We spend years building what we think is a career—climbing, achieving, polishing the resume—only to realize we’ve built something that looks good on the outside but feels like confinement on the inside. It’s not that you failed; it’s that somewhere along the way, you stopped building and started decorating.

Cleaning out your closet isn’t just about clothes—it’s about shedding old roles, outdated expectations, and versions of yourself that no longer fit. This is the career clean-out you didn’t know you needed

What happens when you start leading the people you used to work beside?

It sounds like a natural next step in your career—until it gets messy.
Friendships shift.
Boundaries blur.
Tensions rise.

And suddenly leadership isn’t just about decisions—it’s about dynamics.
I’ve been there, and it was one of the hardest (and most personal) transitions I’ve faced.

In this week’s newsletter, I’m talking about the emotional side of leadership no one prepares you for—especially when you’re promoted from within.

We’re often taught that being hard on ourselves is the price of success—but it’s not. In fact, the real power move in your career might be learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you show everyone else. I wasn’t always my own best friend at work, and it cost me. Here’s what changed when I finally stopped criticizing and started being kind.

Imposter syndrome whispers that you’re not ready, not qualified, or that someone else would do it better. But real leaders don’t wait until they feel 100% confident—they lead despite the doubt.

Waiting to feel ready? Stuck in the sidelines of your own career? No one is coming to give you permission—it's time to take up space. Confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes from it. Ready to make your move? Let’s go.

Ever spoken up in a meeting only to be ignored—until someone else repeats your idea and suddenly it’s brilliant? Frustrating, right? The truth is, people don’t just listen because you’re talking—they listen because of how you show up. Confidence, clarity, and consistency make all the difference. Want to make sure your voice is heard? Let’s break down exactly how to command attention at work and get people to listen the first time.

Setting boundaries at work can feel awkward—like showing up to a Zoom call in your pajamas. But if you don’t guard your time, no one else will. Whether you're aiming for a leadership role or just trying to stay sane, protecting your time isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to say “no” without guilt, tips for setting boundaries with your boss, and why not every conversation needs to be a meeting. Spoiler alert: Your inbox will survive until tomorrow.

If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for the perfect moment—when you finally feel ready, qualified, or confident—this is your reminder: that moment might never come. Confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build by taking action, even when you’re unsure. So stop standing at the bus stop, waiting for confidence to arrive. Take the first step, and watch your confidence catch up along the way.

Leadership isn’t about waiting for a title—it’s about stepping up, taking initiative, and making an impact right where you are. When you lead without a formal role, you not only help your team thrive, but you also build the skills, reputation, and confidence that set you up for future success. The best leaders don’t wait to be chosen—they choose to lead

Rejection can feel like a big red stop sign—sudden, jarring, and discouraging. But what if, instead of signaling the end, it was actually directing you toward a better route? Just like a traffic light, a no isn’t permanent—it’s a pause, a moment to reassess, and an opportunity to find a smarter way forward. Some of the best career breakthroughs happen after rejection, not in spite of it. In this post, I’ll show you how to reframe rejection, take control of your narrative, and turn every no into momentum for your next big opportunity.