We’ve all heard the corporate platitudes: "It's not about who you know, but what you know." While there's a kernel of truth in that, let me share a little secret I've learned over my years in the professional world: a significant part of your success hinges on a skill they don't teach you in college – the art of managing up. It sounds a bit manipulative, doesn't it? "Managing your boss." But trust me, it's not about playing puppet master. It's about building a powerful, productive, and positive relationship with your direct supervisor. It's about understanding their goals, their pressures, and their communication style so that you can not only meet but exceed their expectations. It’s about making their job easier, which in turn, makes your job easier and your career trajectory smoother. I remember my first "real" job. I was full of ideas, energy, and a healthy dose of naivete. My boss, a seasoned veteran of the industry, was...

Hello Inspirers,  let’s be honest, the word “feedback” can send a shiver down your spine. It often conjures images of awkward performance reviews, tense conversations, or that dreaded phrase, “Can I give you some feedback?” For the longest time, I viewed feedback as a necessary evil, a bitter pill to swallow for the sake of “professional development.”  My palms would get sweaty, my heart would race, and I’d brace myself for the inevitable blow to my ego. On the flip side, giving feedback felt just as daunting. I’d either sugarcoat my words into a confusing mess or, in my attempt to be direct, come across as harsh and critical. It was a lose-lose situation. It took me a while to realize that feedback isn't a weapon to be wielded or a storm to be weathered. It's a gift. A messy, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately invaluable gift. It’s the secret sauce to growth, the compass that points us toward improvement, and the bridge that connects us to our colleagues and collaborator...