This week, I have been having so many conversations around layoffs in the tech sector, especially since there are a lot of big-name tech companies letting go of large portions of their staff. Layoffs happen in every sector and they aren’t some spur-of-the-moment decisions even though we tend to think they are. In this episode, I demystify the behind-the-scenes of layoffs sharing with you how current events plays a role, why layoffs should not be a taboo topic of discussion, how you can spot when a layoff may happen, and what to do when it is happening. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Current circumstances that lead to layoffs [0:40]
• Demystifying the taboo topic of layoffs  [4:06]
• Who makes the final decisions [9:26]
• Obvious signs that may signify a layoff [11:52]
• High vacancies, double the workload, and no promotions  [19:03]
• How to protect yourself and your career [24:31]
• What to do and not do if layoffs are happening in your company [30:20]

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In today’s conversation we are talking about networking, a super important aspect in the professional development space, but something that causes a lot of fear in people. Networking is tough because it requires you to be vulnerable by putting yourself out there yet confident.   Now, the idea of networking can seem intimidating but I am breaking it down for you all. In this episode, I share what networking is, the ins and outs of networking, and how you can leave a lasting impression. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why networking is about who you know [0:44]
• The importance of relationships in networking [5:49]
• Leveraging your network and finding those who can help you [12:33]
• What it means to actually network [16:20]
• The real secret weapon of networking [22:30]
• How to network [26:10]
• Using LinkedIn the right way [30:17]
• The best way to reach out to people [35:46]

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Today’s conversation is all about productivity. It isn’t the sexiest topic but it sure is important because productivity is what helps us achieve our goals and continue a good momentum in our jobs. Now, the idea of tackling productivity can seem daunting, but have no fear! I am discussing my best tactics for ensuring you can get your tasks done more effectively, two myths about productivity you need to know, and the real secret to having a more efficient workday. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Carrying on productivity throughout the year 
• Why productivity sometimes fails in the workplace
• If productivity can be measured 
• Why shorter meetings are not a shortcut for time management 
• 10 small changes to improve productivity and efficiency 
• The actual secret to productivity

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Starting this week, we are going to be working through some critical topics in the corporate setting. We’re kicking things off by discussing goal setting at work. In today’s conversation, I discuss the reasons why businesses set goals, the different categories of goals, and the one major thing company goals are actually missing and what you need to do about it. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why all businesses set goals  [0:42]
• Whether common goals actually help corporate culture [5:10]
• What growth and sustainability look like as a goal [8:19]
• The 4 types of goals and what is actually missing [12:00]
• How company goals are created [16:00]
• The steps you can take to have your goals align with company goals [22:09]
• Why you need to be specific about your goals [28:05]
• Things to consider when creating your goals [29:00]
• How you can combine goals and the importance of making sure they are achievable [34:22]

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In today’s conversation, I am going over my year in review! 2022 was such a big year for me, especially when it came to discovering my potential and ability to grow. The thing is, through all the exhaustion, boredom, and stress of 2022, I still had so much hope and belief that I could and would be successful. I really firmly believe that the ups and downs were just a season, and the best was yet to come. During the episode, I share more about my own experience dealing with failures, a new exercise to help you find your purpose for the year, and what I did to help me achieve my goals in 2022. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Discovering an alternative way to celebrate and mark your goals [0:50]
• Dealing with the seasons of life [4:54]
• Launching my business in 2021 [10:10]
• A new exercise to help you find purpose [13:21]
• My year in review and how I made it happen [18:21]
• Getting specific about your non-negotiables [21:40]
• An exercise on how to do a year in review [28:48]

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_franks/
Work with me: www.melissafranks.com/offers

 I have been looking so forward to having this conversation with you today because it’s such an important topic to discuss. Not everything in the workplace is peachy, and there are times when you can have an emotionally traumatic experience in the office, whether it be harassment, bullying, gaslighting, or even microaggressions. While there are laws in place to protect us, the initial feelings of the experience can be really hard to deal with, and sometimes you may not even know where to start. In this episode, I talk about bullying in the workplace, some issues with management training, what proper feedback looks like, the grey lines of authority, and how to deal with gaslighting. 

In this episode we cover:

• Workplace harassment, employee training, and onboarding
• What management training overlooks 
• The fine line between feedback and bullying 
• Power dynamics, authority, and emotions
• Defining the different terms around workplace harassment 
• How gaslighting shows up in the workplace 
• Dealing with being gaslit

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We’ve all experienced the crushing feeling of imposter syndrome at one point in our lives. That moment where you begin to question whether or not your successes are legitimately achieved and if you have what it takes to be in the position you are in today. It can be really tough to navigate this mindset, and I know from personal experience how restrictive the doubt that plagues you can be. In this episode, I talk about my own experience with imposter syndrome, finding your support network, and where the idea of imposter syndrome originated from.

In this episode we cover:

• What is imposter syndrome?
• My experience with imposter syndrome 
• When fear turns into shame 
• How I regained my confidence 
• Why you deserve the role and finding the support you need
• The role of perfectionism and fear 
• How to deal with imposter syndrome 

Connect with Melissa: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_franks/
Work with me: www.melissafranks.com/offers

Welcome to the Opt In, a podcast designed to help you thrive in the corporate world. I’m your host Melissa Franks, a wife, mom of three boys, and owner of four dogs. I have a very busy household, but I keep grounded with everything through Human Design. As a proud manifesting generator, I have big visions for the future and for my own career. In this first episode, I share more about myself, my experience working in corporate America as a woman and a mother, and the purpose of this podcast.  

In this episode we cover:

• Getting to know me and my vision of success  
• My experience working in corporate America 
• The challenges of being a woman in the corporate world 
• The best way to navigate fear and imposter syndrome and the power of mentorship
• Why I started the podcast 
• What to expect in this podcast
• The power of saying yes and building relationships 

Connect with Melissa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_franks/ 

Work with me: www.melissafranks.com/offers

Do I have to be friends with my co workers to get ahead? Should I take the promotion even if I hate the job? Is my salary big enough or am I getting screwed? Do I have to choose between having a family and having a career? I've been laid off now what do I do? I'm Melissa Franks, and I've spent the last 25 years building my corporate career and a family to along the way, there have been bumps and bruises and some epic going down in flames of glory moments.

My journey up the corporate ladder found me forging new ground without a safety net. Through my real life stories, experiences, and special guests on the show, I take the mystery out of how to succeed in the corporate world. I'm going to spill all the tea about how decisions are really made, how to tell who the hidden influencers are, and how to realize your full potential while enjoying the process at the same time.

Each week, we will dive into a topic where I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly of my experiences and what we can all learn from them. You will walk away each week with a clear set of next steps to take action and improve your circumstances. We are going to speak frankly and freely about when it's time to opt in or to opt out.

Opt In is a place where you can come to get practical, actionable advice to propel your career and your life in the direction you want.


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