Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel Forced, Awkward, or Exhausting

If you’re an introvert, you’re probably used to hearing advice that feels overwhelming:
➡️ “Put yourself out there!”
➡️ “Go to every event you can!”
➡️ “Just reach out and ask for what you want!”

But for many people, networking feels uncomfortable—especially when you're in a job search and feeling vulnerable.

Here’s what I tell my clients:
👉 Networking doesn’t have to be a performance. It can be a conversation.

Let me show you how to approach networking in a way that feels natural—even enjoyable—if you’re an introvert.

1️⃣ Shift Your Mindset: Networking is About Building Relationships, Not Asking for Favors

The biggest reason networking feels awkward?
➡️ Because we think we have to ask for something.

But real networking is about building relationships, not making a pitch.

Instead of thinking, “I have to ask for a job,” think:
➡️ “I want to learn from this person and see where the conversation goes.”

Most people lov...

If You’re Listing Job Duties in Interviews, You’re Missing the Point

One of the most common mistakes I see job seekers make — even really talented, experienced professionals — is talking about their value in terms of responsibilities instead of results.

I hear it all the time in mock interviews and coaching calls:

➡️ “I managed a team of five.”
➡️ “I handled customer accounts.”
➡️ “I was responsible for marketing strategy.”

Here’s the problem: That’s what you did. Not what impact you had.

Hiring managers don’t just want to know what was on your to-do list.
They want to know:
➡️ What changed because you were in that role?
➡️ What did you improve, fix, or create?
➡️ What would you bring to us that you brought to them?

Why Talking About Tasks Doesn’t Work

When you focus on tasks, you blend in.
Everyone in that role does those things.

But when you focus on impact, you stand out.

Think of the difference:

❌ “I led a cross-functional team.”
✅ “I led a cross-functional team that laun...

Feeling Stuck Doesn’t Mean You’re Lost—It Means You’re Ready for Clarity

If you’re in a job search (or thinking about starting one) and catch yourself saying, “I don’t even know what I want to do next,” you’re not alone.

I hear this all the time from smart, capable professionals—people who’ve built great careers but now feel stuck at a crossroads.

Here’s what I want you to know:
➡️ You don’t need all the answers today. You just need a starting point.

Let’s break down how to figure out what you want next when you’re feeling overwhelmed, unclear, or pulled in too many directions.

1️⃣ Stop Trying to Solve It All in Your Head

When you’re stuck, it’s easy to spin in your own thoughts. But clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

Instead of trying to figure out your next role sitting alone with a blank screen, start by:

• Talking to people in roles you’re curious about.
• Exploring job descriptions that spark any interest—without judgment.
• Taking note of what feels exciting and w...

Your Next Job Might Come from Someone You Haven’t Talked to in Years

Most job seekers focus their networking efforts on close colleagues, industry peers, or recent connections. But what if the best opportunities actually come from people you haven't spoken to in a while?

A client of mine learned this the hard way. After months of job searching with little traction, they decided to reconnect with an old coworker—someone they hadn’t spoken to in years. That one conversation? It led to a referral, an interview, and an eventual job offer.

This isn’t luck—it’s the power of weak ties.

Why Weak Ties Matter More Than Strong Ties

🔹 Your closest contacts know the same opportunities you do.

• Strong ties (close colleagues, friends, mentors) often have overlapping knowledge of job openings and industries.

🔹 Weak ties introduce fresh perspectives and hidden opportunities.

• Former classmates, distant colleagues, and casual acquaintances have access to a completely different network.

🔹 ...

 Your Job Search Isn’t Over the Moment You Say “Yes”

You’ve done it. After months of networking, interviews, and follow-ups, you’ve landed the offer and officially accepted a new role. Congratulations!

But before you completely close this chapter, there are a few critical steps to ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for long-term success.

Here’s what you should focus on once you’ve accepted an offer.

1️⃣ Gracefully Wrap Up Other Opportunities

If you were interviewing for multiple roles, it’s time to let the other companies know you’re withdrawing from their process. Why this matters:
✔️ It keeps your reputation strong.
✔️ It maintains relationships for the future.
✔️ It ensures you leave doors open in case things change down the road.

How to decline an offer or withdraw from an interview process professionally:

📩 “Hi [Hiring Manager/Recruiter], I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this role and have enjoyed learning more about your team. I wanted to...

Does Your Job Search Feel Like Chaos?

If your job search feels like juggling 25 browser tabs—applications half-done, follow-ups forgotten, interviews unprepared—you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to manage so many moving parts. But here’s the truth: chaos doesn’t create results—focus does.

One of my clients recently turned their chaotic search into a streamlined strategy that produced real results. Let me show you how they did it and how you can, too.

Start with Time Blocking: Structure Your Week for Success
The first step to a focused job search is to set aside dedicated time. My client started by blocking 20 hours a week specifically for their job search.

This approach helps eliminate the “I’ll get to it later” mentality and creates accountability. Whether you’re balancing a job search with work, school, or personal commitments, time blocking ensures you stay consistent.

Pro Tip: Treat these hours like non-negotiable appointments. Block them in y...

Every Interview Is a Networking Opportunity

When most people think about interviews, they only focus on landing the job. But here’s the thing—interviews are so much more than that. They’re opportunities to expand your network, build relationships, and even open unexpected doors.

One of my clients shared this great story: after an interview that didn’t result in an offer, the hiring manager introduced them to someone else in their network who was hiring. That introduction led to a role that turned out to be a much better fit.

The truth is, how you show up in an interview matters beyond the immediate role. Every conversation is a chance to leave a lasting impression and strengthen your network.

Ask Smart Questions That Spark Connection
Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about having a meaningful conversation. When you ask thoughtful, open-ended questions, you show that you’re genuinely curious and invested in solving challenges.

Here are a couple of my favorit...

In your CPG Career, the concept of a passive job search offers a strategic pathway for professionals who are currently employed but looking to advance their careers. The nuances of conducting a passive job search, as opposed to an active one, involve a delicate balance between excelling in your current role and discreetly exploring new opportunities. Based on expert insights from Polly Rowland, let's delve into how you can navigate this journey effectively.

Understanding Passive vs. Active Job Search

A passive job search signifies the pursuit of new career opportunities while being employed full-time. This contrasts with an active job search where the individual is fully dedicated to finding a new role, usually due to unemployment. While the goals remain similar—to advance one’s career—the strategies and considerations can differ.

Navigating the Derailers of a Passive Job Search

Two primary challenges can derail a passive job search: commitment and time management. Commitment waver...

In C-suite and senior management job hunting, stepping beyond the usual job boards can open up a realm of possibilities you might not have considered. Why? Because the most coveted executive positions are often hidden away, entrusted to specialized retained search firms by companies prioritizing discretion and specificity in their recruitment.

So, let's chat about why engaging with a retained search firm could be a game-changer for your career trajectory. Imagine stepping into a landscape where the roles you dream about are within reach, not because you're tirelessly scrolling through job listings, but because you've made a strategic connection with those who know where the real opportunities lie.

Building a Relationship with Retained Search Firms: A Guide to Elevating Your Career Path

Retained search firms are the gatekeepers to the executive roles that never make it to the public eye. These firms are hired by companies to find the best fit for their top positions, which means they...

Today we are tackling a topic that's often approached with a bit of trepidation: compensation negotiation. Whether you're stepping into a new role or reassessing your current position, understanding your value and how to effectively communicate it is key to achieving the compensation you deserve.

Know Your Value

First things first: Recognize your worth. In the CPG industry, your experience, skills, and past successes are invaluable assets. Before entering any negotiation, take stock of your achievements and how they've positively impacted your company. You're not just a cog in the machine; you're a driving force behind its success.

Approach with Strategy

Negotiating compensation isn't about making demands; it's about opening a dialogue. Approach your manager not with a sense of entitlement, but with a well-reasoned case for why your contributions merit a certain level of compensation. This conversation should be a collaborative discussion, not a confrontation.

The Future ...