Tag: leadership
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The Missing Ask: Why We Negotiate Salary but Wait for Promotions
I’m currently reading Women Don’t Ask by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever. If you haven’t read it yet, put it on your list. It explores a painful truth that many of us know instinctively: women are often much less likely than men to negotiate for what they want, assuming that hard work alone will be…
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The Biggest Productivity Lie: Why Time Management Fails the Exhausted Leader
When I first started climbing the ladder, I was obsessed with time management. Like many leaders in tech, I viewed my planner as the ultimate tool for control. I color-coded my calendar, mastered task batching, and achieved near-perfect calendar utilization. I was “doing it all.” The painful truth? Despite my perfect schedule, I was running…
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How a Personal Board of Directors Transformed My Growth (and How You Can Build Yours)
Walking into Google felt like walking in the dark When I joined Google as a senior engineering manager: new company, new role, new world, I felt a bit like a blind person groping in the dark. I was the first external manager hired into the Israeli development center. Until then, every manager had grown from…
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How I Failed as a Mentee
I once got the opportunity to be mentored by a senior leader I really admired. I was excited, and in my mind: “mission accomplished”. But a few weeks in, our relationship just fizzled out. The calls got shorter, and the conversations became less frequent until they stopped completely. I was disappointed, and I felt like…
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𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿-𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵
Imagine this: you walk through the door after a long day, and you’re met with pure, unbridled joy. A happy dance, a full-body wiggle, and a serenade that’s a little bit howl, a little bit song. It’s a welcome so genuine and infectious that your own weariness melts away. This isn’t a scene from a…
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The Art of Not Taking No for an Answer
I still remember the day I first pitched my idea. I saw a critical problem that needed solving, one I was deeply passionate about. But when I brought it to our VPs, I heard the same answer twice: “No.” They had their reasons, valid ones about resources and priorities, but I couldn’t let it go.…
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Stop Dodging Office Politics
Five everyday habits that let you influence with integrity and get good work into the world “I hate office politics.” If that line has ever slipped out of your mouth, you’re in good company. I hear it from coaching clients almost every week, and I used to say it myself! The catch? Stepping away doesn’t…
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Shut Up and Listen: A Better Way to Start as a New Leader
When I stepped into my first VP role, I thought I had to hit the ground running. I had experience. A strong track record. A big title. So I thought I had to prove something — fast. But what I’ve learned (and what I now help new leaders navigate through coaching) is this: The best…
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Own Your Narrative: The Key to Getting Promoted (and Growing as a Leader)
Many believe hard work alone leads to promotions, but effective storytelling about one’s impact, challenges, and leadership is essential. Individuals often struggle to articulate their narratives, especially in ambiguous environments. Understanding how to own and present their stories can significantly impact career advancement and personal growth.
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Empower Your Career: When to Choose a Mentor or Coach
My journey as a mentor began years ago, working primarily with women and young entrepreneurs. There was something deeply fulfilling about sharing my experiences and knowledge, watching these talented individuals navigate challenges I had faced before. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting numerous professionals as they built their businesses and advanced their…
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The Way Out Is In
The Emotion Escape Route “I just can’t deal with this anger. I need it to GO AWAY.” Have you ever found yourself desperately trying to escape uncomfortable emotions? That tightness in your chest during a high-stakes meeting. The knot in your stomach before delivering difficult feedback. The racing thoughts that keep you up at 3…
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The Mindful Leader: Buddhist Teachings for Modern Businesses
In my previous post, “The Sabbatical Less Traveled: From Google Director to Buddhist Student”, I shared my transformative experience at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. Today, I want to share some of my learnings, and explore how Buddhist practices and principles can revolutionize modern leadership. While many discuss Buddhism’s personal benefits, its potential for transforming business…
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The Sabbatical Less Traveled: From Google Director to Buddhist Student
As I shared in my previous post about leaving Google, many people approached me eager to hear more about my sabbatical year. Today, I want to share the transformative experience of learning and practicing Buddhism at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. A Dream Fulfilled While I’d taken Buddhist courses and weekend retreats before, this was my…
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The Mentor Within: A Simple Question That Changes Everything
Recently, during a coaching session with a new client facing a significant career challenge, I introduced them to a tool so simple it almost feels like magic. As we explored their struggles and aspirations, I asked, “What would you tell yourself if you were your own mentor?” The impact was immediate. My client paused, leaned…
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The Guitar’s Leadership Lessons
Starting My Musical Journey as an Adult It sat in our basement, a gleaming acoustic guitar, both beckoning and mocking. “Aren’t you a bit old for this?” the voice in my head whispered. “Shouldn’t you have started this journey decades ago?”. The same voice had haunted my leadership aspirations early in my career – that…
Mor Schlesinger 