Adam Scott Coaching

Adam Is passionate about Helping IT professionals get the success and recognition they deserve in their career, without sacrificing the important balance that comes with managing relationships, interests and health. 

Whether you want to remove your own personal blockers and challenges, transition to a new exciting role aligned with your personal values, or optimise your potential for peak performance. Adam treats each client situation as a tailored engagement to meet the needs, wants and desires of the individual to meet the goals and objectives targeted.

Adam works with individuals to create prioritised action plans to move towards thier goals, using effective methodologies incorporating muscle memory and paradigm shifts to ensure growth in order to achieve the desired result.

✔️ Accelerate Career Advancement
✔️Work life/Balance
✔️Increased Assertiveness
✔️Expanding Influence
✔️Minimise doubt, worry and anxiety
✔️dealing with imposter syndrome
✔️Define Personal Value
✔️Improving Leaderships skills

Career and Leadership Development Coach

Commonwealth Bank

🔸2023 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝘾𝙀𝙊 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧

🔸Developing high level strategic Security Solutions to aid in the overall performance of one of the CBA 
     subsidiaries.
🔸Leading a team to success through the establishment of a clear vision of the future, promoting better 
     behaviour and practices to increase collaboration and reach the ultimate goal.
 🔸Mentorship of individuals to more effectively align daily tasks with overall outcomes and create a 
      more collaborative approach to work.
🔸Develop proposals for executive buy-in to align actions, roadmap and trajectory with the future of 
     the business.

Cyber Security Architect

The Missing Link /Westpac

🔸Consultancy for security-based solutions meeting overall objectives, balancing requirements for business continuity and risk.
🔸Team work and collaboration for aligning actions with common project and business goals.
🔸Mentorship for graduates to assist in building confidence and skillsets aligned with future growth.
🔸Creation and proposal of new initiatives aligned with common security objectives.

Downer Group Ltd

🔸Strategic leadership for Security vision and goals.
🔸Executive buy-in for shift in strategy for overall business technology alignment.
🔸Team building and collaboration for synergy with strategy.
🔸Mentorship and coaching to improve interpersonal skills and effective communication.

Telstra

🔸Team leadership for effective communication, conflict resolution and collaboration.
🔸Production of Designs and Architectures aligned to overall objectives of the business.
🔸Team and business alignment with overall objectives.

Network Security Architect

AT&T

🔸Teamwork and collaboration for development of overall project requirements.
🔸Design of detailed and high level architecture solutions.
🔸Consultancy for Timeline and overall project management.

Network Security Architect/ Solutions Architect

🔸Consultancy and collaboration to develop requirements and project scope
🔸Team building and mentorship
🔸Team leadership and coaching for setting boundaries and expectations with vendors and clients.

VerizonBusiness

🔸Consulting with Westpac to develop functional requirements and project scope.
Consultancy and collaboration to develop functional requirements and project scope
🔸Creation of detailed design and high level requirements to meet client objectives

Professional Services Consultant/Designer

🔸Team leadership and management for Department of Education IT uplift program
🔸Network consulting and engineering across multiple client engagements.
🔸Team motivation, morale uplift through tough deadlines and requirements.

IT Specialist

𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧? 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣? 𝙄𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬?

I have spoken with over 800 IT Leaders who have answered 𝙔𝙀𝙎 to these questions.

Also risking (or having experienced) burnout as a result.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

By leading yourself to the best of your ability, you will find more clarity and fulfillment in your life and career, earn the $$$ you deserve, as well as increase your influence and leadership with others.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦

❌ 60% of people dislike their job according to Gallup
❌ 75% of people are not confident about their career path in their organization according to Gartner
❌ 63% of employees experienced burnout according to an Asana Study

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠

✅ Get Clarity on your career path for more money and fulfillment
✅ Perform at a higher level and get noticed for your results
✅ Increase your leadership skills and influence
✅ Build a personal brand to access the hidden job market
✅ Find a healthy balance to enjoy life with those that matter most

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗘 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦

The VMAP framework, is proven to help IT Leaders get results in less than 90 days. 


𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗪𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 

If you are an IT professional looking for career clarity, more fulfillment, better pay and want to increase your leadership and influence, then this program is the right fit for you. 

𝗜𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨, 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝟮 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐖𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔:

1️⃣ - DM me personally. I'm happy to chat about what your best next steps should be.
2️⃣ - Book a free clarity call with Adam to learn about the program: https://calendly.com/adamscott-coaching/clarity-call

Adam Scott

If no one saw your wins this week... did they even happen? 

You fixed things no one understood. 
You juggled chaos and made it look easy. 
You held it all together, again. 

But here’s the thing: 
If no one knows what you’re doing... 
they won’t value what you’re doing. 

This is where smart IT pros get stuck. 
You think your work should speak for itself. 
It won’t. 

Visibility ≠ vanity. 
It’s positioning. 
And it’s how people get promoted, poached, and paid more. 

So if you crushed it this week? 
Say something. 
Post the win. 
Share the lesson. 
Drop the insight. 

The work matters. 
But so does being seen. 

------------------------------

#ITCareers #Positioning #Visibility #CareerGrowth #FridayFlow 

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

li_at

JSESSIONID

Helping IT LEADERS Get Promoted | Career Coach | Gain Career Clarity | Get Paid Your Worth | Increase Your Confidence | Questions? DM Anytime.

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿.

I hear it every week:

“I’ll start once this release is over”

“I’ll move when the market improves.”

“I’ll get into it once I am back from holidays.”


All sound logical – but the real problem is rarely your circumstance.

𝙄𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬.

This is a recipe to ensure years are wasted.

Remember Courage isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision. Its not waiting for perfect timing – its taking one step you can manage today.

- Send the message. 
- Ask your contact for the referral. 
- Apply for the role you’ve been side-eyeing.
- Share the post that actually says what you think.

Remember clarity follows motion, not the other way around.

If you want a simple 10-minute plan to get moving today, DM me COURAGE and I’ll send it.

--------------------

#ITcareers #leadership #mindset #visibility #careergrowth #australiatech

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗲.

Sometimes it’s just... going through the motions without feeling valued.

You still hit your deadlines. You still show up to meetings. You still say, “Yeah, all good” when people ask how work is.

But underneath:

· Work feels flat

· You’re tired even when you’re “not that busy”

· You’ve stopped expecting anything to change

That’s not laziness. That’s what it looks like when you’ve outgrown your role, but stayed anyway.

For a lot of experienced IT professionals I speak to, burnout isn’t about workload alone. It’s about:

· Doing work that’s below your capability

· Feeling invisible

· Knowing you’re capable of more, but not sure how to move up

If this hits a little too close to home, don’t ignore it. Burnout is often a signal, not a life sentence.

The real question is: are you under-resourced... or under-valued and under-positioned?

If this feels familiar and you’d like a brief self-assessment to clarify your next move, send me a DM and I’ll share it with you.

------------------

#burnout #itcareers #itleaders #mentalhealthatwork #careergrowth #workplacewellbeing #techprofessionals

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

"Everything looked fine on paper… but I wasn’t happy.”


Sachin said this on our call recently.

Over 8–9 weeks in our Career Accelerator Program, he did the inner work most of us avoid:

- Clarified values, identity, and what truly matters
- Unpacked old conditioning and unhelpful patterns
- Reframed career, relationships, and self through a new lens
- Practised tools to handle interview anxiety and show up with calm confidence

Huge shout-out to Piers Cousins for being that trusted guide - showing up as a coach and a friend. 

And to our community for the safe space to share vulnerabilities and feel a real sense of belonging.

Sachin Raj’s words at the end say it all:
“I’m in a much better place. I’m happy I made this step.”

Great work mate - proud of you!

If you’re “fine on paper” but not fulfilled there’s a better way to show up for yourself and the people you love.

 Send me a message for a chat if you are curious.

#careercoaching #ITcareers #leadership #mindset #careerdevelopment #australiatech

Program & Project Director - Senior Project Manager | Making ICT Delivery Work (Cybersecurity Uplift • Essential 8 • Zero Trust) | Collaborative, Coaching Leader

Product & Delivery Leader | SaaS, Salesforce, DevOps | Turns complex builds into adopted, measurable outcomes

Most people slow down towards December. 

If you want to stand out – use this time to your advantage 
 
At the end of the year I always hear the phrase “Let’s talk in the new year.” 

That’s exactly why I tell my clients to stay moving while others stop! 

Yes- rest matters. Family matters. 
And... this is when hiring managers and recruiters finally have space to reply. 

When Noise drops, Visibility rises. 
 
Fewer roles may be advertised, but the conversations now become the interviews in January. 

Going against the status quo doesn’t mean grinding. 
It means being present when everyone else disappears. 

A short note to a past colleague. 

An end-of-year coffee. 

A post that reminds people what you solve. 

When the market slows, leadership stands out. 

Don’t vanish. Get visible. 

Want some help creating an end of year strategy? Let’s talk. 

---------------

#ITleadership #careergrowth #jobsearch #networking #australiatech 

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

Hey All,

If you are a job seeker and want to have a chat this morning at 9am - come along!

I’ll be answering any questions for people stuck in the job search or if you are looking for advice to position yourself for that next role.

See you all soon!

IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!
Job Seeker Café is on again today at 9am and our guest barista, Adam Scott, is ready at the espresso machine! ☕

If you’re job seeking, contracting, or in career-reset mode, this is the perfect way to kickstart your Friday.

Energy up. Mindset switched on. Community around you. Momentum back in your corner.

And today, Adam’s bringing the good stuff:

💡 How to build a meaningful professional brand

⚠️ Why being a generalist or a “Swiss-Army-Knife” candidate is costing you opportunities

🎯 How to position yourself clearly so employers know exactly where you fit and why you matter

This is the kind of conversation that gets you unstuck… and gets you moving again.

Whether you’re in a lull, feeling invisible, or just need a boost of motivation - come hang out with people who get it.

We laugh, we learn, we share the real talk that makes a difference.

📅 Today — 9.00am (Google Meet)
🎟 Free ticket via the Talentology Booking Hub:
https://lnkd.in/gG4defKp

See you in the café - coffee in hand, mindset primed, and ready to build some momentum. 💛

#CareerAGILITY Talentology AU #JobSeekerCafe #JobSeekers #CareerCoaching #ITCommunity #ConnectionCurrency #sydney #melbourne #brisbane #canberra #adelaide #perth #hobart

Slowing down into Christmas?
Waiting to "start fresh in the new year?" - there's a better way.

If you’re stuck in a role you’ve outgrown, or you still don’t have a role - 
another “coast through December” isn’t going to fix it.

In my own circle, two people landed roles on Christmas Eve.
December wasn’t dead.
Everyone else just disappeared.

In the latest edition of my LinkedIn newsletter, I break down:

1. Why “no one hires in December” is a myth
2. 3 simple moves to get interviews and offers before the new year
3. How to stop wasting Decembers and use it to your advantage

Read it below:

#ITCareers #ITLeadership #TechCareers #JobSearch #ITJobs #CareerGrowth #ITProfessional

It’s been a tough year for many. If you’re stuck in the job search, or it’s been another year of feeling undervalued and under-appreciated - I feel yo

Slowing Down Into Christmas?: How To Get Interviews And Offers Before End Of Year

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

There’s a point in every IT career where you’ve outgrown your role, 
...but you’re unsure what’s next. 
 
Start managing a team? 

Do I keep learning more tech? 
Do I make a complete pivot?? 

The IT professionals I coach are tired of spinning in circles. 
They want a clear, confident plan that gets them into roles they actually want, 
Not just the next logical step. 

If that’s you, 
Let’s get you moving. 

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start owning your next step – send me a message. 

----------------------------------

#TechLeadership #ITCareerDevelopment #CareerClarity #MidCareerCoaching #ITMentorship #NextLevelCareer #CareerDirection

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

Burnout isn’t always a breakdown 

Sometimes it happens in silence. 

Logging in, zoning out. 
Meetings that feel like noise. 
Solving the same problems with zero excitement. 

For most of the clients I work with, it’s not dramatic 

They just feel flat. 
Underused. Undervalued. Unchallenged. 

And they wonder: 
“Is it me? Or have I just hit a wall in this role?” 

Here’s what I tell them: 
- It’s not about taking a break. 
- It’s about choosing a better direction. 
 

One that reignites your sense of purpose, progress, and possibility. 

If your work feels like it’s draining you instead of driving you- 
It’s time to reset. 

𝗜𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸. 

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

------------------

#ITBurnout #CareerEnergy #TechProfessionals #ITWellbeing #ResetAndRefocus #CareerCoaching #ITMindset 

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

𝗧𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀? 

𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 “𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂...” 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀? 

You’re not alone. 
The market’s tough right now. 

IT pros who used to walk into roles? 
Now ghosted. Overlooked. Ignored. 

But here’s the thing: 
It’s not because they lost their edge. 
It’s because their positioning never evolved. 

𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀. 

My clients aren’t learning new tech. 
They’re learning how to talk about what they already do. 
With clarity. Confidence. Impact. 

If you’ve got the experience - but not the traction... 

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗠- 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻. 

-------------------------------------------------------

#ITCareers #TechResumes #CareerPositioning #JobSearchTips #ITInterviews #CareerGrowth #MidCareerMomentum

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

“𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀.”

If that thought has already crossed your mind... you’re not alone.

By December, most IT professionals are:

· Tired

· Overloaded

· Just trying to get to the break in one piece

So the plan becomes:

“I’ll deal with my CV, my LinkedIn, my promotion, my job search... next year.”

Here’s the problem :

January doesn’t magically give you:

· A better strategy

· A stronger market position

· A clearer story for $200k+ roles

It just gives you… the same situation, with a new calendar.

The IT leaders who make the biggest moves in Q1 don’t wait for January. They use December to quietly:

· Get clear on what they want

· Tighten their positioning and story

· Line up conversations before everyone comes back online

So when the “new year, new budget” roles open up… they’re first in line.

If you’re an experienced IT professional and you’ve caught yourself saying “I’ll start in January,” it might be worth asking:

What small step could I take before Christmas to start with Momentum in January?
----------------------
#itcareers #itleaders #techleadership #careergrowth #careerclarity #promotion #jobsearch

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insightscc

Ignored by recruiters?
You send applications, You have a “great” chat.
Then… nothing. Silence.

Most IT pros think it’s a CV problem or an age problem.

Most of the time, it’s a signal and positioning problem.

In this edition of The IT Leaders Edge I break down:
1. Why good recruiters overlook skilled IT pros
2. The patterns that keep you in the “maybe” pile
3. How to start showing up so they can actually place you

If you’re sick of playing recruiter roulette, this one’s for you.

Read it below:

#ITCareers #ITLeadership #TechCareers #JobSearch #Recruiter #CareerGrowth #ITJobs #ITProfessional #CareerCoaching

If you’re in the middle of a job search, this might sound familiar: You send off application after application. You have the odd recruiter chat where 

Ignored By Recruiters? Turn Recruiters Into Allies (Without Feeling Desperate)

On paper, some of the best leaders fall behind. 

Not because they lack results -because they don’t claim them. 

They’ll say, “The team did it, not me”. 

This may be true, but ask yourself: 

Who chose the approach?
Who negotiated scope creep away? 
Who protected focus, unblocked vendors, defended timelines? 

You can be humble with integrity and still own your results. 

Because without you – it wouldn’t have happened. 

I hear this a lot in sessions: a quiet pause, then a list of things that “don’t really count.” 

 ↪The early risk call no one wanted to make. 
↪The tough conversation that saved the delivery. 
↪The calm when everyone else was anxious. 
↪The trust you built so the team could do their best work. 

Owning your part isn’t taking credit from your people, it’s telling the truth about how the result became possible. 
 
In a market that rewards visible impact, that truth matters. 

You don’t need to be louder. 
You just need your story to reflect what actually happened. 

--------------------

#ITleadership #careergrowth #executivepresence #ownership 

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵? 

 Who wouldn’t right? 😊 

The problem is - most people have no idea why they’re being undervalued. 

And that’s the first step: get clear on what’s really holding you back. 

I just put together a free assessment that helps you do exactly that. 
 
It only takes a few minutes, and it breaks down your strengths and gaps in: 

• Career Direction 
• Job Fulfillment 
• Influence & Communication 
• Leadership 
• Strategic Impact 

It’s already been super valuable for other IT professionals looking to make their next move. 

If you want the link, just drop “Send me the link” in the comments -or DM me directly. 

-------------------------

#ITCareers #GetPaidYourWorth #CareerClarity #TechLeadership #MidCareerMomentum #StrategicImpact #CareerGrowth 

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲?

You’ve spent years building technical depth. 
Put out fires no one saw coming.
You’ve delivered results. 
Led teams. 

But now?

You’re not “early career.” 

You’re not quite in the exec seat either. 

You’re in the middle.

And the middle gets murky.

You start asking: 

– What’s next for me?
– Is it too late to pivot? 
– Do I need another cert? 
– Why am I still being overlooked?

Most IT pros stall here - not from lack of skill, but because they’ve outgrown their old positioning.

It’s not your talent. It’s how you’re being seen.

If you’re doing senior-level work without the title (or the pay), 

stop upgrading certs and start upgrading how you’re positioned.

Your next move isn’t about adding more. 

It’s about clarifying what you already bring.

Want help making that shift?

Drop “NEXT” below and I’ll send my 5-minute mid-career positioning check.

-----------------

#ITCareers #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #Positioning #MidCareer

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

𝗜𝗳 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵, 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.

Certifications are safe. They feel productive. They look impressive.

But if you’re honest... they haven’t moved the needle like you hoped.

Getting seen as a leader isn’t just what you know- it’s how clearly you show your value.

Strategy positions you. Certifications validate you.

One builds visibility. The other builds credibility.

You need both - most IT pros over-invest in the latter.

If you’ve been adding skills and still feel stuck, you don’t need another cert. You need a better strategy.

Which one are you focused on right now?

Comment “STRATEGY” if it’s time to get clear on what sets you apart.

----------------------

#ITCareers #TechLeadership #CareerStrategy #Positioning #MidCareer #ITprofessionals

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

“𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿.”

Sounds positive. Often... it’s not.

Back in June, a lot of experienced IT professionals heard things like:

· “You’re on track, just keep doing what you’re doing.”

· “We really value you, but budgets are tight.”

· “Let’s look at this again in 6–12 months.”

Fast forward to December.

Same title. Same pay band. More responsibility.

If that’s you, it’s normal to wonder:

“Did I just waste another year waiting for something that was never really planned?”

On the surface, it’s praise. Underneath, it can mean:

“We’re comfortable leaving you where you are.”

You don’t need to be aggressive. But you do need to get specific next time:

· What exact outcomes are required for the next level?

· How will they measure you?

· What’s the realistic timeframe and process?

If your manager can’t answer those clearly, you don’t have a promotion plan. You have a holding pattern.

As you look back on this year, it’s worth asking: Did my mid-year review move me closer to promotion, or just keep me busy?

If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d be curious - did anything actually change for you after your last review?

-------------------

 #performancereview #promotion #itcareers #itleaders #techleadership #careerdevelopment #careergrowth

♻️ Reshare this if it resonates with you 
🗞️ Sign up to my newsletter for IT career insights

Sometimes it isn’t the “work” that wears you down. 
 
It’s everything that surrounds it 

I hear it from smart people in IT all the time: 
 
The late nights that become normal, 
The MS Teams pings that slice your focus to pieces, 
The culture that says “we are a family” but does nothing to back it up. 

Which one would you change if you could? 

If I missed one, drop it in the comments! 

#ITcareers #worklife #focus #burnout #leadership #productivity #techtalent #workculture

𝗕𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.

Annoying, but true. 
Interviewing is its own skill.
Different setting. Different rules.

People get tripped up in different ways: 

- Saying your experience clearly.
- Thinking on the spot. 
- Nerves. 


I’ve listed a few that have created some issues,

If you have another to add – drop it in the comments.


#ITcareers #leadership #interviews #executivepresence #careergrowth #australiatech

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲... 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁? 

I’ve worked with hundreds of IT professionals who’ve known they were underpaid, overdelivering, and long overdue for a step up. 

But asking for that promotion? 
Most never do. 

Why? 

It’s rarely about skill. 
It’s almost always about confidence, clarity, or fear of affecting relationships. 

 So what’s holding you back? 

I’ve listed a few main ones, 

If you’ve got another, drop it in the comments. 

#ITCareers #CareerGrowth #TechLeadership #CareerClarity #techcareers

40+ Linkedin Money-Making-Influence Resources I Toxic Boss Immunity I Frequency of INFLUENCE: ETHICAL PERSUASION I $20k Brain-Based Sales System | HarvardX Neuroscience Research I Keynote 🎤 I X-Microsoft I Captain ⛵

$20k Monthly Brain Based Sales System Without Chasing the "Yes"

You know the feeling:
😳 Your brain lights up with “What if they think I’m pushy?” the second you open a DM.
😬 You’d rather post and pray the right people find you than risk being ghosted.
😅 You tell yourself that if you were really good, clients would just show up.

You don’t want to fake connection just to pitch.
You want sales that feels human. Real conversations, not pressure tactics.

You’re not bad at sales.
Your brain is just protecting you.

The amygdala flags rejection as danger.
Your prefrontal cortex freezes.
And boom hesitation, overthinking, silence.

That’s where my work comes in.
I teach the Neuroscience of No-Pressure Sales so you can sell with calm confidence instead of fear.

No scripts. No manipulation.
Just science, psychology, and simple tools to retrain your nervous system so selling feels natural again.

When your brain is relaxed, your authenticity returns.
You stop pitching and start connecting.
Outreach stops feeling like an intrusion and starts feeling like service.

This is sales made easy for coaches who hate selling.

✨ Ways to get started with me:

✅ If you're a coach DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a business owner DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a sales leader DM me "Butter"
✅ Attend my next workshop for FREE BRAIN BASED SALES SECRETS. https://forms.gle/HvTRDEZEuu7bgQEF8
✅ Subscribe to the Be Like Butter Bugle: Weekly brain hacks for resilience and influence. https://synaptic-solutions.kit.com/newsletter

Personal interests: 
- Captain ⛵️ 
- Recovering Sugar Addict 🍭 
- Trash TV consumer 🗑️

Sales Coach | Toxic Boss Coach | Neuroscience Coach | Executive Coach | Master Behavioral Strategist | Speaker | Advisor | Expert | 7 figures | Virtual Speaking | Sales Performance Brain Hacker | Mindset Coach I Corporate Trainer I Influence I Key Note Speaker

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Leaders don't do things for you. 

They inspire you to grow into someone who can do them 

Your brain's mirror neurons are fascinating...

When we observe great leadership, 
Our neural networks literally reshape themselves 🧠

Here's what happened in my team's brains 
When I shifted from problem-solver to growth catalyst:

1️⃣ Neural Leadership Networks
↳ Prefrontal cortex activation in decision-making up 
↳ Stress response pathways decreased
↳ Reward circuits fired during problem-solving

2️⃣ Learning Circuit Activation
↳ Neuroplasticity peaked during challenges
↳ Dopamine loops strengthened team bonds
↳ Cognitive flexibility increased 

3️⃣ Performance Neuroscience
↳ Cortisol levels dropped 
↳ Oxytocin boosted trust signals
↳ Group synchronization improved

Science shows: When leaders step back,
The team's collective neural networks step up.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

PS: What neural pathway did your best leader help you strengthen? 🧠

Video credit: Unlnown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to build stronger leadership brains
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

The hard things you avoid 

Are the exact things that free you

Most people avoid the hard stuff.
Not because they are lazy.
Because their brain is trying to protect them.

The prefrontal cortex wants long term wins
But the amygdala wants immediate comfort
So every hard task feels like a threat
And your brain tells you to delay it
Even when it hurts you later.

Here is how to flip the switch
So your brain stops fighting you
And starts working for you.

1/ Reduce the threat signal
 Big tasks feel dangerous
 So your brain freezes
 Break the task into the smallest next move
 Science: Small steps lower amygdala activity
 And increase dopamine for starting

2/ Front load the friction
 Do the hardest task first
 Before your brain is overloaded
 Science: Your decision making power is highest early
 And cortisol rises as the day goes on

3/ Create a reward loop
 Your brain needs a reason to try
 Pair the hard task with a positive cue
 Tea, music, a small celebration
 Science: Dopamine releases faster
 When a reward is tied to effort, not outcomes

When you train your brain to face hard things
You stop leaking energy
You build momentum
And the tough stuff becomes automatic

P.S. Whats your best procrastination buster? 

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

I used to shrink parts of myself to fit into corporate.

It quietly drained the life out of my ideas (and me).

At the time, I thought success required self-erasure.
I hit every goal on the board.
But I felt empty.

 🧠 Promotions
 🧠 Pay raises
 🧠 Prestige

None of it mattered.
My spark was gone.
And so was my creativity.

Have you ever noticed how your brain invents ideas
When you’re not even trying?

Your imagination lights up your neural networks
Like a synchronized light show.

Brain imaging reveals that
Most of your regions activate during visualization.

Here’s what fuels your imagination 👇

1/ Your Brain’s Creative Engine
 ↳ Default Mode Network turns on as the PFC steps back
 ↳ Memory blends with emotion to create new associations
 ↳ Your brain recombines patterns without limits

2/ The Moment Insight Strikes
 ↳ Gamma bursts peak during big realizations
 ↳ Hippocampus sends raw material to the DMN
 ↳ New pathways strengthen the more you play with ideas

3/ Your Creativity Enhancement Tools
 ↳ Take short intentional pauses for DMN activation
 ↳ Change scenes to trigger fresh circuitry
 ↳ Welcome boredom because it sparks innovation

Creativity is not magic.
It is a neural process you can train.
All you need is the space and permission to
Reconnect with curiosity and let your mind roam.
Don’t lose your spark chasing goals that dim you.

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

PS: When does your imagination run wild?

Video Credit: Unknown

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to help others reclaim their creativity
➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

Your brain won't save you.

Your heart will. 

For two weeks, I volunteered to help rescue animals.
Feeding, cleaning, comforting the scared and the broken.

They had nothing to give back
but showing up still felt right.

Because giving changes you.
It pulls you out of fear and back into purpose.

And right now, the world needs more of that.
 💔 People are hurting.
 💔 Jobs disappearing.
 💔 Markets spiraling.
 💔 Stress levels through the roof.

Everyone’s doing their best just to stay afloat.
But when everything feels unstable,
most people grip tighter.
They try to control.
They chase.
They push harder for the “yes.”

That’s exactly why it stops working.
The brain senses pressure and shuts down trust.
You can’t sell, serve, or lead from scarcity.
You can only do it from calm generosity.

That’s why I’m giving away what I’ve learned.
The exact framework that helped me break free from corporate,
build consistency on my own,
and stop chasing clients who weren’t ready.

It’s called Stop Chasing the Yes.
A workshop to help you
 – Build your own predictable client system
 – Shift from pressure to presence in every conversation
 – Lead with calm confidence instead of fear

If you’ve been giving everything and still feel stuck,
this is your next step.

Because giving works best
when you give to yourself too.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

P.S. Do you volunteer, if so where?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for calm influence
♻️ Repost to help others give without burning out

The only true failure in life is quitting. 

Success is never a straight line. It certainly wasn't for me.

I've had many failures and setbacks along my path.
Layoffs.
Failed ventures.
Bad investments. 

Life is messy. 
Mess is a part of life.

Enjoy the messiness. 
And, your brain kinda likes it messy too.

Why your brain craves zigzag paths 🧠

(The science of why progress feels so messy) 👇

Your neural pathways aren't built in straight lines
And neither is your path to greatness
Here's what's really happening in your brain:

1️⃣ The Neural Reality
↳ Growth pathways form through trial and error
↳ Each "failure" strengthens neural connections
↳ Your brain requires contrast to learn

2️⃣ The Resilience Loop
↳ Setbacks activate problem-solving networks
↳ Stress actually enhances memory formation
↳ Recovery periods boost cognitive flexibility

3️⃣ The Growth Paradox
↳ Progress activates dopamine reward system
↳ Plateaus create new neural foundations
↳ Breakthroughs happen during apparent standstills

Your "messy" journey is how your brain is designed to learn and grow.

P.S. What was your latest messiness?

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you're ready to embrace the zigzag
➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based insights

Most people’s LinkedIn strategy: grind harder and hope

Mine: close clients while living life on my own schedule

I’ve wandered through the Greek islands
- Boat rides to hidden beaches
- Mornings working with seaside views
- A weekend in Skopelos without realizing it was a movie set

I spent a month in Athens
- Day trips to Agistri, turquoise blue waters
- Afternoons coaching clients

Why am I sharing this?
 Because your brain says “that’s not for me”
 Because it tells you to stick with the familiar
 (It’s called comfort bias and it keeps you stuck)

But here’s what no one will tell you:
If you want it, this life is closer than you think

Here’s how your brain makes it happen:

1️⃣ The Belief Reset
 ↳ Your brain avoids what feels out of reach
 ↳ Turn “impossible” into doable with simple shifts
 ↳ Stack wins until change feels normal

2️⃣ The LinkedIn Advantage
 ↳ Know what your ideal client looks for before they decide
 ↳ Post and message in ways that feel safe and personal
 ↳ Use a system that works even while you’re away

3️⃣ The Lifestyle Flywheel
 ↳ Every yes starts before the offer is made
 ↳ Match your approach to their decision process
 ↳ That’s how I work from coastlines and mountain trails

The point?

It’s not about more work
It’s about the right work for the brain

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

P.S. Where would you take your laptop first?
P.P.S. Pic from Poseidon's Temple (10/10)
-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

One more trip around the sun.

It's been a doozy.

Every birthday, I pause and reflect on my last year.
This year was the year that stretched me in every direction.

I lost my favorite person (my Belley Bean)
That loss began an 8 month walkabout across the globe.

I found my spiritual side.
I found strength I didn't know I had.

I escaped 3 typhoons
I sailed the Mediterranean
I ate the most amazing food 
I chopped a bajillion bananas
I swam in the Blue Cave in Croatia
I cared for 140 elephants and 700 dogs
I got bit and headbutted by deer in Nara
I moved what felt like a million watermelons
I spoiled myself at a Japanese Onsen regularly
I calmly navigated a stalker sitch right up to my airplane 
I lost a toenail trying an advanced yoga post in Cabo San Lucas

I missed my family.
I missed my friends.

I grew.
I grew so much.
I think I grew more this year than any year before.

I admired the precision of Japanese trains.
I learned Thai people do not use chopsticks.
I went from a 3k to 50k community in 8 months.
I was stunned by the beauty of the Greek islands.
I made new friends in the most unexpected places.
I built a predictable, brain-based revenue machine.
I helped countless clients do the same for their businesses.

This year was not easy.
It was not predictable.
But it was deeply transformative.

Here is to another year of becoming.
Here is to letting go, leaning in, and staying open.

And if you are reading this…
Thank you for being part of my journey.

P.S. Today, I am Seattle celebrating!
Wanna celebrate with me?

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

You have more answers than you think. 

You just don't know it...yet.

Most people say they want to think outside the box.
But few ever leave it.

Because the box feels safe.
It’s made of habits, rules, and comfort.
It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from uncertainty.

But that same safety is what keeps you small.
Every great idea, every business, every leap
starts the moment you question the walls around you.

When you think differently, new neural pathways fire.
Your prefrontal cortex lights up.
Dopamine releases as you connect unfamiliar dots.
That’s not chaos. That’s creativity.

Thinking outside the box trains your brain to
🧠 see possibilities instead of patterns,
🧠 stay adaptable when the world shifts,
🧠 and turn fear into curiosity instead of paralysis.

Inside the box, life feels predictable.
Outside, it feels alive.

If you want freedom, income, and purpose,
you can’t just color outside the lines.
You have to stop believing they’re even there.

That’s the work we do inside my workshop
Because the world doesn’t reward safety.
It rewards those who think beyond it.

🧠 Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Usually, the answer is already within you 
(channeling Yoda today).

P.S. When was the last time you already knew the answer...you just had to remember you did?

Video credit: Unlnown

---------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for clarity and creativity
♻️ Repost to help more people break out of their mental box

Persuasion isn't manipulation

Persuasion is making the prospect feel safe.

The top 8 secrets to ethically persuade 👇

Most people think persuasion means convincing or winning.
But real persuasion begins in calm awareness.
Your nervous system leads the conversation 
Long before your words do.
When your energy is steady, others feel safe to open.

Here's the 8 secret ways to ethically persuade

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
 Take one slow breath before you speak.
 This quiets the body and steadies your focus.
 Your calm signals safety and builds connection.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
 Ask questions that invite reflection.
 “What feels most challenging right now?”
 Curiosity keeps the brain open and the energy light.

3️⃣ Validate before you redirect
 When people hesitate, meet them with empathy.
 “I understand why you’d feel that way.”
 Validation relaxes tension and rebuilds trust.

4️⃣ Keep autonomy intact
 People need to feel in control of their choices.
 Invite, don’t push.
 “Would you like to explore this together?”

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
 Fear narrows focus, clarity opens it again.
 Ask, “What might shift if this were already solved?”
 It helps people see beyond the problem.

6️⃣ Align around shared intention
 Focus on what matters to both of you.
 “We both want this to create real results.”
 Shared purpose turns pressure into partnership.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding change
 People follow what feels familiar.
 First, attune to their tone and pace.
 Then gently guide the conversation toward calm and clarity.

8️⃣ End with clarity, not pressure
 Unfinished conversations keep the mind spinning.
 Summarize, confirm, and close the loop.
 “Are you ready to get started?"

Ethical persuasion is calm, curious, and choice-based.
🧠 Regulate first. 
🧠 Match energy. 
🧠 Keep autonomy strong.

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Have you ever felt pressured to buy?

Starting up my workshops again!
Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
 ♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

Lighting someone else's candle doesn't dim yours.

It just makes the room brighter.

Helping others shine doesn't dim your light.
Your brain actually glows brighter when you lift people up.

Most people think helping drains energy.
Neuroscience shows it does the opposite.
Your brain rewards contribution.
It expands your capacity, not shrinks it.

Here are 3 ways helping others strengthens your brain 👇
1️⃣ Your reward system lights up
✔️ Kindness boosts dopamine
 Dopamine lifts motivation and focus
 Your flame grows, not fades

2️⃣ Your connection circuits strengthen
✔️ Support boosts oxytocin
 Oxytocin builds trust and safety
 Your brain gets more resilient

3️⃣ Your creative networks open
✔️ Giving lowers stress chemicals
 Lower stress frees the prefrontal cortex
 Ideas flow easier when your heart is open

Lifting others isn't self sacrifice.
It's self expansion.
Your brain shines brighter
every time you help someone rise.

P.S. What's the last time someone lit your flame?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain based insights
♻️ Repost to help someone light up today

The number 1 reason you’re invisible on Linkedin...

You aren't breaking through the RAS filter

Your prospect never sees most of what you say.
Their brain deletes it before it gets inside.

The Reticular Activating System filters everything.
It looks for relevance, novelty, safety, and clarity.
If your message feels routine, it gets ignored.
If it feels vivid and personal, it gets through.
Here are ten ways to pass the filter fast.

1/ Pattern breaks win
Don’t start predictable
Do open with novelty
Science: RAS flags newness first

2/ Short lines keep attention
 Don’t write long blocks
 Do use simple spacing
 Science: Low load keeps thinking open

3/ Make it about them
Don’t lead with yourself
Do mirror their world
Science: RAS checks for self relevance

4/ Signal credibility fast
Don’t over explain
Do give one strong proof
Science: Fast heuristics shape trust

5/ Use micro commitments
Don’t push for yes
Do ask tiny questions
Science: Micro wins open dopamine

6/ Use visual outcomes
Don’t stay vague
Do paint clear images
Science: RAS tags vivid scenes

7/ Match their energy
Don’t push your pace
Do mirror tone
Science: Mirror neurons sync fast

8/ Validate their words
Don’t jump to fixes
Do echo their phrasing
Science: Neural validation needs match

9/ Create safety, not pressure
Don’t force urgency
Do slow the tempo
Science: Threat shuts attention down

10/ Give one next step
Don’t dump info
Do guide clearly
Science: Sequence reduces neural noise

When you speak to the brain instead of the ego
You stop sounding like everyone else
You bypass resistance
You increase trust
And your message finally lands

P.S. Which one has worked for you??

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe
Dec 15 - 11am - 2pm PST

----------------------------------------------------------------
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

Persuasion isn’t pressure.

Persuasion is helping someone feel safe.

Here are 8 ethical persuasion swaps that actually work 👇

Most people try to persuade with logic or force.
But the brain listens to safety signals first.
When you protect autonomy and reduce threat,
People open up, not shut down.

Here are the 8 upgrades:

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
❌ Don’t say: 
“Let me just explain why this makes sense.”

✅ Say this:
“Before we dive in, take a breath. I want this to feel clear.”

🔬Science:
 A calm nervous system sends safety cues.
 Their mirror neurons match your steadiness, lowering resistance.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
❌ Don’t say:
 “Here’s what you need to do.”

✅ Say this:
 “What feels hardest about this right now?”

🔬 Science:
 Curiosity keeps the amygdala quiet.
 Questions activate the prefrontal cortex, the part that evaluates options calmly.

3️⃣ Validate before redirecting
❌ Don’t say:
 “I understand, but…”

✅ Say this:
 “It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

🔬 Science:
 Validation reduces cortisol.
 It signals “You’re safe to express hesitations,” which reopens trust pathways.

4️⃣ Protect autonomy
❌ Don’t say:
 “You should really move forward.”

✅ Say this:
 “Want to explore this together?”

🔬 Science:
Autonomy is a core human need.
When someone feels in control, dopamine rises and decision-making improves.

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
❌ Don’t say:
 “You’re overthinking this.”

✅ Say this:
 “What might shift if this were already solved?”

🔬 Science:
Reframing widens cognitive perspective.
It moves the brain out of threat mode and into problem-solving mode.

6️⃣ Align intentions
❌ Don’t say:
 “I just want you to see my point.”

✅ Say this:
 “We both want a solution that actually works for you.”

🔬 Science:
Shared goals increase oxytocin.
Oxytocin boosts collaboration and reduces defensiveness.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding
❌ Don’t say:
 “Relax, it’s not a big deal.”

✅ Say this:
 “I hear how this feels for you. Let’s slow it down together.”

🔬Science:
Attunement regulates the nervous system.
The brain trusts what feels familiar before it trusts new direction.

8️⃣ Close with clarity, not pressure
❌ Don’t say:
 “So… are you ready or not?”

✅ Say this:
 “Here’s what the next step looks like. Does this feel right to you?”

🔬 Science:
Clear choices reduce cognitive load.
When the brain knows the path, uncertainty drops—and commitment rises.

Ethical persuasion is simple:
 🧠 Lower threat
 🧠 Raise clarity
 🧠 Protect autonomy

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Ever notice how pressure makes you want to run?

My workshops are open again.
Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

Your answers are already in your head.

You just have to slow down long enough to hear them.

Your brain holds ideas you have not discovered yet.
But it cannot reveal them when you never pause.
Creativity needs space.
Insight needs quiet.

Most people overwork their minds.
But the brain solves problems when you stop trying.
Silence activates deeper networks.
Boredom lets ideas rise to the surface.

Here are 3 ways to access the answers inside you 👇
1️⃣ Give your brain boredom time
✔️ Take short breaks without your phone
 Boredom activates the default mode network
 This is where creativity lives

2️⃣ Use quiet as a tool
✔️ Sit still for a few minutes
 Quiet reduces noise in the prefrontal cortex
 Your thoughts get clearer and sharper

3️⃣ Let your mind wander
✔️ Go for a slow walk with no agenda
 Wandering boosts pattern recognition
 Your brain connects ideas without force

You are not stuck.
Your mind just needs room to speak.
When you rest it, it reveals what you need.
The answers show up when the noise drops.

P.S. When is the last time you surprised yourself?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

Video Credit: Unknown

----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain based insights
♻️ Repost if your best ideas hit you in the quiet moments

Your biggest risk is the rep who says they're "fine."

Your rep's "fine," is eerily similar to your spouse's "fine."

TL:DR It's definitely not "fine."

You don't lose a quarter in one moment.
You lose it in tiny blind spots.

A rep who says they're fine.
A pipeline that looks clean.
A deal that feels safe until it slips.

Then your forecast cracks.
Your VP starts asking questions.
And you wonder what you missed.

What every manager thinks but never says out loud:

You're managing stories, not data.
Your team tells you what feels safe to say.
Not what protects your number.

Sales Sage shows you the parts they leave out.
A simple 10 minute pulse surfaces early risk.

😶‍🌫️ Stress signals. 
😶‍🌫️ Confidence drops.
😶‍🌫️ Hidden struggles that turn into missed targets...
If you catch them too late.

We give you visibility your dashboards say they give you
But can't

The minority report for sales teams. 
14-day free beta: https://salessage.co for early adopters

taplio

The Battle

Adam Scott

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreAdam Scott's LinkedIn Performance

Performance Score🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Adam Scott

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Adam Scott's LinkedIn Performance

Performance Score🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreAdam Scott's LinkedIn Performance