RECAPPED: Top Reads to Wind Down the Year

I think we can all agree -- this year was a lot. But we made it. With two weeks left in the year, it’s the perfect time to take a look back in the rearview mirror to see how far we’ve come. If you’ve been rocking with us this year, you know we’ve covered a lot here in this space. From building authentic relationships to, navigating toxic workplaces, collective healing, and protecting your mental, to knowing when it’s time to leave the j.o.b, we went deep this year.?

Today I’m recapping the top reads to help you wind down the year. Read on to see what made the top spot. No skipping! Grab a cup of your favorite drink and let’s take a walk down memory lane with the year’s most talked about stories together.

10. Beyond Business Cards: The Art of Attracting Clients Authentically

You know how we always say it's not just about handing out business cards, right? When I launched my career coaching and consulting business over ten years ago, it wasn't just about how much I knew; it was about making those connections that count. Well, in this article, we're diving deep into how to build real connections with clients. Let me show you how to attract clients in an authentic way. Spoiler alert: leave the business cards at home.

9. Going for Your Dreams: A Radical Act of Self-Love

And speaking of authenticity, let's talk about self-love and going after those big dreams of yours. In this piece, I uncover what it means to live our dreams as Black women. Trust me; it's not just about getting your LLC ; it's a radical act of self-care. This article will inspire you to rethink your career as the vehicle for healing and coming back home to your dreams.?

8. From Layoffs to Self-Discovery

Life's full of unexpected twists, and sometimes, that includes layoffs. But guess what? That’s not where your story ends. In this heartfelt piece, one of our community members shares her deeply personal narrative that many of us can relate to —a poignant journey of self-realization and exploring self-worth beyond the confines of the workplace.?

7. I’m a Black Trans Woman. Should I Reveal My Gender Identity During Interviews?

Now, as we navigate these career changes and self-discovery, have you ever wondered whether you should reveal your gender identity during interviews? In this piece, we center the experiences of Black trans women; an often overlooked group when it comes to equity and inclusion conversations. In this article, I offer strategies to consider if you’re a Black trans woman with questions on how to make a career change without minimizing your identity.

6. Black Women and the Cannabis Cure for Burnout

Burnout is real, especially as Black women. While cannabis can be a calming balm to many of us to help manage stress and ease emotional and physical pain, it has long since been a source of political tension, and social stigma for us. This piece opens up a conversation on a topic that can be pivotal to the healing and wellness of Black women.?

5. The Real Cause of Imposter Syndrome

And speaking of stress, we've all wrestled with imposter syndrome at some point. It’s very easy to self-blame and stay on this hamster wheel always trying to prove yourself. Considering the structures we live and work in every day, we are fighting against a system designed to keep us questioning ourselves. It impacts marginalized groups the most. This article digs deep to uncover what's really behind imposter syndrome and what to do about it.

4. Why Black Women Need a Good Kiki

Sometimes, amidst all the challenges and self-doubt, you just need a good kiki with your girls, amirite? Oftentimes we spend most of our days just trying to get by without being subject to a racist comment or mistreated at work. We’re so busy armoring up that we don’t often get to just laugh and be free. Being in spaces vibing with girlfriends who get you is soothing to the soul. This one discusses why it's essential for us as Black women to bond and share our experiences.?

3. Soft Life? For Us it’s Complicated

And as we strengthen those connections, we can't ignore the complexities that come with living a "soft life." In this piece, I’m reflecting on what it means personally for me to step into softer living, particularly as it relates to work and career. Let's chat about it together.

2. 5 Toxic Interview Phrases That Are Red Flags for Black Women

Ever had that feeling that something's off during a job interview? If you’re in your soft girl era and you hear any of these phrases during your interview, run for the hills Sis. As a seasoned career consultant, I've compiled five critical phrases from a decade of experience. Read on for the five toxic phrases that should raise red flags for us Black women. Let's get savvy about job interviews!

1. How to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Job

Coming in hot as we round off this journey from self-discovery to self-love, from burnout management to building connections and navigating interviews, let's ponder the ultimate career question: When is it time to leave your job? Sometimes we have longer fuses when it comes to staying in uncomfortable situations longer than necessary.? This article is all about recognizing the signs that it's time to move on from your current job. Let's chat about the next steps in your career journey.

Over to you. Which topic was your fav from this year? What are some topics you want to see explored in this space? Hit reply and let me know -- I love hearing from you!?

Lastly, the Dreaming + Doing Digest will be on break until January 7th. We’ll be back with more on how we can live well and heal as Black women at work. We’ll also have more updates on my upcoming book, Dreaming on Purpose which releases in Spring 2024! More on that coming soon so make sure you hit subscribe.

PS: I have three slots remaining for my one-on-one coaching programs , grab a spot before they’re gone! For career equity consulting or speaking engagements, reach out here .

PPS: #ceasefirenow