In the wake of new social distancing practices, many American schools and businesses have provided for its workers to go remote and some professionals in sectors of entertainment, hospitality, retail, spas and gyms are shutting down and working to find work due to the World Health Organization's declaration of  of the pandemic occurring due to increased infection rate of novel coronavirus. 

It may seem the world tipped upside down for so many 9-5 er's. This message is to provide focus and encouragement to professionals who never worked from home regarding how to set up habits, environmental cues, and promote a conducive environment for working at home while remaining connected to team at home and at work. The ability to adapt is more powerful skill than just to survive- let's thrive in kindness, connection, and focus on the help we can be to others.

Since remote work life is quite a broad topic, stay tuned for remote meetings skills and best practices, interviews with parents experienced with remote work lifestyles at home with kids, and even another on basic home technology tips and tools. It's so important to remember social distancing or remote life should never fool you into thinking you are alone nor that you can always make a difference with the skills and talents you bring to your organization, your family, and this world! 

Also, I have started an IG page for updates as well. @allynciatek on Instagram and more updates to come on Twitter. Thanks for tuning in to It's A Professional Life!

It is hard to find the words to share and demonstrate how our city feels to have these fallen angels, Kobe, Gianna, Peyton and the families who were aboard that fateful flight. 

This is a short post - just me vs. interviewing to share how this connects to what it means to have Work Ethic. I don't spell it out intentionally since this is a tribute and food for thought. 

May we all learn from each other's lives and remember to put love in what we do and who we do it for!

Thanks for tuning in!

Happy New Year 2020! The Year We See All Things Clear!

It is Black History Month and Mentor Match season at my company, L.A. Care, therefore I am super excited to alas broadcast an interview with my mentor since last year, Acacia Reed, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at L.A. Care. 

After designing learning solutions for hundreds of companies in the US and in Tokyo, Japan, I can honestly say I have rarely come across an corporate environment so diverse! Maybe you think I am blind or maybe it's because of the location and possibly the mission of the business, but for whatever the reason, some of my bosses wear locks, braids, and curls here! (Hah, not all but I see we are all in this together!)

In my first year, I saw Reed speak at a women's conference in the suburbs our organization partners to sponsor. I was so impressed with what she shared at that time and I continued to learn in passing about her as a professional as well as an enthusiastic people leader in the organization running into her now and then. It became clear, this woman knows her work and people who work with her know she is as friendly as she is a force of nature to get things done! I require that of myself- so for a flinching moment, I see myself! But.... o.k... she's got Chief in her title! Sure, I am new here but not new to what I do, yet clearly, I have so much learning to do! I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the mentor program and we matched! Truly, she was as real deal (and/or more) as I thought she would be and definitely, funnier than I thought she had time to be. Most importantly, I got to see the way she showed care for others- she let me sit in an intense meeting, saw her bring back treats for her colleagues and staff if we went out, and made time even if it was a coffee run to follow up with me.  Every moment was just what I needed and set me in the direction of taking the higher ground toward my future next best.  Why doesn't everyone sign up for this? Why do any of us ever stop? 

Enjoy this listen with your fave coffee or while finishing dishes or on the drive home. The interview is broad in scope regarding her career journey, influences,  challenges, as well as aspirations to continue developing future leaders. I know it will inspire you to consider your own journey, mentors, accomplishments, quirks, the people you work with, and the people you could be coaching. Let's be brave, take our shot, and no matter who you are-  The Time is now- So get a mentor and keep on track with your next win!

This podcast is sharing the professional journeys of two professional women giving insights and tips on what it means to "Know Your Worth."