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

List of Blog Posts - Liste des blogs

Emotional Agility: Between Emotion and Action
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Emotional Agility: Between Emotion and Action

Emotional agility is what helps you stay present when emotions run high and outcomes shift. It’s the space between feeling and reacting—where you can pause, make sense of what matters, and move forward with more clarity and confidence.

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Emotions Are Data: Navigating Feelings for Empowered Leadership
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Emotions Are Data: Navigating Feelings for Empowered Leadership

We often think of emotions as something to manage or suppress at work—but what if we viewed them differently? This blog explores how emotions are not a weakness or distraction, but valuable data. They offer insights into what matters, when something is off, or when it’s time to pay closer attention. For emerging leaders, especially in social impact spaces, learning to interpret emotions as information can lead to more intentional decisions, stronger confidence, and leadership that stays grounded in both clarity and purpose.

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Why Leadership Coaching Isn't a Luxury—It's a Game-Changer
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Why Leadership Coaching Isn't a Luxury—It's a Game-Changer

Leadership coaching isn’t just for senior executives—it’s for professionals who are ready to grow, question, and lead with more clarity. Whether you're stepping into new responsibilities or quietly wondering if there's more for you, coaching can help you navigate complexity without losing yourself.

In this post, I explore why leadership coaching is especially valuable for mid-level professionals, the myths that hold us back from seeking support, and how coaching can help you shift patterns, gain visibility, and lead with purpose in systems that don’t always make it easy

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When Work Relationships Get Messy
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

When Work Relationships Get Messy

Some of the hardest workplace challenges aren’t about strategy or performance—they’re about people. A manager who shuts you down. A team member who won’t meet you halfway. A colleague whose presence just seems to drain you. These dynamics can leave even the most thoughtful professionals feeling stuck, frustrated, or invisible.

This article explores what to do when relationships at work become messy—drawing on real coaching conversations and grounded principles for navigating complex dynamics. It’s not about fixing others. It’s about regaining clarity, protecting your energy, and finding steady, sustainable ways forward—even when nothing around you seems to change.

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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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Listening: The Communication Skill That Speaks Volumes
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Listening: The Communication Skill That Speaks Volumes

In our roles, we’re often focused on action—solving problems, making decisions, and keeping things moving. But what if the most transformative professional skill is one we tend to overlook? This piece explores the power of listening—not just as a communication tool but as a way to build trust, confidence, and deeper connection. Whether you’re working with a team, collaborating with partners, or supporting a colleague, intentional listening creates space for understanding and meaningful progress.

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Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence (Part 2)
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence (Part 2)

Navigating difficult conversations is part of life in international organizations, especially when diverse perspectives and competing priorities are involved. This post offers practical tools to help you prepare, manage emotions, and communicate with clarity and confidence so you can handle tough discussions and strengthen working relationships.

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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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When “Good Enough” is Perfect
Sophie Makonnen Sophie Makonnen

When “Good Enough” is Perfect

Discover how balancing high standards with confidence and flexibility can improve effectiveness and well-being. Explore strategies to embrace 'good enough,' avoid perfection traps, and focus on meaningful progress without burnout.

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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.