April Little

Stop confusing your worthiness as a human being with a workplace evaluation. Make the change or change the job. I’m speaking to several of you in my inbox right now. Drop a 🚀 if this resonates. #aLITTLEadvice #performancereviews

To the job that underpaid me and I found out ---> Thank you for turning me into a negotiating beast

To the job that fired/laid me off ---> Thank you for lifting that weight off my shoulders and doing me a favor

To the hustle culture ---> Thank you for showing me that I can't work for someone else the rest of my life

To the boss that told me I wasn't “quite ready“ to move into leadership but also did not develop me ---> Thank you for encouraging me to move up & on

To anyone else that wasted my time ---> Thank you, I don't waste a minute extra on anything that isn't fruitful

Who are YOU thanking for setting you free?

#aLITTLEadvice

I’m so sick of these “nice nasty” recruiter posts.

People are having a tough time.

So yes, they’re likely to send you either a personalized message that YOU will likely not read.

Or a canned one that YOU will likely not read.

In both cases, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that most recruiters do not have the time to read them.

My issue is complicating the process and asking candidates to send a personalized message that will likely never be read.

We need to keep the focus on qualifications and applications. PERIOD!

Whether they send a LI message or NOT this is not rocket 🚀 science.

If they did their due diligence and applied to the role.

Measure them by their qualifications.

Not whether they are:

Young

Beautiful

Have things in common with you

Write content

Are super active on LinkedIn

[Im all the power of personal branding but writing content should never be a job requirement for a damn finance job] 😡

Whether they send a personalized or canned message.

None of that really matters.

Yes, they’re taking advice from everywhere including TIK TOK.

The nasty gram posts I’m seeing are practically the equivalent of a pimp slap laced with a few “helpful bullets” ☹️

They’re interested in the job and YOU are recruiting

If they’re not qualified they will be forced to read the canned emails YOU will send.

If you're not too busy to send a canned “thanks but no thanks email“ or if YOU forget.

Hiring managers are already making candidates practically walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan for cheesecake.

As TA professionals we shouldn’t be adding to the circus show 🤡

Signed,

A Former Director of Talent Acquisition

#aLITTLEadvice
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Hi! I'm April,

I am a FORMER Talent and HR Leader turned career coach. If you are a mid-level (Mgr - VP) woman professional and you want to move to the NEXT level schedule a call with me:

https://lnkd.in/g7DN9yjp

I have 2 spots left in June for my 8-week coaching container. 💗

I’ve held 22+ jobs over the course of my life.

18 of them were individual contributor roles.

Not because I wasn’t capable of leading.

But because I spent 15 years waiting for someone to say I could.

Waiting to be “tapped on the shoulder“...

I overdelivered. Stayed late. Said yes.

And every time I did, I was rewarded with more of the same.

More responsibility, praise, but never more power.

When you’re great at something, people will use it.

When you’re quiet about what you want, they’ll assume you don’t want more.

And when you're always useful, you rarely get seen as essential.

Eventually, I stopped confusing recognition with opportunity.

(This is an entire post for another day because visibility doesn't solve every problem)

To be clear, no one told me I couldn’t lead.

But everything about the way I was managed taught me to stay where I was.

I asked myself one question I had never asked out loud:

What if I stopped waiting to be chosen?

I started naming what I wanted.

(heck I named and claimed everything else)

I stopped over-functioning in roles that underdeveloped me.

And I built the version of my career no one was going to build for me which led me to an exec role.

(this could be different for you)

If you're in the season where something needs to shift, start here:
• Revisit the feedback that shaped you. What stories did it silently reinforce?
• Get clear on who benefits from you staying exactly where you are
• Ask yourself: What am I being rewarded for? Is it what I actually want?
• Name the version of leadership you want, even if no one’s modeled it yet?
• Create the opportunity if one isn’t being offered.

You don’t have to prove your worth by being overused.

You don’t have to stay where you’re seen but not developed.

And you don't have to be ONE thing your entire life.

You get to choose.

We get to live many lives within this one. So start choosing and start living.

Despite the paper ceiling, my father excelled at one job for 40 years before retiring – without ever obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

You’re probably wondering: “what is the paper ceiling?”

The paper ceiling is the invisible barrier that comes at every turn for workers without a bachelor's degree.

My father was a STAR, a worker Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a bachelor’s degree.

He was able to build and maintain his skills through on-the-job training and certificate programs.

Throughout the years he was able to increase his income and get promoted to Trainer and Manager.

All with just a high school diploma, grit, determination, and valuable skills.

My dad’s story isn’t about the money he made, but the impact he created.

In Rochester, he paved the way as a street maintenance professional.

His legacy? A city that ran smoothly, thanks to his skills and dedication.

None of this would’ve happened if he hadn’t been given the opportunity to let his skills shine.

No bachelor’s degree, but he had plenty of skills to offer.

As for the paper ceiling? He tore it to shreds.

There are 70M+ STARs like my dad in our workforce. They’re the 50% of the workforce that has developed valuable skills through military service, community college, training programs, on-the-job experience and more.

We need more employers to value people for their skills instead of a piece of paper.

While there are certainly some positions that require a degree, companies should review their job descriptions and remove degree requirements from roles for which a degree is not necessary.

Millions of job postings require a college degree for roles that are currently held by workers without them. 

Let opportunities be a reflection of your skills, not your diploma.

PS: If you’re a STAR, share your story below and help me encourage others to tear the paper ceiling!

In partnership with the Ad Council and Opportunity@Work

#sponsored #SkilledThroughAlternativeRoutes #AdCouncilPartner #STARs #PSA #HireSTARs  #TearThePaperCeiling

Image: My father clocking out of work for the last time heading into retirement. He works for himself now :)

Over the last 30 days, despite thousands of layoffs across industries, I've seen more job announcements on my feed than I have in months including my own clients. 🎉

(if two things can be true was a month it would be February)

One client just accepted a Vice President offer and another stepped into a Director of Human Resources role!

I've welcomed 5000 new people into my community as they build their brands.

I welcomed 12 new clients on in my program.

Stay tuned Brianna Doe and I are working on an offer for Founders & Executives 👀

They are also THRIVING.

Making decisions to move mountains: speaking, climbing the ladder, and some even decentering their jobs.

People who have been out of work for months landed roles they didn't have to settle for.

And there are also people who are taking what they need to do right now for what they want to do later - we should celebrate that too.

I've been there.

I had the best all around month in my business - not from a revenue perspective, but from a systems and clarity perspective.

To protect my mental health, I turned off the news completely, and you should too. I'm continuing this news fast for the entire month of March.

I spent more time with my husband and kids, intentionally shifting my definition of success from money to time back with loved ones.

And I have the best community of people right here on LinkedIn.

And guess what?

It because they had faith (whatever that is for you) and they worked at it.

I'm going into the month of March with great expectations.

I hope you land the promotion you've been going after.

I hope you gain the confidence to own your genius.

I hope you land a new role that you've been waiting months for.

Cheers to a new month!

Happy New Month & New Moon.

P.S. ✨My client avatar is senior leadership however I'll be selecting two people in need (recently laid off that are mid career individual contributors)at random to help them create a strategic job search strategy. ✨

Drop a 🙌🏾 and share what you're working on this month?

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear, so let me share my expectations again with you regarding your metrics,” her toxic boss said, using a demeaning tone.

She endured, trying to make it work; after all, she moved a few states over for this 'job.'

While she loved this field, her goal was to work in Human Resources.

She also hoped that her experience and Master’s degree would earn her more than $45k annually.

That’s when she contacted me for coaching.

During our session, we discovered that the personal pain she was enduring was manifesting in her career.

She was experiencing gaslighting and manipulation and had become accustomed to being 'second best' in her relationship.

This led her to develop an exceedingly high tolerance for B.S., disrespect, and pain.

This tolerance led to her accepting poor workplace behaviors, career misalignment, and below-average salaries.

We worked through these blocks during our calls.

We built her confidence one call at a time, working through tough questions and self-introspection.

We also established criteria for her next role, which included:

Remote work, in case she wanted to move back to her home state.
Opportunities for career development.
A minimum $20k base salary increase.
A positive company culture.

After a few weeks of strategic applications and networking, she landed a new role at a larger company with a $40k increase in base salary 🥳.

She also set major boundaries in her personal life.

Here’s what I want YOU to take away from this post today:

Just because you can endure a toxic job or boss does not mean you should.

You deserve leaders that go the way, show the way, and know the way.

You deserve a salary that meets both your needs and wants.

You deserve to surround yourself with people who pray for you, not prey on you.

#aLITTLEadvice

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Join Jamila McMallow (Relationship Coach) and I tonight on Linkedin Live Audio at 7pm EST to discuss this topic.

This harsh reality happens from corporate offices to Hollywood. Please prioritize your health and when someone gives you work at 5, let them know you’ll pritoztize tomorrow. If you’re sick give it to a buddy and turn your damn phone off. #aLITTLEadvice

After consistently securing major wins, a client of mine went to her leader to express her interest in securing a SENIOR LEADERSHIP PROMOTION; she assumed she would have her support. Instead, she was told to “earn your stripes and be patient.“

(this happens often)

Her manager had been with the company for 20 years, 10 of which were in the same role.

Instead of helping my client create her own path to success, she wanted her to clone hers.

After 4 years of service, she made the decision to leave.

The worst kind of leader is one that pulls the ladder up behind them.

They say things like:

“Be patient and keep doing what you're doing“
“I had to wait my turn, so you should too“
“You're not ready for a promotion yet“
“You need to prove yourself more“

When they should:

Provide opportunities for stretch assignments and increased responsibility.
Advocate for their team members' promotions when they're ready.
Celebrate their team members' achievements and successes.
Champion their team members' growth and development.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to support and nurture our team members' growth, even if their path looks different from our own.

In the end, the organization lost one of their best and brightest (yes I'm bias) due to a leader who chose to resent her ambition rather than nurture it.

#aLITTLEadvice

If you were negatively impacted by a layoff today or six months ago, I pray that you are met with kindness. I will also continue helping anyone and everyone I can via quick notes and voice notes. #layoffs #elitism #aLITTLEadvice

Years ago, I found out my ‘supportive’ and ‘encouraging’ BOSS did not support my promotion to senior leadership behind the scenes. 

I was disappointed that her private support did not translate to public support. 

At this point in my career, I did not want to leave my company to get a promotion. 

With the help of my mentor/sponsor, here’s three things I did despite her lack of support:

1️⃣ Demonstrated alignment with our company values
↳ Leveraged our company's annual yellow belt (Six Sigma) project requirement - I Identified gaps in our training program and updated the process resulting in improved training outcomes.

Stakeholder Audience: Sr. Director, Director, Peers

2️⃣Mentorship from other leaders 
↳ At the time I worked in recruitment with exposure to hiring managers at the Director through Executive level. I made an effort to schedule weekly touchpoints with hiring managers who had very critical openings. Filling those positions as quickly as possible (when possible), these managers championed my work and it made it easier to build relationships with them once I established credibility.

Stakeholder Audience: Vice President, Sr. Director, Director, Sr. Manager

3️⃣Recognition Programs 
↳ Our corporate recruiting department ranked recruiters on a monthly basis throughout the company (50k + population) and I made an effort to be in the top 10/20. This was new for me because I was not a competitive person but the recognition really helped my campaign.

Stakeholder Audience: CHRO, Vice President, Sr. Director, Director, Peers (100+ recruiters)

Key Takeaways:

➡️ Work on initiatives that have a large impact

➡️ Expose yourself to OTHER stakeholders outside of your boss 

➡️Your BOSS got to their position because they didn’t let obstacles get in their way.

↳ Mirror this and don’t let any obstacles (this includes YOUR BOSS) get in your way either.

Bonus: Don’t be like your BOSS when you become a LEADER

I’ll leave you with this:

Even in the absence of strong support from your immediate BOSS, you can deploy strategies to help you gain recognition. Remember, be persistent and adaptable.

And in the words of my favorite motivational speaker: STAY HUNGRY - Les Brown

Pic: Remini A.I.

#aLITTLEadvice #professionaldevelopment #executivecareercoach
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Hi, I'm April,

I'm an Executive Career Coach returning from maternity leave today 💗. I help women leaders at the Sr. Manager, Director, and VP level master their executive presence to own the room and land their next executive-level role internally/externally. I am taking 1-2 clients this month for 6/12 month coaching containers. See 'book appointment' for more.

MANAGERS speak like this. EXECUTIVES do the opposite.

I learned this after being passed over for senior leadership roles.

The strongest leaders know when NOT to give an opinion.

What MANAGERS say:
• “Let me give you my thoughts...“
• “Here's what I think we should do...“
• “Based on my experience...“

They do this because they think quick answers equal competence.

Before becoming an Exec I sure did.

Rushing to respond actually damages your executive presence, it signals insecurity, not expertise.

What EXECUTIVES say:
• “Let's look at what the data tells us“
• “I want to gather key insights before we move forward“
• “Let me bring in the right expertise for this decision“

They know their influence comes from leading the team to the best answer, not having it themselves.

The result?
Faster decisions.
Better outcomes.
MULTIPLIED INFLUENCE.

Here's why:
People respect leaders who prioritize accuracy over ego.

Your power isn't in having instant answers.
It's in guiding the path to the right ones.

And sometimes you're not the person who has all the answers.
But KNOWING this is what sets you apart.

Stop undermining your influence with rushed opinions.

Start leading with clarity.

The fastest path to the executive suite?

Know when to pause before you speak.

#aLITTLEadvice #executivematerial

Stop associating your worth with other peoples opinions of you. In life there are limits but YOU get to decide them. #executivecoach #aLITTLEadvice

cc: Rachel Rodgers shared this image on IG today!
—-
I'm launching a 12 week group coaching program: The Executive Leadership Boardroom starting June 4th.

2 spots are gone 🎉

This professional development program is designed for women people leaders currently leading teams (Manager, Senior Manager, Director, VP, etc.) who aspire to secure and succeed in Executive roles. Please note that this program may not be the best fit for individuals who have URGENT job search needs, as the focus of the program will not be on immediate job placement or job search strategies.

Instead, the program will concentrate on developing the skills, knowledge, and network necessary for long-term success in executive positions.🙌🏾

High achieving midlevel-individual (7+ years experience)contributors are also welcome.

Locations: US, Canada, UK due to program hours.

Sign up for the waitlist here: https://lnkd.in/g3AU9nKW

——

I’m going live (tonight) Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 @ 7pm EST on LinkedIn Audio to discuss Why Executive Roles Should Be On Your Radar, rsvp here:

https://lnkd.in/daWu85XU

I am walking into August with GREAT EXPECTATIONS.

My clients are currently interviewing for Executive level positions.

Yes, don't believe the hype - 3rd quarter is “quartering“

Two of my clients have recently accepted new positions, one with an IVY league! More on that soon!

I am expecting a little girl in 27 days! She is on NOTICE!

I want you to RUN into this new month as it OWES you something.

Don't worry about what anyone else is doing.

What are you expecting this month?

#tunnelvision #aLITTLEadvice
——

🚀🛑⬇️ Announcement ⬇️🛑🚀

A few ladies have asked to work together prior to my MAT leave officially kicking off in a few weeks. I am running a job seeker boot camp on 8/15 & 8/17 (2 hours each day from 6-830pm EST) for $555. If you are someone that always wanted to work together but may not be ready for my standard coaching packages that are 4 digits DM the word “ready” and I’ll send the details.

Your first post might get 0 likes and 0 comments.

(mine got about 10 likes)

Learn, refine and keep posting.

You're showing up to work letting your work barely speak for itself.

When you should be be saying something like this:

(perfect for someone starting to learn self promotion - less cringey)

✅Offer to Help Others and Showcase Your Skills:

During a team meeting**

Example: “If anyone needs assistance with a similar task or project, please feel free to reach out. I've gained some valuable experience in this area and would be happy to share my learnings to support the team.“

You're afraid to own 1-2 areas of expertise, as a result you're not associated with 'one thing' yet.

OWN IT.

The point?

No one can SHOW YOUR WORK like you can.

Absolutely no one.

Drop a 💗 and share what you're working on!

Happy Sunday!

Share this with someone who is wearing the 'best kept secret' badge.

#aLITTLEadvice
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Hi! I'm April and I work with women people leaders who are currently in Manager, Sr. Manager, Director and VP roles who can do the work but need help 'showing their work'.

I became a better communicator and conflict negotiator by becoming fluent in SILENCE.

I’ve made the mistake of spending all my time looking for the right words, when sometimes there are no words.

Sometimes the best “war tactic” is silence.

Especially, when you need to advocate/defend yourself.

This can mean truly listening or choosing not to engage at all.

In our careers and personal life, we often feel pressured to respond immediately.

Side note: I’m not talking about turning a blind eye to someone who needs to be level set or to intervene on abuse. This ain’t that.

(Weinstein, Diddy, and Epstein) 👀

But silence can be powerful.

Silence allows us to hear what's not said - the subtext, the emotions, the underlying issues.

It gives us space to process information fully, leading to better decision making.

This is how you can learn to distinguish who deserves an explanation, who deserves an answer, and who deserves absolutely nothing.

Ill leave you with this:

If you are too tired to speak, sit next to me because l, too, am fluent in silence.
R. Arnold

#aLITTLEadvice

Hi! I'm April, a communication & career strategist for women leaders.
I help managers to VPs in the US, Canada, and Europe level up their communication skills. My goal? To help you land promotions, build influence, and become sought after for new opportunities. Ready to elevate your career? Book a 60-minute intensive: https://lnkd.in/gBGtzkka

“Wow you’re having another one,April???!”

A family friend asked in response to seeing my growing 30 week stomach with a judgemental gaze.

I said “yeah we are having a 3rd.”

A familiar feeling of irritation came over me.

While they were rambling I started having flashbacks when my co-workers asked me the same question 4 years ago when I had my second.

Ironically, these same co-workers had 4+ children.

I remember feeling irritated because I didn’t have the words.

As my family friend kept rambling trying to glaze over their rash comment my husband stared at me to practice a “pregnant pause” - pun intended.

I stayed church mouse silent and stared without engaging further.

It was my way of letting them know they crossed a boundary.

I’m also too tired and anemic to read someone their rights today.

In the words of Dr. Phil “do you want to be right, or do you want peace”

I chose peace and making this PSA content today:

I support people who want kids.

Don’t want kids.

Want to be the rich auntie.

Want a ton of kids.

Because If it doesn’t impede on my pockets or pursuit of happiness.

It’s none of my business.

The next time you’re not sure what you should say to someone.

Don’t.

Happy Thursday!

#aLITTLEadvice