Monetize Your Mind, Even in the Corporate Arena

by Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq.

What's Inside:

?? Food for Thought

?? Topic of the Day

?? Implement This

?? Work with Kelly

Food for Thought:

You may have heard the song lyric - "with my mind on my money and my money on my mind." Well, I don't want you to just have money or your mind, I want you to use your mind to make money!

Monetizing your expertise doesn’t always mean doing what you’ve always done. Instead, it’s about leveraging what you know in new and unexpected ways.

Most people think their expertise is limited to their job title or their degree. But the truth is, your expertise isn’t just tied to what you do; it’s also tied to what you know. Understanding and embracing this shift is a game-changer.

How to Monetize Your Mind, Even in the Corporate Arena

I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I was still practicing law, doing a deposition with a medical doctor who was serving as an expert witness. We used to hire doctors to review medical records for personal injury cases. And as I sat there watching him testify, it hit me—he wasn’t using his expertise the way most doctors do. He wasn’t treating patients; he was leveraging his medical knowledge in a completely different way and making millions doing it.

That was an eye-opener for me. I was like, "oh Kelly you're slippin' ??."

I started to think about how I could leverage my expertise in a different way, too. I was an employment law trial attorney at the time, but I realized I didn’t have to stay within the box of practicing law. The skills and knowledge I had gained through years of trial work could translate into something else—speaking, mentoring, and training others.

This is what I want you to understand when you think about monetizing your expertise. It’s not just about doing more of what you’re already doing. It’s about looking beyond your current role or degree and seeing how you can leverage what you know to create new opportunities. Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back and realizing that your expertise is bigger than the space you’re currently in.

I know that's a scary thought for some, but keep reading.

Let's explore ways you can monetize your expertise, even in the corporate arena.

1. Public Speaking

Whether you're in the corporate world or working independently, if you have a unique perspective, you can get paid to share it. Speaking on stages, hosting webinars, or running workshops allows you to monetize your knowledge and make an impact on a larger scale.

2. Consulting

You’ve already got the expertise that companies and organizations need to solve problems. Consulting is a powerful way to monetize your knowledge by helping others navigate challenges in your area of expertise—without being tied to a full-time position.

3. Training & Workshops

You don’t have to leave your company to monetize your expertise. Many women develop in-house training programs that benefit their organization while increasing their visibility and earning potential. Whether you're training teams or developing leadership programs, this is a great way to turn your expertise into income.

4. Writing & Publishing

Have you considered sharing your expertise in writing? Books, articles, blogs, and even course materials can be an ongoing source of income. Writing can be both a creative outlet and a way to position yourself as a thought leader and open doors for new opportunities.

5. Negotiating Higher Salaries & Raises

Whether you stay in your current role or pursue new opportunities, your expertise is a powerful tool for negotiating higher salaries or raises. Your knowledge, your expertise is a bargaining chip you should be leveraging in negotiations. This goes back to what I discussed in previous newsletters about owning your expertise, sharing your wins and reframing bragging and recognizing the fullness of your accomplishments. So when you walk into that next salary or contract negotiation, remember who you are and the value you bring to the table.

Leverage What You Know, Not Just What You Do

This is where vision and courage come in. Many women I’ve worked with have dreams of stepping into new roles, building businesses, or creating something outside their traditional career paths. But too often, fear of leaving behind that "good good check" as I call it, keeps them from exploring what’s possible.

Believe me, I know. In my transition journey from corporate to full-time entrepreneurship, there were many days where I was one foot in, one foot out. That one foot in was standing on that good, good check so it didn't fly away. But we must learn to bet on ourselves. And as Tiffany Dufu told me in a conversation we had while I was considering my transition and I share my fears about financial insecurity, "that job is the most financially insecure you will be."

Now, I'm not telling you to leave your job tomorrow or at all for that matter. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. I am saying I want you to realize that your expertise can be monetized in ways that may not even be on your radar yet.

The doctor I mentioned earlier didn’t stop being a doctor—he just used his knowledge differently. And I didn’t stop being a lawyer - I no longer practice but am still licensed to - when I transitioned into speaking. I leveraged the skills I built as an attorney to create a business where I teach others to communicate, negotiate, and lead with influence.

The takeaway? Don’t limit your expertise to the title you have today. Think about how you can use what you know in new ways that give you more control over your life, living and legacy.

Implement This:

Here’s how you can start monetizing your expertise this week:

1. Identify Your Transferable Skills – Write down the key skills and knowledge you’ve gained in your career. How can these be applied beyond your current role? Start thinking beyond your job title.
2. Choose One Strategy – From the list above, choose one path—whether it’s speaking, consulting, or negotiating a raise—and start taking small steps toward it. It could be pitching yourself for a speaking engagement or researching how to get started with consulting.
3. Plan Your Next Move – Whether you’re ready to step into something new or simply want to position yourself for higher earning potential in your current role, make a plan. Leverage what you know to increase your visibility and income.

Beyond the Newsletter ...

I love sharing my insights in these newsletters but I can only scratch the surface. So, if you're looking for support to elevate your team's communication skills, own your badassery as a woman, or slay the stage as a speaker, let's chat.

Until next time, remember

Your voice is your superpower!

About the Author Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq., MBA:

Kelly Charles-Collins , is a leading high-stakes communications expert and strategist who quips teams and women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs with world-class skills to communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility. An acclaimed employment law trial attorney and award-winning TEDx speaker , her expertise, has been celebrated in media outlets like ABC, NBC, CBS, Forbes, and Fast Company, and she’s been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Public Speaking Voice and a 2-time Most Inclusive HR Influencer Award winner. Her books, including "Unapologetic AF " and "Convo Catalyst ," offer real-world and practical perspectives for growth and impact.