Certified Executive Coach (ICF) | I help women leaders amplify their performance + presence to become Executives | Wife & Mom of 3 | Exec Group Coaching Program launching in Aug 2024 | Book a call today ⬇️

Apply to work with me for Executive Coaching: https://linktr.ee/executivematerial For Brand Partnerships (brands only) please email me at team@aprillittle.co 

April Little

In my 20's, I was a human doormat, staying silent when I should have spoken. Then, I overcorrected and spoke up about everything until I learned which battles deserved my voice. 

Perhaps that is why LinkedIn serves two purposes for me: to generate leads and as an outlet to help others. 

When I did pipe up, I was told I was "piping up" too much. 

I think that happens to many of us.

We trade one extreme for another as we seek to establish balance and boundaries. 

Emotional reactions are human, but so is learning discernment.

I do think it's human to suffer an emotional reaction to disrespect. 

I also think we have a responsibility to use our discernment to know when to respond and when not to. 

The real skill is in finding a middle ground.

Because it's not a good idea to give someone the impression they can say anything they want to you. 

What I've learned:
Not every perceived slight needs a response
Setting boundaries ≠ being a doormat
Choose your moments wisely

"The need to comment on everything is the definition of busy work. There is great peace in reserving your perspectives for the right time and people rather than always talking just because you have something to say." - Anonymous 

True power isn't in speaking up about everything - it's in knowing which battles are worth your voice.

credit: herleader on IG
—-

Hi, I’m April Little. I help current women leaders (Sr. Mgr, Director +) prepare for executive roles in 8 weeks or less. I am accepting 2 new clients this month. https://lnkd.in/gc-hbQBd 

 ✨ Recent Client Wins ✨
Director --> Vice President Promotion (on page)

✨✨Building EXCLUSIVELY on Instagram & TikTok @iamaprillittle✨✨ | Ex-HR Exec Helping Women Leaders Break the Mid-Level Ceiling Into Executive Leadership ($200k+) | 2025 Time 100 Creator

If I send this to you, it means 2 things: I’m EXCITED, and I’m recruiting for a Director of Strategic Partnerships ($350k OTE).

This is with Bond.

If you apply, you will receive an email update from me.

If you advance to the hiring manager stage, you will receive a call.

I do not ghost candidates, and I do not disappear after interviews.

This is a first-time Director opportunity with a clear path to VP.

Base salary ranges from 180K to 200K, with 350K on-target earnings and significant upside tied to deal performance and equity.

You will own global enterprise partnerships across home security, fintech, travel, and other technology sectors, while building the function from the ground up.

The role is onsite in the tristate area (NY, NJ, CT), requires up to 30 percent travel, and demands strong enterprise deal experience in SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, insurtech, or enterprise software. 

(this is a non-negotiable.)

The CEO is requiring that this person is currently working in this role. 

I will be screening candidates this week and next week, and this is one of the only roles I recruit for each year in my fractional VP of HR capacity.

I am not recruiting for any other roles and will not review resumes sent by direct message.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gFg3mGQY

If you have been waiting for your first Director title with real upside including moving to VP in the next 12-24 months. Apply!

View newsletter: Executive Material (on Kajabi)

Thank you for reading Executive Material. Every Monday, break down how power, positioning, and executive communication actually work at senior levels,

Open article: Why "Just Find a Sponsor" Falls Flat and How to Borrow POWER and PRIVILEGE Instead  by April Little • 6 min read

Why "Just Find a Sponsor" Falls Flat and How to Borrow POWER and PRIVILEGE Instead

Empowering female Directors to become successful VPs with my 7-step Passport to Promotion Framework | 10/12 women aiming for the VP role landed it in under 365 days, my about section shows you how to become the next.

👋 Hi, I’m Jill Avey, Founder of SisterSmart® . And I'm a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Ivy League MBA graduate... and Leadership Mentor for ambitious women navigating the path to the C-suite.

I help high-achieving women break through the “Stuck VP” phase... and elegantly step into executive roles with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

💡 Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You’re an accomplished VP or Director with years of hard-won results. But, despite your dedication... you still feel like you’re not being taken seriously.

You’re leading teams, handling high-visibility projects, and solving complex problems. Yet, vague feedback like “be more strategic” or “you need more executive presence” leaves you wondering what more you need to do.

You’re juggling critical responsibilities at work while balancing personal life... and the pressure feels relentless.

You know you’re capable of more. But, the self-doubt creeps in when stakes are high... and it feels like you’re constantly having to prove yourself.

If that sounds like you, know this: 

You’re not broken. You’re just in a system that wasn’t designed for women leaders.

That’s where I come in.

My Signature 7-Step Passport to Promotion™ Framework: 

I combine neuroscience-based leadership strategies with real-world experience to help you move from stuck to unstoppable. 

The 7 Steps:

1. Self-Leadership: Build resilience and confidence
2. Brain-Based Communication: Develop your executive presence and influence 
3. Intentional Career Planning: Create a strategic plan for your career 
4. Confidence Without Burnout: Learn how to advocate for yourself 
5. Authentic Leadership: Lead in a way that’s true to you
6. Mindset Mastery: Break free from imposter syndrome and self-doubt
7. Support Network: Connect with a community of like-minded women

Real Results:

Over 180 clients have secured VP and C-suite roles in healthcare, tech, and finance—often within just months of completing the program.

They report feeling more confident, visible, and valued—and see real results in compensation, influence, and career satisfaction.

🏆 Why Work With Me? I’ve actually been in your shoes. 

After 25 years as a corporate executive, I know what it’s like to navigate high-stakes leadership while balancing personal ambitions and professional expectations. My approach is research-backed, heart-led, and rooted in real experience.

I believe you deserve a leadership journey that’s both successful and sustainable. And I’m here to help you build it.

📩 Send me a DM: Let’s build your path to the C-suite together.

Jill Avey

Kindness in leadership isn’t soft.

It’s how strong cultures are built.

(Want to lead with strength and kindness? Download the free guide here: https://lnkd.in/gbAcgVWv)

Every week in coaching, I hear the same story.

A talented director working under someone who still leads like it’s 1985.

– Pressure over partnership
– Micromanaging at 10PM
– Confusing intimidation with high standards
– Counting hours instead of outcomes

And here’s the hard part:

Those leaders genuinely believe it works.

Because in the short term, it does.

People comply.
Deadlines get hit.
Mistakes get called out.

But what they don’t see is the cost.

➝ Innovation sitting in draft folders
➝ High performers quietly updating their CVs
➝ Energy spent managing fear instead of solving problems
➝ Trust thinning with every harsh email

Fear can drive action.

But it cannot build commitment.

Human-centered leadership isn’t about lowering standards.

It’s about raising ownership.

When you replace micromanagement with empowerment
➝ People stop waiting for permission.

When you swap unrealistic demands for stretch expectations
➝ Teams push themselves.

When you develop underperformers instead of tolerating them
➝ Performance improves without fear as fuel.

The old way treated people like problems to monitor.

The better way treats them as partners to empower.

And when leaders choose empathy, clarity, and courage
they don’t just build kinder cultures.

They build teams people don’t want to leave.

The culture you create today determines the talent you keep tomorrow.

If you believe leadership can be both kind and high-performing,
repost this to help more people see what strong really looks like.

(Want to lead with strength and kindness? Download the free guide here: https://lnkd.in/gbAcgVWv)

♻️ Repost to help your network rethink what strong leadership actually looks like
Follow me, Jill Avey for human-centered leadership insights.

Helping High-Achieving Women Get Seen, Heard, and Promoted | Proven Strategies to Stop Feeling Invisible at the Leadership Table 💎 Fortune 100 Coach | ICF PCC-Level Women's Leadership Coach

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The Battle

April Little

Jill Avey

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The Battle

April Little

Jill Avey

Followers

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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);}April Little's LinkedIn Performance

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