The Speaking Up Podcast

On this episode of the podcast I am joined by special guest Amanda Ma whose company, Innovative Marketing, is internationally known for its full-service events.

Through her leadership, the company has flourished into one of the most distinguished experience agencies both locally and nationally, and during the pandemic she turned her business from in-person to virtual events and is now thriving!

She was named in the top 100 most influential people in the event industry globally and one of the 500 most influential event professionals in the United States.

In this episode we talk about how she pivoted and reinvented herself and her business during the pandemic. We also discuss:

1. How crisis creates opportunity
2. How she went from victim to problem-solver
3. About how in entrepreneurship you're never alone

Click here to connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(03:01) From a victim mentality to a problem-solving mindset

(07:23) As an entrepreneur you're never alone

(11:51) Speaking up for equality as an Asian-American

(13:45) Championing diversity in the events industry

(15:45) Making time to celebrate the win

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Do you sometimes struggle to make decisions?

In researching this episode, one of my team quoted a lyrics from the song Freewill by Canadian band Rush: if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

By not making a decision, at best you're giving someone else permission to make it for you, and at worst you're missing out on opportunities which could enhance your career.

In this episode I share my top strategies to help you make better, quicker decisions, such as:

• Write down the pros and cons.
• Asked your support network for advice.
• The more you delay, the harder it gets.

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) If you choose not to decide, you've still made a choice

(02:03) Indecisiveness could lead to missed opportunities

(04:03) My top strategies to help with decision-making

Also mentioned in this episode:

Episode 21: 5 Tips to Avoid Tornado Brain

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

Why do you do what you do?

What's your purpose, your reason for getting out of bed in the morning?

This might not be immediately obvious to you, so take some time to figure it out. Your purpose is your your personal mission statement and your North Star, guiding you through life but also keeping you motivated and focussed.

In this episode I give you some of my best motivation tips to help you find your purpose, including:

• Just get started.
• What do you love doing and what fulfills you?
• Be grateful for what you have right now.

If you know your purpose, and you know your why, it's so much easier to stay on track and achieve your goals.

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) What's your purpose?

(02:58) My favourite tips to help you find your purpose

(03:57) Get rid of distractions and follow your North Star

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

Remember being told not to check your phone first thing in the morning?

Grabbing the phone, checking calendars, responding to emails – all of these have been blamed for causing a poor state of mind to start to day, but I don't think it's as clear cut as that.

This episode is all about helping you find a morning routine that works for you, as I highlight some of the other potentially toxic morning habits you need to kick to the curb, including:

• Constantly hitting snooze on your alarm clock.
• Don't just move from the bed to the chair.
• Overwhelming yourself with tasks .

It's time to start getting your day off to the best start, so figure out the most effective morning routine for you, and say goodbye to those toxic habits!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) Do you check your phone first thing in the morning?

(01:45) Do what's important for you

(02:56) Five toxic morning habits

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

I'm sorry, I made a mistake.

Such simple words, and yet we find it to hard to say them. The truth is, we all make mistakes. Being called out for a mistake at work is a horrible feeling, but it doesn't have to be this bad.

In this episode I remove the stigma around mistakes and offer practical tips so giving feedback on mistakes can be a learning experience, including:

• Own up to it!
• Have a solution.
• Take responsibility.

Mistake does not have to be a dirty word, so listen to this podcast, take ownership and use them to empower yourself and drive your career forward.

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) I made a mistake

(01:37) Separating business from personal

(02:31) Three practical tips

(04:02) Learn from your mistakes

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

For many of us, working from home became the new normal during the pandemic. We started to find a good rhythm and we got really used to it, so what if your employer now expects you to return to the office? You might be looking forward to going back, but for some this can cause stress and overwhelm. Many workers are actually hoping for a more hybrid working environment, which is leading many companies to adapt.

So in this episode I'm going to give you some tips on how to deal with a hybrid working environment, such as:

● Talk to your employer.

● Find a new job.

● Change your mindset.

Even if you're not the biggest fan of hybrid working, there are ways to make it work for you... even if that means finding a new job. So listen to this podcast and take the lead on creating the environment you need to thrive!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) Just when you got used to working from home...

(02:41) Out of sight, out of mind

(04:54) Tips to cope with a hybrid workplace

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.comElizabethKoraca

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

Studies have shown the traditional eight hour work day doesn't really work anymore. Since the pandemic forced companies to adopt a more flexible working culture, we've started to enjoy the additional freedoms that a healthier work-life harmony can bring.

So in this episode I talk you through some practical tips to help you work smarter, avoid burnout, and create the best work-life harmony for you, such as:

• Set boundaries.
• Make lists.
• Recognize where you can make changes.

If you know that you're working so hard you no longer get to enjoy the life it pays for, then maybe it's time to work smarter. Listen to this podcast and make the changes you need for a happier, healthier, and more successful life!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) We've heard all the cliches

(01:57) The key to a successful life

(03:32) The emails can wait until Monday!

(05:24) Use apps to help you make changes

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

On today's episode, in honor of AAPI Month (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders), I am joined by lifestyle correspondent and media maven Amy E. Goodman.

Amy regularly shares the latest in fashion, beauty, entertaining, DIY and parenting—to help make a stylish life accessible and ultimately viewers lives easier. She joins us to discuss how she built her own influential social media identity.

I am delighted to have her on the podcast to discuss how she built an influential social media presence from scratch by herself, receiving hundreds of thousands of views. Plus, she shares some of her best advice including:

• How to optimise your social media game.
• How to get on television as an expert in your field.

• How to succeed in business apart of the AAPI community.

Amy provides valuable insight to help you level up your personal brand and build a successful career, and if you like what you hear, make sure you connect with Amy here:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(02:59) Morphing with the times

(06:26) Never aim to go viral

(10:25) Self-made social media

(14:02) Always try to innovate

(19:09) Social media numbers matter!

(23:40) Speaking up against prejudice

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

Whether you're going for a job interview, giving a presentation or just networking at an event, when you walk into a room all eyes will be on you.

It's so important to set the right tone and know how to enter with confidence. You don't want to be the sloucher nervously staring at your phone, or the one who lurks in quiet spaces. You should be striding into any room with purpose and with confidence.

In this episode I give you several tips on how to perfect your first impression, such as:

• Dress for success.
• Hold your head high.
• Prepare talking points.

It's time you present yourself with the confidence you deserve, so listen to this podcast and start turning heads for the right reasons!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) A smile goes a long way

(02:42) 5 tips to take charge of a room

(05:27) Remember you're not the only one feeling nervous!

Also mentioned in this episode:

Episode 69: How to Learn Awesome New Skills Through Online Courses

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q

Our brains are a computer and, just like our laptops or iPads, if we have too many tabs open at once we stop being able to process anything properly, and then we might crash and burn out!

A study has found that chronic multi-taskers are much less productive than individuals who focus on a single task at a time. So in this episode, I'm going to share some tips to help you keep your tabs in check, including:

• Understand you don't need everything open at the same time!
• Writing things down prevents tornado brain.
• Determine what your priorities are.

Stop making life more complicated or confusing than it needs to be; get your tabs in check and improve your productivity now!

Here are the highlights from this episode:

(00:46) How many tabs do you have open right now?

(02:33) A study found multi-tasking is unproductive

(03:55) Strategies to keep your tabs in order

Also mentioned in this episode:

Episode 21: 5 Tips to Avoid Tornado Brain

Connect with Elizabeth:

Web: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

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

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakinguppodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Twitter: Elizabeth Koraca (@ElizabethKoraca) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGl8fu0OF8KEFHKz312rl9Q