show episodes
 
Welcome to Career Convos with Nikki, where I share my experiences as both a leader and an employee in corporate America. In these episodes, I cover everything from finding a job and landing that promotion to managing employees and navigating the unwritten rules as a black woman and disruptive millennial in the workplace. I also answer career questions from my audience, offering advice and insights to help you find professional clarity and pursue your career goals with confidence. I'll talk a ...
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People have a love/hate relationship with the workplace, and it’s not getting any easier. If anything, the friction is at an all-time high. The truth is, you spend more time at your job than with your family or friends, so why not learn how to make the workplace work for YOU. We are talking about how to get more money, when to stay or when to leave, how to talk to your manager about tough topics, and breathing new life into your flatlined career. From pay to promotions, from power to politic ...
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show series
 
Roman was passed over for a job in the final stages of salary negotiation when the company realized he didn’t finish his college degree. He wants to know how to navigate future job opportunities. What is the best approach to landing senior roles without a degree? Tessa gives tips on job hunting and interviewing without a degree. Interviewing: Do no…
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As a young mom in the early stages of her career, Sarah often feels like she is not taken as seriously as her colleagues. She wants to know how to best handle these situations and be treated like an equal part of the team. When you are not given proper respect by colleagues, what can you do? What are strategies for standing up for yourself without …
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Elyse, a newly appointed employee, faces the common challenge of lacking a clear job description months into her role. This episode explores proven strategies for navigating undefined roles and achieving success despite the ambiguity. Key Takeaways: Taking Initiative: Tessa advises proactively engaging with other leaders and participating in releva…
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Is your career feeling stagnant? Brittany, a senior project manager, shares her concerns about limited growth opportunities at her company. In this episode, Tessa discusses strategies for creating your own upward mobility. Learn how to: Leverage lateral moves to gain a deeper understanding of your company's inner workings. Expand your network to un…
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Nikki Winston, CPA: Okay. So I wanna talk today to those of you who have ever left a job because you didn't like it. You maybe were bored with what you were doing. Maybe it was beneath you, or you just did not feel like you were adding any value. You didn't understand how the work that you do at your desk is part of something bigger or something gr…
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Tessa speaks with her daughter, Hannah, about her pivot from a corporate career to one as an entrepreneur with several sources of income. After a traumatic event within her family, Hannah decided a traditional job wasn’t the right fit. She created a work situation that better suits her personality and provides an optimal work-life balance. Hannah a…
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Jamie is a small business owner that is struggling to keep her gen-z staff engaged. She wants to know how to best communicate with her staff and how to avoid burnout for both herself and her employees. What are ways to keep younger employees motivated? Tessa shares helpful strategies for managing a younger generation: 1. Ask employees about their p…
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Zac recently suffered a serious injury and is now reentering the workforce with a disability. He wants to know what to expect when applying and interviewing for jobs. Are some industries more likely to hire people with disabilities? At which point during the application process should you disclose that you need accommodations? What is the best way …
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Anne recently lost a promotion to an outside applicant. She has the experience that should have made the decision an easy yes for her employers and wants to know why she was overlooked. How do you uncover why you weren’t promoted and what you need to change to be promoted in the future? Tessa shares her model for having difficult conversations. You…
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Dorothy Mashburn hosts Tessa on her podcast, Pay Negotiations Made Simple. They discuss a variety of topics related to promotion and pay negotiation. Making the jump from mid-level positions to a director or VP role. Navigating conflict in a way that benefits your career. Encouraging your manager to see you as ready for a promotion. Knowing when to…
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This episode of #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki is about: Speaking up in meetings, letting your presence be known Having an agenda for your meetings - even if you create your own Everything you think and feel doesn't need to be put in the universe Own the energy that you bring into the environment Whether you're at the office or at the house, get dresse…
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Carrie is a practicing CPA who just received a doctorate in business administration. Despite her new job in operations, she keeps being asked to fill in as a CPA and wants to know how to segue into her new role. How do you define an undefined role and make yourself indispensable to your company? In this episode, Tessa explains how to create a strat…
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Tessa shares notes with fellow career coach Allison Peck of "Alli from Corporate." Alli specializes in helping people transition to the corporate world and stand out from other applicants. Tessa and Alli discuss a variety of topics: What is the job market like today? How do you stand out in a sea of applicants? Can you use AI when applying for jobs…
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Mistee works in healthcare and her department is being restructured. She needs to decide whether to take severance or stay on and accept a lesser role. Tessa covers a variety of topics related to Mistee’s situation. Relevance of the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act Negotiation potential within a highly structured field such as healthcare Good …
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Andrew is searching for a job as a strategy consultant after being laid off from his position in corporate finance. He wants to know how to choose a position and company that will best elevate his career and how to be noticed by that company. How do you stand out in a sea of applicants? Create an army of people, including family and friends, to fin…
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In part two of this special episode, Tessa talks with That Career Coach, Kendall Berg. Kendall shares her tips on networking and brand building. Human connection is a core pillar of a happy and meaningful life. While work plays a vital role, it shouldn't come at the expense of the relationships that support us, inspire us, and give our lives lastin…
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In part one of this special episode, Tessa talks with fellow career coach, Kendall Berg, of That Career Coach. Kendall has years of experience in the corporate world with a background rooted in technology complementing Tessa’s background in HR. Together they offer valuable perspectives on today’s corporate landscape. In this episode, Kendall interv…
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Bradley is the CEO of a company that has undergone significant changes in the last 2 years. He is struggling to keep his employees engaged and motivated. What is the best way to engage and motivate employees? How do you appeal to different generations? Employees are most concerned with feeling seen and feeling like they are making a difference. Tes…
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Life happens...This point was certainly driven home when my sons suicide attempt left him partially paralyzed a few months ago, and forever changed my relationship with him, my husband, family and work. Let me take you into my journey with Harvard psychologist and author Dr David Rosmarin on how to get through hard things at home and at work. Dr. D…
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Don’t assume that your manager really knows what you're up to at work. They too have a career to manage + other people, so your stuff isn’t always top of mind. Join me to explore practical ways to manage upward and use your influence, regardless of your job title. From improving communication to highlighting your achievements effectively, this epis…
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John graduated from college a year ago without doing an internship. He started contract work to get job experience, but the prestigious company he is working for can’t be listed as an employer (only his staffing agency). Should he quit his current job and look for another that will enhance his resume? How can he show his experience without listing …
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Brett shares his experience with a challenging new manager, attempts he made to improve the situation, and how he ultimately knew it was time to leave. What makes a toxic work environment? How to handle differences in expectations with a manager? AND What lessons can be learned from having a negative leadership experience? How do you know when it’s…
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You're burned out at work. Before you go looking for a new job, ask yourself: What are you running TO, or what are you running away FROM? In this episode of Career Convos with Nikki, I'm talking about burnout, corporate drama, and the challenges of networking in a remote world. With over one-third of employees looking for new jobs and more than 7.8…
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Danny worked closely with the STO and CEO of her company for 8 months until she was abruptly demoted and let go with little to no explanation. She was released shortly before her equity vest date and received no severance or vacation payout. She suspects discrimination may be a factor. Can a company quietly let you go without proper cause? What rig…
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Chance Allred, a.k.a. Mr. Maverick, is Tessa’s former coworker and the subject of the chapter, “Lies and Politics,” in her book. Tessa recounts lessons she learned from Chance and asks him to share more details regarding his effectiveness in creating employee satisfaction, building culture, and “going fast.” Read your environment. As an employee, f…
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Farrah finds herself as a new manager. Eager to do that job well and manage those under her successfully. She also wants those who are her direct reports to know their pathway up the ladder as well. 5 steps to becoming a better manager: Get to know your employees. This means getting to know them on a personal and professional level. What are their …
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Lyle is a lieutenant in the police force. He wants to be an innovator in the areas of policy and culture and is considering a pivot to HR. What are things to consider when moving from the public to the private sector? AND What is the best way to prepare for a role in HR? Tessa explores differences in the public and private sectors and where she fee…
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Welcome to CareerConvos™️ with Nikki, the podcast that’s all about owning your career and showing up as your authentic self. Whether you’re preparing for the CPA exam, navigating the corporate world, or building your own business, this is the career coaching you need to elevate your career. I’m Nikki, a CPA, corporate accounting executive, and WERK…
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Heidi works for a community health organization as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has noticed discrepancies in her pay and that of her colleagues and isn’t sure how to approach a pay negotiation with HR. How can I work with my manager to create a convincing proposal for a pay raise? Tessa explains how to create compelling visuals and highlight th…
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Eileen is making a career change within the healthcare industry. She is beginning pay negotiations and wants to make sure she is asking the right questions. What questions should I ask during a pay negotiation? Is PTO something that can be negotiated? Tessa recommends choosing your top 3 things to negotiate. She provides multiple areas of negotiati…
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Ben is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has worked for the same company for 17 years. His manager makes political comments related to LGBTQ+ issues that make him uncomfortable. Previous conversations addressing this have been unsuccessful, and he doesn’t know what to do. What is the most effective way to address a manager who creates an unsuppo…
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Sarah enjoys her job in ecommerce but feels that there is little room for growth. Her current pay is not on par with market value and she needs guidance in addressing this with management. If I’m already at the top of my pay range but my duties and responsibility have increased, how can I best approach a raise? Tessa provides scripts to use with yo…
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Hannah is struggling to communicate with her manager of 8 months and recently received negative feedback in a performance review. She is confused and unsure of how to improve the situation. How can I build a trusting relationship with my manager? AND Should I go to HER manager for help with the situation? 1) Remove tension in the relationship by wo…
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Jeremy worked in SEO for 8 years before he moved into ecommerce and realized it wasn’t a good fit. He is currently unemployed and having a hard time breaking into the field of product management. How do you transition from one career to another? What is the best way to format a resume that lacks job experience for the job you are applying for? Tess…
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Richie recently left the corporate world to work for himself and is experiencing the benefits and challenges that it entails. If the grind of self-employment is too much in later years, how do you tolerate working for someone else after working for yourself? How can you tell if a prospective employer is a good fit for you culturally? How long shoul…
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Corey has experienced a string of layoffs while working in social media and marketing. He believes that this is affecting his ability to land a job. How can you build a strong resume despite layoffs and frequent job changes? Tessa helps Corey to create a different kind of resume. 1. Get clear on the job you want. 2. Instead of building the resume c…
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Are you looking for answers to questions about your career? Email me your career questions and I'll answer on an upcoming episode of #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki. Career Q&A: should I still give notice if I leave a job because of a toxic workplace? My answer is YES. Don’t let a toxic workplace dictate how you carry yourself. Handle professional situa…
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Tyler has been self-employed for the last 10 years and is trying to move into cyber security. He has a background in IT and a certificate in cyber security but is having a hard time landing a position and doesn’t know why. Why am I being overlooked for jobs? What changes can I make to my resume? Tessa examines Tyler’s resume and provides suggestion…
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Austin Hankwitz Tessa hosts personal finance and investing expert, Austin Hankwitz. They discuss a variety of topics involving career and finance. Tessa shares expertise on resume writing, layoffs, the best career fields to work in, finding your superpower, and recession proofing your career. Austin explains the most common financial mistakes peopl…
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Raevin moved to Minnesota for a high-level job in communications and media. She finds herself struggling to fulfill her duties and after meeting with management, she still isn’t sure what to do next. What options are available when considering transitioning out of a company? How can you work with management to make it work? OR How can you use lever…
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Merit is a freelance artist working in murals and other mediums. She is also a new mother and is trying to find a work-life balance while still pursuing her career and appealing to potential clients. How do you achieve work-life balance with a toddler? How much is too much when bringing your child into your professional life? What is the best avenu…
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Join in a business student's first career job pay negotiation journey. Seth is still in college but is considering moving for a job opportunity instead of completing his degree. Do I have the ability to negotiate pay and benefits when this is my first job? AND How do I account for cost of living and inflation? To be a guest on The JOB Doctor Click …
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Carmen is successfully balancing a full time job in HR AND one in mental health intake. Why do some employers take issue with job stacking even when an employee is successfully completing all duties? Tessa examines this topic from the side of both employer and employee. Tessa’s advice for job stacking: - Be transparent with both employers. - Read t…
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Jacob is currently a director of marketing in the property management field. He received a job offer for a VP position and wants to make sure the financials make sense before accepting. What are things to consider when assessing the compensation package in a job offer? How do you make sure it’s a good move financially? Are there ways to protect you…
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Tessa speaks with successful entrepreneur and host of the podcast Smashing the Plateau, David Shriner-Cahn. They share their journeys of leaving the corporate world and starting a new business and provide tips for those interested in doing the same. Topics include the following: -Managing expectations when making a career change and how to be menta…
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Jess is promoted to a New Director position but can’t quite wrap her arms around the new role. How much vulnerability should she show? Jess has worked in marketing for 12 years and is currently in a director role at a start-up company. Does imposter syndrome ever go away? How do you tell your manager, “I don’t know”? When reporting to senior leader…
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Lily works as a middle manager in the design industry. She is experiencing a lack of direction and leadership from her superior that is affecting her ability to perform at an optimal level. Why does it seem that leadership doesn’t hold other leadership accountable? After honest discussions with leadership about issues, how do you decide it’s time t…
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