Career Coaching Benefits

I haven’t experienced work-life balance in the last 4 years of running my business, and I know I’m not alone. Running a business requires wearing multiple hats, making tough decisions, and being available around the clock. The lines between work and personal life blur, and the concept of 'balance' feels like a dream. I've learned a few things along the way that help manage this: 1.⁠ ⁠Set Boundaries: It’s crucial to establish boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific work hours and stick to them. Create a separate workspace to physically and mentally separate work from home. 2.⁠ ⁠Delegate and Trust Your Team: As a founder, it’s tempting to try to do everything yourself. However, delegating tasks to capable team members not only eases your workload but also empowers your team and fosters a sense of ownership. 3.⁠ ⁠Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you. Whether it’s exercising, reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones, ensure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health. 4.⁠ ⁠Learn to Say No: Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Be selective about where you invest your time and energy. Focus on what aligns with your goals and values. 5.⁠ ⁠Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs. Sharing your challenges and successes with those who understand can provide much-needed encouragement and perspective. The pursuit of work-life balance is an ongoing journey. It's about finding what works for you and continually adjusting as you grow. Share your experiences and tips on how you manage the balance!

As you advance at work, your support network should evolve with you because leadership can feel challenging, uncertain and lonely at times. So for women advancing into higher levels of leadership - don't allow doubt and challenges to hinder you, instead find a new level of support to advance you. Men naturally have this support by nature they are already present with one another in most decision-making rooms. How do you find this? Try accessing the five support networks you have around you: 1️⃣ Immediate Network (friends, family, co-workers) 🔹 Try this: Ask them for a 30:30 meeting where you can help them resolve an issue and then they help you. 2️⃣ Acquaintance Network (Connections once removed) 🔹 Try this: Ask for an introduction or message the person on social media. Remember that connection goes both ways, so highlight how a meeting could help you both. 3️⃣ Corporate Network (Company Resources) 🔹 Try this: Notice what corporate events people gravitate towards that may be an attractive support system for you. Reach out about their next event to attend. 4️⃣ Community Network (Local Interest Groups, Events) 🔹 Try this: Grab a friend and attend a local meet-up or community event. 5️⃣ Industry Network (Groups based on your indistry) 🔹 Try this: Attend a monthly meet-up or annual conference event to be in the room with other women at your career stage for validation, tips and support. If you can't find the support you want, perhaps this is an opportunity for YOU to create what is missing. Start a group yourself in the workplace or in your community! Where do you plug in for support? #womenleaders #careers #confidence #leadershipdevelopment

Early in my career, I thought hard work alone would get me ahead. But the truth? The biggest career accelerators aren’t just effort—they’re relationships, guidance, and access. -Employees with mentors are promoted 5x faster (Harvard Business Review). -76% of professionals say mentorship is key to success—but only 37% actually have a mentor (Forbes). -People with strong mentors earn 25% more, on average, than those without one (CNBC). Still think you can figure it all out alone? The hard truth: Talent and hard work alone won’t cut it. The most successful people? They had someone who believed in them, pushed them forward, and helped them sidestep years of trial and error. I know because I’ve lived it. I’ve had mentors who saw my potential before I did. Who helped me navigate the corporate maze, avoid dead ends, and level up in ways I couldn’t have done alone. And now, I do the same for others. When I started LS International, it wasn’t just about filling executive roles—it was about building careers that last. Because getting placed is one thing, but thriving? That’s the real game. That’s why I built LS Elevate , that gives professionals what I wish I had earlier: 💡 Direct access to top leaders who’ve been in your shoes 💡 Insider insights on leadership, career growth, and industry trends 💡 A network that doesn’t just exist, but actually works for you Because here’s the deal: Your next career breakthrough won’t come from a LinkedIn job post. It’ll come from the right mentor who pushes you into rooms you didn’t even know existed. So, if you don’t have one yet, what are you waiting for? LS International #upskilling #mentorship #mentoring #networking

As someone deeply immersed in the dynamic world of software engineering, I've often pondered the age-old question: How do we strike the right balance between our professional and personal lives? 🤔💻🌳 Here are a few strategies that have proven invaluable on my journey: 1️⃣ Prioritize and Plan: Start by clearly defining your priorities both at work and in your personal life. This could involve setting goals for both realms and creating a schedule that aligns with your values. 2️⃣ Effective Time Management: Master time management techniques to boost productivity. Tools like the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking can help you stay focused during work hours, leaving room for personal pursuits. 3️⃣ Establish Boundaries: It's crucial to set boundaries between work and personal time. Define when your workday ends and commit to unplugging. This ensures you're mentally present for your loved ones and personal interests. 4️⃣ Use Technology Wisely: Leverage technology to your advantage. Utilize project management tools to streamline tasks at work, and also consider digital well-being apps to help you detach from your devices during leisure. 5️⃣ Invest in Self-Care: A healthy mind and body are essential for sustained success. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and moments of mindfulness can rejuvenate your energy levels, making you more effective in both spheres. 6️⃣ Learn to Say No: While enthusiasm for work is commendable, it's crucial to recognize your limits. Politely decline additional tasks if they jeopardize your work-life balance. Remember, quality often outweighs quantity. 7️⃣ Continuous Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your colleagues, superiors, and family. Discuss expectations and any challenges you may face in maintaining equilibrium. A supportive network can make a world of difference. Achieving the perfect balance is an ongoing journey, and it's unique to each individual. It's about finding what works best for you and adapting as circumstances evolve. Let's connect: Ankit Kumar : ) #worklifebalance #lifeatgoogle #softwareengineer #productmanagement #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #lifehacks #workforwin

Will 2024 be the year you become a better version of yourself? Here's 10 (research backed) steps of HOW you do it... Yup, that's me "You're probably wondering how I ended up in this situation"...no just a pic c.2007 with my little sister Amy (and Jasper the miniature Schnauzer) when I started my career in recruitment. I didn't start well despite amazing mentors. "Distinctly average"... got in my own way a lot, got distracted as many lads in their early 20s do...I came good...but not by accident. In fact I had 'come to Jesus moment'. 🙋Anyone else ever find yourself stuck in the past, focusing on old mistakes or blaming others for missed opportunities? It's a common trap, but there's a better way...a transformative approach backed by research: 👉Envision your future self and start living like that person TODAY. Here's the HOW: 1. Vision: Imagine the best version of yourself in 1-2 years. Think big in every aspect - career, health, relationships, and finance. This isn't just daydreaming; it's setting a powerful, ambitious target for yourself. 2. Visualise and Iterate: Keep refining this vision. Life changes, and so should your goals. Stay adaptable and update your vision with new insights. 3. Focused Action: Identify the key actions that will propel you towards this future self. If your dream involves writing a book, start writing more and engage with other writers. 4. Full Commitment: As Michael Jordan said, "when I take a decision, I never go back on it." Commit wholeheartedly to your chosen path. 5. Eliminate Distractions: Cut out activities that don't align with your vision. This might mean less time on social media or other habits that don't contribute to your goals. 6. Decision Making: Ask yourself, "What would my future self do?" Make choices that align with your future goals. 💡 If you're in the wrong job, gtfo. 7. Invest in Your Vision: Sometimes, a financial commitment can be a powerful motivator. Invest in your dreams to make them more tangible and urgent. 8. Letters to and from the Future: Write letters to your future self or from your future self to the present. This exercise can provide clarity and motivation. 9. Avoid Self-Sabotage: Be mindful of actions that hinder your future self. Focus on long term well being over short term gratification. 10. Meet Future You: If you need a visual motivator, use Al and software to create an image of your future self. This can be a powerful push towards your goals (scary). Remember, your present is shaped by the optimism of your future, not the shadows of your past. One final tip (wise words from EGM's Liam McBean "Just Do It Now". PS to 2007 Johnno - 1) "Trust the Process" 2) Definitely move to Australia, you won't look back. 3) Smile. 4) If it was easy everyone would be doing it.

Never underestimate the role of mentorship in your career growth. Looking back on my journey, I realize that mentorship has been the backbone of my career. I was equipped with degrees and enthusiasm when I entered healthcare, but real-world challenges were daunting. My mentors transformed those challenges into stepping stones. Their mentorship has shaped my path in the following ways: 1️⃣ Guidance in Uncharted Waters: Navigating the complexities of healthcare requires more than just textbooks. My mentors provided invaluable insights that helped me make informed decisions. 2️⃣ Expanding Horizons: Mentorship introduced me to diverse perspectives, broadening my understanding of global healthcare challenges. This has been crucial in my role at Boulevard Group, where inclusivity is key. 3️⃣ Cultivating Leadership Skills: Leadership is about inspiring others. My mentors taught me the importance of leading by example, a lesson I carry into every project. 4️⃣ Encouraging Innovation: As an angel investor, mentorship has encouraged me to support pioneering startups. Innovators need guidance, just as I did. 5️⃣ Building a Network: Mentorship is about building relationships that last a lifetime. The connections I’ve made have been pivotal in my journey, opening doors I never knew existed. _______________________ Mentorship is not a one-way thing. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving. As I continue to grow, I find joy in mentoring others and sharing my lessons. A few thoughts to consider: - Seek mentors who challenge you. - Be open to feedback; it’s a gift. - Pass on the knowledge you gain. Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth. Embrace it and watch your career transform in unexpected ways. Who has been a mentor in your life? Please share your story or tag them below. P.S. Some of our mentees are set for the next mini-MBA at the Tekedia Institute to add business and leadership skills to their clinical skills and acumen. Ikechukwu Okoh Ndubuisi Ekekwe

There's an activity I do once a year to create a crystal clear vision. It gives my life more direction and meaning. I urge everyone I coach to do it. See yourself 5 years from today. Then, write what a typical day looks like - and feels like - in great detail. → Where do you live? Same place as now, new house, new city? → What's your morning routine? How do you feel when you get up? Rested, energized, excited - and why? What does that first deep breath do for you? What are you looking forward to that day? Why are you looking forward to it? → Work day: describe your work setting. Home, big office, your own gig? What's your role? What makes this great for you? Be very detailed about the scene. Describe the sensations. → When do you leave work to go home? What's that like - short commute, what car are you driving, taking the subway? → What happens in the evening? Who's with you? Who made/got dinner? Are you eating healthy? Do you have an exercise routine? Do you meditate? Socialize? What vacations are you planning? What are you grateful for? These questions force you to be so detailed and visual that you can practically experience your vision. My write-up is 3 pages long. I tweak it yearly. → Notice that no part of this exercise requires you to come up with a detailed plan. It's simply a very detailed vision. Once a month, read what you wrote down about your future. → Take a walk and read it out loud. → → Close your eyes and see it. → → → Feel it. Your mind will automatically start filling in the blanks to get you there. → Make it feel real → And it becomes real. When should you do this exercise? Today. Because it's the first day of the rest of your life. #growth #mindset *** ♻️ Like this? Please repost. ➡️ Follow me for daily executive coaching.

How I found support while building my business without feeling isolated. Step 1: Connect with like-minded peers. Join a mastermind group or online community. Build relationships with those who understand your journey. Example: Share wins and challenges weekly with a small group of solopreneurs. The Payoff: You’ll feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going. Step 2: Seek trusted advice. Find a mentor or accountability partner. Their insights can shorten your learning curve. Example: Discuss your goals bi-weekly with someone who has walked the same path. The Payoff: You gain clarity and confidence in your next steps. Step 3: Invest in your network. Attend events or participate in forums. Focus on meaningful connections, not just numbers. Example: Reach out to someone you admire and offer value in return. The Payoff: A stronger business and a richer sense of community. Who do you lean on for support in your business?

Building a support network is crucial for first-time founders, yet many overlook this vital step. Let's dive into why mentors are the secret weapon every entrepreneur needs. My 5 key takeaways on the power of mentorship: 1. Experience Shortcut - Mentors have been through the trenches - They can help you avoid common pitfalls - Their wisdom can save you years of trial and error 2. Network Expansion - Mentors open doors to their connections - This can lead to potential investors, partners, or customers - A strong network is often the difference between success and failure 3. Emotional Support - Founding a company is a rollercoaster - Mentors provide a listening ear during tough times - They offer perspective when you're too close to the problem 4. Skill Development - Identify your weaknesses and find mentors to fill those gaps - Learn critical skills like fundraising, team building, and strategic planning - Accelerate your growth as a leader and entrepreneur 5. Accountability Partner - Mentors hold you accountable to your goals - They push you out of your comfort zone - Regular check-ins ensure you're making progress, not just staying busy Remember, mentorship isn't a one-way street. The best relationships are mutually beneficial. Be prepared to offer value in return, whether it's fresh perspectives, energy, or connections to a younger demographic. Don't wait for mentors to find you. Be proactive in seeking them out. Attend industry events, join startup communities, and don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Building a strong support network takes time and effort, but it's an investment that pays dividends throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Start today, and watch your chances of success multiply.

One thing I've realized about finding a work-life balance as a leader is that it's a continuous journey. It's not about achieving perfect harmony between work and personal life. Instead, it's about setting boundaries and knowing when to prioritize different aspects of life. This understanding has fundamentally changed how I approach both my professional and personal lives. For me, this meant committing to discipline. In my professional life, discipline means: - Being fully present for my team. - Making clear decisions. - Setting aside time for focused work. - Having uninterrupted meetings. - Thinking about long-term plans. In my personal life, discipline has a different face. It’s about being intentional with my time and energy, ensuring I’m not just physically present but also mentally and emotionally engaged. It means - Creating moments and being truly present with family and friends. - Taking care of my health. - Pursuing hobbies and interests. All of which require the same level of commitment as my professional duties. But here’s the thing: achieving balance isn't a one-time event. It's a continuous process of learning and adapting. Some days, work demands more of my time; on others, my family needs me more. The balance shifts and that’s okay. The key is to remain flexible and responsive, understanding that balance is about managing the ebb and flow of life's demands. As a leader, I've found that openly acknowledging this balance struggle and sharing my journey helps my team feel more comfortable navigating their paths. We are all in this together, learning to juggle responsibilities and still find time for what truly matters. How do you approach work-life balance? What practices have helped you maintain that equilibrium? . . . #worklifebalance #personallife #leader