10 Mic Drop Moments from C&C Chicago 2018
Here’s everything you missed.
If you've been following along, then you know we took over House of Vans in Chicago for our C&C conference. The Windy City welcomed us with open arms and Vans provided the perfect space for us to build our beautiful dream conference. We decked out the space with beautiful furnishings courtesy of Deny Designs, and Instagrammable moments thanks to Name Glo, Vince Camuto, Bic Soleil, Volvo, and so many more. The pros at WeWork provided VIP guests with a cozy lounge for networking between panels, Comcast provided an in-depth mentor power hour with some of the fire-hearted women in the game and JC Penney took over our stunning outdoor stage and treated our guests with a music-filled post-conference happy hour to celebrate an unforgettable day.
Throughout the day we heard some killer quotes from our speakers and moderators that deserve some major credit. Ahead, some of the biggest mic-drop moments of the day.
"Full ass EVERYTHING."
- Rachel Tipograff, Founder & CEO MikMak
"I'm not too expensive. You just can't afford me yet."
-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
"The sooner you embrace the messiness in life; the sooner order will show itself."
-Lori Wright, Microsoft
"The only boundaries I have now are the ones I set for myself."
-Marianna Hewitt, Co-founder of Summer Fridays & Founder of Life With Me
"To be an entrepreneur in 2018 you need hustle, passion, and no fear."
-Shay Mitchell, Actress, Producer, & Influencer
"The best advice I've ever received: Feedback is a gift."
-Alli Webb, Co-Founder of Drybar
“If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all.”
-Jennifer Hudson, Singer, Actress, Philanthropist
“People need to learn how to rest, rather than learn how to quit.”
-Ben Silbermann, Co-Founder & CEO of Pinterest
"Know your value, know your worth, and know what you can bring to the table."
-Reesa Lake, Partner & EVP at Digital Brand Architects
“Don’t ever let technology replace the importance of personal relationships.”
-Julia Simon, Chief Legal Officer of Mary Kay
“Figure out what you need to make your life easier. That’s how you run a one-woman show.”
- Maxie McCoy, Author of You're Not Lost & Public Speaker
Thank Yous!
Our guests were able to stay fueled throughout the day thanks to our food and beverage sponsors. Health-Ade kicked off the day with breakfast and of course some kombucha for our guests to sip on as they got settled for the day. Sweetgreen provided a delicious array of salads for lunch, and McDonald's came through with a food truck for a mid-afternoon bite. OUI by Yoplait, RX Bar, and Luna also had snacks prepared for everyone to nibble one. And of course, OLLY had our backs with a variety of vitamins for guests to stay clear-headed and healthy for panels and networking.
It wouldn't be a C&C conference without a fully-stocked bar to enjoy while making your way to through the event. Chandon provided mini-bottles of its summer-themed bubbly, and the Crown Royal team mixed a delicious variety of cocktails. Of course, there were other options such as everyone's favorite La Croix, and Icelandic Glacial water to stay hydrated in the Chi-town heat.
One of our biggest hits was the pop-up market, which featured everything from beauty touch-ups to business pitching opportunities and relaxation. Our guests got to try the buzzy Dyson Super Sonic blow dryer, and both Sexy Hair and Living Proof featured the latest products for both volume and styling. Nordstrom Beauty had so many of its best-selling brands available on-site, and our beauty babes loved it.
The Pinterest team put a twist on their activation with tarot cards for building your future, and Pacifica Beauty emphasized gemstones and healing crystals for boosting girl power. The Microsoft Teams squad also introduced everyone to the collaborative platform that can boost team communication and productivity, while WeddingWire showed all the busy ladies that nuptials don't need to be put on hold if you plan like a boss. Our Chicago ticket-holders also had the opportunity to sit back and relax at Serena & Lily's Lake Michigan-inspired hangout.
Method Home even managed to take over the restrooms with a mix of hand soaps, rainbow bright decor and cell-phone holders in every stall.
Once again, thank you to ALL of our C&C Chicago partners and speakers, we couldn't have made the day so special without all of your hard work and dedication to women in business!
Did you have a favorite quote from the day? Drop it in the comments below!
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The Best Negotiation Tips We Learned at Our Chicago Conference
The Art of Negotiation panel, presented by LUNA spilled all.
Our Chicago conference was a day full of inspiration and career advice from women of all different walks of life. A big topic of the day was negotiation—you know, that one word that makes so many of us cringe. A surprising statistic that the audience learned was that only 30% of women are negotiating. Yes, you read that right.
During our Art of Negotiation panel, presented by LUNA, our speakers discussed the taboo topic both openly and honestly, which is the only way to move that conversation forward. The truth of the matter is that if women aren't freely discussing all things money, then negotiations aren't going to happen and the gender wage gap won't narrow or disappear once and for all.
Today also happens to be Women's Equality Day, so what better time to dish on money and negotiations? The year might be 2018, but the wage gap is prevalent and on our minds more than ever. Women earn 20% less than men do on average, for doing the same job with the same experience. Learning to negotiate and knowing your worth is the first step in closing the gap in order for women to be paid fairly and equally for their work and services.
Earlier this year, LUNA launched its 'Your Worth is Worth Negotiating' initiative to kick off the conversation that a lot of us tend to avoid, and the discussion continued during our conversation this past Saturday in CHI-town. Moderated by Maxie McCoy with an introduction by LUNA's Juliana French-Arnold, speakers Zoë Scharf, Reesa Lake, Blake Von D, and Robin Li fed our audience logic and real-talk advice on what it takes to negotiate effectively and confidently. Ahead are some of the biggest takeaways.
"Know your value, know your worth, and know what you can bring to the table."-Reesa Lake, Partner and Executive Vice President of Digital Brand Architects
Once women are self-aware of their value and worth, they're unstoppable. If you can confidently share your skills, experience, how you've contributed to your company, how you've helped it grow, what you plan on doing next, and more, then you can navigate successfully throughout a negotiation setting. If you don't think that you have what it takes, then that's what is setting you back.
"If my value was zero, you would not have come to me."-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
Sometimes, you just have to lay down the law with anyone who's trying to offer you less than what you're worth. If they feel that you're worth much less than your value, then why should they attempt to work with you in the first place?
"Knowing what other people value companies that are similar to yours is very important."- Robin Li, Vice President of GGV Capital
This can pertain to small business owners, who are looking to market their product or service. On the other hand, this can also work for negotiating a salary and knowing what the standard salary for your field of work. You won't learn the proper value of what you're bringing to the table until you learn what others in the same area of work are valued as or are bringing home as income.
“Think about the potential you have to add and remember that you’re offering this person something that is really beneficial to them.”-Zoë Scharf, Co-founder of Greetabl
A negotiation is just as much about the other person than it is about you. Sure, you can know what you're worth, but they may need to be reminded that you're only here to help them. Have some facts ready about why your services will benefit this person and their business and help them grow even further.
“You have to be willing to hold off and say ‘no’ when you’re negotiating.”-Maxie McCoy, Writer & Public Speaker
A lot of us don't like using the word 'no', and that needs to stop today. Don't let anyone get away with taking advantage of you and your market value. It may be uncomfortable, but be prepared to walk away and reject a deal that doesn't benefit both parties or cater to your own needs.
"I'm not too expensive, you just can't afford me yet."-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
This was the quote that caused a loud cheer from our audience! In the ultimate #facts moment of the panel, Blake said what a lot of us are thinking but never say to anyone on the other side of the table. It's true. If anyone thinks that you're charging too much when you clearly aren't, then they can't afford you. Point. Blank. Period.
Are you part of the 30% of women who negotiate? If so, let us know your own tactics for getting the deal you want. If not, what's stopping you?
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How to Have the Perfect Staycation When You Need a Break from Reality
When there’s no time for a real vacation, a staycation will do.
By: Tia Johnson
One of many saying my Pop-Pop bestowed onto me was, “It’s not where you’re going. It’s where you’re at.” In other words, focus on where you are and what you can do right now as opposed to constantly wishing to be somewhere else and not living in the moment. It’s okay to be present and just because you’re not where you want to be doesn’t mean you can’t make the experience enjoyable. That’s the mindset I want to focus on here. Let’s pull together some resources to make an epic stay-cation!
Below are seven cool ways you can enjoy the rest of your summer sans hopping on a plane to an all-inclusive resort.
Continue Doing What You Love
Whether it’s a dance or wine party, continue to do what makes you happy. A reason why Summer vacation is such a big deal is due to the memories that are created. Don’t stop doing what ignites your creativity and your soul. Remember, you make the vacation. The vacation doesn’t make you.
Throw A Movie Marathon Party
Take a weekend to watch all of the Harry Potter movies. For the weekend party, make HP themed food and drinks, decorate with the HP props, invite a few of your gals over for HP trivia, make HP themed gift bags, go all out! Do one marathon a month and have it at another girlfriend’s house each time if possible.
Have an At-Home Spa Day
This can be done by yourself or with a group. Buy spa items, such as candles, facial masks, rose water sprays, rose quartz face rollers, robes, slippers, face towels, and basins to soak your feet in. Also, purchase rose gold themed champagne glasses, a few bottles of prosecco and a gallon of orange juice to make mimosas. Turn off your phones, spend the day in the bathrobes, soak your feet in the basin filled with warm water and peppermint Epsom salt, and play Words Against Humanity or 20 questions. Afterward, use the rose quartz face roller and spray rose water on your face and neck. Don’t forget to create a playlist!
Attend Local Events
Google “Things to do in X city” or “Things to do in X city this weekend. During the Summer, there are many free concerts, festivals, or movies at the park. You can also have a picnic at a park. Some paid events in your city may include Dîner en Blanc, the all-white party held at a public location but the location is kept secret until the day of the event!
Stay At A Local Hotel Or B&B
Let someone cater to you by spending a weekend at a nice hotel where you can sleep in, order food, try their amenities, and recenter yourself.
Go For A Three-Hour Cruise
Wear your little black dress, leave your worries at home, and dance the night away for three hours. The three-hour cruises usually include a nice buffet, a fun DJ, and a positive atmosphere. You can take your drink to the deck and stare at the night sky while you feel the cool breezes from the river brush against your face.
Do That Thing You Have Been Putting Off
How cool would it be if you can say, “I finish writing that book” or “I started my blog and I already have 10 posts live on the website!” Finally accomplishing that thing you have been putting of is so satisfying that FOMO won’t be a factor for you.
BONUS: Create a scrapbook documenting all the things you have done this Summer. This will serve as a kind reminder that you don’t have to go far to have a good time!
Based in Philadelphia, Tia Johnson is a spiritual lifestyle entrepreneur, an international speaker, Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, blogger, and creator of The Spiritual Lifestyle Collective. Through spiritual teachings and healing, such as chakra and Reiki, she helps her clients to pinpoint the limiting beliefs that prevent them from living a phenomenal life they love, to heal emotional setbacks, and to create strategic plans to execute proactive actions on a personal or entrepreneurial level.
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Why Sophia Bush Says She's a Tender-Hearted Softie—Who Takes No Sh*t
Don't even.
SOPHIA BUSH IS A FORCE.
Read on.
Sophia Bush is the woman you want your daughter to grow up to be.
She's also the woman who would tell you to encourage your kid to be their own person. Forge their own path. It's certainly what she's done. The activist and actress jumpstarted her career when she dropped out of the University of Southern California at 21 to join the CW TV show One Tree Hill. On her 30th birthday, she built a school in Guatemala with the Girl Project. She's raised money for those affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, lived on $1.50 a day to raise awareness about global poverty, taken to her platforms to call the GOP "heartless," supported diversity in Hollywood, gay marriage, and women everywhere.
We caught up with the powerhouse to ask, well, everything about her drive, passion, and badass squad (like the very rad, Ruthie Lindsey).
Read on.
You made a name for yourself in Hollywood, but activism has always been in your heart. What do you want to be remembered for?
What we do is not who we are. That’s true for all of us. Our careers, no matter what kind, are simply a piece of our greater life puzzle. So personally, I hope that the people who matter most to me remember me as a passionate person who stood up for others. As a woman who was for other women. As a friend who showed up to the best of her ability. And as a tender-hearted softie who took no shit.
I hope that the people who matter most to me remember me as a tender-hearted softie who took no shit.
You’re heading to Houston pre-Style Summit. Why is it important for you to be there early?
It’s devastating to see the effects of Harvey on Houston. But seeing folks step up and show up to help is deeply inspiring. I’m just hoping to do my part and lend a hand where I can. Beyond donating and sending clothing and other supplies, knowing that I have the opportunity to lend a literal hand means a lot to me. Our government may be lead by petulant children who feel that arguing about whether science is real or not — newsflash: It is. Arguing that it isn’t is as stupid as claiming that gravity doesn’t exist—but we as citizens can sidestep the madness and show up for our neighbors. That’s what makes this country so great. Us, and our commitment to and support of one another.
You’ve said that in your early career you felt treated like a “chess pawn.” Which, so many women experience, inside Hollywood and out. How did you come to understand your power?
Understanding power is an interesting notion, and I believe that it’s closely tied to self-worth. But self-worth is not a fixed destination you arrive at and then poof! You never feel insecure, or threatened, or anxious, again. Sadly. Wouldn’t it be great if it was!? As those notions of power and worth apply to career verticals, there are systems and behavior patterns in place that subjugate and challenge women everywhere. In every business. From micro to macro aggressions, we face consistent and unrelenting adversity. It’s exhausting. And for me, refusing to be treated as a chess pawn or a plaything or an object was a reaction to that adversity, and it's blatantly and undeniably unacceptable. There is only so long that people can and will put up with circumstances that are flat out wrong. Using my voice, and standing up for myself and those around me has made all the difference.
"Self-worth is not a fixed destination you arrive at and then poof! you never feel insecure."
Tweet this.
How have the past few years changed your thoughts on what your next five years look like?
The past few years taught me a lot about what I want, and also about what I will not tolerate. The positive and negative ends of the spectrum of recent experiences have both been great for goal setting. Everything is a lesson. And it all boils down to the truth that I’m ready to take more control of my career and what it looks like. That will affect projects I want to helm — as an actor, a producer, a director — and the way people working on those projects feel when they come to work. And that’s what I’m looking forward to most. Creating environments that feel safe, freeing, creative, and open. That’s perhaps the greatest way I’ve come to understand my power thus far. And I’m so looking forward to what’s next.
"Champion other women. And you’ll draw in women who do the same for you."
Tweet this.
You’re surrounded by such a stellar squad. Can you chat a bit about the moment when you knew female friendships would power you through?
I cannot remember a time when that truth wasn’t clear and apparent to me. The adage “it takes a village” exists in our cultural lexicon for a reason. We are communal beings. We find greater happiness in a community than in solitary existence. And my community of women is such an exceptional example of that truth. We are a family. We lift each other up. We challenge each other. We support each other in work, family, play, and adventure. I’m in awe of my friends’ brilliance and boldness. Their creativity and their capacity for love. I cannot say enough good things about them. We are a tribe of women that is truly for other women. And if you want friendships like that? Be a woman like that. Be for other women. Collaborate with other women. Champion other women. And you’ll draw in women who do the same for you.
Arianna Schioldager is the former Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
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How to Go on Vacation with $1,000 or Less
We all need some PTO.
By: Tia Johnson
I have learned over the years that you don’t have to spend large sums of money to go on vacation and have a lovely time. Whenever I see a person win a prize vacation for a total value of $5,000, I would become confused. Several questions come to mind: Why does that vacation have to cost $5,000? Does it include food and drinks? What about an excursion or a tour? I believe that’s one of the main reasons why some people think they can’t go on a nice vacation unless they save their money for at least year or make considerable sacrifices to afford a vacation. Let’s look at seven creative ways you can go on a vacation for a $1,000 or less.
Think of a Cost-Effective Plan
Having a game plan for how you will make the most of your vacation will save you from rushing to travel on holiday weekends or other popular travel periods, which can lead to overspending. Your game plan can consist of beach hopping with friends. For example, several weekends can be dedicated to going to the beach. You can stay at a house or an apartment via Airbnb, buy food that’s easy to cook, such as burgers and vegetables you can grill, and split the cost with your friends or whoever you're traveling with.
Look for Combo Deals
Groupon, Expedia, and Gate1Travel have getaways with hotel and airfare (and sometimes an excursion) included at various price points. Some trips (hotel + air) are as low as $499 when you travel with a friend. Other trips are for all-inclusive resorts where you don’t have to pay for food and drinks because it’s included in the price. However, you can go to a local market to buy food so you won’t eat out as much or you can pack your snacks in your checked bag.
Go on a Road Trip
My friends and I are going on a road trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Ottawa, Canada. We will split the cost of gas and we buy food for the journey. We rented a house through Airbnb that cost $97.62 per person. Based on our last road trip to Canada, the price of gas will be around $14/person and the price of food will vary. Think about where you can split the costs.
Book in Advance & Leave on a Thursday
Companies like Amtrak have deals where you can purchase tickets for cheap if you purchase it weeks in advance and preferably on an “off day” like a Tuesday or Thursday. Peak days are Fridays and Mondays because most people depart on Fridays and return on Mondays.
Repurpose Your Wardrobe
Going on vacation usually means a trip to your favorite clothing store to buy a few articles of clothing. However, why not repurpose what you have? Below are several ways you can repurpose your clothes:
Create your own distress jeans look by cutting and ripping your jeans.
Cut your jeans and make them shorts.
Tie the bottom of your shirt into a knot on the side on in the back.
Cut off the sleeves of a shirt.
- Make a crop top shirt by cutting your shirt in the area just above your navel.
BONUS: If you are a blogger who has been consistent with posting good content and can provide a media page, you can ask a hotel representative if they are willing to collaborate with you. The collaboration will consist of you offering to write a blog post and an Instagram post about the hotel and, in return, you receive a complimentary stay.
Based in Philadelphia, Tia Johnson is a spiritual lifestyle entrepreneur, an international speaker, Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, blogger, and creator of The Spiritual Lifestyle Collective. Through spiritual teachings and healing, such as chakra and Reiki, she helps her clients to pinpoint the limiting beliefs that prevent them from living a phenomenal life they love, to heal emotional setbacks, and to create strategic plans to execute proactive actions on a personal or entrepreneurial level.
C&C Classifieds: MikMak, Bread&Butter, InStyler & More!
Your future is here.
It's Wednesday, so you already know what time it is. That's right, it's a whole new round of C&C Classifieds for the ladies looking to revamp their resumes and CVs.
From marketing and design gigs to positions in social media and merchandising, there's something for every kind of boss babe out there.
Take a look at the listings for yourself and see what it's going to take for you to send your resume.
Good luck!
InStyler - LA, CA
Jessica Krewson Creative - Remote
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How This Brand is Using Science to Solve Everyday Hair Problems
Bye, bye, bye bad hair days!
Most things we’ve learned about our hair came from watching our mom's hair care routine or maybe even stealing our older sisters products. When we think about hairspiration, iconic ladies from television come to mind. One example is the girls from Friends–Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe. Let’s be honest, the Rachel haircut practically took over the 90s. Or what about Topanga’s hair from Boy Meets World? Where do we even start? The shine, the volume, the bangs. Goals.
What does it take to get these looks? Maybe it was the hairspray; maybe it was the blow dryer. We may never know. What we do know is that there are a few myths most of us believe about our hair that just aren’t true. We’re shedding light on 3 of these myths with the help of our friends behind the Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer.
Great innovators solve the problems that others tend to ignore. That is why Dyson has re-invented the hair dryer to solve common problems men and women face on a daily basis (i.e., slow dry time, loud noises, heavy machines, extreme heat, etc.).
After four years, $71 million invested, 600 prototypes and 1,010 miles of hair tested, the Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer has revolutionized the beauty industry. With a motor that spins six times faster than a formula one race car and a microprocessor that prevents extreme heat damage, this hair dryer is a real game changer.
Topanga may not have had a Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer, but she definitely didn’t wash with cold water either.
Myth 1: Cold Water Does Not Make Hair Shiny
There is a common misconception that rinsing hair in cold water makes it shine. The key to shiny hair is to protect it from extreme heat damage. Healthy hair reflects more light than damaged hair. That’s why Dyson engineered intelligent heat control–a microprocessor measures the temperature 20 times per second to help protect against extreme heat damage and to preserve natural shine.
Myth 2: Higher Wattage Does Not Equal More Power
Higher hair dryer wattage means more power–fact or fiction? Fiction. It's a myth that higher wattage means more airflow. The Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer has Air Multiplier technology which converts high-pressure air into a high-velocity jet. The result is fast, powerful airflow at just 1600 watts.
Myth 3: You Cannot Reverse Hair Damage. But You Can Prevent It.
Next, the Dyson team set out to answer the question: can you reverse hair damage with serums and treatments? They found that hair treatments can improve the look of your hair, but cannot repair the underlying hair damage. When hair is exposed to extreme heat, small pores from within the strands scatter light and make hair look dull. When hair is healthy, the inner cortex remains intact, and light reflects in a single direction, making hair look shiny.
What have you learned about your hair recently? Let us know in the comments!
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WorkParty Book Reviews Are In!
Have you ordered yours yet?
We know we've been talking about the WorkParty book launch for quite some time, but today is the big day! A few of our friends have already gotten their hands on the book, and the reviews are rolling in steadily.
We're so happy that early readers have enjoyed the work and life lessons that Jaclyn Johnson has put into words. The real-talk, no BS advice and mantras found throughout WorkParty can elevate every woman's career and help them build the future of their dreams. Ahead, you'll see what the critics are saying and why they feel that WorkParty should part of your next reading list. Grab your copy here and check out the reviews below.
Brit+Co
“Part memoir, part inspirational mood board, and part detailed business guide, Johnson couples her own business acumen with stories from leading female entrepreneurs to encourage bosses around the world to embrace failure, cultivate the career of their dreams, and create their own WorkParty.”
Glitter Guide
“We love super smart boss babe, Jaclyn Johnson and everything she has created with Create & Cultivate. We’ve been lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book and you’ll definitely want to order this ASAP.” Read more.
POPSUGAR
“Desperately in need of a mentor at work? Let Jaclyn Johnson fill that void. The CEO and founder of Create & Cultivate has gifted all of our careers with WorkParty, which not only includes inspirational nuggets of wisdom from Johnson's rise to the top, but also from other leading female entrepreneurs.”
Refinery29
"In WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson generously shares the secrets to her success: be nice, take risks, and work your butt off. Whether you're looking to turn your side hustle into your main gig, or thrive in your corporate job, this is the book you need to take your career to the next level — on your own terms."
Want more? Read reviews from early readers over at goodreads.com.
Have you ordered your copy of WorkParty yet? If not, what are you waiting for!? Get your hands on the next best thing for your bookshelf and career. WorkParty is officially available for purchase and don't forget to catch us on the first WorkParty book tour kicking off next month!
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Serena & Lily's CEO Shares How Women Can Stay Confident at Work
This is what it’s like to be a woman at the top.
Photos: Instagram/@serenaandlily
Here at C&C, we're fortunate enough to chat with women at the top of their careers all of the time. Our most recent interview features Lori Greeley, CEO of Serena & Lily, who's killing it in the design space at the moment.
You've likely seen Serena & Lily designs and stores that offer a breezy California approach to potential customers. But what does it take to take a brand forward and be at the head of one of today's most popular lifestyle destinations? That's where Lori's expertise comes in.
Just like a lot of us, she ended up switching her major and dove head-first into an industry where more women should, in fact, be at the top. We chatted about switching your career path, being a female CEO, diversity in the workplace, and so much more.
Create & Cultivate: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
Lori Greeley: Bucknell University where I studied Psychology (after realizing that Biology/Pre-Med was clearly not my calling).
You’ve spent your career in the fashion and retailing businesses, and have taken some really big brands to the next level. Did you always want to work in corporate retail or was your journey unexpected?
I did not have a grand plan to work in retail. I think like many of my peers, it was an obvious contingency plan. I had worked in stores or as a waitress all through high school and college and always had an interest in fashion (I have vivid memories of favorite outfits from age 3). After graduating with a liberal arts degree, career options were obviously pretty uncertain. I ended up being recruited into an executive training program at a regional department store and my career in retail began. I quickly discovered that being a department store merchant was uninteresting to me. The role was much more focused on negotiating good deals than having a strong influence over the product offering or customer experience. I was uninspired in this environment even though I had moved quickly through the training program. Fortunately, I was recommended to a store business in Ohio by a very nice woman in the market which ultimately lead to my long career at Victoria’s Secret. I joined VS only a few years after it had been acquired by Les Wexner of Limited Brands and stayed on that journey for 20 years, playing several roles from associate buyer to CEO. At VS my role evolved from retailer to a focus on brand building where we embraced the concept of “a brand is a story well told.” To deliver on this concept it’s important to understand your customer as a best friend. Knowing your customer informs decisions from product design to pricing, to brand voice. To wrap this question up, it was a journey, not a plan. A combination of being competitive and unafraid of taking risks has made my journey a successful one.
You also serve on the Board of Directors for other businesses. Do you feel that more women are being welcomed into those positions or is there still work to get done?
I’m lucky to serve on boards that are very gender balanced. I am also fortunate to serve with men and women with diverse work experience, age, and ethnicity. There has been progress made in the last few years to recruit more women to boards, but we’re a long way from parity. Honestly, the only way the pace of the progress will improve is with a strong commitment to change led by chairmen and male directors. The positive impact to business results has been documented for years with indisputable facts, and yet the change is slow.
"There has been progress made in the last few years to recruit more women to boards, but we’re a long way from parity."
What is the best part about being a female CEO?
It’s hard to pinpoint what’s unique about being a female CEO (since I’ve never been a male CEO). What I love about the position is that you’re able to create an environment where people can be at their best. I believe in encouraging people to take risks and step out of their comfort zone. Some of the people I’ve had the most pleasure of working with were not considered obvious future leaders early in their careers. I love scouting talent and seeing people develop into high impact players and being able to recognize that contribution with life-changing promotions.
What is the most challenging part about being a female CEO?
There has been much written about the topic of work-life balance, especially when it comes to juggling motherhood and a career. I am fortunate enough to be married to a wonderful man who was willing to pursue a career with a more flexible work day than mine and who was always happy to share the responsibilities of parenting with me. Admittedly, if I had to do it over, I would have been more present for my daughter’s school events earlier in life (simply because they grow up so fast). Thankfully, this helped me to discover that modeling a healthy work-life balance as a CEO by being transparent about leaving the office to attend a tennis match or a concert made my team feel more comfortable leaving the office for important personal commitments. Technology has also made it so much easier to flex between work and home responsibilities.
"Every role has the opportunity to contribute to the business’s success in very tangible ways."
What’s the best thing about working at Serena and Lily?
At the risk of sounding sappy, I love so many things about leading the next chapter of the Serena & Lily brand. I spent my career prior to S&L in lingerie, but my passion was always home. I also love the beach so an interior design brand that’s inspired by coastal living is a dream come true. My husband and I were born and raised in the northeast so having the opportunity to live in Marin and explore Northern California has also been really inspiring. And last, but certainly not least, are my colleagues at S&L. We are a very small team and we all wear many hats. This creates an environment where every role has the opportunity to contribute to the business’s success in very tangible ways.
At our Create & Cultivate conferences, we meet so many young women who want to work their way up the corporate ladder. Is there any advice you can give to young women to help them remain confident in the workforce and have their voices heard?
This is such a good question. I believe strongly in having a lean organization that allows for young women to have meaty roles early in their careers. Who you work for also really matters - if you don’t aspire to have your boss’s role in the future or you don’t admire their leadership style, don’t waste too much time on their team. That said, you can learn a lot from poor leadership. Some of the things that shaped my leadership style most were experiences where my boss behaved in a manner that I vowed never to mimic. Ultimately, I would advise women to not wait to be invited to speak up. Ask questions you truly do not know the answers to, not just the ones where you are simply hoping to showcase your brilliance. When in a meeting - soak it up and remain mentally engaged even if you’re not in a position to speak or actively participate. Use these opportunities to build muscle by “testing” yourself in the early years before you’re the one in the position of accountability.
What is one thing you wish you knew in your 20s that you now know today?
I honestly like the way I “played” my 20’s. In hindsight, I might have had loftier career aspirations earlier, but the truth is that I was never shy about putting my opinions on the table and challenging the status quo. When possible, perform at the next level before being recognized with a formal promotion.
How do you stay inspired to continuously lead a team and brand successfully?
Customer feedback, beautiful products, colleague relationships (surrounding yourself with people who give you energy), and one of the great things about being a retailer is the daily report card you get from your customers in the form of sales.
Is there any exciting Serena and Lily news that you can share with us today?
We are very excited to continue to introduce new people to our brand through our catalogs, digital advertising, social media and the opening of more design shops in inspiring neighborhoods across the country. The design shops will offer guests the chance to work one-on-one with expert design advisors to explore styling options and bring their vision to life. As you may know, we opened our newest design shop in Lincoln Park earlier this year and are looking forward to the addition of beautiful new locations in Pacific Palisades and Dallas. Our collection also continues to expand to encourage more creativity in our customers with the depth of our new assortment. We have some exciting new bedding collections and are introducing an entirely new nursery collection in a few weeks… the first major introduction in over 10 years. We designed the collection to be sophisticated with the same quality and design details that we include in all our products for the home.
Don't forget to stop by the Serena & Lily Lake Michigan-inspired experience at Create & Cultivate Chicago!
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How to Start Your Mornings Off on the Right Foot with One Simple Trick
Plus, a Free Treat for our Chicago Conference Attendees
Dirty Penguin
Having our morning cup of coffee is a pivotal moment for starting our day on the right foot. But a rushed morning just makes the rest of the feel like an avalanche of crazy.
We’re firm believers that you should wake up feeling like your best self in order to kill it at work every day. Rather than rushing to get ready in the AM and running to check your email inbox, make it a point to take some time for you, clear your mind, and get right on track.
Have you ever thought about what you typically do while your coffee is brewing?
While it may not be the longest amount of time, those few minutes can be used for the greater good. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stumptown Coffee for a list of activities that you can accomplish while brewing your morning cup of Joe to help get your mind right for the workday ahead. Pop some coffee into your drip brewer or French press and try one of the following activities.
Write a List of Affirmations
Jotting down a few positive affirmations is a great form of practicing self-love, and it’s simple enough to do while waiting for your coffee. If you’re in a funk, or just need a better start to your day before work, remind yourself of the things that bring you happiness and that you’re grateful for. Check out some examples targeted towards confidence and success below.
I am so grateful for my life.
I feel happy and enthusiastic about my life
I will be successful in all of my endeavors
I am confident in my future
Make Your Day’s To-Do List
The team here at C&C lives and breathes by to-do lists. Seriously, we use them for everything and don’t know how we would accomplish any of our tasks without them. As you wait for your morning coffee, take a minute to jot down all of your tasks that must be accomplished for that day. You can write down everything from the day’s list of meetings and calls to your own personal assignments and errands. It’s a great idea to use the notes section on your mobile phone during this short amount of time if you don’t have a pen and paper lying around for you to physically write everything down.
List One Thing You’re Grateful for That Day
If you’re not into the idea of executing a full list of positive affirmations, you can always take the time to think of one thing you’re grateful for that day. Believe it or not, this can change every day depending on certain circumstances or events occurring throughout your life. This could be anything as big as your overall health or something as small as the delicious cup of coffee you’re about to drink.
P.S. we have a special offer for all of our C&C Chicago attendees! Stumptown is offering a gift to anyone who’s in Chi-town during the weekend. Swing by their Chicago cafe with your Create & Cultivate conference pass for a FREE cold brew or coffee to enjoy between August 24th - August 26th!
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Chicago
311 N. Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
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Free Download: Start Hacking Your Business' Growth
No, we're not talking Angelina Jolie circa 1995.
Have you heard about hacking your way to a successful business?
What if we told you that it's possible to grow your business with little to no money? All you have to do is become a hacker. Not Angelina Jolie circa 1995 cyberpunk thriller. There's no hacking into databases or leaking sensitive information.
And no, you don't need to start taking IT classes. We’re talking hacking your own marketing techniques and taking smart and strategic shortcuts that will successfully bring attention to your brand. It’s taking marketing to the next level and thinking out-of-the-box when creating campaigns.
Want to know more? Download the Growth Hacking Checklist from Above the Glass, the online platform giving women business tools and resources, below.
11 Words To Eliminate from Your Vocabulary ASAP
#takecare love, Drake.
Photo credit: Smith House Photography
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Are you currently trying to lose weight, quit smoking, get more sleep or attain some other life-improvement goal? Do you find yourself saying any of these words to yourself? Which ones do you find yourself saying most often? What are you doing to counteract that negative effects? Have you noticed positive results from your positive thinking?
Here are 11 to eliminate from your vocab. Start with this weekend... see if it transfers into the week.
Thank us later.
#11 BUSY
Think you’re too busy to go to the gym or spend more time with your kids? Think again. If you tell yourself, ‘I’m too busy to do it because...’ you’ll always make yourself right, says author and personal development coach Noah St. John. “But you’re making excuses for yourself,” he says. “How much longer are you going to listen?” Figure out what your excuses are (like being too busy), and then start asking yourself the right kind of leading questions. Instead of “Why am I so busy?” ask yourself, “Why do I have so much time to do what I need to do?” St. John suggests. Even though you won’t feel like you have a lot of time at first, asking the question will lead your brain to seek the answer. The answer might be, “Because I have good time-management skills” or “Because I eliminated something nonessential from my schedule and replaced it with something more important.” Keep asking those types of “afformation questions,” and you’ll surprise yourself with the answers.
#10 NEVER
The old adage “never say never” is especially true when it comes to meeting your goals because it’s a toxic word that will sabotage your progress. “When you are trying to lose weight, for example, if your automatic thoughts are saying, ‘I’m never going to reach to my goal weight,’ and those are the words circling in your head, it will be almost impossible to lose weight because you’ve already set yourself up for failure,” says clinical psychologist Kate Cummins. Sure, it may take you a while to reach your goal weight, quit smoking or reach whatever personal development goal you’ve set for yourself, but it will happen with patience and persistence. “Instead of focusing on this negative self-talk, remember to tell yourself positive things,” Cummins says. “Write loving notes to yourself on your mirror like, ‘Hey there, healthy and slender woman,’ or ‘You got this—keep up the good work!’”
#9 SHOULD
“Saying ‘I should’ve gone for a run’ makes you feel guilty for not going on your run,” says life coach and author Belinda Anderson. “Instead, say ‘I intend to go for a run’ or ‘I choose not to go for a run today.’” The latter options are more empowering and give you back the decision-making authority. The word “should,” on the other hand, makes whatever task you feel like you should do seem tedious or undesirable. When you tell yourself that you’re choosing to do something—whether that’s going to the gym, quitting smoking, going to bed earlier or spending more of your time volunteering—your mind automatically reframes the task as something that you want to do, rather than something you’re forcing yourself to do. So replace “should” with words like “choose,” “intend,” “desire,” “want” or “could.”
#8 STUPID
Just as you want to avoid calling yourself (or anyone else) a failure, you really should avoid negative adjectives in general. “The mind is a heat-seeking missile—it will move rapidly in the direction you point it,” says personal and career coach Beverly Flaxington. “If your thoughts and beliefs are constantly negative, then failure is what you’ll get. You want to think, self-talk and out-loud talk only about what you want. Drop the negative viewpoints entirely. They are destructive.” So if you find yourself fixating on what you perceive as your negative aspects, choose to intentionally turn your thoughts around to focus on your strengths and abilities. Instead of saying, “I haven’t quit smoking yet; I’m so stupid,” tell yourself, “I am strong for making the decision to quit smoking.”
#7 TOMORROW
If you keep pushing things off until some distant tomorrow, you’ll never get them done. The common trap is to say, “Oh well, I didn’t eat well today, so my diet starts tomorrow.” But that allows you to keep delaying and to never really start. Instead, pick a concrete and realistic start date and stick to it. “Keep yourself accountable. If you don’t do it tomorrow, when will you do it?” says author and personal development coach Noah St. John. More than just a start date, though, you need to have a reason to keep you motivated. “You need to have a ‘why to,’ not just a ‘how to,’” says St. John. So whether that’s losing weight to lower your blood pressure and risk of diabetes or to quit smoking so you can set a good example for your kids or get fit so you can feel great in your bathing suit next summer, pick a reason and remind yourself of it daily.
#6 LUCKY
Sure, some days you might feel lucky—and that’s great! But you should never use luck as an excuse for why you can’t do something or to discredit someone else’s accomplishments by saying they’re lucky. “There is such a thing as luck,” says author and personal development coach Noah St. John, “but you need to marry luck with hard work.” A quote (erroneously attributed to Thomas Jefferson) states, “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” St. John also warns against the temptation to compare your life to the lives of people you follow on social media. So while you’re envying someone’s abs or arms, don’t tell yourself that they’re just lucky, remind yourself that they had to work hard to achieve the body they have and that if you work hard, you can achieve your goals as well.
#5 FAILURE
Calling yourself a failure is a surefire way to ensure that you fail in whatever you do. In that sense, you are your own self-fulfilling prophecy. “You want to be the most positive coach to yourself that you can possibly be,” says Kate Cummins, Los Angeles-based licensed clinical psychologist. “So by doing that you take ‘I’m no good’ and change it into ‘I am good, and I’m going to do this’; or ‘I’m a failure’ into ‘I have failed in the past, but I have also won, and I will win this time.’” But, at the same time, you don’t want to lie to yourself. “Make sure you leave room for disappointment,” Cummins says. “If your expectations are perfection, you are setting yourself up for failure. Forgive yourself, be patient with change and give yourself room to grow.”
#4 CAN'T/WON'T
Saying things like “I can’t eat that pizza” and “I won’t lose weight if I don’t work out” is actually working against you. “When you are trying to make change happen, stay away from negative language,” says personal and career coach Beverly Flaxington. “It is important to fill the mind with the positive ‘what do you want’ ideas and not confuse it with negative terms. The mind will drop the ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’ and will focus on what you do not want to do.” Plus, many times those can’t and won’t statements simply aren’t true. Instead, focus on what you can and will do. Tell yourself things like “I can have one cheat meal a week,” “I have plenty of healthy and delicious snacks to keep me full” or “I will lose weight because I’m sticking to my workout routine.” The one exception to this, of course, is actual physical limitations. If you truly can’t eat something because of food sensitivities or do something in the gym because of an injury or physical handicap, your mind may naturally remind you as a protection mechanism. Still, it’s important to focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t.
#3 TOO MUCH/NOT ENOUGH
It’s easy to think that we’re either too much of the wrong thing or not enough of the right thing. But that just reinforces the embedded presupposition factor of the brain, says Noah St. John, author of “Book of Afformations” and founder of SuccessClinic.com. “If you ask yourself, ‘Why am I not enough?’ your brain naturally starts to search for the answer, acting like a computer or Internet search. You find whatever you’re searching for.” Rather than presupposing you’re not good enough, St. John recommends “afformations” (no, that’s not a typo), which reframe your questions to lead your mind to search for better answers and avoid the endless repetition of the commonly prescribed “affirmations.” In this case, try asking yourself “Why am I enough?” You’ll set your brain on the right path and you’ll be delightfully surprised with what your mind can come up with. To paraphrase Henry Ford: “Whether you think you’re wrong or you’re right, you are.”
#2 JUST/ONLY
How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I only ran three miles today,” or “I'm just emailing you to let you know...” or “I just did a yoga DVD” (as opposed to an intense gym session)? It’s time to put a stop to that. “Avoid thinking of any day as test of your character,” says Emily Balcetis, associate professor of psychology at New York University. “Whether you run three miles or only three blocks, today is not a statement about you as a person.” Instead, take every day as a chance to progress a little bit further. “People who approach challenges and goals with a growth mindset rather than as a test of their fixed nature don’t see setbacks as failures but as opportunities to develop skills and learn better habits,” she says. So even if you didn’t run as far as you wanted to on a given day, tell yourself that, regardless of how many miles you logged, any run is better than no run and that you were able to make time in your busy schedule to do something good for yourself.
#1 FAT/UGLY
Women may be notoriously guilty of saying, “I look fat today,” and it’s human nature to be self-deprecating. But in order to form a better (not to mention more accurate) self-image, it’s important to get rid of negative adjectives. “You don’t want to associate with negative terms,” says Beverly Flaxington, author of “Self-Talk for a Calmer You" and The Human Behavior Coach. “Catch yourself using self-defeating talk and make a conscious choice to change the talk. Instead of ‘fat’ you are ‘getting healthier,’ instead of ‘ugly’ you are ‘beautiful in my own way.’ You may not believe these things if you use overly positive language, so I advocate for using something more neutral to replace negative terms.”
What words do you say instead? Share your thoughts, questions and suggestions in the comments section below.
The original version of this post appeared on LIVESTRONG.com
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C&C Classifieds: Create & Cultivate, Blended Strategy Group, Dermaflash & More!
It's time for some more awesome job listings, courtesy of C&C Classifieds!
This week's batch includes some awesome gigs in the worlds of marketing, social media, project management and more! And yes, we're hiring here at Create & Cultivate!
Get your foot in the door in these different industries and get ready to make your mark!
Create & Cultivate - LA, CA
Blended Strategy Group - LA, CA
Dermaflash - CHI, IL
hello.me - Remote
Rare Global - LA, CA
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The Best Time of the Week to Apply For Jobs
Timing is everything.
photo credit: Becki Smith/Smith House Photography
There is a lot of speculation regarding the best time of the week to apply for jobs, and some data to back it up, but the truth is that there are a lot of factors that go into good timing.
You’ll always be among many applicants, but try to apply outside of the application rush
It’s important to remember that when you apply online, you’re one of hundreds of applicants, so it’s ideal to apply at a time when your resume might be among a smaller bunch of applicants. Most people apply to jobs when they have free time, so often people submit a job applications on the weekend. Since most companies are closed on the weekend, resumes and applications pile up, which makes it harder to get through and more likely that your application will get passed over. Applying on the weekend won’t make or break your application, however if you can avoid it, you should.
Opt for a time when someone will see your application come through
Coming from experience working in a recruiting office, if your application happens to come through as someone is sitting at the computer sorting through the applications, your resume is very likely to get viewed. This doesn’t guarantee anything, but if someone does see your application come through, you’ll make more of an impact than if your resume was one of a hundred sitting in a pile from the weekend.
Try to apply at a time when people might be going over the resumes. For example, 10 am on a weekday, once people have settled into the office and don’t have any afternoon exhaustion.
If you’re applying via an internal referral or a connection, apply on their time
If you’re sending your resume to a friend or connection to be submitted, the timing on their end won’t matter much, but make sure you’re providing your information to them upon their request. If someone asks you to provide your information to them by a certain date or time, make sure you get everything to them either prior to or at that time. Don’t be late.
GlassDoor estimates that being referred by someone at the company boosts your chance of successfully landing a job as high as nearly 7%. If someone has been kind enough to improve your chances of landing a job, make sure you work with their desired timeline. They may ask you to get it to them by a certain point so they can optimize your chances of success, or maybe they want to review your resume to give you pointers. Whatever your reasoning is, don’t question it and ensure that you get everything to them when they want it.
______________
Ultimately, the best time of the week to apply for jobs depends on many different factors such as employee engagement, and number of applicants. While there are times that are more optimal than others to apply, there is not one perfect time that will give you a higher chance of success. The bottom line is that your resume has to be great to make you stand out. You can use these tactics to give your resume a higher chance of success, but at the end of the day, your application should speak for itself regardless of when you apply.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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How to Create a Zen Meditation Space and Improve Your Career at the Same Time)
It’s all about balance.
I’m not going to lie — the first time I tried to meditate, I felt utterly ridiculous. I’d read about all of the benefits and how it was going to be “completely life-changing,” but for the most part, I just sat there with my eyes closed and worried I was doing it wrong.
No one bothered to tell me that there’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to meditation. You can’t just plop down on a pillow and become a master in 15 minutes. Like so many things in life, it takes practice. However, once I got the hang of it, I found it to be just as cathartic as all the meditation and yoga blogs had promised.
The benefits of meditation most often touted are lowered blood pressure, more restful sleep, and stress relief. For this anxiety-ridden writer, it was the promise of reduced stress that really called to me. I hoped that by lowering my stress levels I could find a bit of peace in life — but I never expected it to have the impact it did on my career.
Meditation & Your Career
Even people that absolutely love their jobs are subject to work-related stress. And since stress can have a serious effect on our mental and physical health, it’s important we find healthy ways to deal with it. One of those ways is meditation.
When we’re under physical or mental pressure, our bodies release stress hormones (e.g. cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine) and go into “fight or flight” mode. However, researchers from the Benson-Henry Institute found that practicing meditation causes what they call the “relaxation response” — this is effectively the opposite of “fight or flight.” Their studies have revealed that the relaxation response not only lessens stress and anxiety, it also positively affects heart rate, blood pressure, and brain activity.
Being able to tap into meditation exercises in the office can reduce stress, help you to make better decisions, enhance your creativity, and boost your concentration. What’s more, it can give you the perspective you need to deal with workplace anxiety.
One of the nicest things about meditation is that it can be practiced almost anywhere — I’ve done it in my car and even at my desk. All it takes is five to 10 minutes of meditation during your lunch break to release tension and get some clarity. That said if you really want to make the most of your meditation, practicing for 30 minutes to an hour every day is better — especially if you have a dedicated space at home to do it in.
Designing a Summer Meditation Space at Home
While an indoor meditation space is awesome for year-round use, an outdoor area can really shake things up (in a good way!) Summer mornings and evenings are the perfect time to get outside and meditate. There’s something so soothing about meditating when surrounded by nature. You can feel the breeze on your skin, hear the birds in the trees, and smell the sweet summer air. It’s heavenly.
Here are the fundamentals you’ll need to create a zen summer meditation space:
Privacy
It’s difficult to meditate when you feel exposed. Create a feeling of safety and security with fencing, hedges, trees, trellises, umbrellas, folding screens, or hanging tapestries.
Flora, Stone, & Water
When creating a meditation area, it’s important to incorporate the elements.
- Even though you’re already outdoors, you’ll still want to add some greenery into your space. Use your senses as a guide when choosing plants — look for pleasing textures, brightly colored flowers, and calming fragrances.
- Stone will add to the strength and stability of your space. Use flat stones, river rock, bricks, and pavers to build an altar, labyrinth, or rock sculptures.
- A recirculating patio fountain will not only bring water into your outdoor haven but also produce a marvelous sound to train your focus to while meditating.
Comfort
A truly refreshing meditation session will call for a certain amount of comfort. Fashion a comfy spot to meditate by layering outdoor rugs, cushions, and throw blankets. To help beat the heat (and avoid a sunburn), tie fabric to trees or structures to create a shaded cover.
Lighting & Decor
Minimalism is the best approach when it comes to decorating your meditation area — you don’t want it to be overly cluttered and distracting. The trick is to select decor that fills you with a sense of serenity and tranquility. Popular items include meditation beads, crystals, bells, singing bowls, wind chimes, and affirmation stones. Light your space with candles, fairy lights, decorative lanterns, or a fire pit.
Conclusion
Your summer meditation space can be as small or as large as you’d like. Personally, I prefer a cozy nook to a large, open space, but it’s all about personal preference. Choose a space that brings you peace and turn it into a meditation haven.
Spend at least 20 minutes each day meditating outside. Close your eyes, follow your breathing, and practice visualization. You can do this before work, after work, or both. The more you practice meditation, the more you’ll see the benefits. So grab a cushion, go outside, and get your summer meditation on—you’ll be feeling happy and centered in no time!
Liz Greene is a feminist, makeup enthusiast, and anxiety-ridden realist from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. When she’s not writing, she enjoys eating fancy cheeses, fantasizing about what life would be like if she had an Iron Man suit, and re-watching Venture Bros. episodes for the 100th time. You can follow her latest cosmetic misadventures on her blog, Three Broke Bunnies or follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene
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6 Things You've Never Done to Save Time, But Should
Time management 101.
Young professionals are busy. Between work, friends and finding time for self-care, it feels like there’s little left in the day for anything else. Worse, there are probably dozens of things you’re doing that are zapping the little time you do have—and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. The good news is there are many ways to take that time back, but you’ve probably never tried them before. Stop dealing with this time-crunched life. Try these ideas instead.
Find Someone on TaskRabbit
If you’ve never used TaskRabbit to outsource time-consuming to-do list items, now is the time to try. While the service is most commonly known for tasks like delivering food or drink items to your house or finding affordable handyman services, you can use it for just about any task you can think of.
PureWow suggests “Taskers,” as they’re called, can do all the following:
● Put together your Ikea furniture
● Wait in line at a restaurant
● Nitty-gritty wedding planning details
● Deliver flowers
● Hand-write thank you notes
● Help hang your gallery wall
● Re-organize your closet
● Cook a week’s worth of meals
● Bartend your next BBQ
● Plan your next vacation
And that’s just a short list. The best part, all of these tasks cost anywhere from $19 to $40 per hour. For those of us that are more time-crunched than we’d like to believe, these services would make a huge dent in time spent during the day.
Track Your Time
If you keep feeling like you’re running out of time—at work, at home, wherever—it’s time to start tracking what you’re doing, and how long it’s taking. There are dozens of free time trackers available, including RescueTime, Toggle, and iTrackMyTime. All you have to do is fill it in with the tasks you do most often and then start the clock when you do.
At the end of the week or month, look through your time tracker to see where you’ve spent the most time. You may be shocked to see you spent four hours watching T.V. every night, but can’t seem to find time to read more. Suddenly, you’ve found your time-saver: watch less T.V. or read for 30 minutes before you flick it on to wind down at night.
Pick Up the Phone
Texting, emailing and in-app messaging is convenient when you’re having a casual
conversation. When it comes to making plans, however, nothing beats a traditional phone call to save time. Instead of going back and forth on details, or waiting for a response on a timely question, you can hash it out right then and there.
Video calling makes this even more fun—so next time you’re making plans, pick up the phone, hop on a video call and plan it out together. Paired with a glass of wine, it will feel like you’re planning in the same room together.
Use Wash and Fold Service
Laundry is a necessary evil. According to CD One Price Cleaners, it’s also a time consuming one. They found that it takes 100 minutes to do a single load of laundry—and no, that doesn’t count folding it too. Don’t let this chore take up any more of your free time. Instead, use a wash and fold service once a week, and look for one that offers same-day pick- up. If you live in a major metropolitan area, this will be easy to find, as most cleaners now offer this service. Then, just drop your clothes off before work and pick them up on your way home. Now you have the whole night to enjoy, whether you want to curl up on the couch or head out
with friends.
Make Idle Time Productive Time
While it’s nice to have downtime, if you often have unoccupied time during the day—think: traveling on public transportation, standing in line at the grocery store, waiting at the doctor’s office—rethink how you use it. By being more productive during this otherwise unused time, you free up space later in the day to do other things that are important to you.
In these moments, focus on small tasks like, texting your mom back or reading through a long email from your boss. Anything that you’d normally put off for days at a time, but that can be done quickly with your phone.
If you know you’ll have idle time on your hands that week or the next day, make a short list of things you can get done. When the time comes, open your to-do list and knock them off.
Stop Your Social Media Scrolling
How often do you turn to your phone to scroll while a page is loading (I’ve already done it three times while writing this article!) and then you stay on it for another 5 minutes because you get sucked in. This is a tough item to add to your time tracking because it’s often in short spurts, but those can add up quickly.
To get your scroll habit under control, and stop wasting time, check out AntiSocial. This app tracks your phone usage and lets you know how you compare to others. You’ll also get a usage score and tips for reducing how often you reach for your phone. You may find you’re spending way more time on your phone than you think, but the data may be enough to help you cut down, saving a little (or a lot of) time each day.
Save Time Once and For All
Get your time-wasting habits and chores under control. Use TaskRabbit to outsource waiting for a table at your new favorite restaurant. Drop your clothes off at the wash and fold when you know you have a busy week ahead. Pick up the phone to make plans instead of texting. All these tasks are simple, yet hugely helpful when it comes to saving time. Better yet: use the time tracker so you can see the progress for yourself.
Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than 10 years and is currently a full-time writer, content marketing consultant and business owner. She’s been featured in Forbes and Business Insider and has written for Manta, StartupNation, Glassdoor, Lifehack and more. Follow her on Twitter @Jlsander07 and connect LinkedIn.
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6 Career-Driven Books That Will Inspire You to be Your Best Self
Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
We all need a good read every now and then, and here at C&C we’re always looking for new material. A good book is so much more than an interesting plot, climax, and conclusion. A good read must inspire us to live a happier and fuller life, and in our case encourage us to go after our dream jobs and career paths.
Our current reading list for the month of August is full of career-driven reads with no BS advice and stories that we can all benefit from. And let’s face it, we all need a light kick in the ass from time to time.
Jot down this list, and get to some more summer reading.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
The show creator and producer explains how her career changed once she started saying yes. She gets real about everything from avoiding public appearances to suffering panic attacks before some of her interviews. We wouldn’t expect this from a female powerhouse, but that’s exactly the point. She made a promise to herself and for a year she vowed to say yes to everything that scared her.
Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht
Aliza is the voice behind the famed Twitter account, @DKNYPRGirl. Although she left her post at the fashion house, and the Twitter account is no more, she mastered the art of social media when you’re at the prime of your career. Her tongue-in-cheek humor and real-talk advice make readers feel like they’re listening to the wiser big sister they never had.
Like She Owns the Place by Cara Alwill Leyba
Is there a weight on your shoulders that’s getting in the way of your confidence? Then this one’s for you. Cara dives into accepting every single part of ourselves whether it be failures, wrinkles, or straight-up f*ck ups. Her book will get you to find that unshakeable confidence you’ve been looking for in order to live your best life.
You’re Not Lost by Maxie McCoy
Maxie has had enough of hearing women say, “I’m so lost”. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of saying those three darn little words. Her compelling guide helps readers get to the root of their self-doubt, and shine the light on small, yet impactful decisions that will make you stop feeling "lost" after all.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Kim focuses puts the focus on bosses in her book. After her careers at Google and Apple, she developed a class on how to be the best boss possible, also titled Radical Candor. As a voice respected by CEOs, Kim provides honest guidance on what it really takes to effectively lead others. The idea of Radical Candor is that in order to be a good boss, you have to care personally while challenging directly. Kim shows readers how to build better relationships at work and fulfill their responsibilities of being a leader.
WorkParty by Jaclyn Johnson (Available August 21st)
Our very own Jaclyn Johnson lets it all out in WorkParty. Jaclyn shares how she turned distrust into determination, frustration into fuel, and heartache into hard work—and how you can, too. It’s your no BS guide to building your own career, your empire, and the best future for you.
By: Andrea Navarro
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4 Must-Have Mentalities for Female Entrepreneurs
Your mentality is everything.
by Jaclyn Johnson
As a female entrepreneur, I have been faced with challenges, opportunities, dead ends and open doors. I've learned firsthand that when you have to be your own best friend and your harshest critic, your mentality is everything. Here are a few things I've learned along the way.
1. Done is better than perfect:
Now, many people might say this isn't the best approach to business. However, in a world that is moving a mile a minute, often being the first to market is key. So just get it out there. Holding back and fixing any last minute imperfections with your product, site, brand, app, whatever, won’t necessarily bring about a successful launch or business. So just being able to put your product or company out in the world and iterate on it is a beautiful thing—take advantage of that.
2. Your gut is probably right:
I have had to learn this lesson the hard way. Opportunities will present themselves, people will say they want to help you out (and often times, they will) but other times you’re being taken advantage of. Trust your gut and put your foot down.
3. Hard decisions lead to better results:
You will face many hard decisions and it will feel like it is impossible to recover or deal with the decisions you are going to make, but trust me it is worth it. Harder decisions get easier to make over time. Don’t get sidetracked by the minutia—always envision the long game.
You will fail and that’s okay. You will mess up, you will be wrong, and that's okay, too. It's okay because you’re human after all. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Simply accept it and move on.
As a type A, “don’t worry I got this” individual, I realize how hard this can be, but it is crucial that you are your own number one fan and your own support system.
4. You’re a boss, not a bitch:
Don’t confuse the two like other people so often seem to. You are running a company and with that comes a lot of delegation and management, so don’t feel bad for telling an employee that what they did wasn’t satisfactory. It’s okay to say no if your employee asks to leave early on a busy day. You are a boss and as such you have to play that role and lay down the law when necessary.
This post first appeared on the Create & Cultivate Facebook. Follow us for more.
Free Download: The Ultimate Social Media Checklist for Your Brand
Time to apply some Spring cleaning to your social media.
When was the last time you did a social media review and made sure that your social media was in tip top shape? Spring is here, and just like it’s time to clean up and organize your home and office spaces, you should also do the same with your social media. If you can’t remember the last time you did it, or perhaps haven’t done it at all, your time is now.
When it comes to executing a seamless social media marketing strategy, you have to make sure you have all your ducks in a row and have covered all your bases. From checking to see if you know who has access to your accounts, to making sure that you have set your goals in a KPI sheet, we’ve got you covered in our free social media review checklist.
Get started on your social media review and download the checklist below now.
C&C Classifieds: La Croix, Small Girls PR, VidCon & More!
Get hired!
For this week's C&C Classifieds, we have a diverse set of roles fit for so many of you boss ladies. If you dream of being a PR maven or want to get your feet wet in the video production world, you'll want to scroll through these awesome gigs.
We also have a set of marketing and social media roles on the list too! With summer wrapping up, it's the perfect time to make the leap if you've had your mind set on a new role.
Good luck!
WeWork - Multi-City
Marketing & Events/Programming Manager - New York
Marketing & Partnerships Manager - Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia
Programming Associate, Creator Awards - New York
Marketing & Partnerships Manager - Miami or Atlanta
Something Social - LA, CA
Dear Media - LA. CA
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