This podcast is build on honest career advice and career growth tools, made for those of us who are shy, socially anxious or introverted. It will help you to develop the leadership skills required to take your career to the next level without having to change who you truly are. Whether you are fresh out of college, or already busy building your career, if you aspire to be a leader in your field, this career advice is for you.I created the shyest in the room, to share insights and learnings w ...
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Host Marie Gettel-Gilmartin of Fertile Ground Communications scouts out and helps people share their stories of grit, resilience, and fertile ground. I interview immigrants, people from marginalized communities, cancer survivors, and others who have overcome hardships in their lives and emerged on the other side stronger and fiercer.
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Dr. Ronnie Taylor: From ex-Mormon felon to Oregon’s first Black male occupational therapist!
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Dr. Ronnie Taylor was born to extremely young parents who divorced after a few years of marriage. His mom converted to Mormonism and moved the family to Salt Lake City to start a new life. Unfortunately, the missionary who converted and recruited her failed to tell the church Ronnie’s family was Black. They weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. …
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Melissa Jenkins Mangili: Neuropsychologist reinvented as a model
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Dr. Melissa Jenkins Mangili is a neuropsychologist and medical school faculty member who has reinvented herself as a fashion and fitness model. Her life began with grit and resilience. She and her three siblings were was raised in poverty in rural Maine by a single quadriplegic mother. “The nice thing about being from a small town is that everybody…
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Vernita Bowe: Transforming grief and COVID into a zest for life
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Vernita L. Bowe is a survivor. As a smaller-than-average child, she experienced bullying in school. When she grew up she married the wrong man and wasn’t able to get out of that marriage for 24 years, three kids later. Parenting has been about huge loves and losses for Vernita. Her middle son landed in prison, and four years ago her oldest son Byro…
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Nicole Lee: Playing taps, coming out, a wild RV trip across country, and job discrimination!
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Happy Pride! What better month to launch this fun episode and celebrate a wonderful queer story. Growing up in Germany, when Nicole moved to the U.S. as a teen she never felt like she fit in. Then she joined the military during Desert Storm, and she ended up playing Taps for 600 funerals of her colleagues. That nearly broke her. She married a man b…
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Cheryl Parks: From Shyest Girl in the Room to Sales Coach Extraordinaire!
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Cheryl Parks, sales and mindset coach. Cheryl works with my business coach, Liz J. Simpson, and has provided me invaluable advice and confidence boosts as I reboot my business. Cheryl and I immediately connected, and I was especially lucky to meet her in person in early March, since the B…
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Michele Heyward: A hurricane and engineering camp made her an engineer
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Michele Heyward is a civil engineer who built the U.S. power grid. Now she's a tech startup founder building the future of work at PositiveHire. Michele grew up in rural South Carolina in a three-bedroom house full of kids. She had four siblings. She describes herself as the weird kid, really good at math. Encouraged to pursue science and engineeri…
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Gresham Harkless, Jr.: From childhood newspaper to founding two companies and becoming a media expert
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When Gresh was a kid, his military dad worked overseas for a year and this English major/entrepreneur started a family newspaper to keep his whole family up to date on what was going on. His first business was born! This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Gresham Harkless, Jr., founder of CEO Blog Nation and Blue 16 Media, and …
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Chantal Cox: Creating a life she loves after stress, alopecia, and an abusive marriage
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Chantal Cox, a special educator, author, speaker, and Transformation NeuroCoach™. Chantal lives in Wichita, Kansas, now but she grew up all over the world. Her birth dad is Mexican, but her mom remarried when she was three years old. Her adopted dad was in the army, so the family moved ev…
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Devin Tomiak: Helping kids learn how to be resilient after experiencing a personal tragedy
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Devin Tomiak, founder of The Biggies Cards. After losing her youngest brother Grant to suicide 7 years ago, Devin Tomiak became driven to understand resilience--in particular, how to build resilience in kids. As a mom of two young boys, her preoccupation had a unique urgency. She created …
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Mahlena-Rae Johnson: Finding her fertile ground as a Black expat creative in Canada
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Mahlena-Rae Johnson. Mahlena was born in Arkansas but grew up on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mahlena is a speaker, comedian, author, and communication expert for introverts. After graduating from the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University, ea…
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Barbie Liss: Healing through restorative justice and reclaiming her wise woman archetype
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interviewed Barbie Liss from Toronto, Canada. Barbie is an anti anti-aging coach who guides women as they heal their wounds and shed shame around aging. Barbie found her own fertile ground through a traumatic incident. Her daughter was raped at age 21. Barbie had to work through her own secondary t…
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Julie Allen: Using her battle with eating disorders to inspire others and dismantle diet culture
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, it was a joy to interview Julie Allen again. I had the honor of interviewing Julie earlier this year for my Companies That Care podcast. During this interview, Julie shared her 15-year battle with eating disorders. She was in and out of treatment during her entire teenage years and into her early 20s…
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Mike Ganino: A NICU baby in Mexico during a pandemic = grit and resilience
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Mike Ganino, a storytelling and communication expert, podcaster, and public speaking coach. He’s also husband to Phil and dad to Viviana, who was born at 29 weeks gestation in Mexico during the first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. I loved hearing Mike’s life story, starting with growing…
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Nura Elmagbari: Muslim-American feminist, supporting refugees and living out her faith
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Nura Elmagbari, a Muslim-American mom, wife, scientist, educator, nonprofit leader, activist, and community leader. I met Nura several years ago through my church, Spirit of Grace. Nura was our guest preacher for Mother’s Day, spoke on an interfaith women’s panel, brought her teen daughte…
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Paula Dunn: Once bullied for her cleft lip, now helping teens become resilient
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Paula Dunn, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Paula is my first Australian guest, and my first with a cleft lip and palate like me. On her first day of school, Paula was bullied by her classmates and when she told the teacher, she was called a tattletale. The bullying st…
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Lily Shaw: Calling Sandra Bullock! Lily’s in the house!
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Lily Shaw, a powerhouse actress, an expert writer, and an award-winning motivational speaker who was rescued and inspired by the make-believe world of cinema at the age of 7. When Lily was just starting out, her first Hollywood agent told her, “if you only had the right look, you could be…
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Tracey Osborne: Moving past trauma to help women reclaim their voice and inner power
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This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Tracey Osborne from Dallas, Georgia. After bouncing around in various locations during her childhood, Tracey got sexually assaulted by her live-in boyfriend the night of her senior prom. It was not her last sexual assault, and soon she found herself in and out of several domestic abuse si…
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Selling for introverts - a step by step guide on what really matters!
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In today's episode # 37, we dive into the world of sales and focus on why being good at selling does not require you to be extroverted or any more outgoing that you are. Being great at selling requires you to simply follow a few basic sales techniques, that will help you understand what you are selling and to whom, to reach the perfect customer at …
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Follow these 7 rules to avoid oversharing at work! Trust me, it can save your career!
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Do you ever ask yourself: Was it ok that I told that story? Did I share too much personal information at work today? Is this really an anecdote I can share at work functions? Oversharing at work can get you in trouble. Whether you tell the wrong story, or you share something with someone who is not trustworthy, you do not want to ruin your career b…
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My 3 golden and bulletproof rules, to adapt early on in your career!
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I have said many times that I do not believe in one recipe to follow for a successful career, but I do have established some rules for myself, that have helped me grow my career at full speed. I figured out, that we have to leave our comfort zones every once in a while to speed things up, and manage our career path constantly ourselves. Leaving our…
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How much socializing you really have to do at conventions to grow your career?
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Do you dread going to conventions, because you are not one for hanging out at the bar after a full day of networking? Do you feel overwhelmed? Good news is: you do not have to! Networking at conventions is one of the key assets for career growth, but if you do not feel like doing so at night, you are not alone. You can still grow an amazing career …
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Do you need a reminder today on why being an introvert is good for your career? Here you go!
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If you ever feel like you need to change who you are, be more outgoing, more talkative or more of an entertainer do have a successful career, this is your reminder on why you should not change who you are. Instead activate your amazing introvert powers and utilize them to kickstart your career. In episode 33 of my career advice for introverts podca…
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Daniel Sartin: Choosing sobriety and compassion after trauma, abuse, and abandonment
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Trigger warning: This episode contains some racist and adult language This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Daniel Sartin. Daniel is just a bit younger than my oldest son, but he’s survived a lifetime of trauma and difficulty. Born into the foster system, he got adopted and raised by a relative. He was raised as a Jehovah’s W…
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Why firing someone needs to always be done with respect - regardless the circumstances!
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Did you ever have to fire someone? Just like hiring people for your business, there can be a variety of reasons, brining firing someone to the table. And as unfortunately many companies are known for rather ruthless firing techniques, I think respect and a personal talk, should always be a part of letting someone go. If you feel like firing someone…
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How to deal with rude customers and where to draw the line!
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Rude customers. Clients. Partners.... the list goes on. And at one point in your career we will all encounter one. But do not worry. There are ways to handle customer expectations, and manage a complaint professionally. It can be stressful, to have a yelling or screaming customer standing in front of you, but do not be overwhelmed. I will share som…
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Why you need to embrace the 'NOs' along the way and how you make rejection your friend!
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Spoiler alert: Rejections are what shapes the way to success. Rejections form us, push us to create new ideas, change approaches and drive ourselves out of our comfort zone and into the lane that leads to a growing career. We need to embrace rejections and not let them take us out of the game and into dark places. Listen in to find out how to handl…
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Do not change who you are to fit in at work. Why being your quiet self will help you grow!
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Do you feel like you are not yourself at work? Do you try to fit in, by trying to be more outgoing or extroverted than you are? Does it drain you, being someone else at work? If you struggle with these situations, I want to help you find the confidence in being who you are. Being yourself will help you grow faster, by managing your energies correct…
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How to give a strong presentation - it only takes one small trick!
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Nightmares, sweaty palms, out of breath, shaking hands? Do you feel like giving a presentation can be the most overwhelming hurdle to take? Trust me, I have been there. But let me tell you, showing great presentation skills to any kind of audience, does not require you to be a born speaker, the most charismatic individual or full of confidence. It …
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Why celebrating your achievements is necessary for your career growth!
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Happy Friday. Celebrating achievements, especially small ones, can be a difficult talks for many introverts, as we do not like to be the center of attention most of the times. But if you are not celebrating your achievements, and learn how to actively acknowledge how far you have come, you will have a hard time being your own (and most important) c…
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How to ask for help at work, and why you have to do it!
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Are you guilty of trying to always finding out things on your own? Do you spent hours searching google or finding out how to complete tasks, when there might be someone in your office or team, who could help you or teach you? Asking for help is the simplest, yet sometimes scariest part about proper time management. I know many of us want to be inde…
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The moment that makes or breaks the deal - do you know how to work it in negotiations?
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Everyone in business knows, negotiations can go in your favor or not. But of course, we want them to go in our favor and help us seal the deal or get that salary increase we are pushing for. But, did you know that it all depends on one moment? The moment that determines your success in seconds? If the answer is no, you better listen know to find ou…
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The art of delegating tasks as a manager and how you use it to your benefit!
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Do you struggle with delegating work. Do you sometimes feel like you are taking on too much of a workload, because you do not fully trust to hand over tasks as a manager. Let me tell you, being a manager is not always easy, but delegating work is a tool, that will help you reach your and your team's full potential. You need to build trust and learn…
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Find the courage to speak up in a meeting and share what you want to say!
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Speaking up can be a big hurdle for those of us who are shy and are not always confident that what we want to say, or the idea we want to share is good enough. And it can take some time to build yourself up to become confident enough to speak up in meetings, and share your ideas. But it can be done! I had to come a long way to build myself up to ac…
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3 big lessons I learned in my career - try to avoid these mistakes!
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I want to take todays episode, to share with you 3 major lessons, I had to learn the hard way in my career, and I wished I would have known sooner. Weather it is salary negotiations, doing the job of four people, or sticking around, when the company is not helping you grow. I wish I would have known these sooner, and I hope my experience can help y…
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How to keep your energy high around extroverted co-workers - take charge!
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If you feel exhausted after work, or feel the need to re-charge all weekend alone, you might want to review who is stealing your energies. I have been there before, and I know it can be very easy, to let people drain important energy from you, that you need, to actually focus on your job and your life after work. Many times, extroverts do not know …
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What to do when you are getting emotional at work - and why it is ok!
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Crying, yelling, punching things.... I think everyone has experienced all sorts of emotions at work But what about the ones, that we do not really want to share with our co-workers and do not want anyone to see. Unfortunately it happens. Emotions are a part of our life, and they will come up (most of the time when we do not need them...). How to ha…
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Group Projects - a survival guide for anyone who is not a fan!
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Group projects have always given me major anxiety. But whether you like them or not, they follow you into your career. (Unless you work a job where you are fully independent. Then good for you.) But, if you have to sit through them like the rest of us, and they tend to overwhelm you, this episode is for you! I will share my tips on how to actually …
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How to set goals for yourself and achieve them!
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Goal setting for me, together with proper time management, is really what a successful career is all about. In episode #18 on career advice for introverts, I will share with you why you should set goals for yourself, how you set them and how you guarantee to follow through. Goals are the key to ensure you develop yourself, you grow in your career, …
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5 things you have to apologize for & 5 things you should NEVER apologize for in your career
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I noticed people love to apologize at work, especially for things that do not need apologizing. Apologizing too much can cost you your credibility and make you look weak, which is something that does not go too well with shooting to the top in your career. Showing weakness is not a flaw, do not get me wrong, but apologizing for things that do not d…
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How to get that promotion - 3 dos and don'ts everyone needs to know!
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Are you ready to get promoted? Do you know it is your turn, but nothing is happening? Spoiler alert: promotions will not rain down on you, you need to actively pursue what you deserve to develop your career and grow! Pushing for a promotion can be overwhelming and scary for some, and that's why I will share with you three things you need to do now …
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The basic hacks on selling yourself if you are not a sales genius
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How to sell yourself successfully is a question I get asked a lot. In episode #15 I want to share with you what is actually required to sell yourself in a job interview, or your services and leave a lasting impression. You do not have to be a born speaker, sales person or the most charismatic person on earth, to have a good sales pitch of yourself …
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Negotiate your salary like a boss in 3 situations
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Episode #14 is all about salary negotiation. Salary negotiation skills are essential to any viable career, and help you get the pay day you deserve. But if you are shy like me, you might need some extra encourage to actually go all in on your next salary negotiation and that's why I have compiled my proven tips, that will ensure you will be well pr…
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Why you need to find out your 'salary' market value today - and how to do it!
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Knowing your market value and how to determine how much salary you can ask for, is the key focus of episode #13. There are different ways to determine how much salary you can expect, and what you should be getting paid. Knowing your salary worth is an important part of growing your career - you should know this at any point in your career. You may …
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Use these key tips to successfully motivate your team - and keep motivation levels high
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Episode #12 is all about team motivation ideas. If you are running a team, keeping motivation high needs to be your top priority and part of your team management strategy. I will tell you my killer tips on how to motivate your employees and ensure to create a thriving work atmosphere for your team. My career advice for introverts goes team motivati…
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How to built a strong connection with your team using a few simple hacks
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In episode #11, we are going to look at how to connect with your team as a manager and develop team management skills. How close should you get with your team members, how do you balance the act of being a manager and a trusted co-worker for your team, how do you take feedback from your team? If you have asked yourself these questions before, this …
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Terri Kozlowski: From sexual abuse and abandonment to raven warrior transcending fear
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If you like what you hear or read, visit my Fertile Ground Communications website. This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Terri Kozlowski. She is a proud Native American warrior of the Athabascan, Tlinglet Tribe and Raven Clan. When she was just 11 years old, her mother sold her for drugs and shut her out on the streets of Alb…
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The 4 main steps as a first time manager - you don't want to miss them!
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Episode #10 is all about your first steps as a newly in charge manager. How to start getting to know your team, key aspects in team management, and what factors to look out for to ensure your team members are comfortable with you. Grow your career with my career advice for introverts one step at a time. Tune in on all the leadership skills needed t…
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It is time to leave work at work - start the weekend right for your mental health
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In episode #9, the shyest in the room looks at the topic of mental health and how to leave work at work. With the weekend approaching, it is important that we look at how to switch off our phones, clock out from work, and make small efforts to recharge. Career advice for introverts is not only about how to grow your career, but also how to make sur…
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Too shy to network successfully at conferences? Find out now how to change that!
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Episode 7 is all about networking in business for introverts. While networking can be stressful for many of us, networking at conferences can be even more overwhelming, given the amount of people attending. While I used to hide in bathrooms when I started out, I have grown into a networking pro, and I want to share my go-to tips with you. Networkin…
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Level up your time management and productivity with my go-to hacks
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In episode #7 of the career advice podcast for introverts, time management takes the focus. Scheduling your day, allocating time for projects, meeting deadlines and ensuring productivity are all aspects required to be successful in your career. To develop leadership skills, time management and organization are key. Managing your time goes a long wa…
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