Career Readiness Skills

Careers are rarely linear. The inflection points that shape them often emerge unexpectedly. You can’t plan those moments, but you can build the depth, resilience, and judgment that allow you to recognize opportunity and act when it matters. Readiness begins with intellectual rigor. That means developing the capacity to analyze complex problems clearly, understand how systems actually function, and make decisions grounded in evidence. In an economy defined by rapid change, discipline in how you think is a competitive advantage. It also requires collaboration. Nearly every breakthrough I have witnessed emerged from teams that combined different skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. Talent scales when it connects. You must also be comfortable with risk. Progress depends on experimentation, and experimentation requires the ability to learn and adjust quickly. Finally, cultivate perspective. Technology expands access to information, but judgment remains human. Take time to reflect on what matters to you. Invest in relationships. Stay curious. Opportunity rarely announces itself. What matters is whether you’ve done the work to be ready when it arrives.  #SchmidtSights

Most people fail in sales. Because nobody ever taught them the real skills. → The skills that close deals. → The skills that build trust. → The skills that put food on the table. I’ve mentored reps for years, and I see the same mistake again and again: People chase features, tricks, and hacks, but ignore the fundamentals. Here are 11 sales skills you need if you want to stop losing deals 👇 1. The Prospecting Rule of 10 You give up too early. Great reps push through 10 touches (email, call, LinkedIn, video). Persistence beats talent every time. 2. The Silent Close Ask your question. Then shut up. Silence creates pressure. Pressure forces truth. Truth closes deals. 3. The Value-First Formula Nobody cares about your product. They care about their problem. Teach them something new → you win trust. 4. The No-Fee Boundaries Discounts don’t win. They cheapen. Hold your price = hold your worth. Respect drives revenue. 5. The 30-Second Pitch Reset If they look lost, stop. Simplify. Restart. Confused minds never buy. 6. The Rule of 3 Questions Before pitching, ask 3 open-ended questions. Diagnosis before prescription. Urgency comes from discovery. 7. The Story Sell Humans buy stories, not features. Keep it short. Keep it real. Stories stick. 8. The Champion Method Find the person who will sell for you when you’re not in the room. Champions close deals. Not reps. 9. The Confidence Posture Stand tall. Speak slowly. Breathe deeply. Confidence builds credibility. Credibility builds trust. 10. The Follow-Up Framework Most reps stop too soon. 80% of deals close after 5+ touches. Fortune lives in the follow-up. 11. The Pipeline Truth Stop lying to yourself. Sandbagging kills trust. Healthy pipeline = healthy career. 👉 None of these are taught in school. 👉 All of these decide whether you win or lose. And that’s why so many sales careers stall. If you’re in sales, save this post. If you lead a team, share it with them. Because mastery of these 11 skills = the difference between an average rep and a top 1% earner.

In business and life, the best outcomes go to the best negotiators. Most people think negotiation is about winning. It's actually about understanding. What separates good deals from great ones? It's not aggression. It's not manipulation. It's not who talks loudest. It comes down to mastering the human side of the exchange. Here's the path that works: 1. Prepare Like You Mean It Research goes beyond Google. Understand their pressures, their goals, their challenges. Knowledge becomes helpful when used with care. 2. Open With Real Connection Forget the power plays. Start with curiosity and respect. The tone you set in the first 5 minutes shapes everything that follows. 3. Explore What's Underneath People fight for positions. But they negotiate for reasons. "I need a better price" might really mean "My boss needs to see I'm adding value." Find the why behind the what. 4. Trade Value, Create Value The best deals aren't zero-sum. Look for ways both sides can win. Sometimes what costs you little means everything to them. 5. Close With Total Clarity Handshakes aren't contracts. Document what you agreed to. Confirm next steps before you leave. Ambiguity kills more deals than disagreement. The biggest mistake I see leaders make? They negotiate like it's combat. But the best outcomes come from collaboration. When you're across the table, remember: 👂 Listen more than you speak ❓ Ask "Help me understand..." when stuck ⏸️ Take breaks when emotions rise 👟 Know your walk-away point before you sit down Your style matters too. Sometimes you need to compete. Sometimes you need to accommodate. The magic is knowing when to shift. Success isn’t given. It’s negotiated. But how you negotiate determines whether you build bridges or burn them. Choose wisely. 📌 Save this for your next negotiation. ♻️ Repost if this helps you (or someone on your team) negotiate. 👉 Follow Desiree Gruber for more tools on storytelling, leadership, and brand building.

Here’s the one mindset shift that changed my life most. For the last 12 years, I’ve woken up every day with the thought that this would be the day I get laid off. It might sound harsh, but it’s the healthiest and most prepared approach I’ve ever adopted. This is particularly true in today’s world of staggering competition and overwhelming applicant numbers, especially in the most sought-after industries. Twelve years ago, I was laid off while living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I spent nearly half a year unemployed, around the holidays no less, with only my partner's $20,000 graduate stipend in one of the most expensive cities in the world. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I felt like I had failed and spent a lot of time wondering what I had done wrong and what my career would look like moving forward. Then, I made a decision: from that day forward, I would expect to lose my job at any moment. Not out of anxiety or fear, but as a form of preparation and realism. Companies can change for a variety of reasons - leadership shifts, mergers, market shifts - and expecting these changes has made me feel much more calm, not less. Adopting this mindset has several benefits: - Preparedness: If you assume that today might be your last at any company, your materials (CV, LinkedIn) stay updated, your networking never stops, and you’re always thinking about the next opportunity. - Financial Preparedness: Along with your professional preparedness, always ensure your finances are in order. Have savings, know what you’d do for healthcare, and plan for any gaps. This mindset isn't just about your career - it’s about your entire livelihood. - No Surprises: When you’re prepared for anything, you’re never blindsided by layoffs or changes in company direction. - No Attachment: I appreciate my jobs, but I don’t attach my identity to them. The only things I’m wedded to are my family, my friends, and my values. Companies can and do change - this mindset keeps me grounded. - Personal Brand Development: Always be developing your personal brand. Your identity should stand completely unattached from the company you work for. Build something that is entirely yours, because when that company changes or you move on, your brand stays with you. *** When people think of your name outside your company does a clear, positive picture come to mind for most of them? If not, it's time to work on this *** Consider this mindset. While it doesn't eliminate all risks, it puts you in a much stronger position to pivot when things change. Your career, personal brand, and financial future will benefit, and you’ll feel happier and calmer as a result. This approach is also grounded in reality. As we’ve seen over the last three years, layoffs can happen at any moment, often with little more than a form email, and most people at the company won’t care the day after. You’re the one who needs to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice, because nobody else will.

3 out of 4 sales candidates bomb the interview before they even talk numbers. Sales interviews reward preparation, not raw talent. You don't get a second chance. You get one opening to show how you think, sell, and close. Here’s how to prep like a top rep: "Tell me about yourself" → Share roles with revenue ownership → Stay under 2 minutes, match their motion "Why do you want to work here" → Mention their market and model → Connect it to what you do well "What sets you apart" → Skip “I work hard” → Talk buyer insight, pattern thinking, outcomes "Difficult prospect example" → Explain the objection → How you shifted the call → Insight > charm "Toughest deal" → Show the strategy behind the win → Not just effort "Pressure or slump" → Be real about misses → Show your recovery system "New territory pipeline" → ICP, signals, outbound plan → Prove you hunt, not wait "Lost deal" → Own it clean → One takeaway "Weakness" → Choose a real one → Show how you’re fixing it "Strengths" → Pushback, discovery, storytelling → Tie each to results "Questions for us" → Ask about targets, ramp, top reps "Why you left" → Honest, never bitter Save it. Study it. Walk in sharp.

One career skill nobody talks about enough: hosting. Not dinner parties (though that's a fantastic skill!). Work hosting. Hosting is how you make people feel like they belong in your space. It’s how you set the tone of a room. It’s how you get people to bring their best work forward. Think about it: the best managers, founders, and investors you know probably host well. They introduce people in a way that takes the edge off. They know when to step back and when to step in. They notice the person sitting quiet and draw them in. I learned this in pitch meetings. The strongest founders weren’t just pitching slides. They were hosting. Even the hard questions felt like part of a shared conversation. That’s how trust gets built in the room. Here’s how to practice it: - Open the room. Frame the purpose, set the tone. - Notice the edges. Who’s being left out? Pull them in. - Close with clarity. Summarize what just happened, and what happens next. We glamorize networking, pitching, hustling. But hosting is quieter. It requires you to take a step back and allow other people to take the stage. And that’s why it’s powerful. Because a hosted room becomes your reputation, and reputations compound. (Attached, how I feel in a well-hosted room.)

Stepping into hospitality from another industry? It’s one of the most exciting—and humbling—career moves you can make. Having spent years in corporate, sales, and marketing roles in luxury hospitality, here’s the advice I’d give anyone making the leap: 1. Start with the guest experience (always!) Even if you’re at the corporate level and far from the front desk, never lose sight of the guest journey. Go beyond reports and KPIs: stay connected to the actual experience of your brand (and others). Be a guest. Read industry publications. Talk to travelers and colleagues. The best insights come from living the product. 2. Work cross-functionally Hospitality is a team sport. Revenue management, operations, marketing, F&B, sales—every department contributes to the guest’s perception. Get to know colleagues at all levels. Understanding how the pieces come together will make your strategy sharper and more relevant. 3. Understand your market—deeply Hospitality is not one-size-fits-all. Markets differ not only globally but also regionally. For example, Caribbean tourism is not a single story; each destination has its own dynamics, from distinct cultural offerings to different feeder markets and regional travel patterns. Take the time to study these nuances before making decisions or applying strategies from another industry. 4. Understand Operations You can’t market or sell what you don’t understand. Spend time on property floors, in restaurants, and in back-of-house. Learn how service delivery happens day-to-day. It will change the way you think about positioning and performance. 5. Listen and observe first Bringing in fresh perspectives from another industry is valuable—but don’t rush. Listen carefully, observe how the culture works, and then contribute. This will earn trust and help your expertise land in the right way. Hospitality is about people, details, and experiences. Transitioning successfully means blending your outside expertise with a deep respect for the unique rhythm of this industry. #HospitalityIndustry #LuxuryHospitality #HotelManagement #LeadershipInHospitality

Elevating Service in Food & Beverage: Keys to Hospitality Excellence The food and beverage industry thrives on delivering exceptional experiences. Whether in a fine-dining restaurant, a bustling café, or a luxury hotel, hospitality staff play a crucial role in shaping guest satisfaction. Here’s a guide to refining service standards and excelling in your role. 1. Understanding Guest Expectations. Guests expect more than just a meal—they seek a holistic experience. This includes ambiance, attentiveness, and personalized service. A warm greeting and sincere engagement can transform an ordinary visit into a memorable one. 2. Mastering Product Knowledge. Knowing the menu inside and out is essential. Staff should be able to recommend dishes confidently, suggest pairings, and address dietary restrictions. It builds trust and enhances the guest experience. 3. Efficiency & Attention to Detail. Precision matters—whether it's setting tables, timing orders, or ensuring that every dish meets quality standards. Attention to small details, such as napkin placements and proper glassware, elevates the overall experience. 4. Clear Communication & Teamwork. Strong communication between staff members ensures seamless service. Efficient teamwork reduces errors and enhances guest satisfaction. Kitchen coordination, order accuracy, and proactive problem-solving are key. 5. Handling Complaints Gracefully. Not every interaction will be smooth, but professionalism is paramount. When guests voice concerns, active listening and prompt solutions demonstrate commitment to service excellence. A well-handled complaint can turn an unhappy guest into a loyal customer. 6. Upselling Without Being Pushy. Strategic recommendations of premium items or combos benefit both guests and the establishment. The key is offering value rather than forcing sales—suggesting a wine pairing or a chef’s special enhances the dining experience. 7. Maintaining Hygiene & Presentation.. Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Proper attire, grooming, and hygienic practices contribute to a professional image and reassure guests of food safety standards. Consistency in presentation reflects a strong brand identity. 8. Staying Motivated & Engaged. A positive attitude makes a difference. Passionate and dedicated employees create an inviting atmosphere. Continued learning—whether through training sessions or observing industry trends—keeps service fresh and dynamic. Hospitality staff in food and beverage are more than servers—they are experience architects. By refining skills, embracing guest engagement, and upholding excellence, professionals can leave lasting impressions that turn first-time visitors into regular patrons.

𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲? t’s usually not the product—it’s the prep. Look, I hate to be the one to say it (but this is what I do, so forgive me), but most reps prep for a sales call like they’re cramming for a quiz on the product they're planning to pitch—not the customer. “Hey, I know my product inside and out.” Cool. So does the brochure. But your customer? That living, breathing, evolving medical professional whose job, patient population, clinical pressures, and preferences may have changed since last week? Yeah...you might wanna prep for that. Most reps don’t. They roll into offices or strike up a convo in the OR lounge like, “Let me show you this thing I’ve been selling since 2019 and talk about it the exact same way with everyone whose title begins with doctor...” A sales conversation is not about how well you can articulate product features. It’s about relevance. Context. Insight. Application. And that means preparing. Yes, even if you’ve known the doc “forever.” (Especially if you have. People change. Practices change. Payers change. If you haven’t noticed, medicine ain’t exactly standing still.) So here’s the shift I'm asking you to consider and respect as a medical sales professional... Prepare like you’re walking into a room with a highly educated professional who doesn’t owe you their time—and who can smell "scripted sales pitch" before you’ve even pulled out your iPad. Research. Rehearse. Personalize. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱, 𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁... ...𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹. "How do you prep for sales conversations? Or be honest—do you think years of experience and knowing the customer makes it unnecessary?"

🌍 The workplace is evolving faster than ever before, and the rules of the game have changed. Gone are the days when a degree and a good resume guaranteed success. Today, it's about agility, adaptability, and continuous learning. The future of work demands more than just skills—it requires a mindset shift, a proactive approach to your career, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. So, how do you set yourself up for success in this new era? Here are 7 essential steps: ✅ Embrace Lifelong Learning: The rapid pace of technological advancement means that the skills in demand today may be obsolete tomorrow. Commit to learning continuously, whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-study. Stay curious and keep your knowledge current. ✅ Cultivate Adaptability: Change is the only constant, especially in the future of work. It’s about seeing change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. ✅ Build a Strong Network: Your network can open doors to opportunities, provide support, and offer new perspectives. ✅ Master Digital Literacy: In an increasingly digital world, understanding technology is non-negotiable. Beyond basic computer skills, delve into areas like data analysis, AI, and digital marketing. Even if you're not in tech, having a solid grasp of digital tools will keep you relevant and competitive. ✅ Develop Emotional Intelligence (EQ): As automation takes over routine tasks, the value of human skills like empathy, communication, and leadership will rise. Emotional intelligence is key to building strong relationships, leading teams, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. Invest in your EQ to stand out in any field. ✅ Adopt a Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset—believing that your abilities can be developed through effort and learning—will help you overcome challenges and continuously improve. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and keep pushing your boundaries. ✅ Prioritize Well-being and Resilience: Develop habits that foster resilience, such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. A healthy mind and body are your strongest assets in sustaining long-term success. ✅ Invest in Personal Branding: Your online presence is often the first impression you make. Build a strong personal brand that reflects your values, skills, and unique qualities. Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn, engage with industry communities, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field. The future of work is a landscape of endless possibilities for those who prepare and adapt. By integrating these steps into your career strategy, you can position yourself not just for survival, but for sustained success in the dynamic world of work. #Womeninleadership #TuesdayThoughts