Lorraine K. Lee

Wiley

➡️ unforgettablepresencebook.com

*𝑷𝑹𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑬*
If you’ve ever felt that your hard work wasn’t enough to move you forward, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. It shows that the answer isn’t to become loud, flashy, or inauthentic. Instead, the secret is to follow Lee’s advice and craft a professional presence that reflects who you are while making sure the right people notice.”
–Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 'The Power of Regret' and 'To Sell Is Human'

'Unforgettable Presence' is 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 who want to foster deeper connections and seamless collaboration across any setting. Through tactical frameworks and relatable stories, Lorraine K. Lee shows us how both teams and individuals can communicate with purpose, build confidence, and create lasting impact.
–Eric S. Yuan, Founder and CEO of Zoom

In business and in life, how you show up matters. 'Unforgettable Presence' is your guide to making every interaction count. Lorraine K. Lee offers 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥.
–Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter

In a world where early-in-career individuals are pressured to have an authentic personal brand from day one on the job, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭. Lorraine K. Lee breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable strategies for anyone serious about leveling up.
–Natalie Marshall (aka Corporate Natalie), Content Creator and Advisor

'Unforgettable Presence' is 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 and owning your value at work. Lorraine K. Lee breaks it down with actionable advice and relatable stories that anyone—from entry-level to exec—can use to get noticed and make moves. 
–Vivian Tu, NYT Bestselling Author of 'Rich AF'

Best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career

Business Insider

Writing thought leadership pieces on career advancement, communication frameworks, leadership strategies, and how to get ahead at work.

Contributing Writer

CNBC

Writing thought leadership pieces on career advancement, communication frameworks, leadership strategies, and how to get ahead at work for CNBC's Make It. Multiple articles have trended at #1.

RISE Learning Solutions

RISE Learning Solutions helps organizations and teams RISE to become more Respected, Influential, Successful, and Empowered. RISE Learning Solutions is a holding company for all of Lorraine Lee's business ventures.

RISE was founded by Lorraine K. Lee, who speaks, consults, and teaches clients how to stand out and supercharge their professional presence — meaning both *how* and *where* others see you.

Recent speaking clients include Zoom, Cisco, and Atlassian; recent consulting clients include Inspiration At Work (on behalf of the National Institute of Mental Health) and UC Irvine.

See more of Lorraine's work and testimonials below.

Founder

Stanford Continuing Studies

Invited to teach flagship public speaking and presentation course, "The Art of Public Speaking." (Fall 2024) Received 4.7/5 rating (avg scores are 4.5-4.6)

***

Invited to teach "Essential Video Communication Skills for Today's Workplace," a 3-week virtual course covering video communications, virtual presentations, and virtual meetings. (Fall 2023)

⭐️ Course Rating: 4.86/5 (average Stanford Continuing Studies course is 4.4-4.6/5)

Instructor, Stanford CSP

Lorraine K. Lee | Leadership and Professional Development | Corporate Keynote Speaker

Get personalized support for your team or organization.

➤ Create a LinkedIn strategy and content calendar as an executive to build your visibility, thought leadership, and credibility (Limited number of clients per month)
➤ 1:1 coaching on topics like executive presence, public speaking and presentations, and video communication (Limited number of clients per month)

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆

✨Two years ago, I received a federal grant from the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 to create a program to alleviate the emotional distress associated with unemployment. Although I had a strong vision and desire to help a lot of people, I had a limited budget and was overwhelmed by the notion of creating a visually appealing and content rich online product. Throughout the entire process of developing the DRIVEN prototype, 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 on everything from working with Prezi software to ensuring our actors were positioned effectively in front of the right type of webcams and lighting. She is endlessly patient, generous, and thorough, and I'm so very lucky to count her as a part of the DRIVEN team today and hopefully in the future as the program evolves.
—𝘈𝘓𝘌𝘟 𝘓𝘌𝘝𝘐𝘛, 𝘞𝘖𝘙𝘒𝘍𝘖𝘙𝘊𝘌 𝘍𝘜𝘛𝘜𝘙𝘐𝘚𝘛, 𝘞𝘚𝘑 𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘜𝘔𝘕𝘐𝘚𝘛, 𝘐𝘕𝘛'𝘓 𝘉𝘌𝘚𝘛𝘚𝘌𝘓𝘓𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘈𝘜𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘙

✨ My team and I were brainstorming how to build our company's LinkedIn presence, and Lorraine has a proven track record of building brand presence on LinkedIn from the ground-up. In our call, Lorraine was able to walk me through the foundations of where to get started. Our conversation was a great jumping off point, and she was able to guide me to focus on some approaches to 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐑𝐎𝐈 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬.
—𝘒𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘌 𝘒𝘞𝘖𝘕, 𝘔𝘈𝘙𝘒𝘌𝘛𝘐𝘕𝘎 @ 𝘔𝘈𝘎𝘐𝘊 𝘌𝘋𝘌𝘕

Consultant

• Launched 18 LinkedIn Learning courses across a variety of topics. Popular ones include: Virtual and Hybrid Meeting Essentials, Nano Tips for Giving and Receiving Feedback, Nano Tips for Managing Up, How to Speak So Others Will Listen Nano Tips, Nano Tips for Self-Motivation
• Selected as an instructor for Stanford CSP's flagship public speaking course, "The Art of Public Speaking"
• Selected as one of the first 30 LinkedIn Nano Learning Instructors, and one of 2,500 LinkedIn Learning Instructors worldwide
• Invited to be instructor for a cohort-based course platform called Maven, founded by Udemy co-founder; Part of Maven's 3rd cohort, made up of 145 instructors from 27 countries in 100+ cities (out of 2,000+ applicants); Launched and led 3-week course for inaugural cohort titled, "Engage Your Virtual Workforce"

Online Course Creator and Instructor

🎙𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊: 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐊𝐋𝐄𝐄.𝐂𝐎𝐌/𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

🏆 Named a Top Virtual Keynote Speaker - ReadWrite (2020)
🏆 Finalist: Global Conference Speaker of the Year - WomenTech (2022)
🏆 Survey results: Speaker rating: 4.8/5, 100% learned something new, 98% found the session valuable (2023)

𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, with experience speaking to global audiences ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups, including Zoom, Cisco, Atlassian, and GitLab. She’s also a 5x-LinkedIn Learning Instructor with more than 300,000 followers on LinkedIn. 

Lorraine speaks on a wide range of topics, and each of her talks receive rave reviews: In 2022, she was rated a 4.92/5 as a speaker with 100% of attendees saying they learned something new.

Popular talks:
➤ How to Have Better Meetings (#2 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦-𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 '22 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦)
➤ How to Build Your LinkedIn Presence
➤ How to Make a Memorable First Impression on Video
➤ How to Present Like a Pro
➤ How to Stand Out On Video and Beat Zoom Fatigue

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 (More at lorraineklee.com/testimonials)

✨ I [...] recently invited her to speak at Zoom as part of our internal speaker series. Lorraine led a masterclass in engaging an audience virtually, including using cutting-edge tools to elevate virtual storytelling. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞'𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. — 𝘈𝘙𝘜𝘕 𝘑, 𝘡𝘖𝘖𝘔

✨Her presentation was 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 on how to improve our video communications. Her presentation encouraged engagement in an authentic way that made everyone enjoy the call. — 𝘚𝘈𝘔𝘈𝘕𝘛𝘏𝘈 𝘓𝘌𝘌, 𝘎𝘐𝘛𝘓𝘈𝘉

Top-Rated Keynote Speaker and Trainer

LinkedIn

• Created 15 LinkedIn Learning courses across a variety of topics. Popular ones include: Virtual and Hybrid Meeting Essentials, Nano Tips for Giving and Receiving Feedback, Nano Tips for Managing Up
• Selected as one of only 2,500 LinkedIn Learning instructors worldwide
• Selected as one of the first 30 LinkedIn Nanolearning Instructors.

View courses here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/lorraine-lee

LinkedIn Learning Instructor

Prezi

I was the first Editorial hire at Prezi, the leading presentation software in creating engaging visual communications.

As Director, Head of Editorial, I led a growing team that worked closely with influencers and thought leaders to create educational, informative, and engaging presentations and meetings with Prezi. I was the creator of Prezi's Meeting Guidebook (an internal and external-facing resource), and a founding member and lead for Women@Prezi.

• Drove tens of thousands of registrations through webinar program that focused on topics incl. hybrid work, presentations, and public speaking, with expert guests from Slack, Stanford, and more
• Build relationships with subject-matter experts and business leaders to create and live stream Prezi videos with goal of 1) building top-of-funnel awareness 2) driving leads and 3) creating content library that grows user engagement and acquisition
• Grew Prezi Video awareness and adoption through virtual conference collaborations, reaching 100K+ professionals across target audiences
• Co-led PR with CMO and agency; Partnered with CEO to define swim lanes and secure thought leadership, momentum and product launch stories in top-tier publications, including The Wall Street Journal; Managed LinkedIn strategy for CEO
• Authored Prezi’s Meeting Guidebook as part of a task force selected to build out Prezi's virtual-first meeting policies; Collaborated cross-functionally to distribute playbook internally and externally
• Exceeded company average scores for team engagement and management categories, based on employee engagement results
• Founded and led Women@Prezi ERG; Organized and moderated multiple Speaker Series; Published quarterly newsletter

Director, Head of Editorial

• Built relationships with subject-matter experts and business influencers to create Prezi videos with goal of 1) driving top-of-funnel awareness and 2) creating content library that grows user engagement and acquisition
• Launched Prezi’s Presentation Pros cohort to strengthen Prezi’s positioning as a market leader in the presentation space; 86K+ views on creator videos and 5K+ visits to landing page in first 6 months
• Conceptualized Prezi’s first Big Ideas campaign, feat. 15 videos from Influencers such as Hooked’s Nir Eyal, an Emmy Award-winner, Udemy’s VP of Learning, and a CDC Public Health Advisor (https://blog.prezi.com/big-ideas-2021/)
• Oversaw editorial initiatives across business and education verticals, incl. editorial calendar and email campaigns centered around sales audience; “emerging educator influencer” outreach strategy on Twitter; and virtual conferences strategy (https://prezi.com/virtual-conferences/)
• Hired to lead Prezi’s first-ever Editorial team, with focus on business and education verticals; managed two direct reports, 2 contractors, and a rotating quarterly intern

Managing Editor

Maven

• Invited to be an instructor for a new cohort-based course platform called, Maven, founded by the co-founder of Udemy and the co-founder of altMBA. Maven has raised $20 million in a Series A round led by Andreessen Horowitz
• Part of Maven's 3rd cohort, made up of 145 instructors from 27 countries in 100+ cities (out of 2,000+ applicants)

Join the waitlist: http://maven.com/lorraine-k-lee/video-linkedin
Join the newsletter: https://courses.lorraineklee.com/signup

Course Instructor

• Developed social media strategy for LinkedIn Editors across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn; Implemented paid campaigns that surpassed LinkedIn CTR benchmarks by +947% (FB) and +175% (Twitter) while lowering CPC up to 95% (projected savings of ~$1.3M); Mentor university interns on quarterly basis for social initiatives like crafting weekly content insights email for stakeholders, including then-SVP of Product (current CEO of LinkedIn)
• Lead editorial strategy for LinkedIn’s first newsletter product; Wrote weekly newsletter curating top newsletters; selected pilot participants; Educated writers on publishing best practices 
• Conceptualized and hosted #FemaleFounder video series, one of the most engaging series on our LinkedIn News Page
• Wrote and reported for LinkedIn Lists franchise; Co-led first List webinar to educate and excite honorees; built first content calendar to spark member conversation
• Mentored university interns on quarterly basis for initiatives including crafting weekly content insights email for stakeholders; and creating and translating the Content Creator's Guide (https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/100132) to more efficiently educate members about LinkedIn and how to create impactful content (85% helpfulness score)
• Established GDPR compliance across Editorial tools and processes

News Editor, Special Projects

News Editor, San Francisco // February 2016-October 2016
News Editor, Hong Kong (on assignment) // November 2016-November 2017
 
• Wrote Daily Rundown, a digest of breaking news and trends delivered to ~170 million members; script for video digest (https://www.slideshare.net/LinkedInPulse/tagged/Daily%20Top%20Headlines)
• Wrote heds, deks, and descriptions; curated first- and third-party content for the top stories feature, an editorially-driven way to see and discuss today’s news and views
• Operationalized processes for LinkedIn Influencer program to ensure active engagement by participants
• Operated independently as the sole US editor in the Asia-Pacific region as part of 24-hour global news team
• Supported launch of LinkedIn's first-ever video app, "Record"; collaborated with LinkedIn Influencers to create content for app launch

News Editor, Daily News

🎙️ Virtual Speaker | 300K+ Followers | LinkedIn Learning Instructor | Consultant | Editorial + Tech | Ex-LinkedIn, SlideShare, Prezi | I help organizations and teams stand out and supercharge their professional presence

📖 Grab your copy of Unforgettable Presence, an instant #1 Amazon bestseller and Next Big Idea Club must-read: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r

My career grew exponentially and unexpectedly in 2021 when I decided to get more comfortable with public speaking. 

Full of nerves, I spoke whenever and wherever. In a surprising turn of events, speaking became a small side hustle while I led Prezi's editorial team.

Then I got laid off in 2022. The combination of that side hustle, the career brand I had created, and my 10+ years of experience as a founding editor at numerous tech firms like LinkedIn and Prezi gave me the confidence to start my own company, RISE Learning Solutions, where I am now a keynote speaker and trainer, content creator, and instructor teaching courses to global audiences with LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies.

Looking back, I've realized that all the opportunities that have come my way have happened because of my 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — both in terms of 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 others see me. I believe being intentional about these two things are the most critical factors to someone's professional success, and it's why I'm so passionate to share all the skills that fuel presence: from presentations and communication to managing up and LinkedIn.

🎙️ Keynote Speaker and Trainer: In 2023, 100% of surveyed attendees say they learned something new; 98% of attendees said they found my sessions valuable; and I received a speaker rating of 4.9/5.  Past clients: Amazon, Zoom, Cisco, ServiceNow, and McKinsey and Company.

👩🏻‍🏫 Instructor @ LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies. I also create custom courses for organizations. I've empowered more than 250,000+ LinkedIn learners with all 15+ of my courses rated 4.7/5 and up. Watch: lorraineklee.com/linkedinlearning

✏️ Content Creator: I publish on LinkedIn M-Sat, and share bite-sized career and leadership tips through my free weekly newsletter, Career Bites (lorraineklee.com/subscribe).

🏆 Named a LinkedIn Top Voice
🏆Top virtual keynote speaker by ReadWrite
🏆Featured in Inc, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, CNBC, and more

🎓 BSJ from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism

📧 DM me or email me at contact@lorraineklee.com if you'd like to collaborate! (See what it's like to work with me in my 200+ recommendations 👇🏻)

🥊 Outside of work, I can be found doing muay thai and eating my way through San Francisco

Top-Rated Virtual Keynote Speaker and Trainer

I spent the first 5 years of my career thinking I was being polite. In reality, I was undermining my worth:

"Sorry, can I just ask..."
"I might be wrong, but..."
"This is probably a dumb question..."

Sound familiar? I was sabotaging my own authority — and didn't even realize it. 🥲

Your words tell people how to treat you. And the language that feels “polite” early in your career can quietly hold you back later.

Here are 7 phrases that make you sound junior (and what leaders say instead):

1️⃣ "Sorry to bother you..."
Say instead: "Do you have 5 minutes to discuss X?"
Leaders value their time and yours. Be direct.

2️⃣ "I think maybe we should..."
Say instead: "I recommend we..."
Own your expertise. You were hired for your judgment.

3️⃣ "Does that make sense?"
Say instead: "Happy to answer any questions."
Assume clarity. Let others flag confusion if needed. 

4️⃣ "I'm not sure if this is right..."
Say instead: "Based on my analysis..."
Make a confident recommendation based on the information you have.

5️⃣ "Just a quick thought..."
Say instead: "I've been thinking about X and here's my take..."
Take out unnecessary qualifiers.

6️⃣ "Ugh so sorry for the delay..."
Say instead: "Thanks for your patience!"
Turn apologies into appreciation. It changes the entire dynamic.

7️⃣ "I'll try to get it done..."
Say instead: "I'll have it to you by [date]."
Trying is hoping. Committing builds trust.

Start speaking like the leader you want to be. ✨

Which phrase are you guilty of overusing?

* * * * * *

👋 I'm Lorraine—keynote speaker and bestselling author. I help rising leaders build an unforgettable presence and stand out at work. Follow for more actionable career tips!

♻️ Reshare if this resonated with you!

📘 PS: Want more communication scripts that command respect? Check out my book, 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r

Bestselling Author (Unforgettable Presence) | Corporate Keynote Speaker | Instructor: LinkedIn Learning & Stanford | Former Founding Editor at LinkedIn & Prezi

𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 won an award! 🥹

It placed 2nd at The BookFest® Awards for Business Leadership & Professional Growth. 🏆

I am so happy that this book is out there helping professionals transform how they show up at work so that they can become truly unforgettable. 

What readers are saying:

💬 "I can genuinely say that your book was the best I have read this year!" - Belen 
💬 "I love your new book. Your thoughts and insights are spot on" - Mark 
💬 "Thanks for all the great tips... I feel like everyone should read and take notes!) - Stephanie

Thank you to everyone who's supported this journey. 💙

If you've been thinking about grabbing a copy (for yourself, a colleague, or that new grad in your life), now's a great time: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r

Y/N: Do you know someone who has an unforgettable presence? Give them a shout out below!

* * * * * *

👋 I'm Lorraine K. Lee—keynote speaker and bestselling author. I help rising leaders build an unforgettable presence and stand out at work. Follow for more actionable career tips!

♻️ Reshare if this resonated with you!

📘 PS: Ready to go from overlooked to unforgettable? Grab the book: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r

My first Forbes feature is live!! 

In my article, I tackle a question I get asked constantly:

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴?!

I share 5 simple, non-cringey ways to do just that.

(You’ll want to read this before you create your annual reviews!)

You can read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gmUZDvcw 

(Thank you to Julia Korn for making the intro and to my editor Sarah Chandler Perez)

Five years into my speaking career, and I’m now speaking alongside Neil Patel Ali Abdaal, and Seth Godin 🌔. 🤯

Ten years ago, I was the introvert avoiding presentations at ALL COSTS! 😂

When I did present, I was:
…trying to hide the fact that my hands were shaking
…sweating through my shirt (lol)
…wondering if I’d ever feel confident speaking to a room of 10 people, let alone thousands.

Digital Cut 2025 brings together some of the most influential digital minds on the planet for three days of deep dives into:

✨ AI & Automation
✨ Marketing & Advertising
✨ Content Creation
✨ Product-Led Growth
✨ RevOps & Data

I’ll be discussing what presence looks like in the age of AI, and how an introvert who once hid behind her laptop built a career helping millions show up with clarity, confidence, and credibility.

And I can’t wait.

Will I see you there? 

FEB. 6-8, 2026 | Register here: https://digitalcut.co/

📘Grab bestseller Unforgettable Presence to go from overlooked to unforgettable 🎙️ Corporate Keynote Speaker & Trainer 👩🏻‍🏫 Instructor: LinkedIn Learning, Stanford 💼 Prev. Founding Editor @ LinkedIn, Prezi

Taking a moment to appreciate the people who've made a real difference in my journey these last few months 🙏🏻 

(Make sure to give them a follow, too!)

Ryan Leffel and I met through his podcast. Then he asked me to join him in New York for a UXDX event. Then he suggested I speak at Priceline. Thank you for always thinking about the next opportunity for me!

Dorie Clark carved out time literally the morning of a flight to meet me in person for the first time. She generously shared her experiences and ideas. (Say hello to us on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gh2N7KFs)

Che Ugwuala, MBA and I connected over LinkedIn, started talking about ways to collaborate, then he went above and beyond to organize and facilitate a fireside chat at Google’s New York office. 

Brandon Smithwrick 🧠 and I met at Hubspot’s INBOUND Creator program and when I recently reached out with some questions about the creator space, he generously wrote me a very long text with his answer the same day!

Kendra Stone, MBA hosted me at ServiceNow in New York and made what could have been a standard office visit into something memorable. She offered up the office in case I needed good internet (I did for a virtual event), reserved a room for said event and even got a monitor brought in, and took me out to lunch with the team (thanks, Marc Monday!). 

So appreciative of all of you! 💙

Who's been your unexpected champion this year?

After 3 years running my own business, these are a few of the things I appreciate most:

🔵 Becoming friends with other solopreneurs-turned-friends (who would have thought talking about work would be so energizing 😅)

🔵 Meetings only when they’re actually needed 
(love a good async collab — Nicole Kayla, you’re brilliant at this!)

🔵 Providing economic opportunity for others
(such a rewarding feeling)

🔵 Sharpening my negotiation and business acumen skills
(these are skills I can take with me wherever)

🔵 Being able to WFH in silence
(an introvert’s dream)

🔵 Watching my team and revenue grow
(it’s so cool to see everyone’s direct impact on the bottom line)

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty that’s hard about running RISE Learning Solutions… but today (and most days), I try to focus on the positives because I’m so lucky to do what I do. :)

What questions do you have for me about my business?

PS: Check out my year 3 solopreneur reflections here: https://lnkd.in/gSSfhF7H

At LinkedIn, I noticed something fascinating:

The most well-liked people weren't the smartest or most talented.

They just followed one simple rule: Don't be a jerk.

Sounds obvious, right? But here's what that actually looks like in practice.

Check out these 5 secret habits of well-liked people at work 👇

Being well-liked isn't about being “fake nice.”

It's about being genuinely interested in the humans around you.

And in a world of AI and automation?
This human touch becomes your competitive advantage.

After 10+ years helping professionals build their presence, I've learned:

Your expertise gets you in the room.

Your character keeps you there.

💭 Which habit resonates most with you?

* * * * * *

👋I'm Lorraine—keynote speaker and bestselling author. I help rising leaders build an unforgettable presence and stand out at work. Follow for more actionable career tips!

♻️ Reshare if this resonated with you!

📘PS: Want more tactical career tips? Check out my free Career Bites newsletter here: lorraineklee.com/subscribe

5 Secrets of Well-Liked People

Just wrapped up my third year in business!!! 🥹 And to think it all began from a layoff.

As part of my annual tradition, I’m sharing a business recap and my favorite lessons with all of you in this special edition of Career Bites — the one time a year it’s more than 3-minute read. 😂

Read the full recap ⤵️

*****

PS: Want my previous recaps?

Year 👆: https://lnkd.in/gBgWDJ7b 
Year ✌️:  https://lnkd.in/gE8dQ7Cd 

#CareerBites #careertips #solopreneurtips #entrepreneurtips

Hi Reader, It’s been 3 years since I was laid off and began this crazy journey of solopreneurship (or should I say, entrepreneurship, now that I’ve ma

Open article: what I learned in year 3 of solopreneurship by Lorraine K. Lee • 10 min read

what I learned in year 3 of solopreneurship

Ever had someone bump into you in passing and you end up saying “sorry” ? Have you apologized for simply following up on an email? 

Why do so many of us apologize for things when we’ve done nothing wrong? 🥲 (I’m guilty of it, too!)

The words you use at work shape how people see you — and how you see yourself.

One small habit that silently weakens your presence?
→ Overusing “sorry” when there’s no need to.

I wrote an article for CNBC about this exact thing. In it, I shared how over-apologizing sends a message you may not intend: that you don’t fully believe in your value, your ideas, or your right to be in the room.

Here are a few quick swaps you can start using today:

1. Instead of: “Sorry I’m late.”
Say: “Thanks for waiting.”

2. Instead of: “Sorry to follow up.”
Say: “I’m checking in to see when you plan to review the document.”

3. Instead of: “Sorry, can I add something?”
Say: “I’d like to add a quick thought.”

Small changes, big difference.

Your language is one of your strongest tools for building credibility and influence.

Want more swaps and tips?

Check out my article: https://lnkd.in/gdgW3Uri

Want more practical ways to communicate with confidence? Grab my bestselling book Unforgettable Presence: https://amzn.to/4jm8SvD 📘

In the workplace, extroverts often get noticed first.

They’re the ones speaking up in meetings, networking at events, and leading the charge in group discussions.

But what about the introverts?

The ones connecting dots others might miss.
The ones listening carefully to what’s being said (and what isn’t).
The ones reflecting before they respond, ensuring every word they share carries weight.

Introverts might not always stand in the spotlight, but their contributions shape the culture, strategy, and success of an organization in profound ways.

→ They’re the planners behind bold decisions.
→ The observers who notice what others overlook.
→ The steady presence others turn to in moments of chaos.

Just because something isn’t always seen right away doesn’t mean it isn’t equally if not more powerful.

Let’s start appreciating the hidden strengths that make all the difference.

💬 Do you agree that introverts are an underrated force in the workplace?

* * * * * *

👋 I'm Lorraine—keynote speaker and bestselling author. I help rising leaders build an unforgettable presence and stand out at work. Follow for more actionable career tips!

♻️ Reshare if this resonated with you!

📝 PS: Want other bite-sized tips and strategies to future-proof your career? Join 60,000 others who are subscribed to Career Bites: lorraineklee.com/subscribe

So many emails fail before they even start. 😬

And when that happens, you’re not just losing replies —
you're losing opportunities, trust, and influence.

Not because your idea is bad…
but because one sentence is killing your credibility. 😣

If your emails are getting ignored, it might not be your message — it might be your opener.

👉 I'm sharing the 3 phrases that are quietly working against you (and what to say instead) in today's newsletter. ⬇️

#CareerBites #careertips #credibility

I recently sat down with Mo Bunnell on Real Relationships, Real Revenue to talk about what personal branding really means today. We dug into authentic

Open article: 3 email phrases your boss secretly hates by Lorraine K. Lee • 4 min read

My team and network are full of podcast lovers, so I asked them to share their go-to listens for career growth.

After dozens of recommendations, these six came up more than once:

🎧 Think Fast Talk Smart — Matt Abrahams
Practical communication tools to speak clearly under pressure.

🎧 Psychology at Work — Melody Wilding, LMSW
Insights on emotional intelligence, confidence, and navigating tough work moments.

🎧 Future of HR Consulting — JP Elliott, PhD
Real-world insights on modern HR, talent strategy, and what leaders need to build strong, people-first organizations.

🎧 Get Hired — Andrew Seaman
Actionable job-search advice from one of LinkedIn’s top career experts that teaches you how to find work aligned with your interests, values and strengths.

🎧 Tiger Sisters — Cherie Brooke Luo & Jean Luo
Smart, honest conversations about career, identity, and ambition.

🎧 Career Contessa — Lauren McGoodwin
Career guidance for women navigating growth, job changes, and leadership.

Some teach presence.
Some teach psychology.
Some teach leadership.

All of them teach you something you can apply right away.

PS: If you're curious to hear every podcast I've been on, here's the playlist: https://lnkd.in/gMqXSuyG

What are you listening to right now? 👇

* * * * * *

♻️ Reshare to help more people discover their next great listen!

My Favorite Podcasts

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Hope you’re all having a wonderful time reconnecting with family and friends. 🧡

You’re qualified for roles at Google, Meta, Amazon, and top AI companies.

But recruiters still aren't messaging you.

The job market is tough, but I'm still seeing great candidates land offers in just 1-3 months.

I know what it feels like to work hard, think you're doing everything right, and still get overlooked.

That's why I'm hosting a FREE LinkedIn Workshop with Superinterviews  tomorrow, Dec. 10 @ 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET! 

When I ran this workshop in November, the response was so positive that we’re bringing it back one more time! 

This time around, we’ll include a deeper look at visibility too, not just LinkedIn. Because getting opportunities isn’t only about optimizing your profile. It’s about how you communicate your value everywhere.

Kasey ✨ KD ✨, Jeremy Barton, and I will discuss:

✨ How to make yourself known in whatever room you’re in
✨ What makes a profile stand out in a 6–8 second scan
✨ What recruiters are actually looking for in candidates
✨ Ways to update your LinkedIn profile so it finally gets seen

Plus: There may or may not be some LIVE LinkedIn profile reviews too 😬 

Spots are limited, so grab your seat now! https://luma.com/z4z3comj

#SidebarPartner

As someone who studied journalism and has spent my entire career in communication/content/marketing roles, I was totally nerding out at getting the chance to speak at Ragan Communications and PR Daily's Future of Communication Conference in Austin last week! 🤩  

I closed out day 1 with a fireside chat — "The Visibility Factor: Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading with Intent."  

While the conference was packed with sessions on hard skills like AI (and yes, we need those), there were a lot of smiles and head nods when we dug into the human skills and career strategies that will be our biggest competitive advantage — from personal branding, to advocating for yourself, to why it's so important to be on LinkedIn.

Here are just a few of my fav pieces of audience feedback so far:

💬 “I so enjoyed your keynote speech. A lot of what you shared really resonated with me :)” 
💬 “Your session really resonated with me and where I am currently in my career. I’m excited to explore how I am showing up at work and defining my career brand. I haven’t thought too much about it before and I look forward to the journey.”
💬 “I listened to your fireside chat at Ragan’s Future of Comms Conference in Austin. Loved your practical guidance for doing little things to make meaningful connections.” 

Remember: We're not competing with AI. We're partnering with it. 

And the professionals who understand how to amplify their human skills alongside these tools are the ones who will own the future of communication.  

Thank you to Alyssa Smith, Allison Carter, and Courtney Blackann for making the event such a success! ✨  

What human skill do you think will matter most in the age of AI?

Highlights from RAGAN's Future of Comms Conference

So many of you are fans of my mentor and friend Matt Abrahams. 

Now, you have an awesome opportunity to learn from him directly!

Check out his new Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community to learn all things communication (+ author talks, guided quests, and even AI Coach Matt!): https://lnkd.in/gPqEQ9sk

(He's offering a 1-month free trial too 🤩)

***

PS: Matt and I met in person for the first time earlier this year to record an episode for his Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gqP799bT

I have so many reasons to be grateful this year, and one of them is YOU. 😊

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm giving away 5 audiobook copies of 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!

I want to help even more of you speak up in that meeting, get that promotion, and build your confidence like the readers below did after reading the book.

Here's what readers are saying:

→ “I loved Chapter 4. It’s helping me tremendously in sharpening my communication skills.” - Nick C.

→ “I've implemented some of your ideas. So far my LinkedIn engagement has increased and a few of my cold messages were answered.” - Jane D.

→ “Your insights were incredibly inspiring and practical, especially for someone like me working as an EA. Just yesterday, I found myself applying one of your tips. My executive was away on a business trip, and I needed his preferences regarding upcoming external events. Normally I keep my messages concise, but this time I made sure to include my rationale. And it worked — he appreciated the context and responded positively! Your advice reminded me that thoughtful communication, even in small moments, can make a big difference. I’m truly grateful for the tools and confidence your work has given me.” - Clara N.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 "𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞" 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜'𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝟱 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵.

Your support made this book an Amazon bestseller. The book has reached thousands of you, thanks to you spreading the word. Your success stories and wins keep me going! 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🧡

📸 : Yes, those are all cassette tapes behind me at the Google Atlanta office from when I spoke there in June!

There’s a part of career growth no one really talks about:
how to manage upward when communication becomes inconsistent or unclear.

When your manager is juggling too much, direction often shifts, priorities blur, and answers come through quicker than anyone can interpret.

In those moments, it’s natural to assume the confusion is coming from you.

But more often, what’s really happening is that communication is cracking under the weight of competing demands… and you’re the one feeling the impact. 😅

You can’t always change how someone communicates, but you can learn to navigate those gaps in a way that protects your energy and positions you as the go-to person leaders trust.

Sharing 3 practical ways to do this in today’s Career Bite.👇

#CareerBites #careertips #managingup

My first Forbes piece is officially live! 🤩 This article tackles a question I hear constantly: "How do I get noticed for the right reasons, without o

Open article: frustrated with your boss? here’s 3 things to do by Lorraine K. Lee • 3 min read

frustrated with your boss? here’s 3 things to do

If you’ve ever talked yourself out of applying because you “weren’t qualified enough,” this is for you.

My best hire didn’t match the job description — yet she outperformed everyone who did.

I shared this story with CNBC because it surprised a lot of people: my strongest candidate didn’t match the “ideal” résumé. But she showed me something far more valuable.

Here are the 3 things my first full-time hire, Meagan, did that helped her rise to the top:

1️⃣ She showed HOW she thinks, not just WHAT she’s done.
Instead of matching every bullet point, she gave real examples of solving similar problems in different contexts. Her examples came from different roles, but the underlying skills mapped perfectly.

2️⃣ She didn’t try to “play it cool.” 
While others tried to seem casually interested, Meagan made it clear that this wasn’t just a role she could do — it was the role she wanted. Her enthusiasm wasn’t over the top; it was energizing. It made me excited about her.

3️⃣ She followed up after applying. 
Out of 1,000+ applicants, fewer than 10 reached out on LinkedIn. Fewer than 5 messages stood out, including Meagan’s. Meagan’s message was short and thoughtful, and it moved her towards the top of my list. 

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: 
You don't need to check every box. 
You need to show you can think, adapt, and create impact.

Months later, I couldn't be happier with my decision.

If you want the full breakdown and the exact steps any candidate can use to stand out, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gPUXAUJj 

What's one thing you've done to stand out in a job search? ✨

* * * * * *

👋 I'm Lorraine—keynote speaker and bestselling author. I help rising leaders build an unforgettable presence and stand out at work. Follow for more actionable career tips!

♻️ Reshare if this resonated with you!

📘 PS: Want more tips like these? Join 60,000+ others who are subscribed to Career Bites: lorraineklee.com/subscribe

Do you know what people say about you when you’re not in the room?

That’s your personal brand. And whether you’ve built it intentionally or not, you already have one—it’s your reputation.

If you’re unsure where to start, I recommend using the EPIC Framework to uncover and shape your personal brand.

In the video, I dive deeper into how you can use the EPIC Framework to take control of your narrative and ensure your personal brand works for you, not against you.

For more tips on personal branding, check out my book, Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career.

💬 Your personal brand matters more than ever. Do you know what yours is, or are you starting to shape it now?

2x Female Founder & Global Speaker ➭ Podcast Host (Top 5%) ➭ I post about how to write KILLER Resumes and Land Jobs Faster ➭ Resume Assassin & Sidekick! 💪

I’ll take you from feeling stuck to unstoppable. 💪

I write resumes, optimize profiles, and create LinkedIn content that showcase the badass you already are so the world can see it too.

A little secret? Job searching and personal branding have always felt like a game to me. 

And as a woman who thrives on competition, I love finding creative ways to help you win. 
But it wasn’t always that way. 

When I first started Resume Assassin, I thought I was just helping people find jobs. 
Now I help people change their lives. 

Because when your story is told the right way (with confidence, strategy, and a little bit of edge) opportunities start chasing you.

After working with over 4,000 executives, professionals, and business owners, I’ve learned one thing: most people aren’t bad at their jobs—they’re just bad at bragging about themselves. 

That’s where I come in.

I help you:
💥 Craft a killer resume and LinkedIn profile that land higher-paying jobs in record time
💥 Create authentic, engaging content that attracts clients, board seats, and new opportunities
💥 Build a personal brand that makes you unforgettable online

Results that make me proud:
✅ 4,000+ clients served
✅ 270+ LinkedIn recommendations + 173+ 5-star Google reviews
✅ 90% of clients land higher-paying roles within 2 months
✅ $2M+ in new client revenue through my ghostwriting
✅ Featured clients at Google, Amazon, SpaceX, Tesla, and more

Whether you’re ready for your next 6-figure role, want to grow your brand on LinkedIn, or need help finding your voice online, I’ve got you.

👉 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet
👉 Work with me 1:1: www.resumeassassin.com
👉 Build your resume instantly with AI: www.resumesidekick.io
👉 Resume Pro Academy: https://academy.resumeassassin.com
👉 Search Resume Assassin Unfiltered on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube

Let’s tell your story and make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

Mary Southern

Leaving a toxic job isn’t a loss. 
It’s a win.

My client spent years feeling trapped. 
She thought leaving was impossible. 

Two months after we updated her resume and LinkedIn, she walked out. 
And into a job where she’s respected, heard, and growing.

Why leaving matters:
·       You choose yourself.
·       You protect your mental health.
·       You open doors to better opportunities.

Steps to make it real:
1.     Credit yourself. Walking away takes courage.
2.     Recharge. Toxic workplaces drain you. Fill yourself back up.
3.     Plan your next chapter. What energizes you? What role fits?
4.     Seek support. Find people who lift you up.
5.     Take action. Resume, LinkedIn, reach out, learn (momentum builds!!).

Leaving toxicity isn’t selfish.

It’s self-respect.
It’s courage.
It’s growth.

💪💜

♻️ Share if you Agree!
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 
📍 Job searching? Grab instant freebies here: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Turning Your Stories into Offers ➮ Resume + LinkedIn Branding Nerd ➮ 4K+ Clients Served ➮ $2M+ Ghostwriting Wins ➮ Global Speaker & Top 5% Podcast Host 💪

Your salary is shaped long before you sign the offer.
It starts with the words you use when you talk about your value.

I’ve helped over 4K clients rewrite their resumes, optimize their LinkedIn profiles, and land interviews at major companies.

Here's the biggest pattern I see:

People don’t get paid less because they’re underqualified.
They get paid less because they communicate like they’re underqualified.

One small phrase can quietly lower your worth.
Not just now, but for years.

You can have a brilliant background.
A strong track record.
And the perfect resume…

…but if your wording signals “I’ll take whatever I can get,” employers will believe you.

Here are a few examples of the phrases that sabotage people without them even realizing it:

❌ “Whatever works for you.”
❌ “I can be flexible on pay.”
❌ “I’m sure we can figure something out.”

These don’t sound humble.
They sound uncertain.
And uncertainty always gets discounted.

Instead, speak with clarity—calm, confident clarity:

✅ “I’d love to make sure the compensation aligns with the value I bring.”
✅ “Here’s the market range I’m seeing for roles at this level.”
✅ “I’m excited about this position and want to find a package that works well for both of us.”

The difference is subtle…
but subtle is where negotiations are won.

You’re not being pushy.
You’re being professional.
You’re not asking for too much.

You’re stepping into the worth you’ve earned.

Your language can either shrink your earning potential—
or protect it for the rest of your career.

♻️ If this resonates, resharing might help someone avoid a costly mistake.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Thanks to Reno Perry for the visual!! 💜 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #jobsearch #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Being easy to work with is so undervalued. Here's how I learned this. 

I once worked with a guy who had all the credentials.

Smart. 
Experienced. 
Technically brilliant.

But he was SO hard to work with.

-He didn’t communicate clearly.
-He argued over small details.
-He made every project feel heavier than it needed to be.

The ripple effect was massive:

• His peers avoided collaborating with him.
• His boss spent extra hours smoothing over conflicts.
• I lost time re-explaining tasks that should’ve been simple.
• The culture suffered...people felt drained, not energized.
• Heck, even the company lost credibility.

The sad part?

His reputation overshadowed his talent.
People stopped wanting him on projects.
Opportunities passed him by.

All because he wasn’t easy to work with.

Here’s the truth:

👉 Technical skills might land you the role.
👉 But being easy to work with keeps you in the room.

It’s not soft.
It’s not secondary.

It’s a competitive advantage.

♻️ Share if you’ve seen this play out in your career.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more!

Ready to make a change in your career? Let's chat! 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

I battled negative self-talk for years (and still do sometimes).

I know what it’s like to go through life 
feeling like your own worst enemy.

Questioning yourself.
Doubting your worth.
Wondering if you’ll ever be enough.

That’s why I love simple reframes like this.
They’re small, almost invisible shifts in thought.

But over months and years, they rewrite the way you speak to yourself.
The way you show up in your career.
Even the opportunities that come your way.

Tiny course corrections. 
Massive transformations.

Because the way you treat yourself sets the tone for everything else in your life.

🔁 Share if you agree!

Thanks Colby Kultgen for the inspo! 💜 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Want recruiters to actually call you? 

Here’s why your resume might be holding you back,
and how to fix it fast.

Most job seekers don’t get responses because their resumes don’t speak directly to the role. Even when they’re highly qualified.

Here’s a simple framework I use:

1️⃣ Keep a Career Vault
Your master resume should include every skill, project, and achievement. 
This makes customization fast. 
You’ll never start from scratch.

2️⃣ Focus on the Role
Read the job description carefully. 
Identify the top responsibilities and must-have skills. 
Ask yourself what this company actually needs.

3️⃣ Cut the Noise
Remove experience or details that aren’t relevant. 
Less is more. 
Make every line count.

4️⃣ Speak Their Language
Pull keywords straight from the job description.
Weave them naturally into your bullets. 
Recruiters and ATS notice when your resume aligns perfectly.

5️⃣ Highlight Your Wins
Update your “Highlight Reel” at the top. 
Show your most relevant results so you immediately stand out as the candidate they need.

6️⃣ Quick Quality Check
Before submitting, ensure your resume clearly demonstrates you have the experience, skills, and results required.

Small, targeted tweaks like these can dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed.

📍 Save this so you can reference it later!

♻️ Share to help someone in your network today. 💪 
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more tips!

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Want recruiters to call you?

Stop pouring yourself into a job that doesn’t see your value.

If you’re constantly:

Staying late
Going the extra mile
Delivering results

…but still feeling invisible, it’s not you. 
It’s them.

You’re not unmotivated. 
You’re undervalued.

A company that truly respects you will:

💪 Celebrate your wins, not just demand more.
💪Hear you, and act when you speak up.
💪 Honor your boundaries and your life outside work.
💪 Grow talent from within instead of always looking elsewhere.
💪 Invest in your growth with real opportunities.
💪 Make staying feel like a choice, not a trap.
💪 Pay you fairly for your impact, not what’s convenient.

Loyalty is earned, not one-sided.
If they won’t meet you halfway, step back without guilt. 

Protect your energy. 
Recognize your worth.

The right place won’t make you question it.
It will show you every day.

If you’re feeling stuck or overlooked, this is your reminder: 
You deserve better.

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
➕ Ready to update your resume and LinkedIn? Let's chat! 💜 

Resume Assassin
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#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

I stayed in a role far longer than I should have.

Not because it was fulfilling.
Not because it aligned with my strengths.
But because I was terrified I wouldn’t find anything better.

I couldn’t even articulate what was wrong.

I just knew I didn’t feel challenged…
didn’t feel valued…
and definitely didn’t feel happy.

But I convinced myself:

Maybe it’s just a phase.
Maybe it will get better.
Maybe I should be grateful and stop wanting more.

Here’s the truth I had to face:
It wasn’t going to change.

The longer I stayed, the more I felt myself shrinking—
my ambition,
my confidence,
my sense of who I was and what I could actually do.

What I learned (slowly):
Staying somewhere misaligned takes more from you than leaving ever will.

It drains:
• your creativity
• your drive
• your belief that you’re capable of more
• your clarity around what you actually want

I help job seekers every day who are exactly where I was-
Stuck, unsure, hopeful that “maybe next quarter” will finally be different.

But the shift doesn’t start with a resignation letter.
It starts with honesty.

💪 Name the real fear
Is it starting over? 
Is it failure? 
Is it not trusting your value?

💪Build quietly
One optimized resume.
One LinkedIn update.
One networking message.
Tiny moves = real momentum.

💪 Set a decision timeline
Not to quit tomorrow, but to stop abandoning yourself.

I used to believe leaving meant risking everything.
Now I know staying somewhere that dims you costs far more.

If you’re in that place where everything looks “fine” on paper but nothing feels right…

you don’t need permission to want better.
You just need to remember you deserve it.
💜💪

♻️ Share if you agree. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

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#resume #gethired #jobsearch #recruiter #jobopening

Everyone’s chasing the wrong thing.

The perfect title.
The perfect job.
The perfect “next step.”

But here’s the secret: your path doesn’t exist yet. 
You create it.

If you’re stuck, don’t chase jobs. 
Chase yourself.

The happiest version of you.
The strongest version.
The most confident, present, healed version of you.

Do that first, and watch what happens:
🔥 Happiness draws better opportunities
🔥 Strength makes tough choices easier
🔥 Confidence gives you courage to take bold risks
🔥 Presence shows you what you’ve been missing all along
🔥 Healing stops you from tripping over your own success

I spent 10 years chasing titles.
Then 10 years chasing me.

Guess which one really made a difference?
💪 I worked on myself
💪 Shared what I learned every day on LinkedIn
💪 Showed up consistently

People tuned in
Over time, they became clients and peers.

Stop chasing jobs. 
Start chasing you. 
Everything else follows.

🔄 Share if you agree!
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening #remotework

Resume Assassin
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You’re not getting rejected because you’re not qualified.

You’re getting rejected because you don’t understand 
what happens in the first 7.4 seconds of a resume review.

That’s all the time you get.

In those seconds, recruiters decide:
✔️ Interview
❌ Pass

Most resumes never make it past that window.
Not because you lack talent. 
But because your resume doesn't read like a marketing document.

In today's podcast, I break down exactly how to:
• Beat AI screening 
• Structure your resume using F-pattern scanning psychology
• Showcase skills over credentials (in the right way)
• Write bullet points that stop recruiters cold
• Position your most important information in the first 2 seconds of viewing

If you’ve applied to 200 jobs with silence…
If less qualified candidates are getting callbacks…
If you know you’re capable but can’t break through the noise…

Watch this.
Copy what I show you.
You will land interviews.

🎥 Full episode: Copy This Resume Strategy, You Will Land Interviews
Link in comments.

♻️ Share to help someone in your network land an interview faster. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

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#resume #gethired #techrecruiter #jobopening

Scared to leave? That’s exactly why you should.

I stayed in a job I’d outgrown for far too long.
Not because I liked it.
Because I was scared. 

Scared of leaving. 
Scared of the unknown.

I almost let fear keep me trapped.
And I’m so glad I didn’t.

Time and again, I see the same thing with job seekers:

The moments we don’t take? 
Those are the ones we regret forever.

The moment you feel like giving up? 
That’s often the moment everything changes.

Here’s what I’ve learned about fear, and how to turn it into fuel:
1️⃣ Fear is tuition 
Every scary step teaches you something you can’t learn sitting still.

2️⃣ Discomfort is data
Heart racing? That’s growth knocking.

3️⃣ “Not ready” is code for ready
Waiting for perfect is waiting forever.

4️⃣ Success leaves breadcrumbs
Every expert started terrified. 
They just stayed in the room longer than their doubt.

5️⃣ Comfort zones lie
Feeling safe feels good. 
But it’s silently holding you back.

6️⃣ Courage is choice
It’s not about feeling fearless. I
t’s about feeling fear and choosing yourself anyway.

Ten years from now, you’ll laugh at what scared you today.
Start laughing now.
💪💜

♻️ Share to motivate your network into action. Let's GO!
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 
📍 Grab instant freebies here: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

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#resume #jobsearch #gethired #techrecruiter #executiverecruiter #hiring

Stop being overlooked.
(It’s not about working harder.)

I spent years being invisible.

Head down. 
Great work. 
Zero recognition.

Man, can I grind out some work!!
Thought I was crushing it!!

Then I realized:
Your work won’t speak for itself. 
You have to speak for your work.

Here’s what actually moves the needle: 👇

❌ Wait for recognition
✅ Share weekly wins. Send updates. Make your contributions impossible to miss.

❌ Be the loudest voice
✅ Be the most useful voice. Offer insights that make others’ jobs easier and elevate your team.

❌ “It’s not ready yet”
✅ Share progress, not perfection. People remember those who think out loud and take initiative.

❌ Say yes to everything
✅ Choose projects that highlight your unique strengths and measurable impact.

❌ Hope your boss advocates for you
✅ Build relationships across teams. Influence grows horizontally, not just vertically.

❌ Hide behind LinkedIn posts
✅ Speak up in meetings. Ask smart questions. Own the room.

❌ “I’ve been so busy”
✅ Frame your impact: “I reduced processing time by 30%” or “I improved team onboarding efficiency.” Make results visible.

Here’s the truth:

Visibility isn’t politics.
Visibility isn’t boasting.
It’s strategic self-advocacy.

Don’t wait for someone to spotlight you.
Build your own career spotlight.

What’s the first step you’ll take this week to make your work impossible to ignore? 👇

🔁 Share to move your network into action! 💪 
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#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Stop Being Invisible

Don’t get stuck in the wrong place.

A few years ago, I stayed in a role that no longer challenged me.

I wasn’t learning. 
I wasn’t growing.

But I was scared. 
Scared to leave. 
Scared of the unknown.

I almost let fear keep me trapped.
And I’m so glad I didn’t.

Here’s how to know if you’re stuck, and how to get UNSTUCK:

1️⃣ Am I still learning?
If your work doesn’t challenge you, you’re standing still.

2️⃣ Am I making an impact?
If your contributions don’t matter, your time doesn’t either.

3️⃣ Do I align with the company’s values?
If the culture doesn’t feel right, it’s not the place for you.

4️⃣ Am I being recognized?
If your work goes unseen, your effort will fade.

5️⃣ Do I enjoy my team and boss?
If relationships drain you, no title will fix that.

6️⃣ Am I underused or overworked?
Balance isn’t optional—it’s survival.

7️⃣ Am I burnt out?
Your mental health matters more than a paycheck.

8️⃣ Do I see a path forward?
If growth isn’t visible, you’re stuck.

9️⃣ Am I exploring options?
Hope keeps you moving. Stagnation kills.

It’s better to admit you walked through the wrong door than to spend your life in the wrong room.
💪💜

♻️ Share if you agree. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more!
📍 Job searching? Access instant freebies here: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

get unstuck

Your skills might get you noticed, 
but this one thing will get you hired.

Most job seekers think landing a role is all about:
 A perfect resume, LinkedIn profile, or technical expertise.

(They're not wrong!!!)

But here’s what I've witnessed: 
The people who get remembered (and hired) aren’t just skilled. 
They’re intentional, genuine, and kind in how they show up.

Think about it:

When someone treats you with respect, engages thoughtfully, or acknowledges your experience, you feel: 

Seen.
Valued.
Confident.

This is what hiring managers notice, guys!!

And here’s how you can show it in your job search:

• Respond promptly and thoughtfully
• Engage authentically on LinkedIn
• Celebrate others’ wins and contributions
• Share knowledge and insights freely
• Include and uplift voices that often get overlooked

Kindness isn’t weakness…it’s a career multiplier.

It strengthens your network, creates opportunities, and makes you unforgettable.

Your skills got you here.
Your presence and authenticity will get you hired.

P.S. How do you show kindness in your job search or professional interactions?

♻️ Share this to motivate your network. 💪 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

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#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

This will get you hired.

I pray you land that offer this week.

I know what it feels like to face 100+ rejections.
To wonder if the “yes” will ever come.

Here’s the truth: it will.

Not luck. 
Not chance. 

Preparation. 
Persistence. 
Faith.

Rejections? Ghosting? 
They’re not final.

They’re just datapoints. 
Lessons. Signals. Fuel.

Your season of waiting? 
It’s shaping you.

Every “no” is getting you closer to your breakthrough.

20-minute reset today:
1️⃣ Update one resume bullet with Google’s XYZ formula.
2️⃣ Send 2 value-packed messages to hiring managers or referrals.
3️⃣ Practice one STAR story, timed to 90 seconds.
4️⃣ Log one win this week—learning, connection, progress.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Keep showing up. Keep refining. Keep believing.
Your offer is coming.
💪💜

♻️ Share to give your network hope. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #jobsearch #gethired #executiverecruiter #jobopening

Your expertise is priceless.
But only if the right people can actually find you.

Here’s the problem most job seekers face:

You’ve spent years building skills, solving problems, and delivering results.
But when it comes to your next opportunity. 
Nobody sees your full story.

No visibility.
No clarity.
No way to show why you’re the perfect fit.

So what happens?

You send resumes into a black hole.
You apply to dozens of roles with little to no response.
You watch others, sometimes less qualified, land the jobs you want.

It’s not your fault.

You were taught to do the work, not to market yourself or tell your story.

That’s why I’ve helped 4,000+ clients revamp resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and craft stories that get them noticed:

Not with fluff.
Not with exaggeration.
Just honestly, strategically, and effectively.

Because when your story is clear and your value undeniable:

Recruiters reach out.
Interviews multiply.
And you stop chasing jobs...you start choosing the roles you want.

Your experience. 
Your expertise. 
Your next career move.

It’s worth more than it’s being seen for today.

♻️ Share if you agree!
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more.

Job searching? Access instant freebies: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

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#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

You’ve been lied to about job searching.
And I get it.

To some, job search means 
update your resume, hit apply, and hope.

Yes, you need an awesome resume. 
But you also need a strategy.

A great strategy helps you:
💪 Bypass HR and reach hiring managers directly.
💪 Access the 70-85% of jobs that never get posted.
💪 Negotiate like a pro—85% success rate. BOOM!!
💪 Generate referrals 5x more effectively.

And the results are HUGE:
🔥 Multiple offers in weeks.
🔥 Salary increases people thought were impossible.
🔥 Foot in the door at companies you dreamed about.

For years, people have said that success requires patience. 
Endless applications. 
Playing by the rules.

It doesn’t.

The rules don’t work. 
The data does.

This week, I show you exactly how to do it. 
Step by step.

Link to full video in comments. Let's GO!! 💪 

♻️ Share this to help someone in your network land a job faster.
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Let me tell you about the time I threw away $65K+.
And why it was the best decision of my life. 

I spent years (and lots of $$$) earning my degrees. 
I had a great job. 
Amazing benefits. 
Security.

But fulfillment? HA! Zero. 
I was unchallenged, unmotivated, uninspired.

The truly scary part?  
I couldn’t see anything better for me, but I knew I needed more.

If you know me, you know that I FEAR change. 
As a kid, I cried when my dad sold our full-size family van. 
I bawled when I moved to Austin, leaving my Iowa family behind. 

Leaving stability, comfort, predictability...well, it sucks!
But growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. 💪

If I wouldn't have taken those steps, then I wouldn't be where I am today.
And now, I do what I love every single day. 

I help people get visible. 
Land the roles they deserve. 
And (most days), I feel like I make a real impact.

Even better, I can block my schedule to bake brownies with my son whenever I want. 💜 

For anyone scared to take the next step:
• Change is scary, but stagnation is worse
• Your dream job won’t find you—you have to create it
• Take small, intentional steps. Each one builds momentum
• Align your skills, story, and platform—and people notice

I feel like I have finally found freedom, fulfillment, impact.
The work is hard, but it’s SO worth it 💪

If you’re stuck wondering if you should take the leap: you should. 
Your next chapter is waiting 

🔄 Share this to inspire change in someone's life today. 
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#resume #gethired #jobopening #recruiter

Job searching can be pretty simple.
(But not if you’re doing it the wrong way)

Most people think it’s a numbers game.

→ Apply to dozens of jobs
→ Send hundreds of resumes
→ Hope someone notices

And still… nothing happens.

So how do you know if your approach isn’t working?
You’re invisible to employers.

↳ 90% of job seekers never get noticed.
Your applications blend in.

↳ Resumes and cover letters look like everyone else’s.
You’re exhausted but not seeing results.

↳ Constant effort, minimal impact.
You can’t see a clear path forward.

↳ You don’t know how to stand out or get noticed.
You can keep doing what everyone else is doing.

But doing more of the same won’t get different results.

Job search success comes from strategy, not volume.
It’s about becoming unforgettable.

Do you agree?

💪 Watch my full episode for the exact steps to stand out (link in comments).

♻️ And please share this post to help the job seekers in your network. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more!

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#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Your job title doesn’t make people trust you.
How you show up does.

And the same thing I tell my clients is true in real life too:
your professional brand is built in the small moments most people overlook.

Name Recognition
↳ Use people’s names. “Good morning, Maria” lands way better than a generic “hey.”

Better Questions
↳ Swap “Any questions?” for “What would be most helpful for you right now?”
It instantly creates clarity and connection.

Gentle Feedback
↳ Start with “I noticed…” instead of “You always…” or “You never…”
It keeps people open rather than defensive.

Mini-Celebrations
↳ Screenshot someone’s win and send a quick “Saw this — amazing work.”
Small recognition goes a long way.

Real Presence
↳ Two minutes of full attention beats twenty minutes of distracted multitasking.
Your reputation (online and offline) isn’t demanded.
It’s earned through consistent micro-moments that make people feel respected.

This is the stuff that gets you referred, recommended, and remembered.

It’s not just what you’ve done.
It’s how people feel after interacting with you.

When your micro-moments reflect who you are at your best, your job search becomes a whole lot easier.

Which one are you practicing today?

♻️ Repost if this resonates.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 💜 

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#resume #gethired #jobopening #recruiter #motivation

Did you know most job seekers never see 70% of roles they’re actually qualified for?

A lot of the clients I work with at Resume Assassin used to struggle with this:

-Scrolling endlessly
-Sending out generic applications
-Wondering if they were even qualified for the roles they wanted

Then LinkedIn quietly launched a new AI job description search feature.
It’s pretty awesome

Instead of relying on job titles or hoping for the right posting to appear.
You can now describe the type of role you want, and AI finds it for you. 

Here’s how it works for my clients:

1/ Search by Skills
Not sure of the exact job title? 
Just type in your skills. 
AI surfaces roles that actually fit.

2/ Search by Career Goals
Looking for something specific, like a remote marketing role at a growth-stage startup? AI understands intent and matches it.

3/ Search by What Matters Most
Whether it’s flexibility, leadership growth, or industry, AI highlights roles that align with your values.

The reality? 

Most candidates aren’t missing out because they lack talent.
They’re missing the right opportunities.

📌 Grab a free ATS resume template here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gfdME3Rp

♻️ Repost to help someone in your network land a job faster.
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#resume #recruiter #gethired

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Lorraine K. Lee

Mary Southern

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The Battle

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