I was having my morning coffee earlier this week when I had an epiphany. An epiphany (comes from the ancient Greek meaning “manifestation”, “striking appearance”) is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Often used to describe a scientific breakthrough or a religious discovery, it can be applied to any situation in which an enlightening … Read More
career transitions
Do you have an elevator pitch?
Whether you’re looking for a job, run your own business, or want to find new – better paid and with more challenge – opportunities, you need to have a well-crafted elevator pitch. What is an elevator pitch? It is a short 30-second to 2 minute long preplanned statement that you use in response to the … Read More
Personal Value Proposition and why it matters
Your Personal Value Proposition – or PVP – is at the heart of your career strategy. It is the foundation for everything in a job search and career progression – getting promoted, targeting potential employers, attracting the assistance of others, and explaining why you are the one to choose. It shows right employers why they … Read More
The real reason you haven’t landed your “ideal” job yet
Deteriorating economies and a constantly rising unemployment rate across Europe are having huge ramifications for job-seekers. Those circumstances require individuals to take a fresh approach to their job search. According to an HR director of one of the Global 500 companies: “The game has changed : now, more than ever, job seekers need to turn their … Read More
Startups in France: solopreneurs or entrepreneurs?
Continuing the topic of starting and running own business in France… Last night I was invited to a networking event of French entrepreneurs at one of the local town halls of Paris. Dozens and dozens of dynamic businessmen and businesswomen came to mingle and exchange ideas . Most of them had recently started their own projects … Read More
Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty
At networking events in Paris I keep meeting people who were recently made redundant and are now looking for a new job. I often hear them asking people they have just met “If you hear of an opportunity or a company that needs my services, please let me know”. This is what I call ’emergency … Read More
What does it take to launch and run a successful business in France?
One answer could be “an MBA from Harvard Business School”. On a more serious note, the four extraordinary women entrepreneurs I met last week share not just the business degree from a top US school. They are driven by a personal mission, determination, an acute sense for business success, love of challenge and adventure. Those … Read More
Is 2013 the year you will change jobs?
What are your career goals for 2013? Having a career goal is like possessing a compass in the dark on an endless ocean; you use that compass to guide your progress in the proper direction (Victor Ghebre). Is your top career goal a better work/life balance that gives you more time with your kids and … Read More
Does your CV pass the 30-second test?
Do you know that employers and recruiters spend less than 30 seconds to scan your resume and determine whether you have what it takes to move to the next hiring stage? You may be a great candidate but your resume may not reflect that. So how do you grab their attention in 30 seconds? Take … Read More
How much do you dream?
My client Sasha is about to lose her job. Her company in London has announced severe cuts. She has been frustrated and bored in her position for years. Through our work together, Sasha has faced her fears and now sees the imminent loss of her job as a golden opportunity – to create a new career, … Read More