ARTICLES

Demanding change from people rarely works. If it happens, it’s done begrudgingly and inevitably will not last. That is the stick, forcing change with threats. What is far more effective is the carrot, enticing change with the promise of reward. But whichever approach you take, behavioural change hinges on making what you want appealing enough to induce a sustainable change in behaviour.

Understanding how to say no effectively is a critical career and communication skill. Use this bridging technique to help you.

Positive role models, representation and good mentors are vital in life and for career success. Think about how, as a mentor, you can have a powerful, useful and inspiring impact. Build your legacy and give back in a meaningful way.

Strengths are the fuel that makes work feel energising rather than draining. When you take your strengths from good to great, and then from great to extraordinary, you not only stand out in your career, you also feel more confident, motivated and fulfilled.

‘Trust your gut’ is common advice when we are faced with a decision. But why would we do that? What does our gut know (intuitively) that our conscious self doesn’t? Perhaps more than we know. Gut instinct comes from the connection between your gut and your brain, bringing everything you know, like, believe and feel together, which is why you should trust it in real-world situations.

Career journeys are rarely a neat and tidy story, moving along a single onward line. If your plan is too fixed, there is no space for seizing opportunities as they appear, and trying new things to see where they take you.

Other than your name and contact details, your profile is the most important part of your CV. If you can’t keep the recruiter/hiring manager’s attention in this brief section, you have lost them and they won’t read the rest of your CV, however fantastic it may be. But how do you make your profile so engaging that they will want to read the rest of your CV?

There’s a lot to think about when you start a new job, a hundred things, big and small, that you don’t know but need to learn very quickly. Some things you can plan for, some you can’t. But there is one sure-fire way to make yourself unpopular and set you back on your path to success and it happens more times than it should - coming on too strong and trying too hard.

Want to look confident? Get to know your shine time and structure your day around your optimal schedule. Understand your windows of opportunity to maximise your effectiveness and impact.

Most of us dread writing or updating our CV. It can feel awkward, overwhelming, or like a tedious admin task. But the truth is, a little discomfort now can lead to a lot of growth later and no regrets about potential missed opportunities. Here are four reasons why updating your CV can actually be a positive, productive experience. No pain, no gain - here's how to make it hurt less.

A lack of confidence can be a very real barrier to career success and being fulfilled at work. It might stop you from putting yourself forward for opportunities, voicing your ideas or pulling back when faced with a new or challenging situation. It can also hinder how well you ‘sell’ yourself in interviews. For those who lack confidence and experience low self-esteem, there are things you can do to help you feel more confident. Here are the five steps I recommend.

Can you talk about why your brand is so strong or great? Do you even have a personal brand? And why is it so important? Find out more...

Your CV is about you, but not for you. It needs to be a clear, concise showcase of what you have to offer with relevant information and evidence that you can meet the roles requirements AND bring the skills, knowledge, attitude and experience to deliver success. A clear, concise, accessible CV makes it very easy for the reader to scan and puts you in the ‘must know more’ pile of candidates, don’t make them hunt for the info they need or they’ll move on! And science shows two

Are you overlooking or downplaying the skills, strengths, knowledge and experience that make you good at your job? Do you take for granted that people know what you are good at? If you’re struggling to understand what you’re good at or find it hard to articulate your strengths, then a session of Career Therapy will help you.

Working isn’t just ‘doing’. Working is allowing your brain to process information and generate fresh thinking.

Successfully asking for a pay rise isn’t about money. Of course, it is about money, but there’s far more to it than the figure itself. Use this simple, structured approach that is proven to work.

Over-apologising, saying sorry excessively, can be damaging, undermining a woman’s confidence, authority and credibility.

Taking time to time is vital to work (and live) well-being. It allows us to generate fresh ideas and use our time strategically.

Tackling perfectionism to make more progress and be less of a perfectionist: The fear of not achieving perfection is strong enough to prevent them from starting in the first place or, if they do manage to start, not getting things finished. And not finishing causes a confidence wobble, which starts the cycle of self-doubt and pushing for perfection again. But it is vital to understand that perfection drains your confidence.

Confidence isn’t fixed — it’s flexible and shaped by context, experience, and mindset. If it can be lost, it can be rebuilt. Confidence grows through action, self-awareness, and reframing fear. It’s not who you are, it’s how you choose to show up. And it’s always reclaimable.