34: Feedback is a Gift

This episode of How to Corporate with host Fela Abioye and guest Dr. Jackie C. Thomas Jr. explores The Power of Feedback and its critical role in career growth. Dr. Thomas, an Executive Coach and seasoned professional in higher education and, shares his journey and insights on navigating feedback effectively to achieve success. The discussion begins with an overview of career paths in higher education, followed by personal anecdotes about receiving and responding to challenging feedback. Dr. Thomas highlights the importance of self-awareness in the feedback loop and elaborates on the distinction between reacting vs. responding when processing feedback. Key topics include strategies for mastering the feedback cycle, tips for interpreting and acting on feedback, and reflections on why people often resist constructive criticism. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners looking to leverage feedback to propel their careers forward and practical tips for maintaining an open mindset toward growth. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to embrace feedback as a tool for professional development and success. You can email Dr Thomas at [email protected]  or visit his website at https://competitiveedvantage.com/ Visit How to Corporate’s website at howtocorporate.net/ to purchase our book, How to Corporate: Proven Lesson for Winning at Work

It’s been a while and I missed you! Thank you for continuing to rock with me, but it’s good to be back. We’ve been working on some exciting projects that will be announced soon so remain the lookout through our social media pages. We’re switching it up this time in this episode. My guest, Whitney White, a Senior Culture & DEI Consultant interviews me as I share the what, how, and why I started How to Corporate. We also discuss the challenges of podcasting, the financial gain, and what’s coming soon. I started this show to empower you the working professional so you can advance your career through other people’s experiences. If you’re a new or existing listener, check out the prior episodes filled with gems to help you along your career. Click this link to subscribe for additional content and follow our social media pages: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate⁠

Have you ever thought of your career as one big science experiment? In this episode, my guest, Carla Fowler, MD, PhD, a former scientist introduces us to the concept of career experimentation through the lens of performance science. Running a “test and reaching new conclusions” allows an opportunity to make mistakes, learn, and grow. As an Executive Coach to leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives, Carla has a wealth of knowledge that she gladly shares with us.   Check out the entire episode to learn more. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level. Carla has provided a free download just for How to Corporate listeners on how to look for and choose a coach plus how to avoid common mistakes. https://www.thaxa.com/p/how-to-corporate - 8 Biggest mistakes people make when choosing a coach (and how to avoid them) You can connect with Carla at her website, via LinkedIn, or X - previously known as Twitter Click this link to subscribe for additional content and follow our social media pages: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate

If you were offered a new role in another city or your current employer asked you to relocate would you make a move? There is a lot of contemplate. What are all the risks? How would a move benefit my career? What support would I have in a city? How long is the commitment? My guest, Shaun Mayo, Chief People Officer for the Arizona Cardinals, faced this challenge head-on relocating a number of times in his career. In this episode, he shares what it’s like to move away and what he faced in pursuit of accelerated career growth. Together we discuss his professional wins, personal setbacks, and evolved life perspectives that can come along with leaving “home” and leaving your comfort zone… Sometimes if you want to GROW, you have to GO. Check out this episode to learn more. It could be life-changing! You can connect with Shaun on Linkedin here or via email at [email protected]. Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate

Navigating Corporate America can be quite the challenge for anyone, but this is especially true for parents with young families at home. Our careers can be demanding. And if you add in the unique demands of single parenthood… that’s when things really get interesting. My guest, Crystal Smith, is Financial Literacy and Career Coach that focuses on single parents. She herself is a single parent and understands all too well the hardships that come with balancing a household, a business, and a thriving career. In this episode, Crystal shares her unique perspectives on the following areas: - Her definition of Organized Chaos and how to work through it - Importance of Communication along with Examples - Analyzing what you can or can’t sacrifice - Remaining flexible - Anticipating the outcome and pre-planning - Creating Efficiencies Together we discuss real-world common obstacles that single parents face when looking to get ahead at work, and provide strategies that can help make their professional goals more attainable. For more info, you can check out Crystal’s podcast here; So you’re a Single Parent Know What – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-youre-a-single-parent-now-what-podcast/id1626857490 Or visit her website at Six Figure Single Mom https://sixfiguresinglemom.com/ Challenges are meant to be defeated… so check out this episode for the advice you need to WIN!! Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate

Bring your “whole self” to work is a well-known phrase and movement in Corporate America which was inspired by a book of the same name written by Mike Robbins. The COVID years propelled this concept when the lines between work & personal were blurred even further. The idea is that being your authentic self at work could unlock untapped potential, creativity, and performance. Sounds refreshing and great, but what does that look like in the real world? Is it practical to bring 100% of ourselves to work? How often do you hold back parts of your personal self from the workplace? Maybe you’re just fine with separation. How has this impacted your career? In this episode, my guest, Ngozi Nnaji, an entrepreneur, insurance brokerage owner, consultant, and professor shares her experiences with code-switching, redefining professionalism, empowerment, the role your work environment plays, and defining who you are at work. Get ready to take notes… because defining “who you are in the workplace” could be the step you need to take your career to the next level! You can email Ngozi at [email protected] or visit her website at www.akoconsulting.com. She is also active on LinkedIn here. Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content:  https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate

The negotiation process between employer and employee can be intimidating for many employees or future employees, especially when making a counteroffer. In this episode, Dr. Rochelle Parks-Yancy, a business professor, career coach, & author, explains how and why you should always counter! Yes, you should always counter! Employers have a responsibility to manage their costs effectively i.e. employee compensation so don’t assume the first offer is the best one. In the words of Dr. Parks-Yancy, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate”. But realize compensation and counter offers aren’t just limited to salaries. Think creatively. Do your research. Ask yourself what’s important to you. We break down all the ins and outs of counteroffers in this episode and provide you with real-life examples that you can use today. Negotiating is a skill just like anything else! You will get better with time if you study and practice. For more gems with Dr. Parks-Yancy, check out Episode 2, How to Negotiate Your Worth. Dr. Parks-Yancy’s book Be Your Best Career Architect! Here the Blueprints is available on amazon. You can also follow her on LinkedIn here Click this link to follow us and subscribe for additional content: https://linktr.ee/howtocorporate #howtocorporate #keepbuilding

What is the difference between visible and invisible work? A concept that seems simple to understand, but difficult to manage in our careers. In this episode, my guest Helen Appleby, an executive coach and advocate for women shares her perspective on the subject. We all want credit and recognition for the hard work we put in, so it’s vital that we not only understand what is “invisible” work but also how we can turn that into “visible work”. Helen shares tangible examples to put this strategic way of thinking into action. It takes more than hard work to get to the mountain top so let's start the new year with a plan and strategy to take your career to the next level! You can reach out directly to Helen on her website here then click the resources button to access her book & podcast, The Unwritten rules of Women’s Leadership. And be sure to click SUBSCRIBE to this SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!! Until next time… #keepbuilding.

Unexpected career changes can be nerve-racking but are inevitable so how you prepare and react will determine your outcome. But how do you deal with an ever-changing work environment and stay ahead? Les Brown says it’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. My guest, Elois Joseph, co-founder of Greenwood Project embodies the spirit of “staying ready” for anything so we tackle the subject in this episode. Listen now to learn about her career experiences in the financial services industry and as a Chicago-based non-profit co-founder focused on helping students navigate professional work industries. Opportunity waits for no one! Put the learnings from this episode into action. Don’t wait. You can keep the conversation going with Elois on LinkedIn , or with me via any of my social media platforms. Click here to check out the Greenwood Project site. And be sure to SUBSCRIBE to this SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!! Until next time… #keepbuilding.

No one should tell YOUR story better than you do. Why do we keep quiet and let other people control OUR narrative?? When you don’t: -build extending relationships, -find ways to gain supporters, -make your voice be heard… you’re actually limiting your options for the future. You’re also leaving room for anyone with influence to “fill in the blanks”— which could be to your benefit OR detriment. That’s why establishing your voice is so crucial. You are the overseer of your personal brand. In this episode, I talk to Mel Kirk — Executive & Change Leader — about the importance of speaking out while staying authentic to you, conformity, controlling your narrative and how doing so positively impacted his long-standing change management career. Listen to hear detailed examples of how speaking up in an authentic way led him to success. You can keep the conversation going with Mel on LinkedIn, or with me via any of my social media platforms. And be sure to SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW AND WRITE A REVIEW!! Until next time… #keepbuilding.