As we come to the close of 2023, it’s a fitting time to pause and reflect on the year gone by. Carve out some space for self-evaluation across four key “burners” before embarking on goal-setting for the year ahead:

This is not a post about cooking but the analogy of 4 burners gives us a way to reflect and balance our lives.

The 4 Burner Theory

The 4 Burner Theory recognises that we can't excel in all major areas of life at once. The original 4"burners" represent:

• Family

• Friends

• Work

• Health

Key points:

• We can only fully "turn on" or direct focus towards 1 or 2 burners at a time

• If we push ourselves in too many areas, the other burners get neglected

• Looking back at where your time/energy was focused provides insight into your priorities and values

• You can then intentionally direct effort into areas that may need more attention

2023 Reflections

Relationships (Family & Friends) :

• How did you show up as a partner, family member, friend or community member this year?

• What relationships brought reciprocal joy andsupported mutual growth?

• What connections would you like to nurture more deeply in 2024?

Personal (added this):

• What brought you joy or a sense of meaning this past year?

• What activities renewed your spirit and fueled your internal fire?

• What personal goals did you achieve in 2023?

Work:

• What professional accomplishments were you most proud of?

• What skills did you build on or newly develop?

• What projects or collaborations were you excited to work on?

Health :

• Did you make progress towards financial goals like saving, investing, or paying down debt?

• What spending adjustments did you make to align behaviors with values and priorities?

• What financial wins or lessons did 2023 bring?

Finances (I added this): this is so important to have choices…

• Did you make progress towards financial goals like saving, investing, or paying down debt?

• What spending adjustments did you make to align behaviors with values and priorities?

• What financial wins or lessons did 2023 bring?

Looking Ahead to 2024

As you reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024, consider:

• What 1-2 professional projects or opportunities excite you for the coming year?

• What 1 relationship would you like to invest more in?

• What 1 personal growth goal do you have involving a new skill, enrichment activity or hobby?

• What 1 step can you take to improve your physical, mental or emotional health in 2024?

• What 1 step can I take to invest in my financial health in 2024?

• What 1 thing on your bucket list do you aim to finally tackle in 2024?

But let’s not forget to have fun, take time, relax, do nothing…we don’t have to fill the hours of our day or push ourselves all the time.

#2023reflection #2024goals #lookback #goalsetting #visionboard

What did 2023 teach you? What are you looking forward to in 2024?

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As a woman navigating her career, it’s essential to understand the network of support that can bolster your success. From mentors to sponsors to advocates, surround yourself with wisdom and backing as you take steps towards your goals. But what’s the difference, and who do you need in your corner?

Mentors

• Provide wisdom, advice and guidance based on their experience

• Help develop your skills and decision-making abilities

• Give feedback on goals, progress and balancing tradeoffs

• Broaden perspectives and share fresh outlooks

Sponsors

• Hold senior level influence in an organization

• Actively advocate for high-visibility opportunities

• Put your name forward for promotions and projects

• Leverage their network and status to elevate youSubscribe now

Allies

• Use their privilege and platform to intentionally empower those without it

• Educate themselves on barriers faced and concrete ways to address biases

• Speak up to shift cultural narratives and champion inclusive values

• Make space for new voices; credit/defer to those voices

Advocates

• Believe in you and your potential

• Offer moral support; celebrate milestones

• Defend you in difficult situations

• Reaffirm your talents and self-worth to counter doubts

Having these four types of champions in appropriate measures is key to effectively navigating obstacles as you lean in to your ambitions. Consider who currently holds these roles for you and where there may be gaps to fill.

BUILD YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS!!

#womenleadership #sponsors #advocates #personalboardofdirectors #allies #mentors

#boardofdirectors

Do you have sponsors, allies and advocates? Do you know who they are?

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I recently spoke at the Johns Hopkins International Career Summit and one of the questions I got asked was "Is it better to work in a company for a long period or is it better to jump between difference jobs?"

The job market today is far different than decades ago - with less stigma around changing companies and more fluidity in roles. This flexibility empowers us with options, but also leaves many wondering: should I stay put or keep moving to new opportunities? There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Staying Put

Building tenure at an organization used to be the norm, and there are still benefits to sticking around long-term:

• Developing deeper expertise in your role over time

• Forging stronger relationships and networks internally

• Gaining institutional knowledge and becoming a go-to resource

• Showcasing loyalty which could lead to promotions

• Avoiding the risks and unknowns of a new environment

However, extended stagnation in one role can also lead to boredom, lack of challenge, and limited skill development . So while loyalty is great, beware of complacency.

Shifting Regularly

On the other hand, deliberately changing jobs every few years provides advantages like:

• Exposure to diverse industries, companies, and challenges

• Preventing your skills from becoming obsolete

• Quicker salary growth by leveraging outside offers

• Bringing fresh perspectives to new teams

• Expanding your professional network

But be cautious of changing too often, which can backfire:

• Never building deep expertise in one area

• Developing a “job hopper” reputation

• Minimal impact on or investment in teams

• Constantly being the inexperienced newcomer

• Sacrificing valuable mentoring relationshipsSubscribe now

Striking a Balance

Given these tradeoffs, I generally recommend finding a middle ground. Staying 1-3 years in roles allows you to learn, add value, and build your brand before considering a move. Beyond 3-5 years, aim to layer on new responsibilities, projects, or lateral moves to keep growing within the same high-level field or company.

The optimal frequency also depends on your industry and goals. Early career stage? Changing every 1-2 years can offer accelerated development. Mid-career? Stick to each role 2-4 years to balance depth with breadth of experience. Feel stuck? Explore options, but make your next move intentionally.

While an evolving job market gives us flexibility, our careers still benefit from a methodical, patient approach. Consistently evaluate both the risks and rewards of moving on versus digging in your heels. With thoughtful planning, you can strike the right balance and get the most out of your career journey.

Drop a note on your thoughts and experiences with job changes.

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Have you ever come to a juncture on a road and wondered which path to take?

I am on a road with multiple exits. The problem with this singular analogy is, it ends at a specific destination and only by taking a U-turn can I come back to the same road to retrace my path.

But when I step on a walking path in the woods or in my neighbourhood, I get the opportunity to meander and meet new people. It opens the door to many conversations, learning new things and exploring multiple trails that may criss-cross.

You often have no idea where the path may lead. Finding one that fits your values and resonates with your thoughts, interests and expertise can be not so simple.

Almost every article in content creation or running a business tells you to niche down.

Well!! Hmm… it’s not so simple.

I work on many things….which bring me joy and fulfilment

• Women and Leadership….

• Building strong financial habits and ecosystems for youth and women……

• Enabling students to step into the workforce with confidence …..

• Semiconductor Workforce Development

Now which do I pick….well at this time all of them….

One thing the corporate world has taught me is to evaluate situations from multiple angles, to plan and strategise.

Annual Plan

As companies sit down to do their Annual Plan and look at their KPIs (key performance indices) so am I.

I am working on my ideal day and what my goals will be for 2024. If you are interested in learning more about this project, drop a comment.

I am curious to know what you are working on. It could be in your corporate life, personal life, professional life…

Podcast

My podcast is also going through an evolution I am planning a series on these topics. Let me know your thoughts and questions.

Please send your questions to womencareerandlife@gmail.com. Your answer may get featured in the newsletter and spark a conversation.

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45% of women business leaders say it’s difficult for women to speak up in virtual meetings

I am trying different formats on my newsletter and would appreciate your feedback.

Speaking up in Meetings

Meeting Participation 101: Tips to Speak Up and Be Heard

Raising your voice in meetings can be intimidating, but it’s important to share your thoughts and ideas. As someone who used to stay quiet in meetings, I’ve learned that speaking up leads to better outcomes for everyone.

We are not taught on how to best express our ideas and opinions. Even when we do so in meetings you may get spoken over. So how can you take control?

👉🏾 Let's start with a plan, if you are trying to speak up in a meeting...

• Decide which meetings are critical & where you want to contribute

• What do you want to speak up about, practice aloud what you want to say

• Meet with stakeholders & key people- Get to know them and their careabouts

• Speak up often in meetings

• If someone interrupts you, politely say "Can you hold that thought, let me finish and we can deep dive into it"

• Find allies who can support you.

• This for the Allies " Support those who speak up but are unheard in meetings". Give them the floor, acknowledge their inputs, otherwise they may not contribute next time.

• Own your space & your voice - you will see the impact

This path can be intimidating at times, things will go wrong sometimes but persevere.

👉🏾 Your contributions are important to driving better products and outcomes

Guest Highlight

In this episode, Deepa shares her experiences as an immigrant climbing the corporate ladder, the challenges she faced with work visas, and the importance of mentors in furthering your career. She also provides insights on advocating for yourself, getting and processing feedback, and staying current on your skill set. We unpack a lot of valuable insights, including how to advocate for yourself to your managers, the importance of mentors in getting feedback and furthering your career, and how to articulate what you want during performance reviews. Deepa also shares tips on how to present to executive leaders, how to take career risks, and the lessons she learned from failure. As an immigrant, Deepa faced unique challenges with work visas and the immigrant experience. In the episode takeaway, Deepa provides an action list for listeners to implement in their career journeys. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing career challenges as an immigrant or looking to further their career with the help of mentors and effective communication skills. To listen to the whole podcast visit Women, Career and Life.

Leaders Hub

When you are assigning projects to your employees, are you weighing on who will get the high-impact -high-visibility projects? Don’t always give them to the high performer in you group. For one they might be the only one with the juicy projects and second they may feel overwhelmed with high profile projects.

Give these higg profile project to other team members who are ready for a challenge or may not realize they are ready. While assigning these projects, keep in mind that women and minorities in your group may not speak up and ask for these projects but are more than able to do them very well. Give them a fair shake at these high-priority projects. I highlight this because women (from many conversations) sometimes get overlooked for these critical projects. Don’t assume your team member has work-life conflicts or that their plate is full. Ask them and as you are their manager, you can redistribute projects to build a holistic & strong team.

Q & A -ASK AWAY

I want to move from an engineering client-facing role to a hardcore engineering role, how do I do that?

First list engineering tasks and accomplishments you did in your client role. Layer that with your education credentials. If there is additional training or certification needed, sign up for online classes on Coursera, Udemy, etc. Update your LinkedIn profile, and use the hashtags wisely. Reach out to people on LinkedIn (Former colleagues & new contacts). Ask them how you can pivot to the role. Get connected to people in the industry, do informational interviews, and let them know of your experience and interest. Attend virtual or in-person networking events. Update your resume & Apply!

Please send your questions to womencareerandlife@gmail.com. Your answer may get featured in the newsletter and spark a conversation.

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Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest insights and advice on career & finance.

Also, please leave a COMMENT or tap the LIKE button below ❤️ (Thank YOU!)

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✳ Book for Speaking or Workshops: Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi website

🎤 Podcast: Podcast links (scroll to bottom)

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60% of women say they’ve never negotiated their salary—and many quit their job instead.

Did you land a job recently? Are you up for a mid-year or annual review soon? Here is how you can negotiate a salary raise.

I am trying different formats on my newsletter and would appreciate your feedback.

👉🏾 #1: Research market rates: Gathering information about salary ranges in your industry and role will help you make a compelling case for higher pay.

You can use glassdoor.com or salary.com. Check your company's range and most importantly Location. The cost of living impacts the salary range too.

👉🏾 #2. Highlight your value: Emphasize your skills, experience, and accomplishments to demonstrate why you deserve a higher salary.

It's not how much you made before but what you bring to the table that counts. Take notes of your accomplishments and impact so you can keep them for future reference as well.

Listen to this episode with Lydia Fenet on how to negotiate your worth:

👉🏾 #3. Practice and prepare: Role-playing salary negotiations and rehearsing your talking points can boost your confidence during the actual negotiation.

Role-play with a friend or family member, practice out loud in front of a mirror or record a video.

Write down what you want to negotiate and have more than 1 point that you are able to negotiate...title, salary, benefits etc..

👉🏾 #4. Leverage competitive offers: Use job offers from other companies as leverage to negotiate a higher salary with your current employer.

If you have other offers see how you can leverage them. Also, understand that not all companies may be willing to negotiate. Be sure you know whether you are willing to stay or walk away if your expectations are not met.

Did you know?

This TED talk with Amy Cuddy was transformational in my journey toward gaining confidence in speaking in front of an audience. Try the power pose before going into negotiate or a big meeting or when you are getting ready for the interview. Drop me a note in the comments 👇🏽 on which pose you have used (hand on hips or hand above head), did it help?

I am trying different formats on my newsletter and would appreciate your feedback.

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#negotiatesalary #financialindependence #newjob #performancereview

40% of the US workforce will experience a layoff so the odds of us getting laid off are quiet high. So, how can we take control of the outcomes from a layoff and reenter the workforce.Have you ever been tapped on the shoulder for a promotion?

I am trying different formats on my newsletter and would appreciate your feedback.

My Insights

I was laid-off a few months into my first job.  I got a severance package but I know that not everyone is lucky to get a package.  I was on an immigrant visa and that can lead to many more complications. My visa status was not compromised completely because I got on as a dependent on my spouse's visa. Look into applying for unemployment benefits and take advantage of any resources your former employer offers.

Dealing with a layoff can be a difficult and quiet emotional, but there are steps you can take to help you deal through it. First, take some time to process and grieve the loss of your job. It's okay to be upset, and it's important to give yourself time to adjust to the change.

Once you've done that, start thinking about what you can do to move forward. Consider updating your resume, networking with contacts in your industry, and researching potential job opportunities. It is also a time to consider whether you want to stay in your current industry, change industries, pivot to entrepreneurship, go back to school and more. If you are making a significant change, do research, expand your connections, talk to people and start to execute on your decision.

Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure to get adequate rest, eat healthy, and stay connected with those who care about you. It's also useful to find a support system, whether it's online forums, friends, or family. With the right resources and support, you can make the best of this situation and come out stronger on the other side.

Guest Highlight

Roadmap for a successful career relaunch & how to make a career transition

Carol Fishman Cohen shares her personal experience of taking an 11-year career break to focus on raising her children and the challenges she faced when trying to re-enter the workforce. She provides a roadmap for individuals who are looking to relaunch their careers after a break, which includes identifying strengths and skills, building a professional network, and creating a targeted job search strategy. To listen to the whole podcast visit Women, Career and Life.

Money Matters

I can’t believe it’s almost October. I quit my job recently, a huge financial decision.  This decision was made after a lot of thought and a thorough look at my finances.

What is one financial move you made in 2023?Have you started following a budget, started a new job, or invested recently?

Q & A -ASK AWAY (Questions from readers & listeners)

I got tapped on the shoulder to be a manager, should I throw my name in the hat? I am not sure I can be a manager or am ready to be a manager?

When you get tapped on the shoulder to be a manager, I would strongly urge you to say Yes, even if you don’t think you are ready. First, the boss who is asking you to apply see’s a lot of potential in you that you may not recognise. Second, they will have your back and support you as they are also invested in your success.

Say No only if there are personal reasons or something about the job doesn’t appeal to you.

Don’t ever say No because you think you can’t do the role. How will you know if you don’t try. Also you will always learn something new in a role, build new skills, get exposed to a different organization, meet decision makers and expand your network. The upside far trumps the downside.

Please send your questions to womencareerandlife@gmail.com. Your answer may get featured in the newsletter and spark a conversation.

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#careerdevelopment #layoffs #careerreentry #careerbreak #promotion

Introduction:

In this EmpowerHer: Women Career & Life Newsletter, we are diving into the world of tech and discussing insights that can help career-focused women get promoted in the tech industry. Join us as we explore key strategies and behaviors that can lead to success and advancement.

👉🏾 Insight 1: Advocate for Yourself

One common habit that holds women back in their careers is the expectation that their hard work alone will be noticed and rewarded. In the tech industry, it's crucial for women to proactively advocate for themselves. Don't assume that others will automatically recognize your achievements. Instead, take the initiative to communicate your goals, aspirations, and desired career path to your superiors, mentors, and colleagues. Clearly expressing your ambitions can help ensure that your contributions are acknowledged and considered when promotion opportunities arise.

To learn more about how to advocate for yourself, take a listen to the “Women Career & Life “ podcast interview with Sally Helgesen.

👉🏾 Insight 2: Build a Strong Network

Building meaningful relationships and expanding your professional network is essential for career growth in any industry, and the tech sector is no exception. Successful individuals in tech prioritize relationship-building and actively seek out opportunities to connect with the right people. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and leverage social platforms to establish connections with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential advocates who can support your career aspirations.

Check out last week’s newsletter on how to build strong networks:

👉🏾 Insight 3: Embrace Continuous Learning

In the fast-paced world of tech, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and developments is crucial for career advancement. Embrace a growth mindset and commit to continuous learning. Seek out opportunities to acquire new skills, whether through professional development courses, certification programs, or internal training initiatives. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt, learn, and expand your knowledge will position you as a valuable asset within your organization and enhance your chances of promotion.

👉🏾 Insight 4: Seek Out Allies and Coaches

Support systems play a vital role in advancing your career in the tech industry. Consider partnering with a mentor, coach, or ally who can provide guidance, advice, and insights specific to your career goals. Research by esteemed leadership expert Marshall Goldsmith reveals that partnering with others for long-term positive change leads to significant career success. Make use of available resources and seek out experienced individuals who can help navigate the complexities of the tech industry, provide valuable feedback, and offer support during crucial career moments.

👉🏾 Conclusion:

To thrive in the tech industry, career-focused women must be proactive, build meaningful relationships, continuously learn, and seek out allies and mentors. By advocating for themselves, establishing a strong network, embracing growth, and leveraging coaching, women can position themselves for success and increase their chances of promotion in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of tech.

Remember to subscribe to our podcast, Women Career & Life, for more valuable insights and discussions on empowering women in their careers and lives.

🎤 Podcast: Podcast links (scroll to bottom of page)

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Also, please leave a COMMENT or tap the LIKE button below ❤️ (Thank YOU!)

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Podcasting and almost any content creation can be a very lonely place. Often you are sequestered in a room, hunched over a device putting out content that hopefully gets consumed.

In August 2022, I saw a post on LinkedIn from Mike in my feed saying, “Are you attending Podcast Movement in Dallas?” I didn’t know till then that there was a Podcast Community or a Podcasting Conference.

I immediately searched for individuals with any mention of Podcast Movement or #PM22 on LinkedIn. I crafted a message to all of them saying

I sent out ~70 emails in 48 hours. Within 72 hours, I received 50 accepts. I followed up with some of them and was able to setup time with a few people for a 1-1 or group meet up. The connections I made and the mentoring I received made me feel engaged and included in the podcast community.

I was able to join “The Podcast Academy”, get a mentor and engage as an active member of the community. A few months later I ran for the Board of Governors position and won my first ever election.

To learn more about the process and tools for podcasting, take a listen here:

This is the second time I attended the Podcast Movement (in Denver). Here are my takeaways on Networking (from my podcasting experience)

👉🏾 Mentors are important, build strong relationships. They cheer you on, provide insights and help you stay focused. I met my mentor in IRL (in real life) in Denver.

👉🏾Before attending a meeting, event or conference, see if you can connect online or over phone. This will make it much easier to feel comfortable (use networking email)

👉🏾 Take every opportunity to meet people in person. I was able to meet my fellow  Podcast Academy board members in IRL.

👉🏾 Don’t feel shy. I met Paula Pant, she was so gracious and I got to talk to her about her Netflix Show "Get Smart with Money", a must watch. It was a fan girl moment as I am an avid listener of her podcast "Afford Anything". Talk to people you admire. Be respectful of their time and space, you can learn a lot from them.

👉🏾 Networking is not transactional, it is about investing in relationships.

👉🏾 Don’t just take but also give back to your network. I was able to introduce and connect people within my network. Introducing and helping someone does not diminish our opportunities, it expands them.

👉🏾 Don’t try to build a network when you need it, Build it before a need arises.

People like to help and be supportive. Step out of your comfort zone and reach out to people who are outside of your immediate network.

What are some tips you use to expand your network?

If you are interested in listening to my podcast (Women Career & Life) or supporting it click the link: https://solo.to/sirishak

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© Women, Career & Life#pm23 #podcast #podcastindustry #networking #relationship #mentors

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What can we do to encourage more girls to pursue STEM

There is a photo in my house of my son's middle school math club before they head off to the local tournament.  All the kids are wearing the same color dark blue T-shirts with the teachers standing at the side.  If you look closely, what will strike you is there are 6 girls in a sea of 40 students.   What is not right with this picture?

I often use this picture as an icebreaker to drive conversations around Girls in STEM.  When you visit Robotics tournaments you may see a similar disparity.  Young Girls bring enormous drive, talent, communication, and a distinct way of solving problems that these school teams and the workforce can benefit from.  Those 6 girls did really well in the tournaments winning accolades for themselves and the school.

A study conducted by Microsoft shows that girls are interested in STEM at 11 and lose interest by 15.  The kids in the photo were 11-12 years old.  From a recent conversation with the CEO of Girl Scouts of North East Texas (GSNETX), Jennifer Kiehl Bartkowski,  I learned that from 3rd grade Girls can start to shift away from STEM.  No matter if the drift away from STEM is seen at age 8, age 11, or age 15, we have a similar problem to solve.

You can listen to the podcast episode with JenniferKiehl Bartkowski and Elina Davis here

Young girls and women need mentors and role models.  We need to interact with people who look like us so we can see our future stories written in the sand.  Organizations like Girls Who Code and Girl Scouts are tackling this issue, to build this pipeline early.    Girls who code is invested in building a pipeline of female engineers and Girl Scouts has been building centers of STEM excellence to expose kids from various backgrounds including girls from low-income neighborhoods to careers in STEM.

So what can we do as Parents, Teachers, and Citizens of the world?  Well, one way is to be mentors, role models, etc...

Wherever, whenever you find the opportunity to have a conversation with young girls, do so. Sign up to be a mentor at school clubs and other organizations that empower young women.  Young women can question themselves and show a lack of confidence in pursuing STEM careers and it behooves us to shore up their confidence and show them what impact they can have.

Technology careers lead to high-paying jobs.  Girls often want to pursue a career of purpose, so it's imperative for us to tie the impact of technology careers to purpose and pay and paint that picture.  You can touch one person and the ripple effect can impact their peers and generations to come.  

By being a mentor, and role model, you can start to close the gender gap in STEM and also drive the conversation around the gender pay gap.  

I take every opportunity during carpool to have a conversation around STEM with the female friends of my sons.  Where else would I  find such a "captive" audience 😉?

Why do girls lose interest in STEM? New research has some answers — and what we can do about it -...

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© Women, Career & Life

This is EmpowerHer: Women Career & Life Newsletter.