How to Work Smart – Take Action, Self-Promote, and Network

Success is about working smart instead of working hard.  This is not a new concept.   I wrote about it back in 2010 when I first started this blog.  I talked about my learning at my first job at McKinsey – how I learned the hard way that hard work didn’t guarantee success. 

What Does Work Smart Mean?

There seems to be a lot of definitions out there. ...  read more

Self Confidence, Communication Tips, & How to Get to the Next Level

Last month, we had a great group coaching call on self confidence, how to become a better communicator, and how to get to the next level – a senior individual contributor.   Become a soft skills gym member today to get your questions answered in these monthly group coaching call.

Below is the first 9 minutes of this coaching call.   The full 54 minute call can be found inside the Soft Skills Gym, once you become a member. ...  read more

Want to Make a Change in Your life? Take this Six Weeks Course

I took this six weeks course in Feb called Positive Intelligence (PQ) by Shirzad Chamine and it was life changing. I am skeptical of almost all training out there. They are usually too basic, too theoretical, or too temporary in its impact on my life. This course was different. It combined 20% insight with 80% practice daily so that I can apply the learning that day. Taking this course helped me built a new set of habits in my thinking and in my actions. ...  read more

How to Obtain Meaningful Feedback from Your Manager

I was initially surprised when Raina (not her real name) asked this question – how to obtain meaningful feedback from my manager. As we had 10 minutes left in our coaching call, Raina shared her situation and her question. She acknowledged that her manager was quite busy. However she still wished that her manager would give her more concrete feedback in her performance reviews so she knows how to improve.  ...  read more

Didn’t Get that Job Offer – What Should You Do Next?

We had an incredible coaching call this month on How to Turn Any Difficult Situation into a Gift. Thank you for those of you who made it to share your questions and insights. I love hosting these coaching calls as we can go deep into one topic for almost an hour. Just by showing up and contributing to the conversation, you are improving your soft skills and helping others ...  read more

5 Tips on How to Command a “Virtual Room” with Your Presentation

Remote work is here to stay even after the Covid 19 crisis is over. This means your ability to command a “virtual room” with your presentation is more important than ever. Even if you plan to go back to your office full time after the Pandemic, your senior leadership, your core partners, and/or your clients may not. You will need to continue to use video communication to conduct business and present your ideas. ...  read more

“5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins” – A Must Read to Transform Your Life

Last weekend, I opened my Audible to decide what to listen to for a long walk. I forgot I bought the “5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins” a few months back. I don’t even remember why I bought it. I figured I would listen to the first chapter and see if it grabs me.

I have been listening to this book since last Sunday and am now on Chapter 8. It’s a must read (or must listen :-)) for anyone that want to transform their work or life. She shares her own gut-wrenching story of defeat, frustration, and shame in her work and personal life and how she accidentally discovered the “5 second rule” that forever changed her life. Her book and her ted talk “How to stop screwing yourself over” is now transforming the lives of millions around the world. ...  read more