I’m passionate about empowering women and helping to close the gender gap in senior leadership. 

I spent 18 years in tech and biotech sales, holding positions as a VP and EVP, Sales. Along the way I introduced many brand new technologies to market, built a commercial organization from scratch, and scaled a hyper-growth team to achieve 9 digit revenue growth in 2 years.

Despite this success, I struggled for years with my transition from Manager to Director to VP, and even asked myself if I was cut out to be a senior executive.  

Finally, I ‘figured it out’ and had the confidence, knowledge and skills that I needed to be an impactful leader. 

My mission at Insights to Action is to help others get there by sharing what I’ve learned.

I want to use my passion to help more women transition to senior leadership and help leaders make that leap from unsure and unfocused to strategic, decisive and outcome driven - all without burning out. My goal is to help women thrive as executives, instead of merely surviving. 

I would love to work with you on your journey and look forward to connecting!

Read about what some of my clients are saying: https://www.insightstoactioncc.com/testimonials

Katy McFee

I help women become execs and thrive in leadership - Former Exec | Certified Coach | Forbes.com contributor

At Insights to Action I help female execs and aspiring female leaders become the leaders they want to be and thrive as executives all without burning out. 

I offer group coaching programs for women looking to break through to executive leadership and 1:1 immersive executive coaching for current execs who want to level up and show up as the amazing, effective leaders they know they can be, while still living a life they love.

I hear, "Women don't advocate for themselves"
 
And my thought is "Why the heck would we?"
 
Growing up, we were called bossy when we showed leadership
And praised for keeping our mouths shut and sitting quietly...
 
Later, we were told that our value was in our appearance 
And not in what we had to say...
 
And once we got to the corporate world? 
 
We faced the likeabilty backlash and the ambition penalty

If you haven't heard these terms,
 
This backlash occurs when women: 
- negotiate 
- seek out promotions 
- share their success 
- openly pursue ambitious careers
 
Crazy right? 

But... not advocating is only hurting us
It's costing us opportunities and career advancement

And we need to change the narrative on speaking up
 
If you're a woman, I'm here to remind you: 

You're allowed to be ambitious 
You're allowed to want more money 
You SHOULD advocate for yourself 
 
And you should do it all unapologetically 

✌️💜

♻️ Hit 'repost' if more women need to hear this.

#1 in helping women become VPs and thrive in leadership | Former Exec | Certified Coach | Forbes.com contributor | Host of More Women Promoted Podcast

Ladies, we've been lied to about each other

There's a narrative that all women are competitive and catty,

That we hold each other back,
Sabotage one another,
Tear each other down,

That we're all just a bunch of mean girls

And honestly, I don't see it

I've spoken to so many successful women 
Who credit female mentors and sponsors for their success

It was almost always other women who helped them reach the C-suite

And my experience with women is no different

Sadly, when I was in leadership I didn't really know any more senior women to be my mentors and sponsors

But when I was new to the world of entrepreneurship
I had no network. Nada. So I put myself out there....

And I've met so many new women over the last few years
Who have helped me create a successful business

They've all been inspiring, supportive, and encouraging

In fact, I'm friends with women who are technically my direct competitors
And we help one another!

We cheer each other on
And we all grow

I've built a community of women in my private membership
And these women are one another's biggest cheerleaders

So let's stop spreading this narrative

Because most women want to lift one another up

Are there some bad apples?
Of course!

There will always be some women (and men) who don't support
Who sabotage each other or hold others back

But it's a minority

And this narrative isn't helping anyone
Certainly not women

So I vote we change it

Who's with me? ✌️💜

PS. If you haven't been lucky enough to have supportive women to guide your career, you're in the right place. 

A bit part of my mission is the communities of women I create - communities that let you level up, hit your goals AND find your tribe. If you want to learn more, send me a DM. 

*I didn't know any of the women in these photos 4 years ago!

Things I didn't do this morning:
- read
- meditate 
- cold plunge
- visualizations
- intermittent fast
- start my day with lemon water instead of coffee

And despite my less than perfect morning…

I'm still ‘successful’. 

Don't get me wrong, all of the things on that list are wonderful ways to start your day

If you start your day like this, kudos to you!

But we're all in different seasons...

In this season of my life, 
I exercise and meditate in the morning 5 days a week

And one day a week I take a total break from my routine (usually Sunday)

As for the rest of the list....
Maybe one day, but for now 3 kids and 2 dogs keep me busy enough ;)

And here's the thing:
For almost all of my professional career
I didn't do ANY of these things in the morning

My only goal was to get everyone fed and out the door alive

And yet, I've been able to build a great life that includes professional success.

My point is this:
If you've yet to master the 'perfect' morning routine, 
Don't beat yourself up.

There are many ways to start your day and still be successful, 
Whatever that may mean to you.

In case you need to hear this, I’m officially giving you permission to cut yourself some slack 

You're allowed to choose a huge coffee and couch hang over being productive on this beautiful Sunday
✌️💜

Let's normalize a max number of meetings a day

Let's make it 4. Maybe 5. MAX. 

If someone already has 5 meetings in their calendar, you can't book another one

Because if we REALLY want to promote mental health and avoid burnout

We can't also ask people to do workdays with 10 back-to-back meetings

I've been there.

12-16 meetings in a single day

No time to eat. 
No time to get your actual 'work' done.
And when the day is over, your head is spinning.

Too many women I know spend their whole day in meetings
And do their actual work in the evenings

That's bullshit.

Let's just stop doing that to people.

Who's in? ✌️💜

Hit 'repost' to spread the word

It's easy to forget just how far you've come

Because too often, as soon as you hit a goal,
You create a new one... a little further away

You celebrate for a moment
And then you're back at it

I was thinking about my own journey recently and it really hit me

I grew up a shy little girl who just wanted people to like her
In highschool, I couldn't give a speech in front of my class without turning beet red and losing my breath

When I think about how proud past me would be if she were here,
It puts things in a whole new perspective

What if we measured our success by how much we've grown,
And everything we've accomplished in our own life...

Instead of worrying about what other people are doing?

That little girl in you doesn't care that your neighbour has a nicer car,
Or that you're not everything in life perfectly.

That little girl in you is just so damn proud of what you've become ✌️💜 

____________________________________________________

I'm Katy McFee, former VP and EVP turned leadership coach. I help women smash the glass ceiling and thrive as senior leaders. DM me to learn how I can help you, too.

I flew to Dublin from Canada for the weekend 

Seems crazy for a weekend, but it was 100% worth it to me

Why? Because there is nothing like spending time with the right people

There's nothing more valuable than finding your tribe
And allowing them to challenge and support you

It's been hard for me to find these people
Most of my longtime friends can't relate to my business, ambitions or challenges

And you may wonder why that matters
But I really believe it does. Especially for women

Because there are so few of us:
- With big ambitions
- In senior levels of leadership
- Running 7-figure businesses

And not only is that lonely AF
It also puts us at a disadvantage strategically

I came home from the weekend with new clarity into what I needed to do
And answers to some of the challenges that I've been struggling with

Not only that - my cup was overflowing ❤️ 

I'm curious - have you found your tribe?
Give a shoutout to your work or business besties!
✌💜 

__________________________________

I'm Katy McFee, former VP and EVP turned leadership coach. I help women land first-time VP roles and thrive as senior execs. 

If you're a VP or C-level executive who's been trying to find your tribe, DM me to learn more about a unique, invite-only group I'm creating.

Red flags I ignored for YEARS:

- Getting sick regularly, and getting VERY sick at least 1-2 x a year
- Needing coffee to wake up and wine every night to decompress
- Dry skin patches on my face
- A 10cm ovarian cyst

The writing was on the wall... I was headed for burnout,

And I didn't even realize it.

Because I didn't recognize that these were all signs of too much stress in my life

When I eventually did burn out, it was brutal
I was not my normally happy, energetic self
 
In fact, I was more mentally fragile than I'd ever been
And I didn't know how to snap out of it.

This was not something that could be cured with a week in Mexico. 
In fact, it took over a YEAR to get back to myself.

I'm sharing this so you don't make the same mistake I did and ignore the signs.

Other common signs to watch for are:
- having difficulty sleeping
- heart palpitations
- GI issues

Was it worth sacrificing my health just to make someone else a bunch of money and hope for a promotion?

No, my friends, it was not.

Life is short. Your career is long. 
Put yourself first. ✌️💜

Follow me Katy McFee for more posts on women in leadership

__________________________________________________

Hi, I'm Katy. I'm a former VP and EVP who's on the mission to close the gender gap by helping women land their first VP role and thrive as executives. Follow me for more posts on women in leadership

The long-term impact of a toxic boss is SCARY

The problem is, you keep telling yourself:

"6 more months and I'll look for something else"
"It's really not that bad..."
"I can't make this kind of money anywhere else"

But you don't realize that the impact of working in this type of environment follows you long after you leave

Even once you're in a new job with a great boss...
Or you have that promotion you've dreamed of...

You're doubting yourself.

You're holding back from making decisions and wondering if you're any good at your job.

What's going on?

All of those times your boss made you feel inadequate left a mark,

Each time you were undermined or devalued... 
Those events chipped away at the confidence you once had.

And now you - the person who used to be so confident - wonder if you're cut out for this...

I have seen this happen to SO MANY people.
And it takes a lot of work to get that confidence back again.

This is a friendly reminder that if you're in an unsupportive, toxic work environment, 
It's not worth sticking it out for another year.

Your self-worth is just more important.

And if you're in the scenario I've described above, know you're not alone.

Recognizing the root cause is the first step to working through this and regaining your confidence ✌️💜

♻️ Hit repost to spread the word.

My friends, here's the cold, hard truth:

No one cares about your career as much as you do.

Certainly not your manager. 

Yet I still hear people complain that their manager isn't helping them get promoted.

If you leave your future in someone else's hands,
You'll likely end up disappointed.

It's up to you to make the future you want happen. 

But here's the silver lining:

No one else SHOULD be deciding your path, 
because you're the one who has to live it!

I've had smart, talented people working for me, who wanted ME to map out their career path

That's just NOT a good idea

Because you and I may be passionate about very different things.
You may hate doing the same things that light me up
And vice versa

Can your boss help you identify strengths and weaknesses?

You bet.

But you are the one who needs to create the vision for your career 
AND make it happen.

That may mean investing in your development outside of work
It may mean finding a new mentor or coach
It may even mean a new job

The first step is to take radical accountability for your career.
The second is to aim as high as your heart's desire.

And if landing a director or VP role is part of that vision, 
And you're not sure where to start
Book a free strategy call with me personally here: https://lnkd.in/dqAvbyu9 
✌️💜

PS. I rarely offer these calls, but my salesperson is on mat leave, so here's your chance ;)

_____________________________________________

I'm Katy, former VP and EVP turned executive coach. I'm #1 in helping women land that first-time VP role and thrive there, without burning out. Follow me for all things women in leadership.

There are 2 types of people in this world:

Those who end the year with 20 unused vacation days
And are constantly being told they need to use them or lose them

And those who use every single vacation day they get

I, my friends, am the latter

I always have been

I remember talking to a friend of mine, also in leadership

She was talking about how her company was going to pay out her vacation because she had far too many days that she was never going to able to use them

I was sharing that I often used my days faster than I accrued them
I had a young family, and it was important to me to take time off and create memories with them

And here's the thing: we BOTH ended up becoming executives
And we both had successful careers

The reason I share this, is that as women, we put WAY too much pressure on ourselves

We think we need to do it all, and never get a break
We try so hard to ensure we're seen as committed

But ladies, depriving yourself of time off or vacations does not guarantee you an exec role

In fact, I'd argue they aren't even related

You can go through life like my friend did, never taking a day off
Or you can take every day you get

And you can be successful either way
So choose what's right for you ✌️💜

I'm headed to Mexico today with one of my besties - we do this girls trip every year and it is SO worth it! I'll be back in a week, walking slower, cup full.

My boss thought I'd never be a VP

Guess what? He was wrong.

6 months later, I was rocking a VP role. 
And doing it well. 

What changed?

3 things changed my trajectory:

1. I worked with a coach

This person was ultimately the one who helped me see that I was in the wrong place.

I've learned over the years that coaching almost always gives me a 10X return. 
This is just one example of it. 

2. I changed my mindset

By that point, my confidence was shot. I had stopped believing that I was a great executive, and that was impacting how I was showing up. 

I needed to work through that before it was going to happen for me.

Once I did that, a new opportunity practically fell into my lap.

3. I got support

I didn't try to figure this out on my own. I asked for help. I asked for feedback.

I created my own 'personal board of directors' so I could bounce ideas and get support. 

The company I joined as a VP was already crushing it, but needed sales culture, some good processes, and the right people and structure.

This is where I came in. 
And we achieved 9-digit growth over 2 years.

Imagine I had given up...

This is your friendly reminder that sometimes you're just in the wrong place.

And also, that coaches are awesome ;) ✌️💜

You'll never get promoted to VP with director-level habits
 
This is something many people miss
Because when we think 'habits' we usually don't think about our habits at work
 
But these small, automatic behaviours may be communicating that you're not ready for that next level
 
Things like:
Documenting decisions vs. documenting logic
 
Or asking for resources vs. framing the trade-off
 
In today's newsletter, I share 5 habits that signal you're VP-ready (or not)
 
And I break them down to clearly explain the difference between the director-level habit and the VP-level habit
 
If you're looking to step into a VP role
This may be game-changing for you
 
Happy reading ✌️💜

The following is an excerpt from my FREE Weekly Insights Newsletter. Subscribe now, and you’ll immediately get the full article delivered to your inbo

Open article: 5 Habits That Signal You're VP-Ready by Katy McFee • 3 min read

I've been there. 
Staying in a role, 
Working my a$$ off
Hoping for a promotion that never comes.

If you're wondering whether to stick it out or move on, there are 5 signs your boss isn't planning to promote you:

1. Limited feedback
If you ask for feedback and all you get is, "Keep doing what you're doing" this is probably not a good thing!

If your boss sees potential in you, they'll share constructive feedback to help you get better 

Tip: Ask your boss to provide you with more specific feedback about what they see as your next role, and how ready you are. 

2. No stretch assignments
Stretch assignments are often a way for your manager to see how you operate at the next level. 

If you aren't getting anything outside of your scope, this might be a sign that they aren't thinking of you. 

Hint: Ask for a stretch assignment if it's not being offered. 

3. Absent career conversations
If you aren't talking about your career progression, there's a good chance they are not thinking about it. 

Tip: Take the initiative and bring up this conversation. 

4. Short-term focus
A lack of long-term focus can mean that you're seen as temporary and not as a long-term prospect within your organization or team. 

Tip: Have a conversation about your longer term goals at the company, and engage your manager in supporting you. 

5. No investment in your development
If your manager is not investing in your growth and providing resources or training to help you get better, it may be a sign that they aren't trying to develop you for the next level.

Tip: Take matters into your own hands! If your manager won't invest in you, invest in yourself. 

Remember, you don't have to wait for your boss to decide your future. 

You can take control and initiate a career development conversation. 

You might not be on their radar today, but you can change that! 

✌️💜

5 signs your boss is not going to promote you

You speak up, volunteer for high-profile projects and present confidently
 
You're known and liked... but still getting passed over
 
What the heck is going on??
 
I was thinking about this recently, because I talk a lot about the importance of creating visibility
 
And I realized that there's a key element I've been leaving out:
The type of visibility matters
 
Most women toggle between reactive visibility and performative visibility
 
And neither of these are going to get you what you want
 
In today's newsletter, I break down the 3 types of visibility
And explain why visibility itself isn't the goal - leverage is
 
Happy reading ✌️💜

Open article: Visibility Is Not the Goal - Leverage Is by Katy McFee • 2 min read

Here's the big secret I wish I knew as a director

When I was frustrated and headed towards burnout:

Manager and director level is the #1 place people get 'stuck'. 

The challenge for me, and so many others is that what got you here, 
Is NOT what will get you to the next level.

In fact, what got you here is exactly what will keep you stuck. 

What do I mean?

Early in your career, you're rewarded for being a strong executor. 

Work hard, 
Do the right things, 
Execute flawlessly 
And you'll be successful.

Many people continue to run this same playbook, and then wonder why they can't get promoted past a manager or director level.

But what no one has told you, is that at the director/VP level
You're expected to suddenly have a very different set of skills.

Focusing on execution is no longer what makes you successful

Now you need to think about your function on a broader level, 
You need to be strategic in how you approach ideas and exercise the right judgement.

You need to be thinking more, and doing less. 

Not everyone can make this jump
But for most people, once they learn the new way, they're able to start showing up as a leader who has space, focuses on the right things, and gets promoted. 

If you're struggling here, I want to personally invite you to my workshop happening at 12pm ET TODAY. Check out the comments for the sign up link.

Remember, executing the same playbook that got you promoted to manager is not going to get you to the next level.

Less doing 
More thinking.

You got this! ✌️💜

"I'm SO busy!" "Back-to-back meetings all day!" "Work's crazy!"

These statements have become a badge of honour.

Can we talk about healthy boundaries?

As someone who was not always great at this, I get it.

It's easy to feel like you just need to push through this next month or quarter, 
And then things will start to ease up.

I told myself the same thing for years.

But here's the thing, they never actually ease up.

Just as in your personal life, it's important to set boundaries in our professional lives.

This may look different for different people - the key is to decide what works for you

Here are a few ideas:

- Blocking off your lunch hour to take a walk outside
- Starting your morning intentionally and not looking at email until 9am
- Fully unplugging from work on the weekends to focus on yourself
- Setting a maximum # of meetings per day and sticking to it
- Eating dinner with the family every night, no phone

Life is short. Your career is long. Put yourself first. ✌️💜

Which of these are you implementing?

_____________________________________________
♻️ Repost to help others!

I'm Katy, former EVP turned leadership coach. I help women get their seat at the table and thrive there. Follow me for all things women in leadership.

Being too 'productive' held me back from promotions

And most of the women I know get caught in this trap too.

I get it... You're the person who gets sh!t done!

When something needs to get done, 
Everyone knows they can give it to you 
And trust that you won't drop the ball...

You crank out work like no one else
And take pride that your output is so much more than that of your colleagues

So then, why did that last promotion not go to you??

This was me, and it's so many of the women I know.

Here's what I learned (the long and painful way):

Output doesn't get you promoted

Sharing the right insights and demonstrating exec-level judgement does

And a big part of that is ensuring people know the value you're bringing

When the women in my program learn this
They quickly go from indispensable and appreciated (but stuck)
To getting tapped for that next VP role

Want to learn how? 
I'm doing my most-loved workshop live, one week from today:
From Invisible to Influential: The 4-step recognition framework

Grab your spot here: https://lnkd.in/dkkusymd 

You're doing the work, so let's get you recognized. ✌️💜

I went from never unplugging to multiple vacations a year

And let me tell you, I'll never go back!

But for years, I was so afraid to unplug.
Although I took vacations, I was constantly on Slack and email.

I was rarely fully present.

If this sounds familiar, I get it.
I see you. I WAS you. 

It can feel as though priorities are never-ending 
And there's never a good time to take a vacation.

So, here are 5 things I learned in the last 20 years that I hope will make you think:

1. No one at work notices when you spend your whole vacation working. Seriously. 

And even if they do, it's soon forgotten. 

2. No one remembers the length of your mat leave. If you choose to cut it short out of guilt (I'm mostly thinking of my Euro and Canadian ladies here), no one will really remember long-term. 

So take the time you want.

3. The only people who will remember you working that whole vacation? Your family. 

And guess what? They're the ones who care more about you than anyone in the world. 
And they'll never lay you off.
Prioritize them. 

4. People who are rested and take breaks/ vacations are more focused, creative, and productive. 

Believe it or not, showing up as your best self at work is easier when you take breaks.
Take breaks daily. Schedule vacations.
Consider it a strategy. 

5. Delegating to your team not only frees up your time, it also allows them to gain visibility and recognition.

Make work better for both of you and give up some damn control. 

Tomorrow I fly home from my favourite place to vacation in Mexico
I spent the week doing a bit of work, but mostly doing:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Sound baths
- Cacao ceremonies
- Eating amazing food
- Hanging with my bestie

And I have my next 3 trips planned already
Some business, some pleasure, and all because I love it.

Anyone else? ✌️💜

__________________________________________________

Hi, I'm Katy. I'm a former VP and EVP who's on the mission to close the gender gap by helping women land their first VP role and thrive as executives. Follow me for more posts on women in leadership

Have you heard of the simplicity anchor?

Because it may change the way you communicate!

The idea is this:
When we use plain, clear language, we're seen as more intelligent, credible and trustworthy.

On the other hand, when we use big, complex vocabulary or jargon, the opposite is true!

How many of you are trying to use big, fancy words or buzz phrases to sound smart?

I've known many people who do this

But you should know that it may be backfiring!

And this intuitively makes sense to me...

When the cognitive load is low for the listener,
(meaning, it's easy for them to understand what you're saying)

They can focus on the great points you're making,
Instead of trying to decipher WTF you're talking about

So here's the take-home lesson:
- If you want your ideas to be better received
- If you want to be seen as intelligent and credible
- If you want to build better trust with your colleagues

Clear over clever is the way to go.

Believe me when I say,
Your great ideas can speak for themselves 
But first, people need to understand you ✌️💜

Ever notice that work has taken over your life?
 
You know what I mean. When your dedication to your team and your job turns into:
 
- Spending the whole time you're at the park with your kiddo texting your boss
- Jumping back on your laptop after dinner to get work done
- Putting off that morning workout (again) to get an early start on emails
- Trying to watch Netflix with your partner, but your brain is solving that issue from work
 
The question that so many high-performing women like me have is this:
 
Is this just an inevitable part of becoming an executive?
 
Many people believe it is.
I disagree.
 
So in today's newsletter, I'm unpacking why this happens and what we can do instead.
 
If you're overwhelmed and overloaded, you don't want to skip this one!
 
Happy reading ✌️💜

Open article: Is work taking over your life? by Katy McFee • 2 min read

I help women corporate professionals and entrepreneurs to dress for success at work! Refine your brand image, feel confident, and attract premium career opportunities

I have helped over 500 women professionals and entrepreneurs advance in their careers by dressing for success at work.

Here is what makes working with me different: 

 #1  Organized Closet with a polished wardrobe ready to go, so you don't have to worry about your physical presentation and stress if you look good

 # 2 Create a powerful image that says you are a professional, trustworthy, respectable leader who commands authority in a workspace

 #3 Dress well for all kinds of work situations without having to spend hours of your time shopping

Recent client transformations: 

Client #1 Mallory is a corporate professional at a medium-sized tech company. She had no idea what her style was. But was worried I might suggest a trendy style that won't work for her. Within three weeks of working together, she attended a very important conference where she was presenting. She made a massive impression on her boss. The CEO asked her to represent the company, who bypassed 3 people in higher positions.


Client #2, Jaqueline, had a small wedding planning company. Before we started working together, Jacqueline worried that she would be forced to spend lots of money on her new wardrobe. Instead, we started with identifying Jaqueline's style profile while keeping her budget in mind. Her business grew so much that she got a book deal in September of 2022, and her calendar is booked for a year in advance.

Client 2 Lina is a Director at one of the Big State universities. Before we started to work together, She was worried that she would be forced to throw away most of her wardrobe. We incorporated some of her wardrobes and added new pieces that elevated her style. After 8 weeks, her confidence and image skyrocketed, and as a result, she was promoted to a Director position shortly after. 

To book your Personal Style Consultation click the link below.
https://calendly.com/basia1/stylingsession?month=2022-10&date=2022-10-07

A little bit more about me: 

Hi, my name is Basia Richard. For over 15 years, I've styled top celebrities in the business, like Selena Gomez, Sarah Hyland, and Irina Shayk.

I have created a powerful image that helped them position themselves on top of the industry, as a result bringing lots of work and business opportunities.

Because of my work, many powerful women in leadership asked me to help them create a signature style they desired.

I am originally from Poland, but I have lived in Los Angeles for the past 18 years. I am a mom of a 7-year-old daughter and 2 senior rescued cats. I have an amazing and very supportive husband of 20 years.

Basia Richard

My videos have been going viral on Instagram.

And it’s not by accident.

This year, I decided I won’t hold back my thoughts.

 I say what I see. I say what I believe.

That resonates deeply with many women.

And it also triggers others.

That’s normal.

We are not meant to agree on everything.

Different opinions are healthy. They move conversations forward.

But here’s what I find interesting.

There’s a way to disagree with strength and intelligence.

And there’s a way to disagree with hostility.

The difference says everything about how you carry yourself.

I’ve been called names. Accused of things that don’t reflect my intentions at all.

I delete those comments and move on.

Because my message is not for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be.

But I do think this:

The way you respond when you disagree reveals more about your leadership than the opinion itself ever will.

I build polished wardrobes for 6-figure + women professionals and entrepreneurs who want their clothes to reflect their career success, make them feel confident, and project the authority they’ve earned.

Women don’t need chocolates and flowers today.

We need:

• Equal pay and career growth opportunities.

• Workplace support for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Affordable, high-quality childcare.

• Access to education and career training.

• Mental health resources.

• Flexible career paths.

• Paid maternity leave.

Flowers and Chocolates are great

But do you know what’s better?

Basic Human Necessities.

Last week, my client attended a leadership presentation.

She wasn't a speaker.

But three different people asked her if she was presenting.

Not because they knew her.

Not because they saw her name on the program.

Simply based on what she was wearing.

That’s how fast people form assumptions in professional rooms.

They look for signals.

- Who looks like they belong on stage.
- Who looks like they are leading the room.
- Who looks like they are just attending.

And clothes send those signals instantly.

The interesting part?

The actual speaker dressed like one of many.

She was on stage but didn’t look like she belonged there.

My client was sitting in the audience, and people assumed she was presenting.

Clothes quietly move people up or down in the hierarchy of a room.

And sometimes the woman who looks like the authority isn’t even the one holding the microphone.

This is exactly what I help women in leadership with.

Dressing so that when you walk into the room, people immediately see you as the one in charge. 

Send me a dm with the word "image" and let's chat about how I can help elevate your professional wardrobe.

The most important lesson I learned while dressing celebrities had nothing to do with fashion. 

It was about positioning.

Years ago, when I was styling celebrities, I got a call from a publicist I knew. 

We had never worked together before.

She asked if I was available to dress her major client for the Emmys.

One of the lead actresses on a hugely popular TV show.

I was thrilled.

Then she said something that stopped me.

“She can’t wear black. Absolutely no black dresses.”

It was the first time anyone had told me to avoid a specific color. I was surprised, but I didn’t question it.

For the fitting, I didn’t bring a single black dress.

After the Emmys, I asked her why.

She said, “I have a harder time getting interviews for her if she wears black. She blends in on the red carpet. No one remembers black.”

This was a major actress on a nominated show.

 She had every reason to stand out.

And yet, her wardrobe was being used strategically to increase visibility, media coverage, and memorability.

That moment changed how I approach clothing.

Whether it’s a red carpet or a boardroom, the outcome you want should guide what you wear.

Do you want to look:

• Approachable but still clearly in charge?
 • Polished without fading into the background?
 • Established and credible at your level?
 • Modern without looking too trendy?

Every outfit communicates something before you say a word.

Your clothes are not just a look.

They are positioning.

Most women in power have the same three pieces in their closet.

They think they’re “professional.”

They’re not.

After over a decade of elevating leadership wardrobes, I can predict what I’ll find before the closet doors even open.

The safe stretch pants.

The “personality” top that’s slightly dated.

The butt-covering cardigan.

These pieces aren’t terrible.

They’re just quietly diluting authority.

And at a certain level, that matters.

If you need help with taking your wardrobe to the next level, send me a dm and let's chat!

You’re not stuck because you lack options in your work wardrobe.

You’re stuck because replacing what you already bought feels like failure.

So you keep wearing pieces that are “fine.”

And every time you do, you feel slightly muted.

Slightly smaller.
Slightly less authoritative than you actually are.

You’ve poured time, money, energy, and emotion into your professional wardrobe…

-  The designer blazer you “should” wear
-  The corporate dresses you bought for that last promotion
-  The entire rack of black that feels safe and appropriate

And now, even when it’s clearly not positioning you at your level, you feel like you have to keep wearing it 

“I spent so much on this suit. I can’t just stop wearing it.”
“I built my whole closet around neutrals. I can’t change direction now.”
“This was expensive. It has to work.”

Here’s the reality 

Continuing to wear pieces that dilute your authority does not elevate your presence.

It just deepens the disconnect between who you are and how you show up.

You’re not being wasteful by letting go of what no longer reflects your level.

You’re being a smart leader who understands positioning.

You cannot justify a past purchase by ignoring your current frustration.
So here’s my question to you 🔥

If you were building your wardrobe today, for the role and visibility you have now…

Would you still choose that blazer?
That silhouette?
That color palette?

If not, you have your answer.

Your next level will require a different visual strategy.

DM “IMAGE” if you’re ready to stop honoring old investments and start dressing for the authority you already are.

Dressing professionally should not be the goal if you’re in a leadership role.

“Professional” works when you’re:

• entry level
• moving up the ladder
• required to follow a strict corporate dress code

But leadership is different.

At a senior level, your wardrobe is no longer about fitting in.

It’s about creating a strong visual presence that immediately signals authority, credibility, and decision-making power.

A leader’s wardrobe should be:

• branded
• consistent
• intentional

Something a typical professional outfit simply isn’t.

In today's video, I will tell you:

- the clear difference between a professional outfit and an executive style
-  what each one communicates about your role and decision-making power
- why leaders need consistency, not outfit-by-outfit decisions

Here is the link: https://lnkd.in/gmxiSuJP

Please stop saying, “I just want to look professional.”

That’s not the goal.

It’s the baseline.

When you search: "how to dress professionally", you’ll get the same formula every time:

- Black blazer + black skirt + black flats
- Beige trousers + black blazer
- Gray sheath dress + simple pumps

Yes, that’s professional.

But it’s also the same formula worn by entry-level employees, junior staff, and corporate uniforms.

And that’s where the problem starts.

At a certain point in your career, “professional” is no longer the goal.

You already run the team.
You lead the meetings.
You make the decisions.

Your wardrobe shouldn’t say "I work here."

It should say: I lead here.

Because the traditional definition of professional dressing was built around fitting in.

Leadership dressing works differently.

It allows space for a clear style identity.

For example:

- Romantic elements like florals, ruffles, or softer silhouettes
- Edgier pieces like leather, studs, or darker monochromatic looks
- Clean, classic outfits with sharp tailoring and minimal color

All of these can be professional.

But they communicate something much stronger than the standard corporate formula.

At a certain level in your career, your wardrobe isn’t about looking appropriate anymore.

It’s about having a clear visual identity that matches the level you operate at.

Because once you’re in leadership, blending in stops working in your favor.

If your wardrobe still looks entry-level but your career isn’t, this is exactly what I help my clients with. Send me a dm with the word “Image” and let's chat

I am always asked how to elevate a professional wardrobe.

This is what I say.

Go against the flow.

Because yes, you can wear what everyone else is wearing and be totally fine.

The risk is this:

• You blend into the background.
• You mix in with everyone else in the room.
• You look competent, but not necessarily like the decision-maker.

Fitting in is easy.

Standing out with intention, while still looking appropriate, is a strategy.

You can absolutely respect the dress code and still put your look together in a way that feels elevated and slightly “against the flow.” That subtle shift is what positions you on a different level.

That is what I teach my clients to do.

PS. If you are ready to take your wardrobe from looking professional to looking executive, send me a dm and let's chat

I sometimes get pushback from women who ask:

“What would you know about working in a male-dominated industry?”

Before I worked with women in leadership, I was a celebrity stylist working on major brand campaigns.

I worked with teams at Disney, OPI, Sears, K-Mart, Adidas, and Nintendo, just to name a few.

And every creative meeting?

- Mostly men.
- Production heads were men.
- Studio heads were men.
- Decision makers were men.

Yes, my direct clients were often women.

But the rooms where budgets were approved and campaigns were shaped were filled with men.

And I learned something very quickly.

I didn’t want to be seen as the lady with clothes.

I wanted to be treated as part of the creative force.

- As someone influencing direction.
- As someone creating impact.
- As someone whose opinion mattered

Because when you walk into a room where you’re outnumbered, you don’t get extra time to prove yourself.

The room makes a decision about you before you open your mouth.

And once you’re mentally categorized, it’s hard to undo it.

That’s not theory.

That’s lived experience.

And it’s exactly why I care so much about how women in leadership show up now.

Your wardrobe isn’t decoration.

It’s part of how your authority is processed.

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

If your clothes still make you look like support staff instead of the decision maker, message me and let's chat!

If your look still reads entry level

Even though you’re the one leading the room

This is the shift I use to change it immediately

Contrast.

That’s what I teach my clients.

Having elevated pieces isn’t enough.

You have to put them together in a way that actually reads elevated.

If you need help with taking your professional wardrobe to the next level sned me a dm and let's chat!

You know what I see all the time?

Women who can close million-dollar deals…

But stand in front of their closet for 20 minutes trying to convince themselves an outfit is “fine.” 

Not good. Not powerful. Fine.

- They’ve bought quality pieces.
- The blazer was expensive.
- The trousers technically fit.
- The capsule was “well curated.”

But none of it was built around a defined image.

So every morning becomes a negotiation.

“Does this look senior enough?”
“Is this too much?”
“Is this too basic?”

That mental noise is exhausting.

And no one talks about that part.

It’s not about spending more money.

It’s about eliminating the doubt.

When your image direction is clear, getting dressed stops being a daily question mark.

It becomes automatic.

That’s the difference.

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself every morning, 

DM me IMAGE and let's chat!

When you get to the next level of your career,

Your wardrobe should reflect it too.

It’s not just your resume or your responsibilities that evolve. 

Your image should evolve with them.

The problem?

Most of the women I speak to are still wearing the typical “corporate uniform.”

Yes, it’s easy.
Yes, it works on repeat.

But that safe, predictable look doesn’t position you as the woman who just stepped into the next level.

It keeps you looking safe

Not authoritative.

In this video, I walk you through:

- How to find your style when you get to the next level of your career
- The exact 3-step process I teach my clients to define an image that positions them with authority
- How to shift from looking professional to looking like the decision maker

Link to the video here: https://lnkd.in/ga32HJmK

Your wardrobe is either building your brand or making you blend in.

Even if you love leather and lace.

No matter what you love to wear, you can always incorporate it into your brand.

And that’s how you differentiate yourself from everyone else.

Last month, I had a client who loved lace, studs, and leather.

Something you don’t see too often in professional settings.

But like I said, you can wear almost anything you love if you know how to turn it into a look that includes the elements you’re drawn to and still appears polished and authoritative.

This is what I do for women who are done blending in.

Send me a message and let's chat about how I can help you create a visual brand through your wardrobe.

LinkedIn is full of conference outfits.

And I roll my eyes most of the time.

Don’t get me wrong. There are good outfits out there. 

But the majority are falling flat.

- I see too-casual denim looks.
- Flat black dresses.
- The typical “professional” outfits that feel safe… but forgettable.

Here’s the problem:

A conference is not a normal workday. It’s a visibility moment. And most women dress to be appropriate instead of dressing to be positioned.

In my latest video, I break down:

– The 3 major questions to ask yourself before you even open your closet, so you show up aligned with the level of the room

– What to wear depending on the type of conference, whether it’s an elevated corporate, more relaxed industry, or somewhere in between

– The key outfit decisions to make when you’re presenting, and what to avoid so you don’t visually shrink on stage

Here is the link: https://lnkd.in/gGBEDxsS

I work with women at a senior level and help them fix one thing that quietly holds them back at work.

Today I’m breaking this down for free, because once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

You know that feeling when you open your closet, see how much you own,
and still think: why does this not work?

Before you say, “But I buy good clothes,” yes.

This applies to you, too.

Here’s what’s actually happening.

If I watched you like a fly on the wall, I’d see the pattern immediately

- You add clothes when something comes up.
- A blazer for a big meeting.
- A dress for a conference.
- Shoes for one presentation.
- A top because it felt polished and right for your level.

You keep doing this over time.

Individually, every piece is a good decision.

But together, your wardrobe has no direction.

So you still:
– struggle to put outfits together
– default to the same safe looks
– spend too much time getting dressed
– don’t consistently look like the decision-maker in the room

This is the part most women miss.

It doesn’t matter how many quality pieces you own

If they weren’t chosen to work together.

Just like it doesn’t matter how hard you work out
If your nutrition is working against you,

It doesn’t matter how much you invest in clothes
If you’re buying them one moment at a time.

That’s why one more blazer doesn’t fix it.
That’s why one more dress doesn’t fix it.

In my work, I don’t just tell you what to buy.

I built the structure first.

- We define how you need to be read at work.
- We identify what’s missing and what’s sabotaging cohesion.
- Then we add pieces that connect everything you already own.

That’s why my clients stop panic shopping.

That’s why their wardrobes finally work as a system.

And when you do this now instead of later, the shift happens fast.

Within weeks, not years, getting dressed becomes easy, repeatable, and intentional.

And your clothes finally support the level you’re already operating at.

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

This is what I help women in power with. Send me a dm and let's chat!

Most women I work with don’t look junior because they lack style.

They look junior because their wardrobe is still built for an earlier version of their career.

They did what they were supposed to do:

- They invested in better quality.
- They bought “the right pieces.”
- They upgraded here and there when something important came up.

And yet, when the stakes are high, they still default to the same few safe outfits.

Because their wardrobe doesn’t actually support their current role.

When your clothes don’t have a clear direction, you end up dressing to blend in instead of being read as the one in charge.

You earn attention instead of being assumed as the leader.

You second-guess instead of walking in already positioned as the leader.

This isn’t about needing bolder clothes or more shopping.

It’s about having a clear image strategy that matches your level, your authority, and the rooms you walk into now.

A full closet without a system will always keep you stuck in “professional” instead of leadership.

And that gap shows up long before you say a word.

If you’re done collecting good pieces and still not looking like the one in charge, send me a dm and let's chat on how I can help you take your wardrobe to the next level!

A client of mine recently updated her wardrobe without buying much new.

Within weeks, she was invited to speak on a panel and asked if she was part of the executive team.

At the same time, I see highly accomplished women with 15 to 20 years of experience still being visually positioned as support.

This is the disconnect no one talks about.

- Your resume has grown.
- Your responsibilities have expanded.
- Your title has evolved.

But your image has not evolved at the same pace.

You walk into meetings knowing you’ve outgrown how you currently present yourself.

You look around and realize you don’t visually stand apart.

You sense that your presence doesn’t fully reflect your level.

The natural reaction is to shop.

A sharper blazer.
Better basics.
Higher-quality pieces.

It feels strategic.

But nothing fundamentally changes.

Because the issue was never the quantity of clothing.

It’s clarity.

If your wardrobe still resembles the same corporate uniform as everyone else in the room, you visually blend in.

And when you blend in, you are perceived as part of the group, not necessarily the one leading it.

When a client tells me she got promoted, I don’t automatically celebrate.

I audit.

Does she look like the level she just stepped into?
Would someone recognize her authority before she starts speaking?
Or does she still need to prove it verbally?

This isn’t about style.

It’s about visual leadership positioning.

If you walked into your next board meeting and stayed silent for five minutes, would your appearance clearly signal that you are the decision-maker?

If the answer is not an immediate yes, that’s not a competence issue.

It’s an image clarity issue.

If this resonates, message me IMAGE and let's chat!

After seeing over 500 closets of women in leadership, you would think I’ve seen everything.

But I see the same things over and over.

- The typical “professional” wardrobe.
- The generic black and grey suits.
- Neutral pencil skirts.
- Beige or nude blouses.

Nothing terrible.

But also nothing that says this is the wardrobe of a woman in charge.

And when I edit my clients’ closets, those pieces are usually the first to go.

Not because they’re “bad.”

But because they’re:

• Dated and generic
• Off-fitting
• Entry-level looking

They belong in the wardrobe of someone trying to look professional for the first time.

Not someone leading the room.

In today’s video, I break down:

• The pieces I immediately remove from my clients’ closets
• Why they quietly make accomplished women look more junior than they are
• And what to replace them with so your wardrobe actually reflects your level

Here is the link: https://lnkd.in/egGGYbNR

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