Ask Christa!

Summary

In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about career progression in the service industry, particularly from a call center representative to potential supervisory roles. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, recognizing when one has outgrown their current role, and the need for actionable guidance from supervisors. Christa also discusses alternative career paths within the service industry and the value of networking, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, to explore new opportunities.

Key Takeaways

·       It's important to recognize when you've outgrown a role.

·       Supervisors may not always provide actionable career guidance.

·       There are various career paths available beyond supervisory roles.

·       Networking can open doors to new opportunities.

·       Consider roles in various service industries if you love service work.

·       Explore articles and resources that offer clarity on career moves. 

Additional Resources

Hiatt, A. (2021, December 23). How to figure out what you want next in your career. https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-figure-out-what-you-want-next-in-your-career

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 9). How to decide your next career move in 5 steps (With tips). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/decide-my-next-career-move

what’s my next career step after being a call center representative - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=what%27s+my+next+career+step+after+being+a+call+center+representative

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about career growth, emphasizing the importance of adopting a growth mindset. She discusses how career growth is a personal journey that varies for each individual and encourages listeners to define what success means to them at different stages of their careers. Christa also provides resources for further exploration of career development and growth strategies.

Key Takeaways

·       Career growth is a personal journey that varies for each individual.

·       Career paths can be linear or variable, depending on personal goals.

·       Understanding your own motivations can help shape your career trajectory.

·       Resources are available to support career development and growth.

·       Continuous learning is essential for career growth.

·       Reflecting on your career journey can provide clarity on future steps.

Additional Resources

Cloke, H. (2025, August 27). Dweck’s Mindset Theory: How to Develop a Growth Mindset. Growth Engineering. https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/growth-mindset/

How to Jumpstart your Career Advancement | HBS Online. (2023, April 4). Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/career-advancement-opportunities

Stanford Alumni. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ

The National Society of Leadership and Success. (n.d.). Career Development 101: A complete guide to professional growth. https://www.nsls.org/what-is-career-development

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the effects of employees being underutilized in the workplace, exploring how it can lead to feelings of disengagement and burnout. She discusses the importance of strategic talent management as a competitive differentiator, and how organizations improve their overall performance by tracking how they best utilize their employees. Christa provides strategies for individuals feeling underutilized, emphasizing the need for open communication with management, determining employee value, and focusing on the pursuit of personal development opportunities. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration of workplace wellbeing and career growth.

Key Takeaways

·       Chronically underutilized employees can feel the same effects as burnout.

·       Effective talent management is crucial for organizational success.

·       Employees can become disengaged when they lack challenges.

·       Feeling underutilized can be as detrimental as being overworked.

·       Career growth requires self-awareness and proactive steps.

·       Resources are available to help individuals navigate workplace challenges.

Additional Resources

Dr. Rebecca Heiss. (2022, April 28). How to get out of “Languishing” [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z38Vo7Or5X4

Flourishing or languishing? What Gies experts say about Workplace Well-Being. (2025, September 22). Gies College of Business. https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/news/2025/09/22/flourishing-or-languishing--what-gies-experts-say-about-workplace-well-being

Wilding, M. (2022, August 22). 3 Types of burnout, and how to overcome them. https://hbr.org/2022/08/3-types-of-burnout-and-how-to-overcome-them

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenge of speaking up in workplace meetings. She explores the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from voicing their thoughts and ideas, particularly in team settings. Through the listener's question, Christa delves into the complexities of communication dynamics, the impact of workplace culture, and offers practical strategies to overcome anxiety associated with speaking up. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, preparation, and seeking support from peers and managers. Additionally, Christa provides resources for further learning and development in communication skills.

Key Takeaways

·       Speaking up at work is complicated and often intimidating.

·       Cultural dynamics in the workplace can influence who speaks and who listens.

·       Preparation and practice are key to feeling more comfortable speaking up.

·       Inner chatter can distract us when we try to speak up.

·       Talking to a manager about speaking challenges can be beneficial.

·       Using simple phrases can help ease into speaking during meetings.

·       Long-term practice and learning can improve communication skills.

·       Resources like Toastmasters and online courses can aid in developing speaking confidence.

Additional Resources

Christa, A. (2025, September 2). Ask Christa! How can I better manage anxiety at work? (S4E38). Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-better-manage-anxiety-at-work-s4e38/

Lighthouse Communications. (2025, March 17). How to speak up in meetings without overthinking (5 quick tips) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUnQZHTsX5Y

Speaking Up Without freaking Out: How to tackle communication anxiety. (2020, November 20). Stanford Graduate School of Business. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/speaking-without-freaking-out-how-tackle-communication-anxiety

Uhlir, K. (2025, March 14). Overcoming Speaking Anxiety at Work: Strategies for Confidence & Clarity. CEO Netweavers. https://ceonetweavers.org/nervous-when-speaking-at-work/

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the significance of workplace friendships and how they impact employee engagement and performance. She addresses a listener's dilemma about managing a close friend's performance issues at work, emphasizing the importance of open, direct, and compassionate communication and support. Christa provides strategies for addressing missed deadlines while maintaining the friendship and highlights the research supporting the benefits of having work friendships.

Key Takeaways

·       Workplace friendships enhance employee engagement and productivity.

·       Trust and respect are foundational for healthy work relationships and environments.

·       Navigating performance issues with friends requires sensitivity and directness.

·       Using the BIC model can help structure difficult conversations.

·       Connection and camaraderie are essential for workplace success.

·       A supportive work environment encourages open communication.

·       Friendships at work can lead to higher quality outcomes.

·       Work friendships are vital for productivity and morale.

Additional Resources

Clifton, J. (2022, October 7). The power of work friends. https://www3.qa.hbr.org/2022/10/the-power-of-work-friends

Gallup, Inc. (2022, December 5). Why having a best friend at work is important. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/406298/why-having-best-friend-work-important.aspx

Knox, A. (2024, June 3). All work and some Play—Why friends at work matter. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alizaknox/2024/04/29/all-work-and-some-play-why-friends-at-work-matter/

Patel, A., & Plowman, S. (2024, January 19). The increasing importance of a best friend at work. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing social interactions in the workplace, particularly when a coworkers chatty style disrupts focus, flow, and productivity. She discusses the importance of establishing boundaries, effective communication strategies, and the need for a supportive workplace culture that respects individual work styles. Christa offers practical solutions for addressing interruptions, including having candid discussions with managers, collaborating with coworkers, and using the BIC method for direct communication. She emphasizes that while socializing is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of productivity.

Key Takeaways

·       Boundaries matter in workplace social interactions.

·       Establishing norms can help manage social dynamics.

·       The BIC method is effective for offering coaching and feedback (change OR continue).

·       Collaboration with teams can enhance workplace culture.

·       Social breaks are essential but should be balanced with work needs.

·       Awareness of different work styles is crucial.

·       Chit chat can boost or hinder productivity depending on timing.

Additional Resources

Kristen Wright. (2024, January 31). Coworkers who talk too much [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUG1cfqdTV8

Methot, J. R., Rosado-Solomon, E. H., Downes, P. E., & Gabriel, A. S. (2020). Office Chitchat as a Social Ritual: The Uplifting Yet Distracting Effects of Daily Small Talk at Work. Academy of Management Journal, 64(5), 1445–1471. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2018.1474

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing team dynamics, particularly focusing on the listener’s co-worker, whose exuberance and enthusiasm are overwhelming for others. Christa emphasizes the importance of understanding self-awareness, and the need for adjustments in behavior to foster a high-functioning team environment. Christa provides strategies for improving team dynamics and highlights the significance of effective management and ongoing communication among team members. Additionally, Christa shares valuable resources for further understanding and enhancing team dynamics.

Key Takeaways

·       Focus on your objectives when addressing team dynamics.

·       Self-awareness is crucial for high-functioning teams.

·       Adjustments in behavior can lead to significant improvements.

·       Awareness of personal styles can shift team dynamics.

·       Accountability is key when adjusting team dynamics.

·       Management training is vital for effective team dynamics.

·       Continuous adjustments are necessary for team effectiveness.

·       Resources are available to help improve team dynamics.

Additional Resources

Birkman | The most powerful ways to improve your Team Dynamics. (2024, March 18). Birkman. https://birkman.com/resources/articles/powerful-ways-to-improve-your-team-dynamics

De Smet, A., D’Auria, G., Meijknecht, L., & Albaharna, M. (2024, October 31). Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/go-teams-when-teams-get-healthier-the-whole-organization-benefits

Leading teams. (n.d.). University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources. https://hr.umn.edu/supervising/modules/Leading-Teams 

Miles, M. (2022, June 28). 6 winning strategies to improve team dynamics. BetterUp. https://www.betterup.com/blog/improve-team-dynamics

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concerns about office politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding influence in the workplace. Christa defines office politics, differentiating between toxic and constructive politics, and provides actionable strategies for managing toxic environments. She encourages listeners to focus on company objectives and offers practical exercises to navigate office politics effectively. Additionally, she shares valuable resources for further learning.

 Key Takeaways

·       Office politics is about influence, not just power.

·       Experience in different industries can provide valuable perspectives.

·       Not all office politics are toxic; some are constructive.

·       Focus on company objectives as a starting place to manage toxic politics.

·       Identify how you want to operate in a workplace environment.

·       Develop an action plan to address toxic office politics.

·       Resources like articles and videos can aid in understanding office politics.

·       Engaging with office politics is necessary.

 Additional Resources

Definition of Politics: politics. (2025). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics

Article: Postma, N. (2021, July 14). You Can’t Sit Out Office Politics. https://hbr.org/2021/07/you-cant-sit-out-office-politics

 Ginny Clarke videos on Office Politics:

1: Ginny Clarke. (2024, December 16). Office Politics: How to rise above while getting ahead [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPynuXrbFCQ

2: Ginny Clarke. (2025, January 20). Office politics: the game you must learn to play [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aml7vn020U

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace issue of excessive meetings and how to navigate them effectively. She consolidates listener questions about declining unnecessary meetings while maintaining professionalism. She also reviews the cultural dynamics that influence meeting attendance. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in meeting purpose and objectives as well as the potential for organizational improvement through better meeting management. Christa provides multiple additional resources for listeners to enhance their understanding of effective meeting practices and change management.

 Key Takeaways

·       Cultural norms influence how meetings are perceived and attended.

·       Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in meeting culture.

·       Resources are available to help improve meeting effectiveness.

·       Companies with effective meeting management culture tend to be more effective overall.

Additional Resources

Deeb, G. (2022, November 8). Too many meetings suffocate morale & productivity. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgedeeb/2022/08/03/too-many-meetings-suffocate-morale--productivity/

 LeBlanc, L. A., & Nosik, M. R. (2019). Planning and leading effective meetings. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(3), 696–708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00330-z

Articles to help you politely decline:

Lee, J. (2025, June 25). How to decline a meeting: Examples for saying no politely. Work Life by Atlassian. https://www.atlassian.com/blog/loom/how-to-decline-a-meeting

 Towns, A. (2023, December 5). How to politely decline a meeting invite. Clockwise Inc. https://www.getclockwise.com/blog/how-to-decline-a-meeting-politely

 Plachy, L. (2022, September 12). How to say no to meetings without feeling guilty • Slack Design. Slack Design. https://slack.design/articles/say-no-to-meetings-guilt-free/

YouTube videos of William Ury re: Conflict Management and Negotiation:

Rotman School of Management. (2024, June 19). William Ury on Conflict Resolution 2.0: The Mindset of the Possibilist [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uZ3rueEZjE

 TED. (2010, December 1). The walk from “no” to “yes” | William Ury [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc6yi_FtoNo

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo tackles a listener’s question about alliance management, exploring the challenges, best practices, and evolving role of managing partnerships in business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding alliance objectives, building trust, and fostering collaboration for mutual success. Listeners will walk away with insights to enhance their alliance management skills, along with valuable resources for further learning.

Key Takeaways

·       Clear objectives are essential for alliance management.

·       Best alliance management practices include clear objectives and execution strategies.

·       Trust and respect are foundational in alliance management.

·       Effective communication is vital in managing partnerships.

·       Shared accountability enhances partnership success.

·       Leadership must view alliances as partnerships, not contracts.

·       Alliance management is a dynamic and rewarding career path.

Additional Resources

Genentech. (n.d.). Timeless partnerships. Genentech: Breakthrough Science. One Moment, One Day, One Person at a Time. https://www.gene.com/stories/timeless-partnerships

Hughes, J., & Weiss, J. (2007, November 1). Simple rules for making alliances work. https://hbr.org/2007/11/simple-rules-for-making-alliances-work

Lavietes, J. (n.d.). Strategy Shift: How Alliance Practices—and Alliance Managers—Are Upleveling their skills - Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals. https://www.strategic-alliances.org/blog/strategy-shift-how-alliance-practicesand-alliance-managersare-upleveling-their-skills

Noffke, T. (2007). Driving high-performance alliances: pharmaceutical alliance management as a model for best practices. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2007—North America, Atlanta, GA. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.