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If you’re a burgeoning business owner or hopeful entrepreneur, chances are you’re familiar with ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Premiering in 2009, the show’s premise revolves around aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their products or business ideas to a panel of potential investors, known as “sharks.” Made up of successful business moguls including Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary, these seasoned vets have the power to make some big dreams come true, as contestants plead for investment funds in exchange for equity in their companies. The show has been the force behind some of the industry’s most coveted products, from the Squatty Potty to the Scrub Daddy. Some products that don’t secure a deal on the show still manage to make traction, including Melissa Butler’s inclusive cosmetic brand , The Lip Bar. But what happened to The Lip Bar after “Shark Tank?” Here’s what we know. Who Is Melissa Butler? Before her appearance on “Shark Tank,” Melissa Butler was a former Wall Street financial analyst who...
Navigating the delicate topic of salary expectations during a job interview requires finesse and preparation. It’s a common question that can influence the course of your employment negotiation and shape the future of your salary earnings at your company. It may seem easy to just let them know your dream number. But to truly get the desired outcome, handling this question with finesse and researching why you selected that given number is crucial. From viewing that current company’s financial standing or the average salary for similar roles on Glassdoor , you should do your due diligence. Being intentional before letting employers or hiring managers know your number is not only smart but essential. Here are some strategies to help you tackle this question confidently. How To Answer “What Is Your Current Salary?” The “What is your current salary?” question can be tricky, as it might seem like a straightforward inquiry. However, it’s essential to handle it with care. Instead of...
In the world of work, some individuals genuinely love what they do . It’s not just about completing tasks or reaching a new rank; it’s about establishing a connection beyond the paycheck. There are many nuances to understanding why some people love their jobs and what it truly means when you love them. Those who enjoy their work the most are individuals whose roles harmonize with their passions and strengths. Job satisfaction becomes a natural byproduct when your work holds purpose and meaning. Furthermore, a positive work environment acts as a catalyst, fostering employee joy. The Impact Of Purpose And Meaning For Work The phenomenon of people who love their job is around half of the overall American experience. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center reveals that just about half of U.S. workers report being extremely or very satisfied with their overall job. Additionally, only a minority express high satisfaction regarding training and skills development opportunities. Beyond...
Balancing work and personal life is a universal aspiration in the changing workforce across industries. From watching the daily routines of influencers or the rise of remote work, how our jobs are viewed worldwide has significantly shifted in the last few years. Yet Japan , renowned for its unique cultural nuances, offers a distinct perspective on leadership and workplace culture. A deeper exploration reveals that these cultural subtleties within their country play a pivotal role in shaping professional relationships. Dedication Beyond Boundaries Japanese professionals embody an unwavering work ethic and organizational commitment. Punctuality and dedication are highly valued, often leading to extended working hours as a sign of devotion deeply embedded in their culture. In the U.S., many job seekers prioritize work-life balance and personal time for family and social connections. This creates a distinct contrast in values compared to their Japanese counterparts. Dress Code In The...
Following recent staff cuts in Google ‘s Augmented Reality (AR) division, the advertising sales team now faces additional layoffs, marking part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at improving the quality of ads customer service. This move aligns with an industry trend seen in significant job cuts at companies like Amazon and Duolingo in 2024. Google’s culture, it seems, goes beyond policies; it’s about employees’ sentiments, posing a profound challenge. In January 2023, Google implemented a substantial workforce reduction, cutting 12,000 employees, equivalent to approximately 6% of its workforce. The company notified affected US staff abruptly through an early-morning email, leading to expressions of dismay among some laid-off workers. The Layoffs Are Continuing To Unfold Anticipated next is Google’s CEO addressing employee concerns and sharing insights on recent developments, including details on layoffs and their potential impacts on various roles. The CEO’s decision to...
Say goodbye to monthly one-on-one check-ins and hello to 360-degree feedback, an approach to professional growth from the perspective of multiple sources. This approach, distinct from supervisor-led evaluations, incorporates input from peers, subordinates, and external stakeholders, making it a new option for career development. But as companies learn how to implement 360-degree feedback with their team, there are specific benefits and challenges to consider. The Pros Of 360-Degree Feedback One of the notable benefits of the 360-degree feedback method is its capacity to foster enhanced self-awareness among individuals. By incorporating insights from various organizational perspectives, employees gain a full-circle view of their performance. This understanding enables them to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, promoting personal development and growth . Beyond individual assessments, the 360-degree feedback method can also contribute to strengthened team dynamics....
Pivoting has become a common theme for the working class since the health crisis hit last March. Many professionals found themselves tapping into their unique skills to make career changes, and arguably every leadership team quickly pivoted business models to continue serving customers. But pivoting can be two-fold. Some pivot because they see an opportunity for change, while others may be forced to — depending on the industry they work in. Either way, product management guru Kimberley Holloway embraces the art of pivoting, and she gathered some strategies. And, if you’re looking to make career changes the right way , she will expand on this topic during AfroTech 2021. Secure a ticket to the conference today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AfroTech (@afro.tech) Holloway’s resume spans a decade of experience. She’s worked in product management at big-name companies, including The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Samsung and NortonLifeLock. “Pivoting is not easy, but...
Career switching isn’t uncommon. And to be able to transition from your current career while building the skills and network you’ll need after-hours is ideal . But what if you find yourself suddenly out of work, with experience in a declining industry with no current job openings? Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Many workers face this challenge during recessions and industry downturns. Faced with a sudden loss of income, mounting bills, and few job prospects, they must quickly select a new career path, upgrade their skills, and repackage themselves to compete effectively for jobs. If you’re unemployed and considering a new career, here’s how you should approach your career switch. Maximize Your Income The more financial stress you’re under, the harder it will be to transition successfully. So first, maximize your income, especially if you don’t have enough savings to fall back on. File for unemployment, and any other benefits for which you may qualify. Scrounge up part-time work ,...
Visibility creates opportunity especially for people looking to build a brand. However, opportunity only comes to those who consistently show up for themselves. From putting yourself first and honoring your choices to trusting yourself to figure it out as you go along, you have to show up for yourself before you expect other people to show up for you. Another major factor at play? Controlling where your mind wanders. Although everyone’s journey is unique, if you’re ambitious and career-driven, you’ll reach a point where fear, judgment, comparison, and feelings of not being good enough may become overwhelming. The key is not to transform your thoughts and feelings into bad habits that hurt your progress. Sure, at any given moment you can lose everything, but nobody can take your attitude or your effort — unless you allow it. If you’re ready to show up for yourself, here are a few weekly habits to embrace. Create Before You Consume When you wake up in the morning, don’t grab your...
In theory, people who hold leadership positions should be able to communicate with anyone. The reality is, many leaders are uncomfortable communicating — especially with their employees. A Harris Poll revealed 69 percent of managers find it difficult giving direct feedback about employee performance. Demonstrating vulnerability, recognizing employee achievements, crediting others, and giving clear direction was also noted. Companies are more productive and successful when expectations are clear and positive coworker relationships exist. If conversations are not taking place, there’s a culture and productivity killer in the workplace. From giving feedback on the poor quality of work to explaining why a team member is not demonstrating company values, managers — as well as business owners –need to know how to have difficult conversations. Here’s a guide on how to handle difficult conversations at work; Prepare The more prepared you are, the easier it is to manage your emotions,...
In almost every industry, there are several paths to success. For example, legal, medical, engineering, and journalism professions all have different specialties from which to choose. As a lawyer, you can decide to focus on family law, finance law, or even technology law. Since transitioning to writing full-time, I’m continuously asked about my specialty, and this has forced me to think long and hard about the trajectory of my career. Here are some discoveries I’ve made along the way: Think About What You Used to Love as a Kid This may sound overly simplistic but, hear me out. Over the past few weeks, I’ve interviewed several Silicon Valley success stories. They are engineers, product designers, and vice presidents at some of the biggest technology companies. Despite their varying professional and personal backgrounds, they’ve all had at least one thing in common — they turned their childhood obsessions into their careers. Every single person I’ve interviewed has spoken of the daily...
Interested in learning about cool job opportunities at Spotify? Look no further; we have you covered! Spotify will host a recruiting event in New York City on June 29 at the Spotify headquarters for individuals who are interested in learning about fantastic job opportunities at the company. Since launching in 2006, Spotify prides itself in making music accessible for people all over the world. Partnering with Afrotech helps Spotify continue its goal of searching for bright, diverse individuals to join the team and help continue its mission. There are so many perks in working for Spotify, especially in New York City. Employees can enjoy the city’s great music, food, culture and sunny weather. There’s an office roof terrace where employees can enjoy an amazing view and participate in the company’s social events. Just as Spotify offers diversity in music, the company actively promotes diversity in the workplace. Spotify believes diversity and inclusion drive innovation, and it also...