Welcome to the Career Insights Blog

Bienvenu.e au blog Perspectives carrière

For those who have been told to “wait their turn,” to “tone it down,” or to let their work speak for itself, who have worked twice as hard, spoken twice as carefully, and still wonder if they belonged or if it was enough.

Pour les personnes à qui l’on a dit d’attendre leur tour, de modérer leurs propos ou de laisser leur travail parler pour elles. Celles qui ont travaillé deux fois plus dur, parlé deux fois plus prudemment et qui se sont encore demandées si leur place était légitime ou si cela suffisait

BLOGS / BLOGUES

Navigating Professional Transitions
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Navigating Professional Transitions

Transition begins once change is underway. It is the often-overlooked process of adjusting to new realities, roles, and expectations. Whether stepping into greater responsibility or finding stability after disruption, this piece explores how professionals can navigate transitions with clarity and steadiness while integrating what is new into who they are becoming.

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When Influence Isn’t Enough
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

When Influence Isn’t Enough

Influence can take you far, but not always far enough. This blog explores what happens when leading without authority stalls, the toll it takes, and how the CORE framework (Clarify, Own, Request and Establish) can help you find clarity, support, and balance.

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Working With Boundaries
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Working With Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just about time management—they’re about how we protect our energy, focus, and presence at work. But in many environments, setting limits can feel risky or misunderstood. This blog explores why boundaries often go unnoticed until they’re crossed, and why navigating them takes more than confidence. It’s about timing, tone, and understanding the unspoken rules that shape how we work—and how we’re seen.

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From Doing to Leading
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

From Doing to Leading

Learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. For most new managers, the real learning happens in the hallway after a tough meeting, in the pause before responding, or in quiet moments of reflection. This piece explores the shift from doing to leading and the support that can make it less overwhelming, and more intentional.

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Likable or Respected? Why You Don’t Have to Choose
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Likable or Respected? Why You Don’t Have to Choose

Have you ever worried about seeming uncooperative just for setting a boundary? This post dives into the tension between likability and leadership—and offers a more sustainable path built on confidence and mutual respect.

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Speak Up. Take Space. Lead Now
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Speak Up. Take Space. Lead Now

Too often, we wait to speak up until we feel more experienced or fully ready. But your voice matters now. This blog challenges the idea that only seniority equals value and explores how contributing, being visible, and showing leadership don’t require decades in the field. You don’t have to wait to take up space.

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Success Isn’t a Secret—So Why Are You Hiding It?
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Success Isn’t a Secret—So Why Are You Hiding It?

Doing great work isn’t enough—visibility matters. Learn how to claim your achievements with confidence, make your contributions known, and advocate for your career growth without feeling boastful. Discover practical strategies to ensure your work gets the recognition it deserves while staying true to your values.

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Confidence: The Career Skill You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Confidence: The Career Skill You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Discover why confidence—not just competence—drives career success. Confidence is essential for career growth. Explore real stories, insights from top leaders, and practical tips for building confidence targeted for international development professionals.

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The information provided in these blogs is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, mental health services, or career counseling provided by a licensed professional. As a certified coach, my role is to support professional growth, not to offer psychological or regulated career counseling services.

Les informations fournies dans ces blogs sont à titre éducatif et informatif uniquement et ne remplacent pas la thérapie, les services de santé mentale ou l’accompagnement en orientation professionnelle offert par un·e professionnel·le réglementé·e. En tant que coach certifiée, mon rôle est d’accompagner le développement professionnel, et non d’offrir des services psychologiques ou d’orientation réglementée.