Episode 63: How To Be More Decisive
The one thing we all need to do literally every day is make decisions. So you made the right decision to listen to this one today! But for those of you plagued with indecision (like us) it can be a struggggle.
So here’s the tea: being decisive isn’t about being right, it’s about growing and learning from all of the possible outcomes. Plus making no decision is actually a decision — you’re choosing stagnation. So in this week’s episode we’re kissing our indecisiveness goodbye, so we confidently navigate our way through adulthood and get good at making decisions.
The one thing we all need to do literally every day is make decisions. So you made the right decision to listen to this one today! But for those of you plagued with indecision (like us) it can be a struggggle.
Analysis paralysis can mess with us when it comes to making big decisions about our careers, planning big events, and even smaller things like what to watch on Netflix or where to eat. We’ve allll been there.
But here’s the tea: being decisive isn’t about being right, it’s about growing and learning from all of the possible outcomes. Plus making no decision is actually a decision — you’re choosing stagnation. So in this week’s episode we’re kissing our indecisiveness goodbye, so we confidently navigate our way through adulthood and get good at making decisions.
Join us as we chat about:
Getting clear on YOUR desired outcome
How to be more confident in your decisions
Tips for avoiding choice overload
Why having perspective makes everything easier
The ultimate hack of time-boxing your choices
Breaking big decisions down into smaller decision trees
We hope this episode helps you slay your decisions with confidence!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 46: How To Get Politically Active and Vote in the Canadian Election
For young people like us, learning how to get politically active and engaged can be challenging at first. But with the upcoming federal election in Canada, it’s more important than ever to educate ourselves and show up to vote! So today, we’re diving deep on how to navigate the election on September 20th, and why it’s SO important for you as a responsible adult to exercise your right and privilege to vote. As we learned growing up, “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”
So tune in as we cover how to get politically active by informing yourselves about the election and candidates, how to figure out which party you’re most aligned with, how to actually cast your vote and make a voting plan, and the different platforms of Canada’s major political parties.
For young people like us, learning how to get politically active and engaged can be challenging at first. But with the upcoming federal election in Canada, it’s more important than ever to educate ourselves and show up to vote! So today, we’re diving deep on how to navigate the election on September 20th, and why it’s SO important for you as a responsible adult to exercise your right and privilege to vote. As we learned growing up, “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”
So tune in as we cover how to get politically active by informing yourselves about the election and candidates, how to figure out which party you’re most aligned with, how to actually cast your vote and make a voting plan, and the different platforms of Canada’s major political parties.
Listen in as we chat about:
Why it’s so important to get politically engaged and vote
How to gather reliable information on political platforms through reputable news sources
How to make a rock solid voting plan
How to choose which party you’re most aligned with (and legit online quizzes that will take out the guess-work)
How the Canadian electoral system works
How to actually cast your vote in the federal election this September
How to fill out your ballot based on the candidates in your local riding
The main platform points for the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Green Party and Bloc Quebecois
We hope this episode helps you get educated on all of the different parties and platforms and inspires you to vote!
Mentioned in this episode:
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 45: How to stop procrastinating Now
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating at some point. But if left unchecked, the endless cycle of putting off important tasks can cause a lot of unnecessary stress in our lives and can hold us back from achieving the things we truly want.
But, as the soon-to-be former queens of procrastination, we’re ready to kick this habit to the curb because there really is no better feeling than getting sh*t done. So in this week’s Quickie, we spill the tea on 7 ways that you can set future you up for success and stop procrastinating...today!
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating at some point. But if left unchecked, the endless cycle of putting off important tasks can cause a lot of unnecessary stress in our lives and can hold us back from achieving the things we truly want.
And a lot of people think it’s just laziness or bad time management that leads to procrastination, but it turns out there’s a LOT more behind the psychology of why we put things off. Some use it as a coping mechanism to avoid unpleasant tasks, and the human brain is literally hardwired to value instant gratification and immediate rewards more than future rewards.
But, as the soon-to-be former queens of procrastination, we’re ready to kick this habit to the curb because there really is no better feeling than getting sh*t done. So in this week’s Quickie, we spill the tea on 7 ways that you can set future you up for success and stop procrastinating...today!
Tune in as we chat about:
The psychology behind why we procrastinate
Getting to the root of why you’re putting certain tasks off
Shifting your focus to the long-term benefits of completing projects now
The benefit of breaking tasks down into smaller pieces
Why it’s KEY to create a detailed timeline and workback schedule
Identifying and eliminating your distractions
How to use “temptation bundling” to take action
The impact an accountability-buddy can have on your goals
We hope this episode inspires you to break free of any procrastination tendencies you have so you can get things done and achieve everything you set out to do. Let us know if you try any of these tips or if you have any other tried and true methods to stop procrastinating!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 44: How To Network Like A Pro
If you’re on the job hunt, looking to change industries, going freelance, or want to scale your side hustle this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to network effectively, which can be hella intimidating for a lot of people. But according to statistics in the US, 85% of jobs are filled by networking!
We called in the founders of Monday Girl, Rachel and Istiana, to give us the scoop on how we can all network like a pro, nail a cold LinkedIn outreach, how to maintain relationships after an initial networking call, and so much more.
If you’re on the job hunt, looking to change industries, going freelance, or want to scale your side hustle this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to network effectively, which can be hella intimidating for a lot of people. But according to statistics in the US, 85% of jobs are filled by networking!
We called in the founders of Monday Girl, Rachel and Istiana, to give us the scoop on how we can all network like a pro, nail a cold LinkedIn outreach, how to maintain relationships after an initial networking call, and so much more.
Monday Girl provides a safe space for women to explore empowering career opportunities, job resources, and more. Through their network, you’re set up to meet thousands of other like-minded and career-driven women and through their social club membership you can get access to exclusive events, career resources, mentorship opportunities, and curated job postings. They also share a ton of free resources and tips through their instagram account and weekly newsletter.
Tune in as we chat about:
Why you should network within your current company
Crafting an “elevator pitch” for yourself going into networking scenarios
How networking brought Gillian and Cailyn together
How to network effectively online right now (we’re looking at you LinkedIn and IG!)
How to navigate going back to in-person networking post-lockdowns
Networking do’s, don’ts and etiquette
Great questions to ask during a networking chat or informational interview
How to maintain your connection after the initial networking meeting?
What to look for in a good mentor, and how to find one
We hope this episode inspires you to get back out there and grow your network, and remember to pay it forward!
Follow Monday Girl:
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 42: How To Stop Overthinking Everything
If you’re an overthinker like us, worrying about the future, dwelling on the past, and overanalyzing every single decision can be totally paralyzing in your day-to-day life. Overthinking can make decision-making impossible, and it can create tons of unnecessary stress that holds us back from living a life we truly want. And TBH, it’s usually all over nothing!
If you’re an overthinker like us, worrying about the future, dwelling on the past, and overanalyzing every single decision can be totally paralyzing in your day-to-day life. Overthinking can make decision-making impossible, and it can create tons of unnecessary stress that holds us back from living a life we truly want. And TBH, it’s usually all over nothing!
But today can literally be the day you take control of your thoughts rather than letting your thoughts control you. Spiralling thought patterns are learned, and they can also be unlearned. The key is just to identify what’s triggering your overthinking, and then work on changing your mindset. In this week’s episode we have tons of expert and research-backed advice on how to do exactly that.
Tune in as we chat about:
The difference between ruminating vs worrying
Why learning to just act and “think less, do more” can change your life and propel you forward
Why you should carve out designated time to overthink/worry
How to rewrite the stories you are telling yourself in your head
Tricks for taking back control over your thoughts
Tips for challenging perfectionism
The 10/10/10 test for gaining perspective
How simple mindfulness practices can calm your racing mind
We hope this episode helps you take control of your thoughts! If you have tried and true tactics for stopping those overthinking spirals, we would LOVE to hear them, so DM us if there’s something else that’s worked for you!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 38: How To Grow a Business Through Community & Collabs
If you have an idea that you can’t stop dreaming about, this week’s episode is the inspo you need. We chat with Ashley Freeborn, the founder and CEO of the renowned fashion brand Smash + Tess, about all things brand building, entrepreneurship, using fear to fuel your fire, and tapping your network to help get your idea off the ground.
You’ve probably seen people rocking Ashley’s rompers on instagram, or heard about her epic collabs with Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Her brand started the #romperrevolution but here’s why we honed in on Smash + Tess for today’s episode: Ashley isn’t a serial entrepreneur or longtime business or fashion mogul, she just had an idea to fill a gap in the market, and made her dream a huge reality. What she created is so much more than a clothing company, it’s a community, a lifestyle and an inclusive brand that empowers women to live their best lives.
This episode is brought to you by Dove
If you have an idea that you can’t stop dreaming about, this week’s episode is the inspo you need. We chat with Ashley Freeborn, the founder and CEO of the renowned fashion brand Smash + Tess, about all things brand building, entrepreneurship, using fear to fuel your fire, and tapping your network to help get your idea off the ground.
You’ve probably seen people rocking Ashley’s rompers on instagram, or heard about her epic collabs with Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Her brand started the #romperrevolution but here’s why we honed in on Smash + Tess for today’s episode: Ashley isn’t a serial entrepreneur or longtime business or fashion mogul, she just had an idea to fill a gap in the market, and made her dream a huge reality. What she created is so much more than a clothing company, it’s a community, a lifestyle and an inclusive brand that empowers women to live their best lives.
Ashley is a fellow Canadian, who worked as a teacher and then in the finance sector before going all in on her passion project, Smash + Tess. Smash + Tess has since grown from two employees into a team of 40+ in five years, and in 2020, the company achieved 66% YOY growth, surpassing $16.5 million in sales. In 2020, Ashley was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, led Smash + Tess through their biggest growth year, and was listed in The Globe + Mail’s Top Growth Companies in 2020 – being the #1 woman-led company on the list! She is passionate about creating clothing that celebrates femininity, strength, style, and comfort in women of all shapes and sizes.
Tune in as we chat about:
How Ashley made the leap to quit her 9-5 and go all in on Smash + Tess
The journey of bringing Smash + Tess from an idea to a best-seller
The secret sauce to cultivating a strong community
How to use social media as a listening tool for growth
Tips for entrepreneurs to overcome impostor syndrome and use fear or rejection as fuel
The 3 most important traits to crush it as an entrepreneur
How to know when it’s time to go all in on your side hustle
Why you don’t necessarily need professional background in the industry you’re breaking into
How to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur
How to create successful collabs that move the needle
We hope this episode inspires you to pursue that side hustle and Smash (& Tess) all of your biz ideas and goals!
Follow Ashley:
This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 36: How to Up Your Instagram Game with Growth & Engagement
Instagram has so much value for both creators and consumers. It has the power to launch careers, and can literally make or break the success of a company or a campaign. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small biz owner, or aspiring social media manager, there’s a ton to gain from the platform, so today we’re diving into all things growth and engagement for Instagram with Laura Bitoiu, founder of B Squared Social.
If you want to learn how to build an engaged social community, which IG tools you should use to move the needle, how the algorithm really works, why reels have the best ROI, and what tools to use to streamline your social strategy, this episode is for you.
Instagram has so much value for both creators and consumers. It has the power to launch careers, and can literally make or break the success of a company or a campaign. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small biz owner, or aspiring social media manager, there’s a ton to gain from the platform, so today we’re diving into all things growth and engagement for Instagram with Laura Bitoiu, founder of B Squared Social.
If you want to learn how to build an engaged social community, which IG tools you should use to move the needle, how the algorithm really works, why reels have the best ROI, and what tools to use to streamline your social strategy, this episode is for you.
Laura is the founder of B Squared Social, a boutique social media marketing agency based in Vancouver, BC that offers social media marketing solutions for premium brands and service-based professionals. She offers coaching, consulting, online courses, and social media management services, and she basically quadrupled her own following by doubling down on IG Reels this past year, so she knows a thing or two about rapid growth.
Tune in to hear more about:
Why niching down your account is best practice
How Reels offer the most ROI of any content type—and how to crush your reels
Which IG features you should be using to maximize engagement
The secret sauce to going Live, and why it’s worth it
How the algorithm really works, and how to make it work for you
The best ways to show up in your IG Stories and how they actually convert
The value of developing a voice or persona for your social brand
Three things small businesses should do to create a successful IG presence
What tools or software to use to map out your content
How to overcome overthinking and anxiety on social
Strategies for breaking out of a creative rut and brainstorming new content
How to set healthy boundaries with social media
We hope this episode helps you make the most out of Instagram so you can grow online like a boss!
Follow Laura:
Mentioned in this episode:
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 35: How To Improve Your Focus and Concentration with 10 easy tips
If you, like us, have been languishing the past few months (AKA feeling super blah and unmotivated) you’ve also probably noticed that your ability to concentrate and focus is dwindling. Whether you’re trying to focus on a task for work, look alive on Zoom meetings, or start that project/hobby you’ve been putting off, our success all comes down to our ability to concentrate on the task ahead. And in this never-ending groundhog day, it can be realllly hard to focus our attention and see things through.
But there are lots of ways to foster concentration! We are here to help everyone get out of their focus ruts with some science-backed solutions and easy antidotes to distraction, so we can get shit done, focus our energy and get back to living life again! #nomorelanguishing
If you, like us, have been languishing the past few months (AKA feeling super blah and unmotivated) you’ve also probably noticed that your ability to concentrate and focus is dwindling. Whether you’re trying to focus on a task for work, look alive on Zoom meetings, or start that project/hobby you’ve been putting off, our success all comes down to our ability to concentrate on the task ahead. And in this never-ending groundhog day, it can be realllly hard to focus our attention and see things through.
But there are lots of ways to foster concentration! We are here to help everyone get out of their focus ruts with some science-backed solutions and easy antidotes to distraction, so we can get shit done, focus our energy and get back to living life again! #nomorelanguishing
Listen to this week’s quickie to learn more about:
Why multitasking just ain’t it—and how to start honing in on one task at a time
The importance of setting boundaries with your phone
How feedback and measuring your progress will improve your focus
Why you should be managing your *energy*, not your time
How sleep, nutrition, hydration and movement can impact focus
The science-backed benefits of meditation for focus and concentration
Cailyn’s hot tips for how to get laser-focused on never-ending Zoom meetings
How listening to music can help you absorb new info
We hope these tips motivate you to get hella focused and crush everything you set out for yourself! You got this.
Mentioned in this episode:
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 31: How To Crush Your To-Do List and Organize Your Life
If you, like us, have been struggling to cross literally ANYTHING off of your never-ending to-do lists, we are here to help!
In this week’s quickie, we’re giving you tips on how we structure our days (or at least try to), three of the top to-do list methods that pros swear by, and the tools you can use to help you crush all of your goals and leave you worry-free at the end of the day. It all comes down to prioritization.
If you, like us, have been struggling to cross literally ANYTHING off of your never-ending to-do lists, we are here to help!
There are so many reasons why tackling your to-do list can cause anxiety and overwhelm. If you’re super burnt out right now you could be feeling errand paralysis, or if you’re insanely busy these days, those lists can feel so daunting because EVERYTHING seems urgent.
So in this week’s quickie, we’re giving you tips on how we structure our days (or at least try to), three of the top to-do list methods that pros swear by, and the tools you can use to help you crush all of your goals and leave you worry-free at the end of the day. It all comes down to prioritization.
Listen along to learn more about:
The Ivy Lee Method
The Eisenhower Matrix
Warren Buffet’s Two List Method
Cailyn’s tips for getting through to-do lists
Gill’s hot 15-minutes-or-less tip
We hope this episode helps you smash your to-do list and accomplish all of the daily tasks and goals you set out for yourself!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 30: How To Recover From Burnout and Find Balance
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways this past year, there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways this past year, there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
95% of you that responded to our recent Instagram poll said that you’ve experienced burnout in the last few months, and 89% said you’re feeling more burnout now than you were pre-pandemic. Those are pretty startling stats, and as two people who have experienced burnout, we really want to help ya’ll identify if you’re going through it and how you can recover.
Listen along as we dive into:
What burnout really means
The signs you might be burnt out
Why we’re all feeling it more than ever
How social media can contribute to burnout
How boundaries can help you take back control of your time, energy & wellbeing
The importance of prioritizing sleep and wellness
Why you need to slow down and ask for help when you need it
Mastering your mindset and re-thinking how you measure success
How to fall in love with your life again and find joy everyday
Incorporating self-care daily, and not just on #selfcaresunday
Knowing when it’s time to say “thank you, next!” to your job
How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation Article
We hope this episode helps you prevent or recover from burnout, because you are more than your job and productivity, and you deserve a balanced life. Sending you all lots of love.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 29: How to Get Fit And Motivated At home
It’s so hard to stay motivated to exercise in the colder months, and when you throw in lockdowns, working out just seems impossible. We’ve heard from a lot of you that are struggling to stay active right now, and we’re right there with you. So we called in the delightful and motivating fitness expert we all need, Cassie Day. She’s an athlete, coach, nutritionist, fitness personality and CEO of All Day Fit, a fitness community with online and in-person classes and personal training that takes a 360° approach to wellness.
It’s so hard to stay motivated to exercise in the colder months, and when you throw in lockdowns, working out just seems impossible. We’ve heard from a lot of you that are struggling to stay active right now, and we’re right there with you. So we called in the delightful and motivating fitness expert we all need, Cassie Day. She’s an athlete, coach, nutritionist, fitness personality and CEO of All Day Fit, a fitness community with online and in-person classes and personal training that takes a 360° approach to wellness.
Cassie dishes on so many helpful tips for getting motivated to move at home, shares the single most important moves to gain serious strength and tone, and talks about how we can all have a healthier mindset towards fitness and food. Plus, we share some of our own tricks that have helped keep us motivated, from investing in good gear and signing up for workout challenges, to game-ifying workouts and scheduling exercise with an accountabilibuddy.
We’re also learning what it really means to embrace fitness for our overall health, and not just for appearance, so we’re ready to say goodbye to restriction and diet culture, and to add in more holistic movement into our everyday life, like mobility stretches and walking.
PLUS if you slide into Cassie’s DMs on Instagram and share your fave part of this interview, she’ll hook you up with an exclusive offer to her online fitness hub, All Day Fit!
Let’s all help each other stay motivated to move at home! Listen in for:
How we’ve been staying active at home: 2:23
Cassie’s journey as an athlete & how she starting All Day Fit: 14:10
How the pandemic has affected Cassie’s approach to exercise: 16:19
The key benefits of exercising during these lockdowns—especially for our mental health: 18:46
How to stay motivated & find routine when we’re stuck at home: 21:36
Budget-friendly equipment & props to use at home: 23:58
Three at-home workouts for limited equipment & time (AKA the best bang for your buck!) 26:08
Stretches & mobility movements to fix bad laptop posture and pain: 28:50
The 6 foundational movement patterns for balanced training: 32:51
The *best* go-to moves for targeting your core & butt: 36:15
How to approach food & fitness with a healthy, body-positive perspective: 39:21
We hope this episode helps you listen to your body, get moving and keep pushing for the life you want to live. Remember, in the words of Jillian Michaels, “Fitness isn’t about building a better body, it’s about building a better life.”
Follow Cassie:
Workouts mentioned in this episode:
Cassie’s Kettlebell Complex - bets bang for your buck workout:
Animal Flow:
Cassie’s Stretches for low back, neck & shoulder pain:
Cassie’s top moves for core & glutes:
Dead Bugs: instagram.com/tv/CADIIkcHLAW/
Single Leg Exercises: instagram.com/reel/CI8aWwPnvzg/
Glute Bridges: instagram.com/p/CKhAaxyH4oq/
Mobility movements:
All Day Fit’s 6 Foundational movement patterns: instagram.com/p/CKKLQ8IHim8/
90/90 stretch: youtube.com/watch?v=2uW-9KD5XOM
Equipment mentioned:
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 26: How to Negotiate Like A boss
How different would your life be if you weren’t afraid to ask for what you deserve?
In this week’s episode, we’re talking all things negotiation and how to confidently go after the things you want with negotiation expert Fotini Iconomopolous.
How different would your life be if you weren’t afraid to ask for what you deserve?
In this week’s episode, we’re talking all things negotiation and how to confidently go after the things you want in life, with negotiation expert Fotini Iconomopoulos!
A lot of us don’t even realize that anytime you want someone to say "yes” to something, you're actually entering a negotiation. So whether it’s saying yes to a raise, to buying your product, to buying a house, or to ordering in from YOUR favourite restaurant...you, friends, are already negotiating!
And here’s the thing: Negotiations are not about bulldozing others so you can get your way...it’s about creating a collaboration that helps both parties get what they want. It’s about confidence, clear communication, listening and empathy, and when you break it down like that, a lot of us already have these skills—we just need to apply them!
Fotini dives into all of this and more. She’s been helping people get what they want for decades through her new book, keynotes, workshops and virtual courses, which teach the negotiation and communication skills required to navigate any scenario. She teaches MBA Negotiations at the Schulich School of Business at York University, and in April 2021, Fotini is releasing her first book “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want”, so stay tuned for that!
Listen to our chat to learn more about:
3️⃣ 3 ways to practise negotiating on a daily basis: 6:29
🤝All the ways you don’t realize you’re negotiating: 12:47
🙅♀️What’s holding most women back from asking for what they want: 15:10
🗣The most effective language to use and phrases to avoid: 19:07
🤫 Why pauses are okay and key to any negotiation: 24:26
🔑Key body language cues to look out for: 29:35
🧠 How emotional intelligence is crucial in a negotiation: 37:03
😠 The difference between being assertive and aggressive: 41:16
🙋🏾♀️How to ask for a raise in 2021: 43:13
👍 Easy ways to brush up on your negotiation skills: 49:38
We hope this episode inspires you to go after what you want and ask for what you deserve!
Connect with Fotini:
linkedin.com/in/fotiniiconomopoulos/
Courses, books and resources mentioned:
Chris Voss Masterclass
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It - by Chris Voss
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 23: How to Champion a Diverse & Inclusive Workplace
We had the privilege of talking with Karlyn Percil about the racial pandemic we’re still facing, and the state of diversity and equality in the workplace, and what we can do to make businesses more inclusive. Because equitable work is a key to breaking the cycle of oppression, and the right to earn a living in a safe, inclusive workplace is a basic human right.
In this episode, we learned how to use emotional intelligence and positive psychology to help create equal opportunities for BIPOC employees, to shift hiring practices and dated work cultures, and to eliminate harmful microaggressions that prevent employees from feeling safe enough to bring their whole selves to work.
Diversity shouldn’t be a trend, it should be a standard.
We had the privilege of talking with Karlyn Percil about the racial pandemic we’re still facing, and the state of diversity and equality in the workplace, and what we can do to make businesses more inclusive.
Because equitable work is a key to breaking the cycle of oppression, and the right to earn a living in a safe, inclusive workplace is a basic human right.
In this episode, we learned how to use emotional intelligence and positive psychology to help create equal opportunities for BIPOC employees, to shift hiring practices and dated work cultures, and to eliminate harmful microaggressions that prevent employees from feeling safe enough to bring their whole selves to work.
While it is 100% *our* job as white women to educate ourselves on systemic racism and how to be an anti-racist ally, we’re so grateful that Certified Emotional Intelligence and Neuro-Life Coach Karlyn Percil spent time chatting with us about how to leverage bravery, leadership, empathy and vulnerability to create more equitable and safe workplaces for BIPOC communities.
Karlyn has dedicated her career to increasing emotional intelligence in the workforce and helping corporations plan and execute Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. She’s the CEO of KDPM Consulting, the Founder of SisterTalk Group, and she spreads her infectiously positive and empowering mindset tools on talk shows like CityLine, on CBC and in the pages of Forbes and Refinery29.
Listen to our chat with Karlyn to learn more about:
The current state of racial diversity in the workplace: 2:05
Changes you can make right now to promote inclusivity and diversity at work: 3:00
Why corporate “Listening and Learning” sessions are missing the mark, and how to improve them: 15:35
The reality of changing “company culture”: 21:39
What microaggressions sound like and how to take accountability: 22:30
Why you will 100% screw up on your anti-racism journey, and why you should keep going out of your comfort zone: 24:28
Using emotional intelligence to examine defensiveness, shame and fear: 30:16
How to be a better ally through Karlyn’s LEAP strategy: 31:30
The hiring practices that ensure inclusivity and equity: 36:10
How to respond to racial injustice and getting “called in” on social media: 51:08
We hope this episode inspires you to take action in your workplace and further your journey to becoming an ally.
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Episode 19: How To Bounce Back From A Layoff
Businesses of all sizes have taken a ROUGH hit in 2020, and unstable employment is a stressor for everyone right now. So today we’re talking about how to bounce back from a layoff and what to do if it happens to you, with the help of Latesha Byrd, a certified career coach, talent development consultant, Google Digital Coach, and CEO of Byrd Career Consulting.
Businesses of all sizes have taken a ROUGH hit in 2020, and unstable employment is a stressor for everyone right now. So today we’re talking about how to bounce back from a layoff and what to do if it happens to you, with the help of Latesha Byrd, a certified career coach, talent development consultant, Google Digital Coach, and CEO of Byrd Career Consulting.
Whether you’ve been laid off due to COVID, industry shifts, or company restructuring, remember that you are not to blame, and you’re so much more than what you do from 9-5. The best way to bounce back is with a solid strategy: You can start by identifying your purpose, getting intentional about job applications, and as Latesha says, “staying ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
Listen to our chat with Latesha to learn more about:
👯♀️ Our experience with how to handle a layoff: 2:40
👩🏾💻 Latesha’s journey to Byrd Career Consulting: 17:27
🔑 3 key things to do after you’ve been laid off: 19:00
🙌 How to mentally bounce back from job loss: 21:59
💃🏽 How to gain your confidence back: 24:18
💼 Why you need a “Career Readiness Toolkit”: 26:36
💻 How to grow your network: 28:44
😬 How to address your layoff in an interview: 32:01
✅ 3 important traits that all top talent have: 34:37
🤔 Important questions to ask in an interview: 37:18
🤝 How to ask companies about their diversity & inclusivity policies: 40:14
🗣 Using LinkedIn to build your personal brand: 41:11
We hope that this episode motivates you to bounce back and find your next dream career!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 17: How To Pursue A Career You Love
This week we’re mixing things up with a solo deep dive into some career #RealTalk! Some of you have asked us how we got our start in the Media and Entertainment industry, so we’re bringing you the good, the bad and the ugly of how we got to where we are today, and our biggest tactical career takeaways.
This week we’re diving into some serious career #RealTalk! Some of you have asked us how we got our start in the Media and Entertainment industry, so we’re bringing you the good, the bad and the ugly of how we got to where we are today, and our biggest career takeaways.
We know it’s a really tough time in the job market right now, and these days, just having a secure job is a blessing. But we hope this happy hour chat helps inspire you to always keep working towards what you’re passionate about, even if that just means networking more, listening to career advice podcasts, or starting to build up your side hustle.
Gillian’s biggest lessons:
Never play small and always be yourself. Being unapologetically yourself in a role will allow you to grow and make a huge impact at a company.
Always leave a company with grace and on a good note. You never know where you’ll end up or who you might need to call up for a job. The best thing you can do is leave with dignity, hard work, and solid relationships, because it will open up networking opportunities for the rest of your career.
Pursue your hobbies even if they aren’t directly related to your career. Passions create balance and help to make you a happier, more fulfilled person. Plus, all of those skills and qualities you learn from your hobbies will end up helping you in ways you never expected in your day job!
Learn when to say yes and when to say no. It’s okay to say yes to opportunities that aren’t your dream job if they will align you with the future that you want (Think: networking opportunities & new skills!). And on the flipside, saying no to the wrong opportunities (especially any soul-sucking bad fit offers) frees up space to say yes to the right ones when they come along.
Don’t take advice from people who haven’t been there. Everybody and their Aunt Sue will have opinions on your career, but if they’re not aligned with where you’re heading and what you’re trying to do, then they are in *no* position to weigh in. If you’re going to seek advice, pick credible, supportive sources who are in your industry and can help you along your path.
Work towards finding your purpose. The world and workforce is changing at an unprecedented rate, and that “dream job” you’re chasing may not exist by the time you get to it. Pursuing a purpose or a vocation instead of a “dream job” allows you to find the WHY that’s behind that “dream job”. Ask yourself what it is that you truly value about the position you are striving for. For example, if you want to be the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine, is it telling incredible stories that fuels you the most? If so, find ways to pursue storytelling opportunities in any industry you enter. This small yet impactful mindset shift will keep you resilient, nimble, adaptable, and always working towards your underlying WHY.
Cailyn’s biggest lessons:
You’ll never feel qualified for your next role or promotion but trust us, you are. It is totally normal to feel uncertain when starting a new role or taking on a new project, but remember that you were hired for a reason! So kiss that Impostor Syndrome goodbye and step into your new position with confidence!
Don’t let work become your life. No matter how much you think that promotion, title, or company will give you the validation you are looking for, it is likely going to be short lived and never worth your whole life. We’re both guilty of putting way too much importance on our career as the main source of our happiness and identity. But we now realize that true validation and happiness comes from yourself and all the stuff that happens outside of your job. Besides, what’s the point of working 24/7 when you can’t enjoy the life you’re working for?
People are everything. People are crucial to an organization and the more you empower your peers and team to thrive both at work and in their personal lives, the better results you are going to see for your business. It is also VERY important to treat everyone with respect, no matter what title they have, because you never know where people will end up and who you might need a favour one day.
Negotiate! Negotiate! Negotiate! You have to negotiate your salary and prove your worth when you are first coming into an organization, because it is so much harder to ask for more money once you’re in. We’ll be releasing an episode on negotiation in the future, but in the meantime, DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE! And remember that you can negotiate more than just your salary: If they won’t budge on your pay, negotiate more vacation, additional benefits, or a signing bonus. Fight for what you deserve.
The best career advice Gillian ever received:
Therapy helped Gillian learn to prioritize herself and never allow her identity and worth to be completely tied to a job. She was so passionate about previous jobs, that she put them before her own life and health and had no balance. So when she was laid off, her identity crumbled because she hadn’t focused on who she was without her career. Finally putting herself first allowed her to find her purpose and have the conviction to leave positions when she was in an environment that wasn’t a good fit for her.
The best career advice Cailyn ever received:
Cailyn’s career coach, Trevor Timbeck, gave her this advice when she was hesitant to go from being a people manager to an individual contributor in a new role: You don’t have to be a VP or manage a team to be a leader. Every day is an opportunity for you to show up as a leader whether you are managing a project, a campaign, an area of the business, or just a task for your boss. Take it as your opportunity to show what you can bring to the table. It’s like that Rachel Hollis quote, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else's middle”. Shine in your own lane.
We hope you liked this solo episode and that it inspires you to keep pushing yourself to find the purpose behind your career journey!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 07: How To Pivot Your Small Business and Thrive Online During Coronavirus
With the hard-hitting effects of coronavirus, it’s a tough time for entrepreneurs and small businesses right now, so we’re diving into all the ways you can pivot your business to digital, because your business deserves to make it.
Today, we’re tapping into our favourite moment from Friends so we can all learn to PIVOTTTT! PIVOTTTT.
With the hard-hitting effects of coronavirus, it’s a tough time for entrepreneurs and small businesses right now, so we’re diving into all the ways you can pivot your business to digital, because your business deserves to make it.
How your business responds to this crisis will play a huge part in its future, and we want to help, so we talked to digital guru, business consultant and productivity strategist, Alyssa Coleman. She’s the founder of The Productive Entrepreneur, a strategic coaching program, she hosts events for companies like Lululemon, and she runs epic career-coaching retreats around the world. Listen to the episode or scroll down to see all of the tips, tricks and strategies that Alyssa shared with us to help keep your small business going.
We were SO inspired by our chat with Alyssa and have already started seeing results from her advice. She has tons more strategies that helped us, and you can access all those processes, templates, workbooks, video training and tools in
her signature program Your Most Profitable Quarter Yet.
BONUS: She’s giving Teach Me How To Adult listeners a special discount of $250.00 off the program when you sign up with THIS LINK and use the code “FRIENDPRICE”!
Things may look a lot different for you for the next while, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on our business altogether. Whether you’re a big company like Dyson, which is producing ventilators to help fight Covid-19, or a local distillery that’s now exclusively making hand sanitizer (shoutout to Mill St. Brewery), there are lots of ways to pivot and make an impact.
And if you’re just trying to stay afloat and make ends meet right now, the best place to start is online. Spend this time rethinking your products or services to meet current demands, and consider how you can help out and get active in your online community:
Offer encouragement and support to your audience
Give them a behind the scenes look at your brand on social
Remind them that you’re still in business and that you still have services, products or content to offer
Experiment! Get super active on social media and forge new connections. Find your people and let them know how they can help you
Figure out what your customers need right now, and help solve their current problems
Lots of gyms and fitness studios are offering free classes Live on social now. In Toronto, Tribe Fitness is running some of their most popular classes on Instagram Live and offering their full class schedule at a discounted rate via Zoom. All Day Fit launched an online hub with daily workouts that focus on body weight and minimal equipment...just in case we decide to move from the couch. Here’s our favourite gear to use for at home workouts.
Nail salons like Naked Beauty Bar, Olive & June, and Her Majesty’s Pleasure are offering new retail products like at-home nail kits to ensure their customers are still taken care of. (The nail situation is getting dire, people!)
Local restaurants are donating food to the front lines and moving to delivery options at lightning speed. In Toronto, Miss Thing’s developed an online delivery strategy so they could cut out the middleman and keep 100% of their sales revenue, and they’re helping other restaurants develop sites that allow contactless delivery.
Just remember that incredible innovation has still happened during global crises. Uber and AirBnB were invented in the 2008 recession. Shakespeare wrote some of his most famous plays during a plague, Newton discovered gravity and invented calculus while quarantined… although we could’ve lived without calculus.
So, don’t give up! Here’s Alyssa’s advice on pivoting to digital:
Is now a good time to get planning and innovating in your small business?
According to Alyssa, now is the best time to ramp up and rethink your digital strategy. “People are being forced to get creative and become really resourceful with their businesses. They’re using this time as a magnifying glass to say: ‘Hey, I really rely on one specific income stream, and I'm going to use this time to diversify’.”
This quarantine is also a call-to-action of sorts for people who have side hustles or who have been putting their dreams on the back burner. “A lot of us are using this time to really focus on our businesses, on the things that we can control as a way to get through this. Sometimes you need to put your head down and focus on the things that you can control and be optimistic about in order to move forward,” says Alyssa.
Four non-negotiables entrepreneurs should be doing daily
To succeed as a small business in the digital world right now, Alyssa recommends following her “Big Four”—four non-negotiable steps that brands should focus on every single day to increase their sales and customers:
Business mindset: Now more than ever, it's super important to invest in your business mindset. “Entrepreneurship is a mental game,” Alyssa says, “and you need to make sure that you are not becoming the thing that's holding your business back.”
Growth: Look at your audience, and potential audience, and figure out how you can grow by at least one person on your email list or social channels everyday.
Nourish: How can I help people? Every single day, you need to show up and provide value to your audience, regardless of whether or not they’re going to buy something from you.
Make an offer: If you number three really well, then this should never come off as a hard sell. “I love that a lot of businesses are really showing up and offering things for free right now,” says Alyssa, “But we should all be putting out free value everyday, whether you’re showing up on social and answering questions or providing free training videos or podcasts.” Then, you never need to feel uncomfortable for promoting your product or service.
How to make the pivot to digital as a brick-and-mortar business
It’s a really overwhelming time for brick-and-mortar businesses, but it’s also an opportunity, says Alyssa. “You’re going to need to get creative, and most entrepreneurs are very creative and resourceful, so you already have those tools in your tool belt. You need to look strategically at what [you] can provide to [your] current audience, rather than trying to start from scratch and grow a whole new audience. Most of these people already do have potential customers, past customers, online followers.
I think it's really important to ask yourself: ‘How can I show up for them right now in a way that's going to provide value, and then how can I offer something more that's going to make their life easier or better that I can charge for?”
Take a hair salon, for example. Owners could start by putting out some free, value-added content like videos or articles on how to treat, cut or style your hair at home while keeping it healthy. Then, they could buy in bulk and start delivering at-home hair masks, colour correctors and dry shampoo (so we can all look fresh on our Zoom meetings!).
How to make digital sales if you’re a service-based business
Alyssa says that the biggest shift to digital happens when you start selling digital products and resources. Let's say you're a hair colourist, you can start selling digital products and in-depth courses for other hair colourists to master their pro techniques while they’re stuck at home. That’s where the big money happens.
“Create a course and sell that to other people who follow you. Ask yourself, ‘Where are my skills?’ and then find the middle of the Venn Diagram between [your] skills and [the] problems you can solve,” says Alyssa.
If you don’t already, start offering and promoting gift cards for your services that devoted customers can buy for future use. “You could offer a discount where, if you book now or purchase a gift card now, you get a free treatment or an offer that’s fairly low cost to you, but is a value-add to people who might not want to invest in something they’re [maybe not even going to get] in the next six months,” Alyssa suggests.
How can companies shift their messaging to sell in a sensitive, appropriate way?
“The best part about being a business owner in the digital age is that you don't have to force anyone to buy anything that they're not financially able to buy”, says Alyssa. As long as you aren’t trying to scam your customers, and you’re being ethical, there’s nothing wrong with continuing to sell your products and services. Not to mention, the Canadian economy is relying on digital businesses right now to keep commerce going while we all social distance! (No pressure.)
“I really want to encourage, women specifically, to not put their businesses on the back burner because they're worried it's going to offend someone,” says Alyssa. “As long as you're using your common sense, your intuition and you’re being sensitive, then I think absolutely you should continue making offers to people. Because if you can solve someone's problem then it's almost a disservice to them for you to not show up right now.”
How to capitalize on that captive audience and engage your online community
Now is the time to build brand awareness and invest in online advertising. “Ad costs are quite low right now because of the current supply and demand since more people are online and they're really engaged, so ad costs are going down,” Alyssa explains.
Whether you’re starting a social media challenge, hosting a panel or webinar, or going live on Instagram and Facebook, “those things are really designed to create a trusting relationship between you and your ideal client and for them to understand your philosophy on their problems,” says Alyssa. “The whole purpose of selling a digital course is to solve a problem, so your dream client needs to understand what your philosophy is. If they don't understand that, they’re so much less likely to buy, so this gives you a great opportunity to make it super clear.”
Part of forming that trust is giving your audience a behind the scenes look at you and your company. Going live on social platforms allows you to share more personally, and to tell your audience what your products and services are all about. “It's such an incredible way for people to feel like they're hanging out with you right there in your house”, says Alyssa.
Alyssa says going live allows you to “nourish” your audience with free content before you “Create an offer” (two of those four steps in her “Big Four”). Alyssa recommends doing this towards the end of your video so that you start off with the value-add content before getting to your main offer...which you should never feel any shame for promoting!
Is now a good time to start an email list?
Yes! Email marketing lets you show up in people’s inboxes in a consistent way that you just can’t guarantee on social media, with the ever-changing algorithms.
“With email marketing, you have a lot more control. People are—don't quote me on this—70 percent more likely to make purchases from their inbox than they are from social. Literally some of the smartest people in Silicon Valley are being paid a lot of money to keep you scrolling (or tapping to the next story) and they have put a lot of money into you not leaving their app. So a lot of people aren't leaving their app to make purchases. It's great to be able to get into someone's Inbox and have a relationship with them when you send something valuable to their [email].”
Create something super simple, like a checklist, a video, or just offer a coupon or discount for a future appointment. Then, offer it to people in exchange for their email so you can grow your e-newsletter audience. There are lots of simple tools you can use to start: MailChimp is a go-to free service for beginners, and Alyssa’s favourite tool is Convertkit, which is specifically built for businesses and content creators that want to email out regular content.
Don’t know what content or services to put out there? Ask!
“A great way to find out what people need right now, is to just ask them! Especially on social. I always recommend putting up polls [asking]: would you rather learn more about this, or this? Are you more interested in getting it through social or stories or through emails? You'll be surprised at how many people are willing to answer and how valuable that information is for you,” says Alyssa.
“But will online audiences even make me money?” Here’s why increasing your brand awareness online is key
“People need to hear about you many, many times [before making a sale]. Some people say 7 to 14 times, I’ve now heard that it's more like 14 to 21 times [before they consider buying anything],” Alyssa explains. “Sometimes you have to be following someone for years and years before you're ready to take the plunge, so the more you can create that relationship with someone, the easier your sale will be later on.”
Ultimately, you should always be investing into your community, regardless of whether or not they're going to buy right now, so you can add value, create long-term loyalty and reap the benefits down the road.
We hope that this episode inspires you to make some moves with your business! If you liked this episode it would mean the world to us if you would rate the podcast and share it with your friends!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
See you next week! xo
Connect with Alyssa Coleman here:
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Episode 06: How To Be More Productive While You’re Working From Home
Most of us are figuring out how to work from home right now as we all practice social distancing and self-isolation due to the Coronavirus. And we know it ain’t easy. So we did some research on some of the most effective and easy productivity hacks that experts swear by.
Most of us are figuring out how to work from home right now as we all practice social distancing and self-isolation due to the Coronavirus. And we know it ain’t easy. So we did some research on some of the most effective and easy productivity hacks that experts swear by. For us, method #2 has been a serious game changer, so keep reading (and listen below!) so you can learn how to beat procrastination and cross off all the things on that never-ending to-do list (yes, that includes Tiger King) all from the comfort of your couch.
Method #1: The Pomodoro Method
This technique was developed in the early 1990s by Italian entrepreneur Francesco Cirillo when he was studying in university and used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato to time out his study sessions. You don’t have to use an actual tomato timer to do this method, any timer will do, but we’re kind of obsessed with this Pomodoro cutie on Amazon!
How does it work?
This method can be broken down into three easy steps:
First, you need to break up your tasks into 25 minute increments, called Pomodoros.
Once you’ve finished your Pomodoro you’re encouraged to take a short five minute break. Exercise, make a coffee, or call a friend, just make sure to give your brain a break and do something that isn’t work-related.
Once you’ve done a total of 4 Pomodoros you can take a longer break (15-20 minutes).
Here’s the catch - if you didn’t finish your task during the Pomodoro, Cirillo says you have to move on and start a new timer for that same task later on. If you do finish your task during the Pomodoro, he suggests staying on that task and reviewing your work, or learning something new about the subject.
When should you use this method?
This method is perfect for students who have to memorize a ton of content, or anyone who is trying to learn a new skill because it forces you to get laser focused on one topic at a time.
Method #2: Timeboxing
We SWEAR by this method. No seriously, this podcast would not have been possible without timeboxing. It’s honestly like speed dating for productivity.
How does it work?
It’s simple. All you need to do is write down your to-do list and allocate a fixed amount of time to each activity. If you don’t finish the task within that fixed time frame, you have to move on to the next task—no matter what.
It’s helped us get realistic about how much we can actually accomplish in a given time, and it made us stop over-scheduling our days or setting unrealistic expectations on how much work we can actually get done in a day.
When should you use this method?
This is great for anyone who has a bunch of annoying mini tasks to do (i.e. paying bills, responding to emails, cleaning out your inbox, submitting expense reports) because it allows you to block off a set amount of time within your day to complete these tasks.
It is also a great method for anyone who, like us, is a perfectionist, because it forces you to move on from a task and accomplish more in your day.
When you get realistic about how long each activity on your to-do list actually takes, you start to realize you can probably only complete half of those items really well. So make sure to check in after timeboxing and reflect on how much you actually got done and if you need to approach your tasks differently next time.
We swear by this method and found it helpful to use a timer so that we know when to stop. We LOVE this time cube !
Method #3: Eat That Frog Method
Don’t worry, no frogs were harmed in the making of this method. The Eat That Frog method was developed by CEO and author Brian Tracy in his book, Eat that Frog: 21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.
He got the term “eat that frog” from Mark Twain who once famously said, “If you eat a live frog first thing in the morning nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day”.
Ew...how does it work?
This method is all about prioritizing the harder, more important stuff first, when you have the most energy, so that you’ll be able to power through all of the smaller, easier tasks later on in the day.
When should you use this method?
This method is perfect for people who procrastinate because instead of feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, it helps you focus on the most important stuff that needs to get done that day.
Usually these are the things that we put off because they are the most time consuming or the most difficult. But if you do the hard shit first the rest of your day will be a breeze.
We know it can be hard working from home, so we hope that these methods help you feel a little bit more confident to get shit done!
Leave us a comment below or DM us on Instagram if you try any of these methods, or if you have any other productivity hacks that you swear by!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
See you next week! xo
