Why Not Start With Why? 

There’s no sugarcoating it: it’s a tough job market. As a result, I’ve been doing a lot more career coaching (think: resumes, interviews and personal branding) in addition to my primary focus on executive coaching, which goes deeper into self-awareness, influence and leadership effectiveness.

Improving confidence and communication are central to both, however, and for good reason. After all, most interviews typically open with: “Tell me about yourself.” 

We know this invitation is coming, so why does it throw so many of us off?

I’ve heard many clients struggle with how to answer this fundamental question in the early stages of our partnership. Perhaps because answering it is not only about who they are and what they do—it’s also about their why, which requires reflection, introspection and vulnerability. This leads me to one of my favorite TED Talks: Simon Sinek’s "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action." His premise is simple but powerful—people are drawn to purpose.

❓ So, how well does your elevator pitch reflect your why❓ 

If you're open to feedback, whether you're in the job market or the spirit of continual improvement, share your standard “tell me about yourself” response with me below. I’ll send thoughts and feedback by July 4th (no cost, no strings attached). 

The good news is you can tweak your story until it feels clear, compelling, and truly yours, and you can continue to evolve it as you continue to grow. 

But since a job interview is selling your story, you need to hook your audience fast. 
If you’re not feeling 100% confident in how you're showing up, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m always in your corner. 

Real Talk

Big thanks to Alex Greenwood for having me as a guest on his podcast PR After Hours last week to talk about burnout among PR professionals. We tackle why tight deadlines, client expectations and political whiplash fuel workaholism. Whether you’re just starting to feel the heat or you’ve already hit the wall, the takeaways will help you reclaim your energy—and your career. 

In the Spotlight

Resume Glow-Up

On the job hunt? Working on your why? Make your resume work for you! In 30 minutes, we’ll fine-tune your resume to showcase your strengths, key accomplishments and leadership potential so you stand out to the right employers. You’ll walk away with a polished, professional story and the confidence to position yourself as the ideal candidate. Book yours today!

Quick Take

I called it “sudden-onset glitchy screen.” Apple called it a “broken ribbon cable" aka “You need a new computer. Now.” My laptop crashed last week and I had to regroup quickly. When things went sideways and the timing really stunk, I relied on three quick strategies to steady myself and move forward. Watch this short Instagram reel for what helped me through it (and be sure to follow!). These tips work any time life throws a curveball—tech-related or not. 

One Final Thought on Starting with Your Why

When you lead with your why, you lead with your power and your passion. And these things are always worth including in your story—even if you’re perfectly content where you are right now. Clarity today makes confidence and composure easier to access when change inevitably comes. 🧭