GrowthMinded Consulting LLC

As a leader, asking for help can feel like admitting weakness or failure. I struggle with this every day! When I was in Corporate as a Learning Leader, it was expected that I knew it all...given the nature of my role! That expectation made it difficult, sometimes even embarrassing, to ask for help. Now, as a consultant, clients expect me to have the answers, and I strive to deliver, but the challenge of asking for help remains. So, how can leaders ask for help without losing authority? 1. Reframe asking as collaboration – Position it as a way to bring in new perspectives and ideas. It’s about teamwork, not weakness. 2. Be specific – Instead of saying, "I don't know," say, "I need help with this specific issue." It shows you’re still in control of the overall vision. 3. Set the tone – Create an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength. It opens the door for your team to do the same. Here’s the benefit: Showing vulnerability fosters trust. When your team sees you’re open to learning and collaboration, it encourages them to do the same, building a culture of openness and growth. Don’t be afraid to ask. It doesn’t diminish your leadership—it strengthens it. #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #employeedevelopment #careergrowth #culture #collaboration #teamwork GrowthMinded Consulting LLC

I called it before it happened... DEI was a reaction to the summer of 2020. For many companies, it was a short-term fix to look good. For others, it was a long-term strategy to ensure they were diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all their employees. They wanted to change or enhance their company’s culture so that all employees could thrive in the workplace. Growing up as a minority, I knew the signs of real versus performative. I could feel when it was fake and when it was genuine. So, when I designed my Leadership Development program, I made sure it was sustainable and would bring real change to how we build, manage, and lead teams. Now, if you’re noticing your DEI budgets shrinking or programs disappearing, it’s time to talk. My Inclusive Leadership Development program will infuse inclusion into every aspect of leadership, from hiring to inspiring. And the impact is clear: companies with strong leadership development programs see a 25% increase in organizational performance and a 20% boost in employee engagement (Association for Talent Development). Plus, organizations with comprehensive leadership programs are 2.5 times more likely to be financially high-performing (Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends report). Let’s connect and discuss how we can design, develop, and deliver a program that creates long-lasting leaders, increases retention, and supports your leaders to help them thrive. Together, we can help your company grow and elevate your employer brand. Asfa Malik #LeadershipDevelopment #InclusiveLeadership #GrowthMindedConsulting #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #EmployerBranding

?? The biggest challenge for learning leaders today? Adapting to rapid change while delivering impactful, relevant experiences. This was something I struggled with every single day! How can I make sure our content was relevant and impactful. In a world where technological advancement is constant, and hybrid or remote work environments are the new normal, it's essential to innovate and align learning programs with evolving business needs. Here are 3 actions learning leaders can take, and how consultants can help: ???Embrace New Learning Tech: Consultants can assess your organization's needs and recommend cutting-edge tools that enhance engagement, streamline learning, and support employees no matter where they work. ???Personalize Development: A consultant can work alongside your team to create tailored learning pathways that align with individual and business goals, ensuring each employee develops the right skills to succeed. ????Prove ROI: Consultants can help design and implement effective measurement strategies, demonstrating the direct impact of learning programs on business outcomes and performance. Partnering with a consultant ensures your L&D strategy is adaptable, innovative, and results-driven—helping you stay ahead of the curve. As a seasoned Learning and Talent Development Executive with over 25 years of global experience, I specialize in crafting impactful learning strategies, leadership development, and aligning initiatives with business goals. Through dynamic, forward-thinking leadership and a passion for innovation, I drive business growth and foster strategic alignment. If you’re looking for a leader who can elevate talent, build strong teams, and deliver measurable success, let’s connect! #LearningAndDevelopment #Leadership #Consulting #Innovation #GrowthMindset #leadershipdevelopment #opentowork GrowthMinded Consulting LLC

In today’s tough economic times, strong leadership is more important than ever. Here are three simple ways leaders can help their teams and companies through uncertain times: ??? Be Open and Honest: Keep your team in the loop about what is happening. Clear and honest communication builds trust and helps everyone feel secure and focused on the same goals. ??? Encourage New Ideas: Change can lead to great opportunities. Support your team in thinking creatively and being open to new ways of doing things. This can help your company stay ahead and find new paths to success. ???? Support Your Team’s Growth: Even during challenging times, your team is your biggest asset. Invest in their growth, show appreciation, and keep them motivated. A strong, skilled team will help your company get through the challenges and come out stronger. (I am biased towards this one ??) As leaders, our job is to guide and support our teams through these challenges. By focusing on communication, innovation, and people, we can not only survive but THRIVE in tough times. #Leadership #TeamSupport #Innovation #Growth #StrongerTogether #leadershipdevelopment #growthminded GrowthMinded Consulting LLC

Cutting L&D or L&D budgets may seem the right thing to do in trying economic times…but… In uncertain economic times, investing in employee growth through learning and leadership development is crucial. Here’s why it’s beneficial, and how leadership development consultants can help: ????Boosts Morale: Investing in your team shows you value them, which boosts morale and keeps everyone motivated. Leadership development consultants can bring fresh perspectives and expertise to create tailored programs that resonate. ???Builds Resilience: Training equips your employees with the skills to adapt to change. Consultants can augment your L&D team, providing specialized knowledge and strategies that enhance resilience. ????Drives Innovation: Developing leaders encourages new ideas and perspectives. Consultants can introduce cutting-edge practices that inspire innovation, helping your business thrive even in tough times. Leveraging leadership development consultants alongside your L&D team maximizes the impact of your investment, ensuring your team and business stay strong. #EmployeeDevelopment #Leadership #LearningAndDevelopment #InvestInYourTeam #LeadershipConsulting #growthminded #trainingconsultant #CEO #HR Asfa Malik

Saturday Morning Musings on job search… For some job seekers, it’s all about volume – applying to as many jobs as possible and hoping for interviews. For others, it’s about mastering the ATS or leveraging their network. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful approach to find a company and role that align with your goals and values, here’s a basic framework that may help. This morning, I asked myself four questions and reflected on my answers and I thought I would share and hopefully help someone else: 1. What do I want? My answer: I want a role where I can leverage my experience in CPG and L&D to provide impact and value. I’d like to be challenged and a little scared but confident that I can do it. I want to work for a company that matches my values, cares for its employees, and invests in their development. Ideally, it would be a mid-sized company where I can build and develop the L&D function to support growth goals. 2. Why do I want it? My answer: I need to feel valued and appreciated to perform at my best. I want to know that my work positively impacts others and contributes to their growth. 3. What’s stopping me? My answer: Fear. I’m afraid to ask my network for help and support. 4. How will I get what I want? My answer: I will create tailored versions of my resume for the roles I want. I’ll build up my courage to reach out to my network, targeting companies I’m interested in. I’ll establish weekly KPIs to stay on track in my job search. Every day, I’ll dedicate time to building meaningful relationships and join two organizations to expand my network further. These questions may seem simple, but simplicity often leads to achievable goals. What other tips do you have for job seekers? Remember, this framework isn’t just for job seekers; it’s also helpful for those looking for their next step, even if they’re already in a role they love! By reflecting on these questions and taking actionable steps, you can navigate your job search with greater clarity and purpose. Good luck, and let’s support each other in our career journeys! #JobSeekers #JobSearchTips #CoachingTips #CareerDevelopment #CareerTips #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindedConsulting

We all know that the first step of looking for a job is having a resume that passes the #ATS! Did you think I was going to say one that expertly and succinctly illustrates the value and impact you created throughout your career? Yes, that is important too, but first you need to think about how you will get your impactful resume past that dreaded ATS! To help you check if your resume is ATS-worthy, here are a few tips: 1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description ?? Tip: Customize your resume for each job application. (I know it’s annoying!) Carefully review the job description and include relevant keywords and phrases that match the role. This increases the chances of passing the ATS filters. ?? Action: Highlight specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job requirements. Use exact keywords from the job posting. 2. Use a Clean & Professional Layout ?? Tip: A well-organized resume with a clear, professional design can make a strong impression. Avoid overly complex formatting, graphics, or unusual fonts, as they can confuse the ATS. ?? Action: Stick to standard resume formats (chronological, functional, or combination). Use bullet points, consistent headings, and a readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri). 3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities ?? Tip: Highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing job duties. Quantifiable achievements demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers. ?? Action: Use action verbs and metrics to showcase your achievements. For example, "Increased sales by 20% through strategic marketing initiatives." 4. Include Relevant Keywords ?? Tip: Incorporate keywords related to the job and industry throughout your resume. This helps the ATS identify your resume as a good match for the position. ?? Action: Use keywords naturally in your skills, experience, and summary sections. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can make your resume difficult to read. 5. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly ?? Tip: Spelling and grammatical errors can make a negative impression and potentially disqualify your resume. Proofread carefully to ensure it's error-free. ?? Action: Use tools like Grammarly for initial checks, but also manually review your resume. Consider having a friend or mentor review it as well for a fresh perspective. Bonus Tips: ?? Use a naming convention that is memorable for others: Malik_resume_LD_CompanyX.pdf ?? Use PDF formats when sharing your resume via email or ATS – this preserves your fonts and formatting. If you have any other resume tips, please feel free to share in the comments – let’s support each other in landing those dream jobs! But first…let’s get past that ATS! You got this! #ResumeTips #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ATS #JobHunting #InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #ATStips #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindedConsulting GrowthMinded Consulting LLC

Leadership development isn't just a buzzword; it's a strategic investment that yields tangible results. Companies that prioritize leadership development see significant improvements in overall business performance and results. Want some proof??? Let’s look at some numbers: ?? Financial Performance: According to Harvard Business Review, companies that invest in leadership development outperform their peers in terms of financial metrics such as revenue growth, profit margins, and overall financial stability – in fact, companies with strong leadership development programs generate shareholder returns that are up to 5 times higher than others with weaker programs – or no programs. ??Employee Engagement and Retention: Effective leadership development programs lead to higher employee engagement and lower turnover rates. Gallup found that companies with highly engaged employees have 21% higher profitability and 41% lower absenteeism. Additionally, companies that develop their leaders internally often see a significant reduction in recruitment costs. ?? Customer Satisfaction: Strong leadership is directly linked to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Companies with effective leaders are better at creating customer-centric cultures, which leads to higher customer retention rates and improved customer satisfaction scores. A study by Deloitte found that organizations with mature leadership programs are 2.3 times more likely to outperform others in customer satisfaction. ?? Talent Attraction and Development: Leadership development programs enhance a company's ability to attract and develop top talent. The 2020 Global Leadership Forecast by DDI, The Conference Board, and EY found that companies that rank in the top 10% for leadership quality are 2.5 times more likely to be in the top 10% of financial performers. ?? Organizational Culture and Effectiveness: Companies that emphasize leadership development often experience stronger organizational cultures and greater operational effectiveness. McKinsey & Company reported that organizations with effective leadership development programs are 2.4 times more likely to hit their performance targets. Investing in leadership development is not just about nurturing individual leaders but also about driving overall business growth and success. Reach out if you want to build or enhance your Leadership programs - I am here to help! #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipTraining #BusinessGrowth #employeeengagement #businessperformance #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #TalentManagement #LeadershipExcellence #LeadershipMindset #FutureLeaders Asfa Malik

Have you ever had someone from your past reach out after years, asking, "How are you?" and you notice they have the #opentowork banner? Or perhaps someone who ignored you in your time of need suddenly needs your help? Or maybe a long-lost friend wants you to assist their acquaintance in finding a job? I’ve experienced all these situations. And I'll admit, when I was in the corporate world with some influence, my first reaction was often, "They just want to use me." Or “Now, they need me.” I wasn’t always quick to respond, and for that, I am genuinely sorry. Here's why: I've learned that searching for a job or new clients can be a humbling experience. It takes immense courage to reach out for help, especially to someone you might have wronged in the past. We rarely know the full extent of someone's physical, mental, emotional, or financial struggles. That's why my mantra is simple: If you can help, do it. Every act of kindness counts. Whenever I can, I make deposits into my Karma bank account. Despite looking for my next role, I’ve helped at least ten others with their resumes, provided interview feedback, and introduced job seekers to my network. Judging is easy when life is smooth. But remember, tough times come for us all, and we will likely need help someday. So, if you can lend a hand, don't hesitate. Your support can make a world of difference. #jobseekers #jobsearch #leadershiptips #humanitytips #jobseekingtips #lookingforajobsucks

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating… This Ramadan was very poignant for me. I kept 20 fasts - up from zero. And, each fast was dedicated to those suffering. ???Every time I felt hungry (like right now as I type), I remember that I know I have a fridge full of goodies and that I am lucky. ???Each time I felt tired, I remembered that I have a bed to lay on to rest and that I am lucky. ???Each morning that I woke at 4am, I remembered that I had a choice to fast or not and that I am lucky. ???At the end of every fast, I had running water and dates to break my fast and that I am lucky. We are all not that lucky. This month was a gift for me - it taught me to have faith and patience. Every day and every night, my prayers were dedicated to those suffering in Palestine - my constant wish was for them to continue to have the strength and belief that they will not only survive, but thrive. I wished for peace. And, I wished for the world to see them as humans deserving of every human right afforded to others. (I prayed for a little more than just that, but I think you get the picture.) My biggest lesson was that I have the power to use my voice, use my money, and use my faith for good. And, I made every effort to do that. May my prayers be accepted. You don’t have to be Muslim or religious to wish people well or to treat people with humanity and kindness. So, Eid Mubarak to us all - may we see peace and love spread throughout our world. #eidmubarak #humanity