WEST Wisdom Blog

Improving the Quality and Impact of Our Conversations

Posted by WEST Board Member on Sep 14, 2018 8:30:00 AM

The way in which we communicate – whether at work, at home or in school – has changed dramatically over the years with the accessibility of email, texting, and the use of social media applications.  Communications among colleagues and friends are often reduced to fragmented collections of written phrases and responses, fired off moments after receipt of an inbound message. The on-demand, always accessible manner of communicating has certainly brought significant conveniences, but it has reduced the opportunities for conversations among us. As a result, we may be missing out on the chance to connect, engage, and collaborate in a more meaningful way.

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Career, Communication, Community, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Relationships, Biotech, Interactive, Connect, Collaboration, Trust, Developing Your Skills, Impact, Career Development, Own It

No Title? No Problem! Learn to Influence Without Authority

Posted by Jaime Luna on Sep 4, 2018 3:23:53 PM

Influencing without authority is one of the most valuable skills you can learn and there are many useful forms of influence that you could be taking greater advantage of. Six sources of influence are positional, expertise, resources, informational, direct, and relationships.

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Career, Communication, Community, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Professional, Relationships, Biotech, Interactive, Connect, Influence, Developing Your Skills, Support, Career Development, Influence Without Authority, Own It

Uncertain to Unstoppable: How to Conquer Your Next Networking Event

Posted by WEST Volunteer on Aug 15, 2018 9:00:00 AM

Networking events are often a daunting necessity for many professionals. You don’t want to go, but you know you have to. Attending networking events is crucial in today’s professional world. Here are a few things to keep in mind when networking:

  • Have a Goal
  • Do Your Homework
  • Dress to Impress
  • Bring Copies of Your Resume and Business Cards
  • Listen First, Absorb, and Then Contribute
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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Professional, Biotech, Interactive, Connect, Developing Your Skills, Confidence, Engage, Career Development, Own It, Listen

Develop Presence to Better Connect, Inspire, and Influence Others at All Levels

Posted by WEST Board Member on Jul 27, 2018 2:32:46 PM

In today’s increasingly competitive workplace and market, it’s no longer sufficient to get by with a strong resume and cover letter. In order to succeed in your field, you must act on your strengths, diligently build connections/community, and seek recognition in order to set yourself apart.

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Life, Cambridge, Inspire, Women in STEM, Networking, You, Upcoming Events, Professional, Presence, Biotech, Resources, Interactive, Connect, Influence, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Career Development, Own It, Empowerment

It Takes a Village to Build a Career

Posted by WEST Board Member on Jul 25, 2018 2:02:24 PM

Have you ever heard the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Well it doesn’t stop there. It also takes a “village” to build a career. Your career.

There is a Chinese term, Guan Xi, which translates to “the Chinese form of networking that is built up from family, village and clan kinship. In Chinese business and life in general, the maintenance of face and cordial Guan Xi are prerequisites in ensuring that networks operate smoothly and reliably.”

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Life, Cambridge, Women in STEM, Networking, You, Annual Theme, Upcoming Events, Professional, Biotech, Resources, Interactive, Connect, Career Path, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Career Development, Speed Networking, Own It, Empowerment

unConference: The Economics of Being Female

Posted by Jaime Luna on Oct 23, 2017 9:30:00 AM
Imagine going to a conference designed completely to meet your needs. That’s what an unConference is. This unConference will feature keynote speakers to get you thinking  about the economics of being female and how looking at the challenge from an economic view can positively impact your career. I n true unConference fashion, it has no agenda until the participants create it. You will decide what topics will be discussed by pitching solutions to the crowd for further discussions in breakout groups. You will share ideas, problem solve, hear multiple perspectives, and challenge the status quo with creative solutions. There is great diversity and experience in the Boston area and this is wonderful opportunity for you to share expertise and exchange innovative ideas in a supportive environment. This is self-directed learning at its best. The content is relevant and exciting because the agenda is created for you, and by you, in the moment.
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Topics: Events, Gender Balance, STEM, Gender Balance, Women, Boston, Career, Community, Work Life Balance, Life, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Discussion, Financial, Interactive, Equal Pay, Change, unConference, Economics, Female

The Economics of Being Female: Set Your Own Agenda

Posted by WEST Board Member on Oct 18, 2017 3:28:34 PM

We know that many women draw the short straw when it comes to money: lower wages, slower career progression, outrageous child care costs, costly clothes, ridiculous dress codes, health care, etc. We also know that many women find themselves at the end of their working careers with little financial security.

What are the underlying economic reasons for these unfair outcomes for women who are working hard to both support their families and promote their careers?

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Topics: Events, Women, Career, Community, Upcoming Events, Discussion, Resources, Interactive, Equal Pay, Change, unConference, Economics, Solutions, Female

Minding Your Mind

Posted by WEST Board Member on Oct 16, 2017 2:15:37 PM

mind·ful·ness
ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/
noun
1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
"their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
2a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

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Topics: Events, Women, Community, Panel, Workshop, Upcoming Events, Discussion, Resources, Mindfulness, Interactive

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