Lead with kindness, no matter the situation.
This is a quote pulled straight from a kindergarten classroom. It’s trite, but couldn’t be more true. And this week, I experienced derision—and someone offering the complete opposite.
I was at Brookfield Place earlier this week (a sprawling mall in downtown NYC). After spending a few hours there working and catching up with a friend, I ordered a Revel to head home (it was rainy and my umbrella was busted).
Five minutes before my Revel arrived, my phone randomly died at 32%. I needed to communicate with my driver, so I stepped into the first store I saw…Bottega Veneta. Even when I stepped through the doors, I knew it was a toss-up that they’d let me use a charger. I was in a messy bun, clad in workout clothes, and looked a bit harried.
A tall, redheaded woman greeted me, looked me up and down—and immediately cut me off when I kindly requested to use a charger. “It’s against company pooooolicy,” she droned (in a faint Eastern European accent).
Her co-worker immediately jumped into action. He ushered me over to a chair, gave me a bottle of Aqua Panna, and lent me a phone charger. We giggled at his co-worker’s snobbishness—and I asked him to please give me his card in case I ever wanted to splurge on Bottega in the future.
The bottom line? Kindness costs nothing. Whether someone asks to cut you in line at TSA or for a favor that will take you five minutes, say yes. You never know what someone is going through and how much of an impact you’ll make.
Enough with the truisms…let’s get to it!
My favorite articles of the week (not shared anywhere else!)
As a varsity reader, I run through articles like athletes run marathons. There’s no way I’d be able to share every article I read (and adore!) on social media each day. Here’s five more, just for you:
Here’s what’s inside the nearly $180,000 gift bag given to Christopher Nolan, Lily Gladstone and other Oscar nominees (CNBC Make It): I’m always fascinated by these reads. But in an era where some celebrities are more guarded with their public personas (no Instagram, no TikTok, etc.), the value of these bags is limited. If Christopher Nolan spends redeems his gift card for a hush-hush week at a wellness resort…does the resort really benefit?
S'more! S'more! (Business Insider): The story of a wealthy California businessman who tried and failed to build a marshmallow empire. “This is the story of the Theranos of marshmallows” is one of the piece’s best lines. As an Elizabeth Holmes lookalike and dessert fiend, I savored this article.
The terrifying AI scam that uses your loved one’s voice (The New Yorker): A must-read. AI scams are getting more and more complex (I’m sure you’ve read the viral NYMag piece about their financial columnist getting bilked out of $50K). I will always read scam articles…because I don’t want to fall for one.
What It’s Like to Date The Son of a Boy Mom (Cosmopolitan): This was a funny and highly relevant read, as my BF is one of three boys.
Paralyzed on the football field, Eric LeGrand still dreams of walking but is flying high as an entrepreneur (Fast Company): What an inspiration!
Career tip of the week
“How do you know when it’s time to make a move?”
This question comes up nearly every week on Instagram and in sessions with my career coaching clients. And now that the dust on the New Year has settled, many are thinking about this question even more. Three signs:
When you no longer feel butterflies in your stomach when you’re about to walk into a big meeting or presentation. My friend
(the Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo and an excellent follow) shares this tip often on Instagram, and I completely agree! If a hint of nervousness is no longer there, that’s a sign that you’re ready for the next challenge.When no amount of rest or relaxation can quell your feelings of stress and overwhelm at work. I’ve been in this situation before, and it’s not fun. If you perpetually have a tightness in your chest / a deep feeling of stress—even on your slowest days at work—your job isn’t the right fit.
When your role isn’t a match for your natural aptitudes. Again, I’ve been in this situation before. Are you spending all day trudging along in Excel…but you truly shine when building storyline-driven decks for clients? Or vice versa? Think about your personal strengths (and what your friends / colleagues would say you’re good at). Are you leveraging those skills day to day? If not, it may be time for a change.
One damn good buy
I can’t lie. There’s actually two damn good buys this week. I couldn’t narrow it down to one—and I’m equally obsessed with both.
As winter is still upon us, let’s start with boots. We’ve all seen the absurdly expensive Row boots floating around the Internet. They’re stunning and timeless. But at nearly $1600?! There’s no freaking way.
But at $180, these lookalikes are an excellent buy. And I honestly like them MORE than the OG. They’re perfectly chunky—and avoid the Herman Munster look of the OG.
I’ve had them for three weeks, and I’m looking forward to styling them with straight leg pants, leggings, and leather leggings alike. As winter is almost over, I wish I purchased them earlier in the season! Here’s a recent outfit I sported them with:
Onto the next. Remove yourself from winter’s sad, gray days and envision your fun spring and summer outfits. I love nothing more than a throw-it-on-and-go sweater. But in the past week, I’ve definitely stepped out of my apartment in spring-esque outfits…as I will happily endure the cold for a good outfit that’s *not a sweater.* I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer!
Last week, I found these gold and black sandals via Lauren Sharkey (a fantastic fashion & styling follow!) and immediately purchased. They look super luxe…but they’re only $25!!!
I couldn’t have been happier to shell out $25—as for months, I’ve been eyeing these black and gold sandals that are nearly identical (but way pricier).
I’m excited to pair these with shorts, dresses, and rompers. I tend to buy pieces that are basics with a touch of edge, and these fit the bill!
P.S. All other “one damn good buy” picks can be found here! Recent finds include the mascara that will make you look like you’re wearing eyelash extensions, the best white sneakers, a statement work bag, a wear-everywhere jumpsuit, the perfect white tee, and more.
In case you missed it
How I snagged an internship at HarperCollins at 16 (and the career lesson for all of us)
The professional no-no I hear every day (and an easy reframe)
A personal plug
If you need one-to-one support with your career or content strategy, reach out. Book a free, fifteen-minute discovery call here.
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You had me at “theranos of marshmallows”! I’ve been working in the food product space for a year now and it is *insane* how complicated the production/distribution processes are.
This week's roundup of links and information is fantastic! Thank you for curating! I especially loved the article about the Oscars gift bag and I am now eyeing those Target sandals.