I don’t have a sponsor. How will I find someone who will advocate for me behind closed doors? First, let me normalize this: a lot of talented professionals do not have sponsors.…
ASK COACH LANI
ASK COACH LANI
Strategic Career Advice for Ambitious Women
This weekly feature was created and curated by Lani Shaw
ICF Certified Executive Coach & Attorney
I failed my professional exam. How do I regroup and what do I do next? First, I want you to know this: failing a professional exam can feel devastating. Especially when you…
I work remotely and feel invisible compared to in office peers. How can I stay visible and competitive without sacrificing flexibility? Visibility in a remote environment does not happen by accident. You…
I’ve been in my role for years but keep getting passed over for management. What am I missing, and how do I break through the first promotion barrier? This is one of…
My workplace is leaning heavily into AI, but I haven’t been encouraged or trained. How do I catch up without feeling left behind or exposed? You cannot wait to be tapped on…
I recently discovered I’m being paid less than male colleagues in similar roles. How do I address pay inequity without risking my position? First, take the emotion out of it and…
Question: Do I really need to revise my resume for every job I apply to? I’ve applied to over 100 jobs and I’m tired. Answer: I hear you and understand that applying…
Question: I hear you talk about career strategy and advancing with intention all the time. What does that actually mean? Answer: It means you stop letting your career happen to you and…
Question: My job just posted internal promotions, but I don’t think they’ll select me. Should I even apply? Answer Yes. You should absolutely apply. And more importantly, we need to talk about…
Question: I’ve been unemployed for nearly a year, and I’m starting to feel discouraged and overlooked. What should I be doing differently to get back into the workforce? Answer: Let me be…
How Do I Build Visibility? Dear Brilliant but Overlooked, Visibility is access. It is not ego. It is not performance. It is not self-promotion for the sake of attention. Visibility is access…
How Do I Negotiate Without Feeling Aggressive? Dear Strong but Polite, For many women, the discomfort around negotiation is not about money. It is about perception. You do not want to seem…
How Do I Pivot at 40? Dear Not Starting Over, You are not starting over at 40. You are starting informed. At 22, decisions are often reactive. You say yes to opportunity.…
How Do I Get Promoted Without Burning Out? Dear Ambitious and Exhausted, If you are already burned out, a promotion will not fix it. A bigger title layered on top of exhaustion…