I Suck (at Smalltalk)

Kax Uson, seasoned product manager in Barcelona, joins this episode to help process the FilipinA experience abroad, specific challenges to building a successful career, and the annoying imposter syndrome that pops up. Her face absolutely lights up when she starts talking about her mission to empower women in the tech industry!

If you connected with Kax and her cause, subscribe to her newsletter and reach out.😊

Craving meaning in your achievements? Contemplating a move to the UK? Meet the super Pinay thriving in her career in the UK healthcare industry: Marian Gureng. We're diving into the art of balancing confidence without arrogance, tackling accents, navigating motherhood, and her jaw-dropping experience managing a team for conjoined twin surgery. The Science geek in me turned giddy!

I’m so glad I had this conversation with Marian. My image of her as an assertive cheerleader from high school was given so much more depth. I learned a lot from her story and am even more motivated to catch up with long lost friends and deepen relationships thanks to this conversation.😊

"Soy Janine y soy de Filipinas." Every introduction in this city brings forth the inevitable question, "So what brought you here?" My response is simple: Love. I cringe but it’s true!😆

With this blog revealing how my life and self is unfolding abroad, I thought it fitting to share what brought me to my new home. So I'm embracing my cheesiness to share the love story that doubles as my Donosti origin tale.

A Night: A Chance Encounter in Siargao

Swiping through Tinder after much prodding from my enthusiastic girlfriends, I matched with surfer Mikel Martija while on vacation in the beautiful island of Siargao. Though we couldn’t make time to meet, fate intervened on my last night out.

“Are you Janine?

“Yup! Mikel?”

“Si!”

“Shot?”

“No no no…”

“Half a shot? Go!”

A chance meeting at a bar, a shared tequila shot, and the spark was lit.

A Day: A Magical Layover in Manila

Surprise, surprise! The green-eyed Basque man had a full day layover in Manila and, true to his word despite my lack of faith, he spent it with me.

From stuffing surfboards into my compact car to exploring Manila's traffic jams and dampa gems, we laughed, spoke broken English, shared music, and kindled a connection over roti and curry.

It was fun. It was easy. It felt comfy.

After giving each other piggy-back rides on MOA’s Baywalk, we watched the sunset while sharing a Razon’s Halo Halo and acknowledged the mixed feelings of joy, melancholy, and sayang. We may never see each other again.

As I dropped Mikel off at the airport, my heart dropped… Then fired up like a kwitis! I didn’t think I’d ever feel this giddy again. How silly of me to think that I'd be less prone to kilig moments of infatuation in my 30s!

Dampa: A seafood market where you pick your fresh catch, bring it to a restaurant next door, and choose how you want your feast cooked.

Sayang: An expression of regret or disappointment over a missed opportunity or a loss, often used when something valuable is not fully utilized.

Kwitis: A traditional Filipino firework rocket that shoots into the sky and explodes with the sound: Eeeeeeeew pak!

Kilig: The exhilarating and giddy feeling associated with romantic excitement.

Palengke: What we call our bustling markets.

Libreng Kolehiyo: "“Free College” and the most popular law we passed during our term in the senate.

A Break: Getting Kicked Out of Tinder

As if to slow down my dating life, Tinder decided to give me the boot in the middle of a fierce political campaign.😂

I went from apolitical to a-believer while working for Senator Bam Aquino for 4 years as his speechwriter and, later, communications director. Battling trolls, disinformation, and the odds, we chanted our Libreng Kolehiyo jingle through palengkes in every corner of the Philippines. My life revolved around the campaign and so did my Tinder profile.

"Swipe left or swipe right, it’s all good. I’ll be fine! Just vote Bam Aquino. Ibalik sa Senado!" 😜

Not everyone appreciated my political fervor. I’m guessing the many supporters of rival candidates found my profile too bold. Whatever the reason, I was reported and promptly shown the exit door from the Tinder platform. The silver linings?

* It’s a funny story I share with pride.😜

* I’ve made the most of the platform.😆

* I met Mikel.😉

* There was Bumble.😂

A Trip: San Sebastian and Van Life Together

After the exhilarating campaign season and the heartbreaking loss after elections, I decided to escape and travel. Thankfully, Mikel was still available 😅, and even planned a van trip that shaped our understanding despite language barriers.

I’m smiling right now remembering how he picked me up from the airport and how we laughed at the strange feeling. We were practically strangers!

Tea in Hondarribi. Motorcycle ride to Igeldo. Pintxos en lo viejo. Txuleta dinner at a gastronomic society. A day trip to Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz. Then off we went in his “newly furbished” van. Oh man! I’ve never slept outside the comforts of a room before.

He surfed. I read. We ate. We explored. From Langre to Somo in Cantabria. From Oviedo to Covadonga in Asturias. You can only imagine how “living” in a metal cocoon together for a few days brought a new dimension to our connection.🤣

I asked, “How do you see our relationship progressing?”

He answered, “It would be great if you moved to Europe! We could see each other regularly and see where it goes.”

I took note. I was weighing the option of accepting a great job offer in Manila against the opportunity to reside in Europe, leveraging my French citizenship—a privilege I have thanks to my French grandmother.

A Pause: Solo Traveling

After living in a van together for 4 days followed by mountain trail torture, meeting surf friends, and running into Mikel’s mom (Yikes!), I left for “me time”.

Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Then Budapest, where I was traumatized by a pervert, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam. Traveling solo has always been a passion of mine.

“You have to come back,” said Mikel.

“Ok. Should I look for an apartment?”

“That doesn’t make much sense. You can come live with me.”

A Lifetime?! 🤭

… And they lived happily ever after! Or so they say in fairytales. In real life, it’s the beginning of even more adventures, like a global lockdown during a pandemic!?! Who saw that coming?🤯

Can tequila bring true love? I won't deny that a bit of liquid courage does help. But there’s also openness, confidence, and self-love. There’s humility, honesty, and finding calm when together and when apart. There’s also a whole lot of fun and oh so so so many more things and learnings.♥️

So whip out the poison of your choice and join me in a virtual cheers. Here’s to love, however it may find us!

Thank you for reading. Felt the kilig? This post is public so feel free to share the butterflies!

I made kwento a bit more in the audio ☝🏻️ so hit play there if you aren’t annoyed with my voice and don’t mind hearing me talk about the trip instead. Links and photos available throughout the post!

Two personal revelations from my London escapade:

* I’m a geeky, tireless, kuripot traveler. Geeky because I gotta know the history and trivia of the spot. Tireless because I can walk endlessly and hold in my pee forever, which I shouldn’t because UTI hurts. Lastly, I just don’t like spending on unnecessary shiz!

* I’m grateful to have a life partner that goes along with my travel vibe.♥️

Discovering My Traveler Persona

In the wild world of Filipino lingo, "kuripot" means frugal.

While I absolutely adore exploring new places, I’m averse to spending.😆 When out with friends, I don’t mind footing extra expenses or treating. But when flying solo, penny-pinching takes the lead. So much so that one of the pieces of advice I’d give to my younger self is: “Spend a little more, you’ll be ok!”

Reminiscing about my first trip to Europe, I recall stashing airplane cheese, crackers, and fruits in my bag for a makeshift dinner in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, only to later indulge in a hot chocolate.😜 Save now, spend later. Haha! Even with more years under my belt and with a healthier savings account, I don’t mind a few nights of discomfort if that means a bigger budget for later.

Enter Mikel, my kindred spirit in financial restraint. I guess that’s one of the reasons why the relationship works; we can let comfort take a backseat and we love searching for the balance of quality and a great price. Dapat sulit!

So in a city of opulence, Mikel and I danced to a different tune. Our hotel was central but questionable. Yet another experience that bonds us and yet another fun story to tell! But I’d never stay there ever again.😅

My Three Constant Big-City Travel Themes

Much like our jaunt to Seoul earlier this year, London's narrative unfolded through three main themes: Culture, Food, and Thrift Store Shopping.

London Culture and History

Sandeman Tours made our cultural exploration unforgettable. I’ve done their tours—both free and paid tours—in Berlin and Hamburg and I highly recommend you check their website everytime you go to a European city!

London City Walking Tour provided historical context while the Darkside of London Tour transported me back to the late 1800s, offering vivid tales of Jack the Ripper's reign. Life was tough post-industrial revolution, and the tour connected seamlessly with my learnings from Sydney. I loved it!

There are a bunch of free museums in London but we visited the Tate Modern Museum, which showcased an extensive collection featuring iconic artists like Warhol, Dali, and Picasso. Tip: Dive in with a plan to see your favorite artists and ask the staff if you get lost; the place is colossal!

Food Tripping in London

No fish and chips for us! Coming from a city with no great Asian options, oriental cuisine took the spotlight.

* Roti King

* Authentic mutton curry, roti, and laksa in a queue-worthy spot. It’s a 15-minute walk from King’s Cross Station where you can catch the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4!

* Joy King Lau

* Impeccable fried noodles, dim sum, and clean flavors in Chinatown. (Mikel dared me to conquer my fear of smalltalk with the next table so I did—with a British Pinoy. And I did!)

* Bao London

* Bao London has loads of spots; it’s a franchise. Pretty good baos and the salted egg custard dessert bao held its own. Buttt… This bao spot I tried in Madrid still takes the cake.

* Kanada-Ya Ramen

* We were gonna go to another place but since they didn't accept credit cards, we opted for Kanada-Ya Ramen and it did not disappoint. Tasty and you can choose the firmness of the noodles. Solid, pare! We’d be a regular if we lived in London.

* Dishoom

* We didn’t get to try Dishoom for Indian Cuisine but this chain comes highly recommended by the amazing Pinay designer in London, Drea Lopa. (Thanks, Drey! So happy I got to see you and Nikko!!!) Pressed for time, Mikel and I grabbed Indian food in one of the many food markets instead.

In a city not traditionally acclaimed for its culinary prowess, we ditched the meat pie but still made room for a wee bit of their local gems.

* Regency Cafe

* For a traditional English breakfast experience, Regency Cafe is the most popular joint. Even the friendly pub manager was surprised we knew the local spot! It’s pretty good and budget-friendly. BUT be ready for a queue and the occasional travel vlogger.😅 To be honest… It wasn’t that great (especially compared to the beans in Spain). But people have been lining up to have breakfast here for years so you may want to see what all the fuss is about!

* Bagel Bake Brick Lane Bakery

* On Brick Lane (the mecca for thrift shopping!), Bagel Bake Bakery beats its many rivals in its borough. Skip the rest and order here. Trust me. We made the rookie mistake of trying the bagel next door since it was the first one we passed! We enjoyed it, kept walking, then found the legit Bagel Bake Brick Lane Bakery with a line. So we ate another bagel! What else could we do? Gotta try the best one!

* The must-try is the salted beef bagel with gherkin (Smaller, crunchier pickles) and mustard. Gooey, flavorful, and worth the wait! Are you a sweet tooth like me? Order a donut stuffed with jam while you’re at it.😉

Thrift Store Shopping

How do you feel about second-hand shopping? I’ve always enjoyed it, from Baguio to Tokyo and Seoul. When you find something that looks great, fits perfectly, and with a smile-inducing price tag—what a feeling! It’s like going on an Easter Egg Hunt or looking for mushrooms in the forest.🤩

Camden Town

A much hipper Greenhills Shopping Center?!😂 Seriously, though. Camden Market is a vibe on its own, with a canal running alongside it and a whole bunch of food stalls. Duck in and out of funky shops—not all are second-hand!—and escape to Primrose Hill for a free view of the city.

Soho and Covent Garden

Here you’ll find any brand and store you’re looking for. Even the second-hand stores here were a bit pricier! But an interesting concept that exists in the UK is paying by weight instead of by piece. Outside the city, they say there are warehouses full of clothes that you can sift through and pay per kilo. In Covent Garden, we found a Vintage Kilo Store that had some classy pieces. Right next to it is another vintage shop chain called Rokit.

* PICKNWEIGHT Vintage Kilo Store Covent Garden

* Rokit Covent Garden

Brick Lane

Saving the best for last! This is where we bought most of our treasures right before heading to the airport.😅 In our experience, it’s the best bang for your buck. The street is lined with vintage shops! The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, bar with live music, is also nearby. Too bad we didn’t have time to grab a drink there. Next time!

* Brick Lane

Wait. How do you usually plan a trip?

I have special Google maps for: “Food” and “Want to go”. I save spots to each so they’re marked differently on my map. (I think I’ll make another one for shops hehe!) I head to a “Want to go” and when I get hungry check out dots for places to eat. Do you do the same?

Iconic Sights and Double-Decker Delights

While the Parliament Building, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum’s stolen artifacts, the Tower Bridge, etc. etc. etc. beckon, time constraints led us to prioritize. After 4 full days, we’re back home tired but full of stories! Too many to fit in a post. So I’ll end with random tips instead.😆

* Save spots on your map. But prioritize!

* Know your travel persona and be honest about it to help you narrow down your destinations and choose the right restos.

* Ask tips from people you know or friends of friends that have lived in London! I got so many great tips from people.

* Kickstart your adventure with a walking tour for insider tips from the guide.

* Make the most of the metro but experience that red double-decker bus too.

* Travel with a buddy that just gets you.♥️

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Nikki was the anchor of my teen years, tackling boy drama with Spice Girls magic.😂 Her blend of fun, likeability, organization, and responsibility was truly admirable. While I always knew she'd excel in any career, our recent conversation unveiled to me her incredible journey in architecture and design. Tune in as we chat about her Master's at Parsons School of Design in NYC, her lighting design focus, and her current role as the Dean of Architecture and Design. Join us as we try to figure out the secrets to adaptability and fearlessness with a load of laughs!

I mustered the courage to attend an event about the Circular Economy all by lonesome.🙌🏻 Overcoming my fear of small talk (in Spanish!), I made at least four new connections with amazing people making a real societal impact. I was charged and inspired!

I had the pleasure of connecting with an experienced environmental advisor who shared some incredible insights. Equally inspiring was a wonderful lady from Ecuador who founded an association, building a meaningful bridge between development projects back home and the Basque community.

I learned of a community kitchen initiative working towards more sustainable food purchases. (I just signed up!) And it doesn't stop there—communities are teaming up to embrace renewable energy. My mind was blown by the wealth of both challenges and solutions in this corner of the world. I was completely unaware! Oh and a lovely social worker translated when one of the speakers decided to use Euskera; all thanks to a smile and a “Kaixo! Soy Janine.”

The next day, though, I woke up frustrated with myself and my career. A wave of fears overwhelmed me. How can I be part of the good in the world? Will I ever find my sweet spot in the arena of social impact when I can’t even find a job in the for-profit sector? Was my job at the Philippine Senate the peak of my career and potential? Tough questions. The pressure turned to tears.

Appreciation for Friends, Old and New

I reached out to friends. So thankful for Kars and Misha! And thank heavens Saira was free for a nerves-calming, ego-uplifting, laughter-inducing call. (Love you guys!)

There's also this fantastic group I meet up with regularly—ladies I met through the courses I've been taking. I'm helping them with their projects and personal branding. A quick workshop on elevator pitches and LinkedIn profiles filled me up with purpose.

Did you know that one of the secrets to happiness is getting out of your own mind and helping others? It's working. It really is. The tears from fears transformed into tears of appreciation.

Welcome to your life. There’s no turning back…🎶 - Tears for Fears 😆

Networking Insights

Networking used to make me cringe, but now I see it in a totally different light. By focusing on people, their stories, and the wealth of knowledge they offer, networking becomes an enriching adventure. Why couldn’t I get over myself and my insecurities sooner?😩 (Janine, forget about you!😜)

Here are some of my lessons learned from networking in Donosti:

* A warm smile and a genuine compliment go a long way.

* No one cares if your grammar sucks!

* Always ask for contact details—number? LinkedIn? Instagram?

* Follow up with a sincere message to nurture the connection.

* Invite them for a coffee chat, learn about their projects, explore their career path, and seek advice!

Here are some more networking tips from a new LinkedIn connection. Destiny sent me her post as I started my mission to build my local web.❤️

What’s next?

This weekend I take a quick break from it all. Heading over to London for a few days! Woot woot! Then… Who knows? I have loads of little projects and goals and ideas. Just gotta keep taking action, even if it’s just the little steps! Time flies. Life flies. Let’s make the most of it!

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There are some people with whom you share such a strong bond that you can always pick up right where you left off. Claudine Liljedahl is one of those people for me. (Love you, Din!) Even after years of being out of touch, we can snap our fingers and discuss her life, career, and lessons from moving to Scandinavia. Close to the end of the convo, she introduced the term ‘microaggressions’, which led me to read up and be more conscious of my own biases. Cheers to growth!

In the buzz of the digital age, the term "Attention Economy" has been making the rounds. Sound familiar?

It's a game-changer. The concept that our attention is like a currency with real value in dollar signs wakes me up from my digital coma. Companies are making big bucks out of our clicks, reads, and reacts. (Our data, too! But that’s another post. Haha!)

I’m conscious of it now every time I clean up my inbox or when an ad catches my eye enough to ‘swipe to learn more’. I think about it when I decide what ideas to learn about; which views to take in; who to spend time with; what experiences to collect…

So I’m sharing this uncomfortable thought with you.😆

Attention Economy 101

Simply put, the attention economy recognizes that your focus is a hot commodity. From scrolling social media to captivating ads, everyone wants a piece.

Browsing through the UN's files, I found this:

Davenport and Beck (2001) first define the "economics of attention" as an approach to the management of information that treats human attention as a scarce commodity and applies economic theory to solve various information management problems. We are increasingly living in an “attention economy” rather than an “information economy”.

We have algorithms that know what make us tick and click. Marketing folks like me study best practices to grab eyeballs with sticky headlines and content. (EEPS! Sorry!) Everything seems optimized to attract and constantly tug at our focus.

Listening to the Let's Appreciate podcast on the topic, I came across this disturbing thought:

“The Attention Economy has monetized distraction.” —

kyla scanlon

Yikes! Content isn’t just competing for our attention but earning points for distracting us from what really matters. If we lose track of what that is, or if we never took the steps to discover what adds value to our lives, it’s easy to fall into the deep end. After all, our screens and our notifications are the newest, coolest, most socially acceptable drug of the 21st century.

Planning My Escape

What’s our best defense? Awareness and intentionality.

Decide where your attention goes and get back in the driver's seat. Easy, right? Nope. It takes a strong will, repetition, and probably some neuroplasticity tricks to master it. (Neuroplasticity is one of the other concepts I’ve been obsessed with lately!)

I started this newsletter after reading the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. I was supposed to redesign my digital life by deciding the value I wish to gain from each app or tool and get rid of everything that does not serve me.

I haven’t done that. I should start! It gave me steps that includes a 30-day detox from non-essential apps and gadgets.😳 Kaya ko kaya?! I’ll never know ‘til I try.🤔

Confessions of an Attention Seeker

In the grand theater of the attention economy, I must confess my role as both victim and perpetrator. Having spent 15 years in the realm of marketing and communications, I've been a cog in the vast machinery competing for your focus. Guilty as charged.

The itch to exit the social media game has been persistent, and now, even infiltrating your inbox leaves me with a tinge of guilt. Yet, amid my Descartes-inspired doubt-everything phase, two truths have emerged.

Effective marketing wields power. Capturing your attention is not just a goal; it's a responsibility. Once achieved, the duty shifts to delivering content that enriches rather than distracts, a principle I will now carry into my professional journey.

But most importantly, I am profoundly grateful for YOUR time and attention. In a world bombarded by digital noise, your decision to engage with my content is a choice I don't take lightly. Your attention is a precious gift.

As we ride the waves of this new era where attention is a currency, I wish for all of us a life rich in meaningful connections and exhilarating, real-world experiences that triumph over mindless distractions.

Thank you, thank you for being a part of this journey and entrusting me with your attention. It means the world.♥️

Thank you for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it (if you think it’s not just another distraction!).

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Lately, I've been pondering womanhood, the unsung challenges, and the strengths that define us as a gender. Read on (or listen to the audio version!) and let me know your thoughts.

Not Many People Know This Horror Story

It happened on my first night in Budapest. I was traveling alone and I hopped on the nightly river cruise to see the city lights from their main water channel. Lovely! Another great solo travel memory for the books.

I decided to walk back to my Airbnb. It was just 30 minutes by foot. How dangerous could it be?

I was careful. Crossing to the more peaceful-looking sidewalk whenever I glimpse a group of partygoers ahead. I love walking and taking in a city bit by bit, statue by statue, building by building. Lovely!

Until, on a dark and quiet street and between parked cars, a man appeared to indulging in an indecent solo act. “P*tangina,” I said aloud and in shock. He was masturbating. T*ngina lang talaga.

I walked on, speeding up, scanning for people and escape routes. The pervert pursued me while continuing the deed. Motherf*cker! I turned around and shouted, “Get the f*ck away from me.” I sped up even more. So did he. WTF!

Thankfully I turned the corner and there were people sitting on a bench. He disappeared and I was left with a mix of disgust, fury, and helplessness. I wish I could’ve smashed his face in or, better yet, sliced out his “manhood”.

What a night. Lovely, just lovely.

Can guys really get it?

I spoke to a male friend that night to keep me company on the phone. But I don’t think he really understood the depth of my emotions, the frustration over my vulnerability and helplessness.

There are just some things about the female experience that are difficult to empathize with unless you’ve gone through something similar. For example: getting your period for the first time. WAH!😩

Biological Hassles of Being a Woman

Oh that monthly frenemy: menstru-frikkin-ation. It's an odyssey laden with physical and emotional discomfort and pain. Real pain. Headaches, cramps, and a sensation of feeling either like an inflating or a deflating balloon.😆 Not to mention the icky feeling of having to change a napkin or tampon. UGH. Thank you to whoever invented the menstrual cup because it changed my life!

There are endless hassles linked to this periodic reminder that we're designed to bring life into the world.

Now… For the women who do choose to embrace motherhood, the challenges are monumental. There's the physical pain of pregnancy and childbirth while not being able to drink alcohol or eat sushi. I mean, what?! There are sleepless nights and endless responsibilities of nurturing a life. Yes, yes, many say it’s all worth it. But that doesn’t erase the struggle—it is real.

Sociological Shiz Women Deal With

And then there are the sociological hassles. The everyday experience of walking alone, only to be met with unsolicited advances and catcalls. The gnawing feeling of unease when we're not in a group or in the quiet of our own homes. The ever-present awareness that personal safety comes with an asterisk followed by the disclaimers of outfit, how much alcohol we drink, who we choose to go out with, how we present ourselves... Queue the dramatic eye-roll.🙄

Conversations with Other Women

Talking to fellow women about these challenges feels like a lifeline. It's a way to connect, share experiences, and seek support. We understand the emotions, the nuances, and the triumphs because we've lived them.

The empowering conversations I've had with women like Sinag Adviento, for example, who built a career in the culinary world despite having to overcome stereotypes and sexism in the kitchen, have been a source of comfort and, well, angst.

Feminism in Spain

In Spain, the feminist movement seems robust. Though I haven’t been here long enough to truly understand it, feminism here seems like a powerful force that not only brings people to the streets in protest but also influences politics and social structures.

Here, for example, women entrepreneurs and freelancers get extra financial support from the government. Men do, too, but women are given a little bit more. Does that seem fair to you?

ICYMI, there’s a discrimination case in the U.S. against a VC that provides funding to black women entrepreneurs. Sharing Spotify link here in case you find it interesting!

I had this conversation recently with a business consultant and he acknowledges that while women here are strong, independent, and have fairly equal opportunities, the statistics show that there are a lot less women entrepreneurs that achieve success. Until the scales tip in favor of equal support and opportunities, he believes these initiatives level the playing field.

Might also be a good time to plug Imaginable Impact, an organization empowering filipina entrepreneurs!

So maybe some guys do get it!

The Flip Side

I’m recalling my post-Barbie-movie conversation. We admitted that we wondered how different life might be if we were born men. I know I’ve thought about this a lot, maybe even prayed to be teleported to universe where Janine is James. Lol.

The freedom, the lack of judgment, and the absence of constant apprehension. Freedom.

Living in a place with fewer catcalling and the liberty to leave home without a bra is liberating! Might sound babaw but it’s true. There’s a lightness in letting go of what society expects women to be.

On the podcast, Sinag shared the story of the first time she felt like “I was seen not as a woman but as a professional.” It gave me goosebumps.

Moments when you feel like you are seen and appreciated for who you really are and not just the gender/race/age/label/box you’re associated with are magical moments. So lovely.

Would love to hear your ideas on womanhood, feminism, gender and social equality! Diverse perspectives enrich the discussion. There’s a lot we can learn from each other’s experiences if we took the time to really listen.😊 Drop a comment or send me a message!

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support Janine’s work.

Have you heard of Gallup's StrengthsFinder? It's one of those personality tests, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (I'm an INJF) and the Enneagram (I'm a Type 1).

StrengthsFinder, now called CliftonStrengths, focuses on identifying your top 5 strengths, which tend to remain consistent throughout your life. The idea is to cultivate these strengths instead of dwelling on frustrating weaknesses. To compensate for your Achilles heel, it suggests finding partners or team members that have them as their strengths, encouraging a volting in of superpowers that spell success.

My top 5 strengths, according to StrengthsFinder, are Strategy, Ideation, Learner, Connectedness, and Analytical. Interestingly, four out of the five fall under the strategic theme. This means I thrive on sifting through various scenarios and possibilities to find the best way forward. I'm perfectly comfortable with a plethora of options to analyze.

If you're not like me, the rest of this entry might not be your cup of tea. It's going to be full of options and links that could make your head spin. Heehee!

New Podcast Episodes for "I Suck At Smalltalk"

I've uploaded three new episodes, bringing my total up to six. Woot!

I'm oh so happy to be catching up with lovely people and dipping our feet into something new and unfamiliar together. I mean, who records conversations with friends? I do.🤣 You can binge-watch them on Spotify or choose your happy pill from the list below.

* Watch Ep 04: Chef Sinag Adviento's Insights on Machismo, Language Barriers, and Grit Abroad

* Watch Ep 05: Mon Limcaoco's Journey from Manila to Sydney during the Pandemic

* Watch Ep 06: Nicole Maas Tells the Story of Crossing the Pyrenees by Foot and Other Mountain Adventures

Help! Check if “I Suck at Smalltalk” is on Apple Podcasts

Quick favor to ask… When you click on the button, can you see my podcast on Apple? Can you let me know by replying to this or however way we chat with each other? Lol. I'm not sure if it's only accessible to me or if it's successfully published. UGH. Tech troubles!

Building Work Portfolio

I've been pretty occupied living my enthusiastic student life. (Why are studies so much more interesting as an adult?!) I’ll admit that my job search is taking a back seat.

But to help me figure myself out, and share my personal journey to potential employers, I’ve added a new section on Substack called "Work Portfolio". Here are some of my articles that you might find interesting. Not a reader? I recorded audio for them too!

* My Journey to Confidence

* Takeaways from Preparing Country Reports for Japan, Qatar, and the Netherlands

* Becoming a More Effective Writer and Content Strategist by Ranting (and Raving!) about SEO

Wars of the World

There's more than one, two, or a shitload of conflicts and disasters at the moment. How are you coping? Hindi ko pa napo-process lahat.😩

“Today, Explained” Episodes on the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Sending out virtual hugs. Hayyy.

Thanks for reading Janine Ramirez - I Suck at Smalltalk Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.