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Hi there Reader,

Friends. I know it's been an incredibly tough season for many of us lately. With economic headwinds battering us from all sides, I know you may be feeling winded, drained, hopeless, like it's all you can do to keep your head above water some weeks.

In seasons like these, it is SO TEMPTING to take your foot off the gas professionally. To coast a bit on that front while riding out the chaos and turbulence. After all, the conventional wisdom is to keep your head down and avoid rocking the boat when storms are raging.

But you know I'm a tough-love person. So here's what I have to gently remind you of:

It's precisely in the midst of downturns and periods of upheaval that your consistent drive, effort, and professional development matters the most.

The truth is, when things are booming and career momentum is easeful, we ALL look like we're crushing it. Because we are. It takes far less effort and intentionality to go with the flow and get swept up in that wave of growth and positivity.

It's only when the tides go out and the waters get choppy (like now) that you see who was really putting in the hard work of upskilling, networking, and nurturing their professional brand all along. Putting in the reps when no one was looking. Those are the folks who win in the end. Turbulence and chaos be damned.

The ones who keep a laser focus on continually sharpening their expertise, no matter the circumstances––they're the ones who become indispensable MVPs that companies won't dare cutting when budgets are tight.

Those who nurture deep relationships and engage their networks consistently, even when it feels like shouting into the void––they're the ones to land on their feet, the first to hear about new opportunities and get enthusiastic referrals despite wave after wave of layoffs.

And the WOC who steadily invest time and energy into their financial education, wealth-building, and independent revenue streams? They're the ones with the safety nets and career insurance to cover them when it's just one disaster after another.

None of these things happen by accident, btw.

They're the result of a grounded, resilient, unstoppable mindset that doesn't pause intentional growth and self-development when times get tough. An approach that keeps pushing forward purposefully (however "slowly," and yes even in "small" ways) when others get distracted or complacent.

So if you've been feeling discouraged and like you want to put your career ambitions on pause until this economic mess gets cleaned up, I'm gonna push back on that gently but firmly. This is NOT the time to take your foot off the gas. It's the time to dig deeper and redouble your efforts.

Which does NOT have to feel as hard as it might sound.

Because I promise you, the WOC who emerge from this season stronger, more promotable, and more prosperous will have built that unshakeable career foundation, have all the career insurance "policies" they need and then some––future-proofing their careers and businesses (because at this rate, we know this isn't going to be the only challenging season we'll face).

So allocate your time wisely. Invest in the professional / business development you've been putting off. Update your portfolio or sizzle reel with work that no one else dares to do right now. Get re-certified in those skills that will make you indispensable no matter where you end up going in your career. Get back in the fold, reconnect with your network and expand it to new heights.

When the storm clouds finally part, you will be SO GLAD you never mortgaged your career advancement. Because you'll be the one left standing while others scramble to catch up.

So one more time for the people in the back:

Tough times forge even more powerful leaders. DO NOT QUIT ON YOURSELF.

Never forget the power of a WOC who refuses to pause her becoming.

Sending you courage and confidence,
Cynthia

Coming up

This first one you already know about...but the second thing, I've been weirdly hesitant to announce (yes, I get like that too). But you know what, if I'm gonna throw down the gauntlet and challenge y'all to rise to the occasion, I better be able to bring it, too, right?😏

#1: Tues, June 18, 6-7pm ET: 🥂 WOC Happy Hour. The first one was so fun, we knew we had to run it again. We're gonna raffle off another EC merch bundle, too, so be there or be square! Register here, tix start at $7.50.

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#2: The last few months, I've been strongly considering launching a private membership group for WOC in the EC community. I've always pooh-pooh'd the idea because it's like, who would want this? But, this year, and recent ones, have made me think...Maybe that IS the thing...

And yes, it'd be a low-cost membership, but honestly, so much more than that.

It'd be a vibrant community of WOC peers who really get one other. The friends, coworkers, and mentors you wished and always thought you'd have at work, there for you when you needed them, everyone lifting each other up and ready to catch each other when we fall.

And, ofc, it's me and it's EC, so we'd have the juicy members-only offers and discounts, exclusive merch, members-only social activities (I'm thinking any number of social hangs, virtual book clubs, or IRL options could be possible, like group trips to a local spa or yoga class), free access to our virtual events (like the WOC HH and resume workshops etc.), open office hours with me, live Q+A to get your career questions answered, and probably a ton more perks bc I love cooking up good stuff that you all actually want and need.

Anyway, hit reply and LMK. Is this something that you want? Is this something you think you'd actually use, like your Netflix subscription (listen, no judgment, you know I have streaming services too lol)––or would you feel like it was an under-utilized gym membership, just sitting there and staring at you making you feel guilty?

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