I grew up with very humble beginnings in a small rural town in Western Pennsylvania. My mom stayed home with my younger sister and I and my dad worked as a heavy equipment operator for a road construction company. I had a ton of energy and was often bored.

I definitely knew I was meant for more than what my small hometown life was able to offer me.

I wanted an Upgrade.

After racking up six figures in student loan debt, my husband and I moved 600 miles away to Raleigh, NC to start our own first corporate jobs.

No one ever modeled for me what success in corporate life looked like so I spent a lot of time observing. Who was getting promotions, who was getting raises, who was getting recognition? By working in HR, I got a front-row seat to these conversations.

I realized your career isn’t something you can wing or count on your boss to help you advance. Your career needs to be full of intentional moves and regular reflection on your strengths. I was building a strong personal brand and communication style that was working for me.

Most people think the secret to moving up in your career is to put your head down and work hard. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, it’s a great way to stay right where you are.

“Doing your job well is the entrance fee - taking it to the next level will require the next level of you.”

I’ve had really amazing jobs and really terrible ones. I’ve been both respected and gaslighted. Challenged and bored. Trusted and dismissed. Energized and burnt out – once so much so my husband removed all email and messaging apps from my phone!

But one thing was consistent – I owned my career. I was strategic in the moves I made and never let someone else discourage me or stand in my way. Now I use these experiences in talks and private coaching programs that help women gain visibility for their work, set healthy boundaries, establish the right priorities, and build their confidence as leaders.