using. This same concept applies to your career. While most people are stuck waiting in line at the "front door" (doing what everyone else does), finding the "side door" can set you apart and significantly increase your chances of success. What is the front door? The front door is the conventional approach that most people take. It works, but it’s highly competitive. For example, over 96% of job seekers apply to jobs through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed using one-click applications. What is the side door? The side door is the unconventional, creative path that few people consider. It takes more effort to find, but it often leads to less competition and better results. Here are a few examples of how to find the side door in different career situations: Finding a job Front door: Sending out mass applications through job boards. Side door: Reaching out to recruiters directly with a tailored resume. For startups or smaller companies, go a step further—send the hiring manager a sample of your work that demonstrates you can already do the job. Building your network and personal brand Front door: Attending networking events and adding people on LinkedIn. Side door: Sending personalized cold emails to industry leaders and asking to interview them. Then, share those insights publicly to build your network. Alternatively, organize your own virtual event to connect professionals in your field. Getting a raise or promotion Front door: Waiting for standard promotion cycles and hoping your work gets noticed. Side door: Proactively identify decision-makers in your organization. Share your achievements and future goals with them, ensuring they know your value and potential. The key lesson here isn’t to ignore the front door entirely. It works, but combining it with creative side-door strategies can dramatically improve your outcomes. Sometimes, stepping off the beaten path is the best way to get ahead. What unconventional strategies have worked for you in your career?