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If Monday mornings fill you with dread, your micromanager questions every move, and you KNOW you're underpaid by at least $20K but feel paralyzed to do anything about it—this episode is your intervention.

This isn't about setting fluffy 2025 goals. This is about building LEVERAGE.

In this no-BS episode, Jassani Courtney breaks down the exact 5-step blueprint to stop being overlooked and start commanding the respect (and compensation) you've earned. Whether you're planning your exit or fighting to transform your current role, you need OPTIONS—and options require strategy, not hope.

You'll discover:

• Why your LinkedIn profile is keeping you invisible to recruiters (and the 60-second fix that changes everything)
• The "Vampire Audit" that reclaims your time from energy-draining meetings and toxic coworkers
• Word-for-word scripts to shut down your boss's last-minute demands without sounding difficult
• The uncomfortable truth about how you're being judged in the first 7 seconds—and what to do about it
• Why your home life is secretly sabotaging your career moves (and how to fix it this week)

Here's what most career advice gets wrong: They tell you to work harder, be more visible, or "lean in." But you're already exhausted. What you actually need is a system to build leverage while you're still employed—so you negotiate from power, not desperation.

This episode delivers the scripts, the tactics, and the Monday morning checklist that changes your trajectory immediately. No corporate fluff. No motivational platitudes. Just the strategic moves that create real options.

Your job is a contract, not a prison. But only if you do the work to create alternatives.

Ready to stop settling and start leading? Press play.

💬 After listening, drop a comment: Which of the 5 steps are you executing first?
📥 Want the free Salary Negotiation Guide? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and Comment "SALARY" 

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Careers don’t stall because you lack talent; they stall because you lack leverage. We zoom straight into the POWER framework—five pillars that turn you from a passenger into the driver of your own path. No fluff, no clichés, just the playbook: personal accountability, options through money, work your network, ever battle ready, and reputation as currency.

We start by dismantling the myth that managers are responsible for your growth. Ownership looks like asking precise feedback, chasing the ugly projects that matter, and building skills without waiting for approval. 

From there, we get real about money as a career tool. A walkaway fund gives you breathing room to negotiate, leave toxic roles, and take strategic moves that compound into leadership scope. You don’t need a windfall—just a halt to lifestyle creep, small automatic transfers, and a clear target for six months of expenses.

Networking becomes simple when you treat it as generosity on a schedule: consistent check-ins, thoughtful comments, helpful intros, and showing up when it’s inconvenient. Then we shift to readiness. Quarterly resume refreshes, a clean LinkedIn headline that signals outcomes, and a grab-and-go portfolio keep you sharp when opportunities show up fast. Finally, we get honest about reputation. How you act when things go sideways, how you share credit, and how people feel after working with you determine who speaks your name in the rooms that matter.

By the end, you’ll choose one pillar to focus on for the next 30 days and leave with small, specific actions that build real momentum. If this hit home, share it with a friend who’s stuck, connect with me on LinkedIn at Jassani Courtney for deeper dives on each pillar, and hit subscribe for more straight talk that actually moves your career forward.

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Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the hidden currency driving every workplace. When it breaks, the fallout is bigger than missed deadlines or disengaged employees—it fractures culture.

In this episode of My Friend in HR, we rewind the clock to humanity’s earliest tribes and connect ancient leadership lessons to today’s boardrooms, Zoom calls, and corporate cultures. Drawing from Simon Sinek’s insights, Edelman’s Trust Barometer, Harvard Business Review research, and real stories of leaders and employees betrayed by broken promises, we unpack the human side of why trust is collapsing in the modern workplace—and how to rebuild it.

You’ll hear:

• Why ancient tribes chose leaders based on trust, not strength—and what that means for today’s executives.
• The silent betrayals that fracture workplace culture (missed recognition, layoffs handled poorly, and leaders who go quiet when employees need them most).
• How layoffs send psychological shockwaves that destroy productivity and loyalty.
• The science of trust and stress: why oxytocin builds collaboration and cortisol kills it.
• Why perks and bonuses don’t inspire when they’re not matched with purpose.
• What both leaders and employees must do to build a high-trust culture.

This is not another “10 leadership tips” conversation. This is a hard look at the broken social contract between employees and organizations, and how trust—not just money—decides whether your culture thrives or collapses.

👉 If you’re a leader, this will challenge how you think about psychological safety, employee loyalty, and the true cost of layoffs.
 👉 If you’re an employee, this will give you language to articulate why culture feels “off” when trust is missing—and what role you play in fixing it.

Because when leaders stop protecting their people, perks stop feeling earned. And when employees stop showing up with reliability and honesty, teams collapse from within.

Listen in, reflect, and let’s rebuild workplaces where trust is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation.

🔗 Want more? Subscribe on YouTube for video versions of this podcast, career tips, and my new series The Mic Drop.
📩 Enter my giveaway: subscribe + comment on YouTube for a chance to win a free Executive Resume Review.
📲 Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X for daily HR insights, coaching, and career strategies.

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SEASON 2 IS HERE: “You Got Promoted… Now What?”

Let’s get one thing straight: getting promoted is not the finish line—it’s the starting block. And this episode? It’s your leadership wake-up call.

After a few months of silence (life got busy, y’all—but I’ve been cookin’ behind the scenes), My Friend in HR is BACK for Season 2 and we’re coming in HOT with real talk for every new leader, reluctant manager, or “oh crap, now I’m in charge” moment.

In this firestarter of an episode, we’re digging into:
 🔥 The messy reality of managing your old work besties
 🔥 The politics no one warned you about in your new role
 🔥 The culture shifts that’ll humble even the most confident leaders
 🔥 And why your first 90 days could make—or break—your leadership brand

This isn’t just advice—it’s a survival strategy.
No fluff. No BS. Just the truth about what it really takes to thrive after the promotion.

Plus, I’m spilling the behind-the-scenes tea on where I’ve been, why HR on the Rocks is your new favorite YouTube series, and why this season of the pod is going to change how you lead—for real.

🎧 Press play, power up, and let’s get into it.
Because leadership isn’t for the faint of heart—and neither is this podcast.

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"Feeling uncertain about your career's future? In episode 10, we dive into how you can transform those fears into steps for success in 2025. We'll explore strategies to navigate layoffs, technological changes, and more. Join us to discover how to stay ahead and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Let's get you ready to conquer your career journey!"

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Handling discipline in the workplace requires finesse and fairness. Through illustrative scenarios, I emphasize the importance of accountability, warning against the dangers of favoritism. Hear real-world examples that highlight the need for clarity and proper communication to resolve misunderstandings. Discover how documentation can be a tool for both protection and improvement, ensuring that employees and managers alike act on complete information. This episode promises to be a guide to equip you with the tools to navigate write-ups and improve workplace dynamics.

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Ever wondered if transitioning from an hourly role to a salaried position is the right move for you? We break down the essentials, from the financial implications of overtime pay to the stability of a fixed annual salary. Discover the pros and cons of each employment type and gain practical tips for evaluating your personal circumstances and job benefits. Don’t miss this comprehensive guide to making an informed decision about your career path, packed with insights to help you thrive professionally.

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Are you considering bidding farewell to your employer?

Well,  before you hand in your resignation, tune in to this episode for essential advice and considerations. In this episode, "I QUIT!," we delve into the pivotal decision of leaving your current job. Whether you're working in a toxic environment, been overlooked for a promotion, or contemplating a separation package, we discuss the crucial factors you should ponder before making the big decision.

Here, we provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you, your family, and your career.

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Have you ever considered a career transition or found yourself at a professional crossroads, unsure when to take the leap towards something new? Join your friend in HR, Jasani Courtney, as we navigate these life-defining moments, outlining clear strategies for those eyeing a future in human resources and offering guidance on when to part ways with your current job. As we walk Tevon, a college senior with logistics savvy, through his entry into the HR world, you'll get a front-row seat to the actionable insights and relatable experiences that can catapult your own career journey. For anyone wrestling with the question of timing their exit from a role, we dive into the critical factors, from personal growth to mental well-being, that signal it's time to move on—wisdom that could spell the difference between stagnation and fulfillment.

The episode continues to dissect the nuanced art of people management, a skill set often overlooked in the promotion of new managers. Listen in as I candidly share lessons from my own climb up the HR ladder, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, proactive learning, and the ability to leverage team strengths. The conversation turns to debunking managerial myths and lays bare the high costs of ineffective leadership, from sunk morale to soaring turnover. With a focus on consistency, fairness, and direct conflict resolution, this episode is a treasure trove of management strategies and insights that will transform not just how you lead, but how you recognize and champion the varying contributions of your team for a truly collaborative and dynamic work environment.

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Have you ever wondered what recruiters are really looking for when they sift through piles of resumes? Our guest, Talent Acquisition Manager, Alejandra Villegas, reveals the truth behind the job application process. From the ideal length of a resume to the common mistakes made during interviews, Alejandra provides invaluable advice that could help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.

We don't stop at resumes and interview tips. Alejandra also offers a unique perspective on applying for multiple positions within the same organization and the art of negotiating job offers. Her insights provide a roadmap of the job market, outlining how to avoid potential pitfalls and turn challenges into opportunities.

In addition, we take a look at the role technology plays in recruitment. She helps us understand the implications of AI in the hiring process and how to use it to your advantage. Don't miss out on this conversation filled with valuable insights that could transform your job search strategy. 

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Email: [email protected]