Unlocking Career Success: Insights from Tessa White’s Unspoken Truths
Mike interviews Tessa White.
In a recent podcast episode, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Tessa White, author of “The Unspoken Truths for Career Success: Navigating Pay, Promotions, and Power at Work.” Our conversation was packed with actionable insights, paradigm-shifting ideas, and a deep dive into navigating corporate America’s often-turbulent waters. Tessa, the Job Doctor, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh, enlightening, empowering perspective. Here’s a breakdown of our discussion and why her book is a must-read for anyone looking to turbocharge their career.
SUMMARY
One of the standout moments in our conversation was Tessa’s emphasis on adopting an entrepreneurial mindset within the corporate world. She shared, “The moment you adopt the phrase ‘think like an entrepreneur,’ you start seeing opportunities where there’s chaos.” This mindset shift encourages employees to take ownership of their roles, see things from different perspectives, and embody the characteristics they seek in others. It’s about creating your own path and seizing opportunities, which is critical in standing out and advancing in any organization.
Tessa made a compelling case for profit sharing and creating ownership opportunities within companies. She argued that when employees have a stake in the company’s success, their behaviour aligns more closely with senior executives’ goals. “What I’m not in favour of,” she said, “is people just working harder without getting a piece of the action.” This alignment motivates employees and fosters collaboration and shared success, which is often missing in traditional corporate structures.
We also delved into the often-overlooked intangibles that can make or break your career. Presentation, tonality, and energy might seem trivial, but Tessa pointed out these are critical components of professional success. “People think that just doing their job is enough, but it’s not,” she explained. “Your presentation and energy are constantly being evaluated.” These elements can significantly impact how others perceive you and decide whether you get that next promotion or opportunity.
Tessa’s book emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with your company’s culture. Every organization has its own set of values and ways of rewarding behaviour. Knowing whether a company values speed over thoroughness, innovation over safety, or individual initiative over consensus-building can help you navigate and thrive. “You must read the environment and make fit decisions,” Tessa advised. Misalignment can lead to frustration and failure, while understanding and adapting to the corporate culture can lead to success.
Another profound insight from our discussion was the concept of ground-zero moments. Tessa described these as pivotal times when everything seemed to fall apart, such as being laid off or going through a major career setback. “These moments are actually the launchpad for reinvention,” she said. In these challenging times, you can reassess, redefine your goals, and pursue what truly matters to you. Embracing discomfort and using it as a catalyst for growth is critical to long-term success.
We touched on the idea that being productively disagreeable can be a powerful career tool. Tessa shared research indicating that those who speak up on issues have higher job satisfaction. However, it’s not about being combative; it’s about being brave enough to share your perspectives constructively. “Assuming good intent and continuing the conversation is crucial,” she noted. It’s about sharing your ideas, standing by your principles, and driving better outcomes for your team and organization.
Our discussion also highlighted the significant shifts in work attitudes across generations. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, tend to have shorter attention spans and job tenures. “Short-term thinking can hurt long-term career success,” Tessa warned. Understanding these trends is crucial for both employees and employers. For individuals, it means being mindful of how these tendencies affect their career choices and ensuring they align with their long-term goals.
Tessa White’s “The Unspoken Truths for Career Success” is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to navigate their career more effectively. Her insights on adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding corporate culture, embracing setbacks, and the power of intangibles provide a comprehensive guide to achieving career success. This book is essential if you’re ready to take control of your career and unlock your full potential. Remember, it’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter and aligning your efforts with the right opportunities and values.
Get her book here:
About Mike Fallat
Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.
Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/
About Dreamstarters Publishing
Dreamstarters Publishing offers ghostwriting, cover design, and everything that is required to take an idea to a finished book (kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook).
The Million Dollar Book Agency is the ultimate marketing CRM system for author-preneurs. Services include automated funnels, lead generation campaigns, book fulfillment, podcast management, press releases, virtual assistants, course development, and more.
Mike also hosts a podcast known as Million Dollar Stories and runs a membership-based site known as Million Dollar Circle. In addition to owning the book business, he invests in self storage real estate.
https://dreamstarterspublishing.com/