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Pivot Point - Success is a Journey!

Pivot Point - Success is a Journey!

By Elizabeth Hart

The journey to success is never a straight line. Life takes you through twists, turns and pivots but with dedication, discipline and faith you will arrive at your intended destination. This podcast was created to provide a platform for not only career and personal advice, but instruction and inspiration to help listeners along their own journey of success. Hosted by Elizabeth Hart, Founder Executive Director of Tailored for Success who in 2000 made a life changing pivot after founding Tailored for Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering jobseekers in transition.
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Episode 4 - Pivoting to Advocacy - Part 2

Pivot Point - Success is a Journey! Jun 09, 2020

00:00
29:35
S3 EP 3 Coffee Break - #1 Interview Question

S3 EP 3 Coffee Break - #1 Interview Question

“Tell me about yourself?”

Job seekers are asked this at almost every interview they are participating in. It’s also one of those questions where job seekers tend to get nervous about. Listen to a conversation that discusses what’s behind the question and tips on how to answer it.

 

This podcast is with a human resources manager who gives advice on how to answer and why interviewers who ask this question are not experienced in interviewing. Our guest also talks in depth about how an interview is an opportunity to tell the interviewer about their knowledge, skills and abilities.

                

Take aways:

1.     When answering the question – tell me about yourself – don’t go into your life history.

2.     Ask the interviewer how they got their job.

3.     Have a list of questions prepared to ask the interviewer.

4.     Make sure the interviewer is selling the company, not just the role.

5.     Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation

 

 

Mar 11, 202426:19
S3 Ep 2 Shifting Priorities - Finding Passion
Feb 05, 202427:11
S3 Ep 1 Perseverance to Prosperity

S3 Ep 1 Perseverance to Prosperity

Listen to a person who embodies our podcast tagline - Success is a Journey. David D'arcangelo, Managing Director of Arc Angel Communications, former Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission of the Blind, candidate for Republican Secretary of State, and and former Malden City Councilor at Large talks about his career journey. Here about how he started working in government, moved to the private sector and then returned to his calling in public sector service.

In this interview, you will hear how the number one reason for workplace discrimination for individuals with disabilities, how two-thirds of all working age people with disabilities are not in the labor force.

Take Aways:

- strategies for entering the new workforce

- perseverance and how it pays off

- secret sauce to identifying the right job/career fit

- how to use your natural skills to take you to the next level

For more information or to get in touch with my guest:

David D'arcangelo at Arc Angel Communications, visit his website - www.arcangelcommunications.com



Free personality testing information - www.truity.com (Myers Briggs, Big Five Personality Test, etc.

Disc Personality Test - www.discpersonalitytesting.com


SELF ASSESSMENTS/PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS*


Clifton/Gallup Strengths Finder – Free High Five; 

https://high5test.com/

VIA Institute on Character 

https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register

Enneagram – Enneagram Institute

 https://tests.enneagraminstitute.com/

 Positive Intelligence – Why only 20% of Teams/Individuals Achieve Their True Potential

https://www.positiveintelligence.com/science/

 

*Sourced from the Online Networking Group for 50+ Job Seekers - http://tinyurl.com/50plusjobseekers


Free Business Clothing for your Job Search

Are you in need of business clothing or interview coaching for an upcoming interview? Visit the Tailored for Success website to join our community - www.tailoredforsuccess.org




Jan 09, 202427:24
S2 Ep. 21 Skills That Can Make or Break your Career!

S2 Ep. 21 Skills That Can Make or Break your Career!

In this podcast, I review the top 10 soft skills desired by employers today. According to Peggy Clause the author of the book Soft Skills, "Soft skills get little respect but they will make or break your career".


The top 10 soft skills are: (1) Work ethic - the commitment, discipline and dedication one demonstrates toward their work or responsibilities; (2) time management - the ability too effectively prioritize time to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines; (3) Communication - communicating effectively involves conveying and receiving information, ideas, and feelings through verbal, nonverbal, and written thoughts; (4) Adaptability - the capacity to adjust and respond positively to changing circumstances, environments, and situations; (5) Problem Solving - refers to the ability to identify, analyze and find solutions to complex or difficult issues; (6) Teamwork - the ability to collaborate and work effectively with others toward a shared goal, fostering cooperation and contributing to a positive team dynamic; (7) Creativity - the ability to generate original ideas, think outside the box and approach tasks or challenges in innovative ways; (8) Leadership - involves guiding and inspiring others to work toward a common objective, motivating and influencing individuals or groups to achieve their best potential; (9) Interpersonal skills - the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, building and maintaining positive relationships and (10) Attention to Detail - which refers to the ability to accurately and carefully focus on the specifics and finer points of a task or situation.


As you progress through your career journey, remember that employers can train you for the hard skills they require (i.e., coding, using excel), but they do not have the time or want to train you in soft skill development. Soft skills are the skills they are looking for and will often times make up for the "hard" skills you lack.


Enjoy the journey!

Nov 01, 202311:02
S2 Ep 20 Coffee Break - ChatGPT for Job Seekers

S2 Ep 20 Coffee Break - ChatGPT for Job Seekers

Everyone seems to be talking about the new artificial intelligence - ChatGPT. ChatGPT is OpenAI which is short for Open Artificial Intelligence. In essence it is an artificial intelligence research organization founded in December 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, Wojciech Zaremba, and several other prominent figures in the field of AI. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity.


In this coffee break episode, I will give a brief description of ChatGPT and what uses it can have for job search. For more information, join Tailored for Success on July 12th 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST for a lunch & learn on the topic. To register got to: https://ChatGPT_for_the_Job_Search.eventbrite.com


Jun 15, 202304:34
The Power and Influence of Mothers

The Power and Influence of Mothers

This podcast will discuss several aspects of the power and influence of mothers: (1) the power mothers have on their families and communities, (2) the importance of self-care for mothers, how mothers overcome challenges and how mothers empower the next generation.

May 22, 202309:01
S2 Ep 19 Coffee Break 2023 Career Trends

S2 Ep 19 Coffee Break 2023 Career Trends

Happy New Year!  2023 is predicted to be a good year for job seekers, career changers and employees in general.  Stay up to date on what employers  want in candidates by listening to this week's Coffee Break.


For more information on the topics discussed in today's podcast:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics December 2022 Jobs Report - https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

2. Strumpf Associates Center for Strategic Change - https://www.strumpfassociates.com/2023/01/05/lunch-with-lori-2022-12-1/

3.  Free & Not Free (but worth it) Professional Development Websites 

 - CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org

- Coursera - www.coursera.org

- Linkedin Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ (first month is free)

4.  LinkedIn and Your Personal Brand - https://youtu.be/27-PcXVqpzY

5.  Tailored for Success Reimagine Your Career Workshops

Apr 18, 202306:44
S2 Ep. 18 - 12 Job Seeker Christmas Gifts

S2 Ep. 18 - 12 Job Seeker Christmas Gifts

Is there a job seeker in your life that you want to support during the difficult holiday time?  Are you a job seeker looking to give people ideas of what to buy you for Christmas that will help in your job search?  Then consider these 12 ideas for gifts for job seekers.  Info for some of the items mentioned in this podcast:

1. Tailored for Success Career Closet - https://www.tailoredforsuccess.org/career-closet

2. LinkedIn Premimum - www.premimum.linkedin.com; comes with a one month free trial

3. How to find industry subscriptions: https://guides.lib.unc.edu/market-research-tutorial/trade; to help individuals stay current in their chosen field.

4. Audible - www.audible.com

5. Grammarly - www.grammarly.com (free) but the premium subscription is very helpful for job seekers

6. Entertainment Subscriptions - https://decider.com/article/gift-streaming-subscriptions/

7. Sensory Fidget Toys for Adults - www.amazon.com, search on "sensory fidget toys for adults"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Tailored for Success, Inc. 


Dec 15, 202205:33
S2 Ep. 17 Interview with Legislative Intern - Asiah Wotring

S2 Ep. 17 Interview with Legislative Intern - Asiah Wotring

Having an internship is an opportunity to learn about a company, network and gain new skills.  This podcast is a light hearted interview with Asiah Wotring who was the Legislative Intern for the Department of Children and Families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Hear how Asiah obtained this amazing internship, what duties she had and what work she produced as a result.  

The inspiration for this podcast came from our Coffee Break: Internship Tips.  A recording is available on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5auWZ0mUS1M

To reiterate, the top 10 tips for Internship Success: (1) Learn about the Company; (2) Manage your Time; (3) Ask Questions; (4) Accept all Assignments; (5) Have a positive attitude; (6) Know the Expectations of the Internship; (7) Seek Feedback; (8) Take Notes; (9) Develop your Skills, and (10) Dress Appropriately.

For more information on Rise Above Foundation, visit their website: https://weriseabove.org

Oct 03, 202221:39
S2 Ep. 16 - Coffee Break - Get Hired Now Book Review

S2 Ep. 16 - Coffee Break - Get Hired Now Book Review

Transcript:

Since founding Tailored for Success, my motto has been “Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day”, but “teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime”.

Which is why I really like the book, I’m reviewing today – Get Hired Now by Ian Siegal, CEO of Zip Recruiter.  This book teaches the job seeker to fish metaphorically in the job market. Although it is a thin book – less than 200 pages, it’s not a book with “5 latest tips to get job” or a book with hundreds of pages that take you through step by monotonous step in the job search…it’s for people who don’t have the time, patience or luxury of taking months to learn how to find a job.  The book give practical, well researched information on what you need to know if you are in the job search process.  The layout of the book is with short but specific chapters on that I believe every job seeker should know regardless of where they are in the job search.  For example, the book teaches you:

1.   How to find the right jobs to apply to (emphasis on jobs plural). Gone are the days where you apply to a few jobs and hope for the best.

2.  How to stand out from your competition by creating a memorable moment

3.  How to be great in any interview – whether it’s a prescreening interview, in person or video. And the most important aspect in my opinion – how to follow up after the interview.

4.  The art and science of salary negotiation – According to a 2018 survey of more than 50,000 job seekers on Zip Recruiter, 64% reported accepting the first offer they received. Remember, the first offer from an employer is most likely priced with the knowledge that negotiation is expected.  And just in case you are worried, employers do not rescind job offers because you ask for more…they want to fill positions not get mad at prospects for acknowledging their worth.

5.  And much more

Basically, the book is broken down into three parts, which corresponds to the three main phases of a job search:

1.  The first part is on Getting Prepared – covering resumes – side note: according to CNBC 75% of resumes are never read by a human; polishing your online brand and how to build relationships with networking side note: 85% of jobs are filled by networking.

2.  The second part is on How to find the “right” job – reviewing job search sites – not surprising Zip Recruiter is the best, and he tells you why, but he also reviews the book reviews LinkedIn, specific industry job boards, and how to use a recruiter.  The book also includes in this section on how to find the right job, the tools you should have, how to determine which jobs to apply to, and interviewing (including how to ace a prescreen interview).

3.  The third part is on Getting the job – why it is important to know how to negotiate, and an important element not often talked about – how to quit your current job (i.e., how not to burn bridges).

My favorite part of the book has to be the summary pages of each chapter at the end of the book.  So, if you need a quick answer, on a particular aspect of the job search – that’s where you will find it.

If you are looking for a quick reference guide, because maybe you’ve been laid off or fired. This book is a great place to start. In fact, it even gives you information on what to do if you were laid off or fired to make sure you are taking the right actions to secure your rights.  Or perhaps you recently graduated, are coming out of the military or returning to the workforce after a gap in work history; there is valuable information in Get Hired Now to help you.

Get Hired Now, Ian Siegel, CEO ZipRecruiter



Sep 14, 202205:47
S2 Ep. 15 Coffee Break - Tips for a Successful Internship

S2 Ep. 15 Coffee Break - Tips for a Successful Internship

Getting ready to start an internship or almost finished with one?  Learn what you need to do to make the most out of the experience. For additional information on the subject:


1.  Indeed- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/internship-tips

2.  Workitdaily - https://www.workitdaily.com/how-to-be-good-intern/2-walk-in-like-you-have-something-to-lose

3.  YouTube (The Intern Queen) - https://youtu.be/VNSe2kcqO9w



Aug 03, 202207:22
S2 Ep. 14 Coffee Break: What Color is Your Parachute?

S2 Ep. 14 Coffee Break: What Color is Your Parachute?

I am starting off my Coffee Break book reviews with the only one that still ranks #1 in the career development world.   What Color is Your Parachute? is the "bible" of how to pursue a career that fits your passions, interests, skills and background.  

First published in 1970, What Color is Your Parachute? is the go to book for anyone seeking employment, returning after a lay off or trying to advance within a career.  Written by Richard N. Bolles who sadly passed away in 2017 after a lifetime of service to job seekers around the world.  For more information: www.jobhuntersbible.com, www.eparachute.com.

Chapters include:

Welcome to the Ever-Changing World of the Job Search

The Job Search is a Mind Game: Here are Ten Ways to Win

How to Deal with Any Challenges You Have in the Job Search

The Flower Exercise: Self-Inventory, Part 1 & Part 2 (not to miss if you are unclear of your direction)


I hope you'll consider adding this book to your personal library and/or reading plan to help you with your career.


Jul 18, 202204:54
S2 Ep. 13 - Pivoting from Multiple Food Allergies
Jun 06, 202234:30
S2 Ep. 12 - Back from COVID

S2 Ep. 12 - Back from COVID

Hello friends,  COVID-19 finally caught up with me and my family. I was so proud that in the two years since the pandemic first came to Massachusetts and we were all quarintened that I or my immediate family got sick.  Of course as soon as you start saying things like that God taps you on the shoulder and keeps you from being so prideful.  Anyway, I'm back and have some new ideas for upcoming podcasts I think you will like.  This quick podcast is an overview of those ideas. 

Enjoy the Journey

May 21, 202202:59
S2 Ep. 11 Building a Powerful LinkedIn Profile

S2 Ep. 11 Building a Powerful LinkedIn Profile

This episode focus on how some quick tips to build a powerful LinkedIn Profile.  There are seven key sections you want to focus on when creating and/or updating your LinkedIn profile. The seven sections are: (1) profile photo, (2) headline, (3) summary, (4) experience, (5) education, (6) skills, and (7) recommendations.

For a full video on how to improve your LinkedIn profile, check out this recording of a recent Tailored for Success webinar: https://youtu.be/UO0QnI00ofc

Need a headshot photographer recommendation?  Try Kevin Thai, Three Circles Studios (https://www.threecirclesstudio.com) or Norman Jaillet (https://www.normanjailletphotography.com)


May 02, 202205:24
S2 Ep. 10 Making a Great First Impression

S2 Ep. 10 Making a Great First Impression

You've heard the old adage - You can't judge a book by it's cover! Unfortunately, people make judgements about people all the time based on how they look and their unconscious biases.  Listen and learn how you can combat unfair judgements against you in an interview situation.

For more details on:

Shopping online thrift stores - Styled by You on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ZoxqOMWg6E

LinkedIn and your personal brand - YouTube: https://youtu.be/27-PcXVqpzY



Apr 05, 202205:22
S2 E9 Coffee Break - Limiting Beliefs

S2 E9 Coffee Break - Limiting Beliefs

Ever wonder why you are not succeeding as fast as you want to? Maybe your thoughts, and/or the people you surround yourself with are the reasons.  

Mar 24, 202203:35
S2 Ep. 8 Coffee Break - 2022 Resume Tips

S2 Ep. 8 Coffee Break - 2022 Resume Tips

Want to know the top ten resume tips for 2022?  Listen to this episode of Coffee break and get ready to update your resume.

Articles to help you update your resume:

1.  CareerOneStop - https://blog.careeronestop.org/4-essential-resume-tips-for-2022/

2.  Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/classic-resume-template?aceid=&gclid=CjwKCAjwlcaRBhBYEiwAK341jVnkesg9iyZSWPUk3TpB81-2lZvNSZqHg3ngVJCVFLd2-7-lyZhB0RoCVbgQAvD_BwE

3. The Muse - https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-make-a-resume-examples


Mar 16, 202203:54
S2 Ep. 7 - Coffee Break - DEI

S2 Ep. 7 - Coffee Break - DEI

This week's coffee break will focus on what DEI is, the effect the pandemic has had on DEI, and how to evaluate whether a company values DEI. This podcast is a companion to the podcast interview of Tissa Hami of Korsi Consulting (S2 E6)

For a list of suggested questions to ask in an interview to evaluate a company's DEI, email me at ehart@tailoredforsuccess.org and put "DEI Interview Questions" in the subject line. 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website www.tailoredforsuccess.org for more career and professional development information. 


Mar 07, 202205:05
S2 Ep. 6 A Conversation about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mar 01, 202223:12
S2 Ep. 5 Coffee Break - Rock that Virtual Interview

S2 Ep. 5 Coffee Break - Rock that Virtual Interview

On Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. EST, I will be hosting a webinar on Virtual Interviewing.  During the webinar, we will review 10 tips and strategies for rocking any virtual interview. To sign up for the webinar, visit Tailored for Success website: www.tailoredforsuccess.org/upcoming-webinars

If you can't join the webinar, check out the replay on the Tailored for Success Youtube channel  to get detailed information on these 10 tips:

1.  Test Your Technology

2.  Your Background is Important

3.  Dress the Part

4.  Smile, You're on Camera

5.  Take your Time Answering Quesiosn

6.  Items to have during the interview

7.  Be Yourself

8.  Make a Connection

9.  Send a Thank you

10.  Bonus: Stay Positive

Did you miss the webinar?  Then check out the recording on our Youtube channel!

Feb 14, 202204:49
S2: Ep. 4 Coffee Break - Self-Care

S2: Ep. 4 Coffee Break - Self-Care

Self-Care is more than a catch phrase, in 2022 its vital to our mental health. Listen to 8 dos and don'ts for self care taken from Success Magazine's Instagram page.  Do you have any self-care tips to share?  If so, please post in the comments so we can all help each other.

Where to learn more about self care:

1. Success Magine 

https://www.success.com/what-good-self-care-looks-like/

2  The Ultimate List of Self-Care Blogs 

https://medium.com/@KaylaEMatthews/the-best-self-improvement-websites-you-should-be-visiting-in-2017-2fbaeef30092

3.  Self-Care Podcasts

https://www.verywellmind.com/20-best-self-help-podcasts-to-listen-to-4771309


The information here is purely a recommendation and is not a replacement for professional medical help. 

Feb 05, 202204:13
S2: Ep. 3 Coffee Break - Stop Procrastinating Now!

S2: Ep. 3 Coffee Break - Stop Procrastinating Now!

This Coffee Break is on the subject of procrastination.  In his best selling book "Eat That Frog", Brian Tracey gives 21 suggestions for how to stop procrastinating and achieve your goals.  In this podcast, I will focus on the first three which are foundational to the rest: (1) Setting the table, (2) Plan Each Day in Advanced and (3) Practicing the Law of Three.

To read more about how to stop procrastinating and get things done, check out the book "Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracey which can be found in most libraries or you can purchase it on Amazon.


Jan 26, 202205:48
S2: Ep. 2 Coffee Break - Goals

S2: Ep. 2 Coffee Break - Goals

This is a new segment of Pivot Point, Success is a Journey called "Coffee Break".  In the time it takes to make a cup of coffee, you can learn about a topic to help support your career growth.  Every week I will discuss a topic that I hope will help you "get from where you are to where you want to be" (to quote Jack Canfield) that I think is perfect in these changing times.  The world of work is constantly changing and we are not going back to normal (thank goodness), so it's time to think differently.  I hope this little coffee break will help.

This week's topic is SMART goals, which is a acronym  for making sure your goals are achievable. The acronym breaks down like this:

S - stands for Specific

M - stands for Measurable

A - stands for Achievable

R - stands for Realistic

T - stands for Timely

To receive a free handout with specific steps to making SMART goals, email us at: tailoredforsuccessinc@gmail.com and put "SMART Goals" in the subject line.


 

Jan 20, 202204:24
S2: Ep. 1 Helping Families and Coming Full Circle

S2: Ep. 1 Helping Families and Coming Full Circle

Sometimes when you start down a career path, it is hard to tell where it will lead.  However, if you embrace who you are and use all your life experiences, you'll be prepared when opportunity knocks. This sums up the career trajectory of my guest - Liliana Patino.

Liliana Patino is the Director of the Family Resource Center in Everett, MA.  The Family Resource Center (FRC) is one of 20 FRC's I'm Massachusetts, whose mission is to assist families and especially children requiring assistance (CRA) who are in danger of not graduating from school.  

Liliana shares her inspirational journey from coming from Columbia when her mother decided to immigrate here.  Although there were language barriers, her mother gained the help she needed through a social service agency that worked with families.  This agency treated Liliana's mother with dignity and respect and Liliana never forgot the impact it had on her mother and entire family. 

In this episode, Liliana will speak about her career and how going back to school for her Masters, landed her at Eliot Community Human Services and from there to running the Family Resource Center.

A few takeaways from this podcast include:

- the importance of internships to launching a career

- how you should listen, learn and make connections in every position you are in

- the value of treating people with kindness

- the importance of not downplaying your skills - be your own self-advocate


Helpful links:

Eliot Community Human Services:  eliotchs.org

Family Resource Center - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EliotchsFRC

Cambridge College:  cambridgecollege.edu


Oct 15, 202137:21
Season 2 Who Moved My Cheese?

Season 2 Who Moved My Cheese?

Tailored for Success, Inc. is. nonprofit organization that empowers job seekers to become economically self-sufficient by providing resources, skills training and supportive reinforcement.  

Since 2000, we have been empowering job seekers to secure employment and advance within their careers.  To learn more, I encourage you to visit our website at www.tailoredforsuccess.org, where you can sign up for our newsletter, receive services or volunteer to support our mission.  You can also get daily updates by joining our Facebook or LinkedIn groups, and following us on Instagram and Twitter. Need advice on to improve your professional image? Check us out on Pintrest.

This episode is an overview of Season 2 of Pivot Point, Success is a Journey.  I'll be following the same format as Season 1 - which will be a series of interviews and insights from books and articles I've read. In this episode, I discuss briefly the book "Who Moved my Cheese" by Spencer Johnson.  

https://www.amazon.com/Moved-Cheese-Spencer-Johnson-M-D/dp/0743582853

 If you want to support this podcast and the mission of Tailored for Success, please visit our website: www.tailoredforsuccess.org.  

Thank you for listening to Pivot Point, Success is a Journey

Follow us:

Facebook: @TailoredForSTailored for Success is a nonprofit organization that empowers job seekers to become economically self-sufficient by providing resources, skills training and supportive reinforcement.

Facebook Group:  www.facebook.com/groups/tailoredforsuccess

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/tailoredforsuccess

Instagram: tailoredforsuccess

Twitter: @_Tailored4

Pintrest: pintrest.com/tailored2


Oct 12, 202104:12
Episode 16: Career Spotlight - Audio Book Narrator

Episode 16: Career Spotlight - Audio Book Narrator

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Scheckles of Sara Sounds to discuss her career as an audio book narrator.  We discuss not only her career but the nuances in the audio book industry.  Sara details how she got started in this industry, the tips she has for anyone considering this career, what she is working on now, how she has to hustle to get wok and the drawbacks and pitfalls of doing this work.  

Sara's website: https://sarasounds.com/

Want to hear samples of Sara's work? https://sarasounds.com/home#demos

Recent Work Featured on this Podcast:

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley 

The Making of Americans by Gertrude Stein

Growing Old - Notes on Aging with Something Like Grace by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

Tips and advice:

1. Make a commitment and do the work.

2. Invest in the development of your career.

3. Talk to people doing the work, but not just people you know - go outside your comfort zone.

4.  Be a listener to audio books.

5.  If you are interested in this career: find a quite place in your home, get an audiobook you are interested in, set aside several hours and read by yourself.

6.  Find out who are the reputable coaches in the industry and pick someone who has recorded a significant number of titles (not just someone who says they can coach you).

#1 Helpful Resource:

The Narrators Roadmap by Karen Commings  - website: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ 

Jul 06, 202132:01
Episode 15 - Women Empowering Women in Transition

Episode 15 - Women Empowering Women in Transition

This episode is a replay of the Women's Empowerment Workshop which was held in March during Women's History Month.  The discussion focused on how women should use all the resources available to them to shorten their job search or advance their career.  Two resources are discussed: utilizing the services of a career strategist and a paid recruiter.  My guests are Stacey Weissbock of JobssNow, and Ashlie Moseley of Beacon Hill Staffing. To watch the replay of this workshop, please visit our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/Xx4EQ0D8ta4 

Important points from the discussion - from Stacey and Ashlie:

-  Advice to help job seekers in this challenging job market

o  Consistency matters, don’t be inconsistent in your outreach or relationship building, research the company, practicing your messaging – consistency is he first step to success.

o  Build a schedule create consistent relationships and outreach, research, do the work; make a spreadsheet if that helps.

-  Virtual interviewing tip

o  Download all the different types of software: WebEx, Teams, Zoom and GoToMeeting prior to your interview because you don’t know what they will be using and you want to be prepared.

-  Working with recruiters

o  There are always job postings (open requisitions) on their website

o  If there is not the right chemistry with one recruiter you can always request another one

-  Benefits of working with recruiters

o  Recruiters have strong relationships with clients (hiring companies).

o  Access to the hidden job market (i.e., companies sometimes have positions that are not posted)

o  They can advocate for you with the company

-  Prior to the pandemic, it was a “candidate’s world” meaning that there were more jobs than candidates; now it is flipped – there are great candidates in the labor market but not enough jobs.

-  Hot industries: human resources, legal, finance and pharmaceuticals

-  Unemployment rate in finance is below 3%; positions in accounting can range from accounts payable/receivable all the way to CFO; you do not always need a CPA to work in accounting.

-  Onboarding/starting a new position

o  Majority of onboarding is remote (i.e., offer letter, identification)

o  When you start new job virtually, it is up to the company to get you what you need to be successful

o  Let recruiter know if you need any equipment; and they will help you get it.

-  Contract work

o   Be open to working on contract for a while, employers like to see that you are working

o  Contract work can also sharpen your skills or help you learn new ones; shows you are still networking and staying in the game.

o  Contract work could also turn into a permanent position.

Stacey Weissbock, Jobss Now

Stacey@jobssnow.com

Career Strategist & Change Consultant

833.562.7669 

Ashlie Moseley, Beacon Hill Staffing

Senior Account Executive | Beacon Hill Financial
Direct (617) 326-4094
152 Bowdoin Street, Boston, MA 02108
amoseley@beaconhillstaffing.com
A division of Beacon Hill Staffing Group, LLC | 
www.beaconhillstaffing.com

For more information on Equal Pay: www.equalpaynow.org

For assistance with career development visit: www.tailoredforsuccess.org


Apr 28, 202141:07
Episode 14 - Workplace Bullying: Fired for Speaking Up

Episode 14 - Workplace Bullying: Fired for Speaking Up

In Episode 14, I have the privilege of interviewing Cecilia Akuffo the author of a blog entitled "Workplace Fairness & Dignity".  As you will hear, Cecilia is an articulate woman who has a passion for shedding light on an issue not often talked about - workplace abuse.  Cecilia approaches this issue from a social justice perspective. The definition of social justice is:  "the fair treatment of all people in society, including respect for the right of minorities and equitable distribution of resources among members of a society".

Think of it this way, there is all kinds of racial injustice and oppression in our daily lives.  When you think about social justice, it refers to being fair and just in terms of the individual and society. Individuals have a fundamental right to basic human dignity. No one should be judged based on who they are, and when this happens bullying and bullying behavior becomes a social justice issue. 

I encourage you to check out Cecilia's blog: https://workplacefairnessanddignity.blogspot.com and listen to the first episode "From Fired to Fired Up" to hear her entire story. 

To explore this issue further, Cecilia offers the following resources:

2017 Workplace Bullying Institute U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey, Gary Namie, PhD, Research Director.

https://workplacebullying.org/download/2017-wbi/

https://workplacebullying.org/hwb/

Pfeffer, Jeffrey (2018, May 2) How your workplace is killing you. BBC.com.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180502-how-your-workplace-is-killing-you

Yamada, D. (2008) Workplace Bullying and Ethical Leadership. Values Based Leadership Journal. 1(2).  http://www.valuesbasedleadershipjournal.com/issues/vol1issue2/yamada.php

https://fairygodboss.com/articles/real-talk-i-am-being-psychologically-abused-at-work?utm_source=link&utm_medium=share#.YDpP4k97zYw.link

On the issue of racism and diversity in the workplace
https://clutch.co/hr/resources/how-businesses-are-responding-george-floyd-death-resulting-protests

 

Mar 08, 202130:27
Episode 13 - Three Circles of Influence - Headshot, Networking and Collaborations

Episode 13 - Three Circles of Influence - Headshot, Networking and Collaborations

Jan 01, 202126:10
Episode 12 - Conversation with Navy Veteran Mary-dith Tuitt

Episode 12 - Conversation with Navy Veteran Mary-dith Tuitt

In 2015, Tailored for Success was given a grant to start a program to assist women veterans called - Boots2Suits, A Program for Women Veterans.  Since the program began, we have been working to increase awareness around the issues affecting women veterans. This episode is a lighthearted but honest look at the issues affecting women veterans.  Mary-dith Tuitt tells her story of joining the Navy right after high school, pivoting to bootcamp and working on the flight line.  

The interview covers what it was like for her to be in the military as a woman and especially a woman of color.  We also cover the controversial topic of gays in the military and the "inconsistent policies" the military has had concerning gays.  

For the sake of history, it is important to remember that dating back to the Korean and Vietnam wars, the military viewed homosexuality as a “mental defect” and officially bared gays from serving in the military based on medical criteria.  Then in 1982, the Department of Defense officially put in writing that “homosexuality was incompatible with military service”.  Then by the end of the 1980’s the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy came into existence.

In December of 2010, the House and Senate voted in favor to repeal and over-turn the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell." President Obama then signed it into law December 22, 2010. The nation decided that by September 20, 2011, homosexuals would no longer fear discharge from the military by admitting to their sexual preference. Homosexuals have the freedom to serve in the armed forces openly.

Lastly, we discuss the issues affecting women when they transition out of the military and attempt to reintegrate back into civilian life.  The importance of the American Legion and D.A.V. posts and the camaraderie of veterans from Korea to Vietnam to Desert Storm. 

Nov 28, 202043:12
Episode 11 - A Conversation About Domestic Violence Part 2

Episode 11 - A Conversation About Domestic Violence Part 2

In this episode, I pick. up my conversation with Lovern Gordon, President of Love Life Now (www.lovelifenow.org). The episode begins with a listing of the different types of abuse: coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing, denying and blaming, using children, economic abuse and male privilege.  These all come from the Power and Control Wheel by the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence website www.ncdav.org. 

Lovern and I continue our discussion focusing on the warning and tell tale signs that the relationship you are in could turn abusive.  We also discuss the complicated issues of why a person stays in an abusive relationship.  Domestic violence is not black and white; the shades of grey can keep someone in danger for a long time.  

Most importantly, we talk about what bystanders can do to help and how just being a listening ear helps victims.  Below, are the resources listed in the first episode.  My hope is that someone who needs help will reach out or that a bystander will get familiar with the domestic violence resources in their community.  That way, the bystander can (when the time is right) offer suggestions for the person they care about.  

Although Domestic Violence Awareness month is celebrated in October, this issue should be openly discussed all year long.  Thank you for listening and your interest in this important topic.

National Domestic Violence Resources:

  • Love Life Now Foundation - 888-LLN-9876; www.lovelifenow.org
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); www.ndvh.org
  • National Dating Abuse Helpline - 1-866-331-9474; www.loveisrespect.org
  • Women of Color Network - 1-800-537-2238; www.wocninc.org
  • Casa de Esperanza - 1-651-772-1611; www.casadeesperanza.org
  • The National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project - 202-274-4457; http://www.niwap.org
  • A Call to Men - 917-922-6738; www.acalltomen.org
  • Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse - 206-568-7777

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources

  • Love Life Now Foundation -
  • Mass211 - www.mass211.org
  • Respond, Inc. - www.respondinc.org

Further Reading Resources

Mashable - https://mashable.com/article/how-to-help-domestic-violence-survivors-social-distancing-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Joyful Heart Foundation - www.joyfulheartfoundation.org


Oct 27, 202030:41
Episode 10 - A Conversation About Domestic Violence - Part 1

Episode 10 - A Conversation About Domestic Violence - Part 1

Sometimes success is getting out of an abusive relationship and reclaiming your identity.  In this episode, I interview Lovern Gordon, President and Founder of Love Life Now Foundation (www.lovelifenow.org).  Lovern is passionate about giving victims of domestic violence the information they need to become survivors.  In this frank, honest interview Lovern describes how her first experience with domestic violence started in her home island of Trinidad

During her childhood she and her siblings were exposed to brutal domestic violence of their father on their mother that was culturally accepted in her community.  After achieving permanent residency in the United States, Lovern began to live a good life of attending college and working in corporate America. Unfortunately, the good life she was building turned dark when she met her abuser and started a two year abusive relationship.  Like many victims of domestic violence Lovern's story started as a fairy tale romance but as you will hear there were warning signs along the way.  

This is part one of a two part episode where we lay the ground work for how abuse can start, answer the age old question of "why did she stay" and finishes with the birth of Love Life Now Foundation.  In part two, we will explore the different types of abuse and the warning signs.

National Domestic Violence Resources:

  • Love Life Now Foundation - 888-LLN-9876; www.lovelifenow.org
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); www.ndvh.org
  • National Dating Abuse Helpline - 1-866-331-9474; www.loveisrespect.org
  • Women of Color Network - 1-800-537-2238; www.wocninc.org
  • Casa de Esperanza - 1-651-772-1611; www.casadeesperanza.org
  • The National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project - 202-274-4457; http://www.niwap.org
  • A Call to Men - 917-922-6738; www.acalltomen.org
  • Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse - 206-568-7777

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources 

  • Love Life Now Foundation - 
  • Mass211 - www.mass211.org
  • Respond, Inc. - www.respondinc.org

Further Reading Resources

Mashable - https://mashable.com/article/how-to-help-domestic-violence-survivors-social-distancing-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Joyful Heart Foundation - www.joyfulheartfoundation.org




Oct 13, 202001:05:08
Episode 9 - Taking 100% Responsibility

Episode 9 - Taking 100% Responsibility

A quick podcast on taking responsibility for your success in life.  

Once you start looking inward as to why you are not achieving the results you want, circumstances in your life will change.  The podcast is a departure from my typical interview of successful people, but I wanted to talk about the first step in getting to where you want in life.  That first step, is taking 100% responsibility.  

To read the book I reference within the podcast, go to www.thesuccessprinciples.com.  

The book title is "Success Principles, How to get from where you are to where you want to be" by Jack Canfield. 

Enjoy the journey!

Sep 26, 202007:57
Episode 8 - Cookies Made of Hustle & Grit

Episode 8 - Cookies Made of Hustle & Grit

Black & Golds – Green Dynastea – The Flood

These are just some of the cookie flavors of Top Shelf Cookies.

In 2014, Heather Yunger started Top Shelf Cookies after several job changes that resulted in being told she’d never be promoted because she lacked a degree. Heather didn’t let that stop her and with hard work, passion and determination Top Shelf Cookies became Boston’s Craft Cookie Company that ships cookies to 30 out of 50 states.

To describe Heather, you could use the word “superstitious”.  Like most sports fans, especially in Boston, when you do something and your team wins – you keep doing it.  An avid Bruins fan, Heather decided to take some cookies to one of the home games for luck.

Not just your average chocolate chip cookies, but Black & Golds; cookies that represented the Bruins colors of black and gold and were made of dark chocolate and peanut butter.  The Bruins won that game and Heather brought Black & Golds to every home game. That year, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup and the rest as they say is history – or sweet history in this case.

To learn more about Top Shelf Cookies, and try their amazing cookies: www.topshelfcookies.com

Heather loves talk to budding entrepreneurs.  You can reach her via  email: heather@topshelfcookies.com

For information about Brewing the American Dream small food and beverage business loan program: www.brewingtheamericandream.com

Crowdfunding opportunity - www.kiva.org


Aug 23, 202030:40
Episode 7 - Helping Women Feel Safe and Secure

Episode 7 - Helping Women Feel Safe and Secure

In this episode, I talk with Nicole Lawrence O'Brien, the Founder of Ruth's Way for Women.  Ruth's Way for Women is located in Lynn, MA and started as a recovery house for women.  After a few years, the organization pivoted to be a sober home where they provide independent living in a structured environment.  In this way, the women who are in recovery have a safe, secure place for them to heal.  Nicole goes into detail about her own struggle (and awareness) of addiction to alcohol and how she through being a recovery coach empowers women to take charge of their own recovery.  

As Founders, Nicole and I share laughs over the trials and tribulations of starting and running a nonprofit organization.  Some lessons learned include:  (1) Board development - we all start with friends and family, but to grow you have to find people more interested in supporting the mission than supporting you; (2) funding the nonprofit, (3) getting good counsel and reaching out for help.  

Addition doesn't just affect the individual who is abusing substances, it can affect families.  Here are some resources if you are in need of assistance for yourself or someone you know:

Ruth's Way for Women - www.ruthswayforwomen.org

Massachusetts Substance Use Hotline - www.helplinema.org

Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.org

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration - www.samhsa.gov



Aug 15, 202037:07
Episode 6 - Limiting Beliefs

Episode 6 - Limiting Beliefs

This podcast episode goes into detail about the limiting beliefs we all have at times.  Limiting beliefs which are really excuses, bad habits and rationalizations for not achieving our goals.   The book Once Upon a Cow by Dr. Camillo Cruze uses a parable to illustrate how sometimes what we think are valid reasons for not improving our lives can be shackles to keep us in mediocracy.  

Take aways from this podcast:

- limiting beliefs can keep you bound in mediocracy

- to have success in life you must face adversity 

- be careful not to learn to accept your circumstances, even if you are dissatified

- a "cow" represents every excuse, pretext, rationalization, justification, lies or fear that prevents you from living the life you deserve and were meant to live.



Jul 13, 202011:21
Episode 5 - Kisoboka Uganda

Episode 5 - Kisoboka Uganda

Kisoboka means "it is possible" in the Uganda language.  Kisoboka Uganda is a Lexington, MA based nonprofit that has had a significant impact on a village in Uganda called Bakka since 2008.  Hear from the co-Director of Kisoboka, Sandy Gannon of how she first learned of the issues affecting the village from a visiting pastor from Uganda.  Upon hearing of the need, she decided to help by raising funds and collecting clothing for the people of the village.  Upon arriving in Bakka, Uganda, Sandy was struck by the lack of running water and no electricity even though Bakka was only 17 miles from Uganda's capital, Kampala.  

The children she met on her first trip to Uganda were suffering from malnutrition, had extended stomach due to worms, lice and no clothes.  But the joy in their hearts for God touched Sandy and she made a promise to devote the rest of her life to helping these children.   Sandy and her team in the United States and Uganda have helped hundreds of children get access to education, helped adults start businesses and has been instrumental in creating 8 bore (water) holes to provide clean water to the village. 

Jun 12, 202024:41
Episode 4 - Pivoting to Advocacy - Part 2

Episode 4 - Pivoting to Advocacy - Part 2

This is part 2 of a discussion of how David Hart came to be an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Part 2 details how his brother, Christopher, was given a seat in the Melrose public school system.  This seat only was given because of the fierce advocacy of his father, Charles Hart.  Charles founded the parent's advocacy group CCMR (Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded) in 1974 after connecting with parents from neighboring towns that also needed services for their children. 

Christopher lived at home until he was around 11 years old, then went to Hogan Regional Center to live.  Hogan was a center of excellence and Christopher received amazing care, love and support.  Although Christopher was safely placed, the advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continued through CCMR, Charles and David Hart.

Jun 09, 202029:35
Episode 3 - Pivoting to Advocacy, Part 1

Episode 3 - Pivoting to Advocacy, Part 1

This podcast chronicles the beginning of a parent's advocacy organization that was incorporated in 1974 as the Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded; now known as "CCMR".  CCMR was founded by Charles Hart and a group of parents from the former Hogan Berry Parents Association.  Charles was a fierce advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a result of having a son, Christopher, with profound mental retardation who subsequently became medically fragile.  CCMR advocated both locally and nationally for the rights of a segment of the population that is often forgotten.  

This two part interview is with David Hart who at 19 sat in on an ISP (Individual Service Plan) meeting for his brother Christopher.  Christopher was at the time nonverbal, medically fragile and living in Hogan Regional Center in Danvers.  David became interested in advocacy as a result of this ISP meeting.  Because the representatives from Hogan were talking about Christopher in the first person - explaining to David and his parents what Christopher likes, wants and feels.  Which made David ask the pivotal question "When did Christopher start talking"?

Jun 04, 202016:04
Episode 2 - Excuse or Opportunity?

Episode 2 - Excuse or Opportunity?

In this podcast, I explore the difference between luck and opportunity.  Sometimes, we all make excuses for why things are not working out, it's only natural to get discouraged.  When you are feeling like this, I recommend the book "One Upon a Cow" by Camillo Cruz.  It's a quick read but has an profound message of not using excuses to keep you from succeeding.  Oftentimes we rely too much on excuses - not being rich enough, smart enough, having the right connections, whatever it is.  But how often do we look inside ourselves to see what could or is holding us back.

If you want a fuller explanation of the book Once Upon a Cow by Dr. Camillo Cruse and Victor Hanson, watch the Youtube video.

Once Upon a Cow - Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KpeWgTVoyI&list=TL9b6L8il_vxs



May 25, 202007:48
Episode 1 - The Quarantine Pivot

Episode 1 - The Quarantine Pivot

In this first episode of Pivot Point, I talk about how COVID-19 has forced many people including myself to pivot. 

May 17, 202005:26
April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020

Apr 23, 202000:22