Little Talent Group, LLC

As an Executive Career Coach, I empower high-achieving professionals and visionary women in leadership to transcend their current successes and scale new heights in their careers.

➥ You are driven, knowing well that past strategies need to evolve for future triumphs.

➥ Despite being a stellar performer, you're navigating the "earn your stripes" mantra from leadership.

➥ You deliver exceptional results but find yourself on the sidelines in critical boardroom conversations.

➥ You observe peers advancing through influential networks, while you strive to forge meaningful connections.

➥ Leading your team diligently, you're searching for balance to prevent burnout and foster trust.

➥ You ponder if your academic leadership skills are equipped for executive challenges.

➥ Eyeing a promotion may seem daunting, but you're poised for that leap.

As your coach, here's my commitment:

➥ I'll guide you in crafting strategic alliances and articulate your value in complex workplace dynamics.

➥ I'll aid in developing a robust professional brand that resonates within your industry.

➥ Together, we'll spotlight your expertise to position you as a thought leader and prime candidate for promotions.

Leaders' testimonials on my coaching reveal transformative outcomes:

See Recommendations. 

Envision your leadership transformation:

➥ Post our coaching engagement, your command of non-verbal cues, composed demeanor, and strategic engagement will enhance your influence.

➥ You'll navigate decision-making with conviction and align teams with your vision.

➥ Utilizing success frameworks, you'll cement your excellence in your current and future roles.

➥ You'll cultivate authentic connections across the organizational spectrum.

➥ You'll be strategically positioned for lucrative promotions, with the potential to significantly boost your compensation.

Founder & CEO | Executive Career Coach

Creator Authority

Strategic Advisor 

Bond

In my role as a fractional Vice President of Human Resources for Bond Security, a burgeoning startup in NYC, I provide strategic recruitment and advisory services. My work focuses on enhancing organizational capabilities and driving growth through tailored HR solutions.

Here's a glimpse of my contributions:

➥ I advise on the refinement of recruitment processes, improving efficiency and aligning with industry best practices for a dynamic startup environment.

➥ I offer insights into talent acquisition strategies, focusing on attracting top-tier talent and ensuring a cultural fit that supports Bond Security's innovative ethos.

➥ I contribute to leadership development initiatives, mentoring promising individuals and supporting a culture of internal growth and professional advancement.

➥ I consult on the design and implementation of performance management systems, fostering a high-performance workplace that thrives on continuous improvement.

➥ I guide the development of diversity and inclusion programs, helping to cultivate an inclusive company culture that values varied perspectives and experiences.

➥ I assist in strategic HR planning, collaborating with leadership to ensure talent management aligns with the company's ambitious growth plans.

➥ I offer recommendations on employee retention strategies, enhancing job satisfaction and loyalty within the team.

➥ I facilitate connections with educational institutions, aiding in the creation of a talent pipeline that brings fresh, skilled professionals into the organization.

➥ I advocate for the use of HR analytics, promoting data-driven decisions that support strategic HR initiatives.

➥ My leadership and advisement are acknowledged as instrumental in bolstering Bond Security's stature as an attractive and forward-thinking employer.

Vice President, Human Resources (Fractional/Contract)

In an accelerated ascent to leadership within Bond Security, a forward-thinking startup in NYC, I was rapidly promoted to Vice President of Human Resources after just 9 months. My strategic approach to talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational culture was instrumental in this transition. I took the helm to steer the HR department, aligning it with the burgeoning needs of a rapidly scaling company.

Here’s how I excelled in this role:

➥ I orchestrated the restructuring of the HR department to align with strategic business goals, resulting in a 40% increase in operational efficiency.

➥ I designed and implemented a comprehensive benefits package that enhanced employee satisfaction by 30%, aiding in a 15% improvement in retention rates.

➥ I led the development of a leadership training program that prepared high-potential employees for executive roles, contributing to a 20% increase in internal promotions.

➥ I played a critical role in developing a performance management system that saw a 25% improvement in employee productivity metrics.

➥ I initiated a company-wide diversity and inclusion program, which improved the diversity hiring rate by 45% and fostered an inclusive workplace environment.

➥ I navigated the company through a period of significant growth, scaling the workforce by 50% without compromising on hire quality or cultural fit.

➥ I established a talent management framework that reduced turnover by 18% and enhanced employee engagement scores by 22%.

➥ I was pivotal in negotiating strategic partnerships with educational institutions, resulting in a talent pipeline that increased the influx of qualified candidates by 35%.

➥ I drove the adoption of HR analytics and data-driven decision-making, which led to a 28% reduction in hiring costs and a 15% shorter time-to-fill for vacancies.

Vice President, Human Resources

As the Director of Talent Acquisition at Bond Security, a dynamic startup in NYC, I was instrumental in building the backbone of the company through strategic hiring. My focus was on identifying and nurturing leadership talent, which played a pivotal role in driving the organization's rapid growth. I successfully balanced the dual demands of maintaining a high-quality candidate pool and meeting aggressive hiring timelines.

Here’s how I made a transformative impact:

➥ I spearheaded the talent acquisition strategy, achieving a 35% increase in leadership hires within the first year, significantly expanding our executive and managerial teams.

➥ I executed a comprehensive recruitment plan that resulted in a 50% growth of the organization’s workforce, laying a strong foundation for future scalability.

➥ I introduced innovative sourcing techniques that enhanced candidate quality by 25%, ensuring a robust pipeline of high-caliber professionals.

➥ I championed a company-wide initiative to promote diversity in hiring, increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in leadership roles by 40%.

➥ I negotiated and managed vendor relationships that reduced recruitment costs by 20% while maintaining a steady flow of top talent.

➥ I leveraged data-driven recruitment metrics to decrease the average time-to-hire by 30%, streamlining the hiring process.

➥ I fostered a culture of continuous improvement, implementing training programs that increased our in-house recruitment team’s efficiency by 15%.

➥ I crafted and enforced a strategic employer branding campaign that elevated our market presence, resulting in a 60% increase in unsolicited quality candidate applications.

Through these efforts, I not only met but exceeded recruitment targets, positioning Bond Security as a competitive player in the tech security industry.

Director of Talent Acquisition

L3Harris Technologies

L3 Harris Technology is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider.

I learned much about the organization, which can be explored at: www.l3harris.com 
In my role as a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager, I led 13 director reports, driving strategic hiring initiatives and promoting a high-performance culture. My leadership highlights include:

➥ I managed 7 recruiters across 4 sectors, enhancing efficiency and cutting agency reliance while reducing time-to-fill metrics. I also recruited for all Executive positions. 

➥ I built and nurtured a team of 6 onboarders, who reduced new hire onboarding times from 3 weeks to an impressive 2 weeks.

➥ I championed LinkedIn campaigns to boost our visibility, ensuring our recruiters' strong online presence and a diverse talent pipeline.

➥ I collaborated with executive leadership to meet critical staffing needs, aligning with ramp and AOP goals.

➥ I innovatively saved over $100k in advertising by optimizing hiring leaders' budgets through strategic communication.

➥ I oversaw 200+ requisitions, with a standout time-to-fill average of 40 days, showcasing a significant improvement in operational efficiency.

➥ I successfully developed strategies to fill 50 engineering roles in 90 days, showcasing our team's agility and capability.

➥ I streamlined interviews to quicken hiring while maintaining a high caliber of talent acquisition.

➥ I forged partnerships with colleges for a steady flow of candidates for operational roles.

➥ I focused on recruiter development, enhancing strategies for challenging vacancies and achieving diversity targets.

➥ I implemented a 15-day holding process for slates to reach our D&I and gender parity goals.

➥ My team's excellence was recognized with one promotion and two 'Recruiter of the Quarter' awards in 2021.

➥ I earned the RISE award for outstanding talent acquisition services, reflecting my dedication to recruitment excellence.

Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition

As the Manager of Talent Acquisition, I directed a team of recruiters to drive accountability, shape strategies, align teams, and support department-wide growth and development, thereby promoting a cohesive departmental culture amongst the recruiting team. I worked with HR executives in approving and establishing the department's strategies, goals, and procedures.

I oversaw the budget for virtual hiring events, partnerships, and job boards. I also conducted weekly presentations for key executive leadership to provide recruitment-related updates and recommendations.

Among my duties, I was accountable for managing the ‘Aged Job Club’ to strategize enhancements to requisition aging. I also mentored junior department personnel to support their professional growth.

Here are some of the ways I made significant and positive contributions to business growth:

➥ I strategically balanced and prioritized recruiting department resources to meet constantly evolving business needs.

➥ I consistently exceeded the internal goal of 7 monthly hires by averaging 10+ monthly hires for the team.

➥ I achieved an average time-to-fill metric of 40 days per position, a 47% improvement over the organization’s goal of 75 days.

➥ I successfully filled an unexpected surge of 30 critical business openings in an extraordinary 60 days.

➥ I was honored with the ‘2020 Rise Award’ for excellence in talent acquisition service.

➥ I led a team that produced 2 senior executive promotions and one ‘Recruiter of the Quarter’ awardee in 2020.

Manager, Talent Acquisition 

As Senior Specialist in charge of Talent Acquisition, I set recruitment requirements by examining the firm’s business plans, goals and growth targets. I took ownership of talent sourcing, candidate identification, networking and relationship building while introducing and refining recruitment best practices. 

I leveraged reliable applicant sources by reaching out to community services, colleges, employment agencies, recruiters, media and websites to promote the organization by providing information on opportunities and benefits. I also set applicant requirements by scrutinizing each job description and qualifications, and by conducting comprehensive intake calls with hiring leaders.

I regularly placed job advertisements, worked with recruiters, scheduled interviews and prepared and extended offers; examining candidate qualifications via interviews, references, applicant responses and other due diligence.

➥ I exceeded monthly hiring goal of 7, averaging 11 hires per month for FY19 and 10 hires per month for FY18.

➥ I exceeded Diverse Professional Hiring goals for females at 50%, and POC’s at 28% for FY19.

➥ I averaged production of 4 cleared hires per month. 

➥ I averaged time-to-fill metric of 50 days per position, a 17% improvement over our 60-day goal. 

➥ I achieved interview goals with a ratio of 2:1.

➥ I served as team lead for a successful Recruitment Marketing Material project.

➥ I designed candidate email templates to automate the communication process.

➥ I was promoted after just 10 months of service in recognition of dynamic results.

Sr. Specialist, Talent Acquisition

WilsonHCG

As a Senior Specialist in Talent Acquisition and Training Lead at Wilson Human Capital Group, I was instrumental in spearheading recruitment initiatives and devising training programs for new hires.

➥ I pioneered talent-sourcing efforts, utilizing a mix of community services, educational institutions, and online platforms to strengthen the company’s presence and attract a diverse candidate pool.

➥ I implemented rigorous candidate evaluation processes by analyzing job descriptions and qualifications in detail, which allowed for more informed discussions with hiring managers during intake calls.

➥ I consistently exceeded monthly hiring goals by efficiently managing the recruitment lifecycle from job advertising to offer extension, with a track record of surpassing the target of 8 new hires.

➥ I led diversity hiring initiatives, successfully reaching 45% female hires and 32% hires from POC communities in FY19.

➥ I maintained an impressive record of 6 cleared hires per month, showcasing my adeptness in fulfilling roles requiring security clearances.

➥ I improved the time-to-hire metric to just 45 days per position, demonstrating a 25% enhancement compared to the previous benchmark.

➥ I achieved an efficient interview-to-hire ratio of 3:1, which speaks to the effectiveness of our refined interview process.

➥ I took charge of a key Recruitment Marketing Material project, significantly boosting the company’s branding and appeal to high-caliber candidates.

➥ I innovated the candidate engagement workflow by creating automated email templates, which greatly improved communication timelines and effectiveness.

➥ I led the development and facilitation of robust training programs for new hires, ensuring their successful assimilation into our corporate culture and promoting ongoing professional development.

➥ I was recognized for my exceptional performance and outcomes in talent acquisition and training with a promotion after just 10 months of service.

Engineering Recruiter & Training Lead (UTC)

Grand Canyon University

As Talent Acquisition Specialist for Grand Canyon University, I worked with hiring managers to proactively identify recruitment needs and staff for all positions, from entry-level to PhD adjunct faculty. 

I served as site leader for recruitment, managing the full scope of hiring duties for a site of 800+ staff. I was accountable for setting interview and selection criteria, including call screenings, assessments and in-person interviews. I continually assessed candidate applications using our internal Applicant Tracking System.

I sourced resumes, pre-screened candidates, conducted interviews and assisted leadership with critical hiring decisions, applying the proven DDI interview model with multiple layers of interviews. I also trained new recruiters, developed job descriptions and interview questions that reflected each position’s requirements, led employer branding initiatives, and organized job fairs and recruitment events.

➥ I designed effective hiring strategies for a range of unique positions, including the Teacher Education Specialist and Doctoral Studies positions; resulting in fully staffed and capable teams during high-growth periods.

➥ I accurately forecasted quarterly and annual hiring needs by department; strategically sourcing candidates to prepare a streamlined succession planning pipeline.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Cielo Talent

Adecco

Technical Recruiter

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

April Little

If your leader isn’t developing you, it’s because they don’t plan to promote you.

A client came to me after years of hearing praise, but never seeing real development.

She had been with the company for over a decade and had every reason to stay.

There were strong benefits, long-term financial incentives, and a short commute that made leaving feel costly.

Her boss offered reassurance but avoided giving visibility, stretch assignments, or decision-making opportunities that built trust.

She had made the mistake of delegating her growth to him and assumed he would follow through.

The introductions he promised never happened, and the connections she needed were never made.

She stayed hopeful while others advanced, until she realized she had to take control herself.

We built a strategy that made her readiness clear to decision-makers across the organization.

She led an operations project that improved efficiency and reduced costs across three major business units.

She established credibility with senior leaders who saw her delivering outcomes at a strategic level.

She won a company-wide award that gave her visibility and recognition from executive leadership.

She raised her hand for high-impact initiatives that required cross-functional collaboration and measurable results. 

None of this came from her boss.

Every opportunity was created through intention, relationship building, and proof of performance.

You cannot afford to confuse kind words with real investment in your future.

The people being passed over are being quietly told the truth.

Your career is not their responsibility but it is yours.

Former HR Exec Helping Women Leaders ($150k–$500k) Get Promoted to Vice President. ✨2025 Time 100 Creator✨ | Careers, AI & Tech Creator | 2 Million Monthly Views | DM “Executive Material” for Coaching

Being the “FIRST” can feel like winning and drowning at the same time.

I was the first in my household to go to college.
The first to make six figures.
The first to reach executive leadership.

I used to feel caged by the weight of being the first. 

Eventually, I saw the freedom in it.

Now I work with women who are creating new firsts:
• Becoming first-generation millionaires
• Buying homes no one else in their family could
• Parenting with intention instead of survival

One woman used her executive role to open three new manager seats and mentored others into those roles. 

That decision created life-changing income for people who had never been given a real shot.

I’ve done the same by helping the people I led secure raises, promotions, and visibility that opened doors for the next person behind them.

I understand the weight of being the first. 

That’s why I always cheer when someone does the thing they’ve never seen done.

And I remind them it’s still possible, even when they don’t have the “proof” yet.

Being the first is a privilege.

It’s also a responsibility.

Make sure you’re not the last.

Seeking A Board Position | Former HR Exec Helping Women Leaders ($150k–$500k) get VP Ready: Comms, Power Dynamics & Influence | Speaker | ✨2025 Time 100 Creator✨| Careers, AI & Tech Creator

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SisterSmart

The CEO told me "Women can't lead"

It was the time to select a VP for the company.

But after 10.5 years of giving it my all, I was shot down with 3 words.

I felt powerless and remained silent at that moment.

It was as if all those whispers of self-doubts I had in my abilities grew louder that day.

But then my boss stepped in.

He pointed out all the ways I was demonstrating my leadership skills before even getting the position.

3 of my peers also came forward nodding along.

They made the case that women CAN lead.

That we have just as much capability as men.

And guess what?

The CEO gave in and agreed to promote me.

Turns out all those years I was sharpening my leadership skills by:

- Building bridges with power players
- Devoting most of my time to high-visibility projects
- Reading brain science for fun and applying it
- Working on mindfulness and my communication skills

But a part of me still wondered...

What if I hadn’t hesitated to seek coaching?

And gotten help in understanding what 'executive presence' means and how I could leverage it in a male-dominated industry?

I could have shown I was VP material way earlier.

All without a decade of stress and frustration.

So after spending 25 years in corporate...

I founded SisterSmart with ONE mission.

→ To empower executives at the Director and VP level

Where I see so many women burn out or quit.

And after 6 years of research and 1300+ coaching sessions...

The 7-step Passport to Promotion Framework entered the picture.

A GO-TO formula that helps you ace your leadership role and make it to VP and beyond.

It’s all baked into my Sisters In Leadership program.

Want to see the kick-ass success stories of women who used it?

Then just hit those links below!

And if you're a female director who is serious about becoming a confident and successful leader recognized for her impact...

Then DM me the word "Rise" to turn it into a reality. 💛

Women’s Leadership Development Coach

Women outperform men in 17 out of 19 leadership skills.

(According to research in the Harvard Business Review)

Our workplaces are in urgent need of leaders who:

→ Can rally diverse minds to create ideas that one brain alone couldn't
→ Care more about boosting their team than hogging the spotlight
→ Inspire everyone to be their best selves and tap into their potential

All the stuff that women are a natural at.

But our path to senior leadership is never easy.

(Especially if you're a female director)

Because it's all too common to get stuck in the mid-level management maze for years on end.

That’s why I've got three aces up my sleeve for you:

1. SisterSmart Podcast

If you're tired of generic self-help advice online then here we dive into real talk, bringing in leadership and gender experts to help you embrace your unique leadership style and tap into your full potential as a leader. (Link in my featured section)

2. Sisters In Leadership Program

This is where you see the magic of an exclusive community of go-getter female leaders like you and the 7-step Passport to Promotion Framework in real-time action and get ready for the VP spot or beyond. The same framework that my clients used to:

☀️ Cut down crazy 60-hour work weeks to a cool 36
☀️ Get promoted to VP with $300k salary + bonus
☀️ Get promoted to Sr. VP after covering 2 modules
☀️ Free up 24 hours per week by increasing productivity

(Scroll below to find out more about the program)

3. 1-on-1 Coaching

Here you'll get my hand-held support to kick those imposter syndrome vibes to the curb, glide through office politics and problems, dive deep into what’s holding you back, and map out a crystal-clear roadmap to ace your role - all without the stress and burnout.

Ready to step into your power and be recognized as the impactful leader you truly are?

Just select an option and let's get rolling!

1-on-1 Coaching 

Sisters In Leadership

Try fitting a square peg in a round hole.

Looks like a total mismatch, right?

That's because it's trying to be something it's not.

And that's exactly what most leadership models today encourage women to do.

→ Teach you how to lead like the dudes 💁🏻‍♀️

Now, don't get me wrong.

I'm all about empowering more women to reach the VP level and beyond by navigating the corporate playfield.

But not while giving up on your authentic leadership style!

I realized there needs to be a program that:

☼ Uses gender socialization theory to help you understand and navigate the double binds

☼ Also equally helps women of color counter biases and thrive in their careers

☼ Has a group of ambitious female leaders in the same shoes as you for empowerment

☼ Has video modules loaded with strategies for every challenge you will bump into in your leadership role

And that's how Sisters In Leadership was born.

An exclusive program + community for female executives.

Don't take my word for how it can supercharge your leadership!

Hear it directly from the members instead:

"This program is not just another thing to add to your to-do list. It's a way to get rid of your to-do list. It's a way to think about things entirely differently and so it's 100% worth it."

- Meg, Global Market Access and Business Development Leader

"If you’re thinking, "Can I afford it?" You can’t afford not to sign up. You will be taught pivotal things that will position you for major life and career growth. It gives you everything you need to be a wiser, calmer, and more empowered leader, enabling you to reach and exceed that next level in your career, life, and relationships.

- Natalie, Regional District Sales Manager, Healthcare

Want to become the next leadership success story?

Just message me the word "Rise" and I'll share the deets with you. 💛

Sisters In Leadership Program

Propet USA

This is where I reunited with my first love.

→ Marketing

It's 2011, the aftermath of the recession.

And I'm on a cross-country drive with my mom and two dogs (in a Golf). That's when an unexpected call arrives.

It's from a recruiter offering me a role in footwear.

I was in my season of saying 'Yes' so of course I took on the job.


Let's just say it wasn't a walk in the park.

My biggest challenge?

Turn an old-school shoe brand into a vibrant, comfort shoe brand for younger demographics. (No problem, that’s my specialty!)

But company politics were messy and trust was as rare as a comfy pair of stilettos.

And the real deal?

Leading a team stuck in their old ways (including seasoned sales team of 65-82 years old)

It pushed me to up my game and explore more about conversational and emotional intelligence.

Instead of embracing the company’s top-down approach...

I chose to lead with empathy and understanding.

And guess what?

My efforts led to the most successful product launch in the company's history.

It paved my way to the VP position where I became the #3 person in the company, leading the largest team.


After spending 5 years there, I stepped out of the corporate scene.

This departure was not an end.

But a new beginning for me.

Because it led me to discover a new vision in life.

→ To contribute to increasing the 32% global share of women in senior leadership roles

By helping women break through glass ceilings, step into their power with confidence and clarity, and lead without burning out.

By showing women how to market themselves in their companies for special projects and promotions.

By proving that we accomplish more with positivity!

And today I delightfully say, I've found my calling in life.

💛

Vice President Marketing

Revision Military

Managed in-house process development and new business projects by working closely with the CEO and senior management team as well as cross-functional department heads in areas such as product development, growth planning, acquisition target research and employee satisfaction.

Director, Business Development

Timberland

Established international marketing plan, new brand positioning strategy for division, regional marketing programs and resource allocation for $100M+ outdoor footwear and apparel division.

Sr. Global Brand Manager

Clarisonic

Led rebranding project from initial market research to production of new packaging and collateral. Developed new product strategy. Conducted consumer insight research to define customer and core market needs.

Product Marketing, Beauty and Dermatologist Channel

Montrail Footwear

Responsible for all aspects of international brand management and marketing programs resulting in 65% company-wide growth and being voted Hottest Footwear Brand by dealers.

Marketing Director

K2 Sports

Full P & L responsibility; accountable for research, development, production, and marketing of ski accessories product line. Improved sales 160% and profit margins by 4%.

Product Manager

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

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

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

💡 Tell me if this sounds familiar:

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

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

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

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

If that sounds like you, know this: 

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

That’s where I come in.

My Signature 7-Step Passport to Promotion™ Framework: 

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

The 7 Steps:

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

Real Results:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jill Avey

15 ways the best leaders stay ahead:

1/ Be Coachable:
Regularly solicit feedback and invest in personal development.

2/ Be Strategic:
Think beyond the day-to-day, so you can lead the future.

3/ Be Present:
Carry yourself with confidence and clarity, so others will follow.

4/ Be Emotionally Intelligent:
If you can’t understand people, you can’t lead them.

5/ Be Results-Oriented:
Deliver outcomes because potential doesn’t matter.

6/ Be Financially Savvy:
Understand the numbers to influence the business.

7/ Be a Talent Developer:
If you’re not growing others, you’re not growing the organization.

8/ Be Adaptable:
You’ll be left behind if you resist change.

9/ Be Collaborative:
You limit your impact if you work in silos.

10/ Be Decisive:
Opportunities pass you by if you hesitate too long.

11/ Be Clear:
Communicate with purpose so your message doesn’t get lost.

12/ Be Ethical:
Never compromise integrity, trust is lost fast.

13/ Be Culturally Aware:
Bring people together through understanding.

14/ Be Innovative:
Be the leader who sees the future.

15/ Be Aligned:
If you’re not in sync with the mission, you won’t move it forward.

After coaching 100s of leaders, I’ve learned that leadership isn't about having the most charisma or being the loudest in the room.

It's about these 15 core skills.

Pick one to focus on this week to get started.

 P.S. What would you add as #16 to this list?

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Join my newsletter for actionable leadership strategies and get the free Leadership Playbook vault: https://lnkd.in/gZJrJxhm

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

Motivational quote graphic with beige background reading 'Be coachable: If you're not open to feedback, you're not open to growth.' Key phrases 'not open' are highlighted in yellow and 'feedback' and 'growth' in turquoise. Bottom right features a circular photo of Jill Avey with LinkedIn icon and text 'Executive Coach'.

How to earn respect in every room (fast)

8 habits that make people trust your leadership in seconds

Looking polished is about more than a fancy title; it’s about showing up with intention when it matters most.

Many capable professionals chip away at their authority through unnoticed habits.

That’s why this topic is central in our leadership coaching: it shapes every interaction.

(Ready to move up? Take the VP Readiness Quiz: https://lnkd.in/gtMw9CzG)

When my clients use these 8 habits, they build trust from the start:

➊ Know your numbers
» Few things signal “not ready to lead” like making it up on the fly.

➋ Sharpen your language
» Each filler word subtly undercuts your presence.

➌ Command your space
» Your body language makes the first impression.

➍ Start with structure
» A clear flow earns instant confidence.

➎ Polish like it’s for the CEO
» Sloppy details quietly erode credibility.

➏ Guard time like money
» Going over time isn’t thorough — it’s inconsiderate.

➐ Respond with calm, not speed
» Staying composed always beats reacting fast.

➑ Make it personal
» Use names. Hold eye contact. Build connection.

Professionalism isn’t perfection.

It’s consistent, deliberate habits that build trust.

Choose one to practice this week — that’s how respect grows.

If you feel ready to move up, take the VP Readiness Quiz to find out where you stand: https://lnkd.in/gtMw9CzG

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No one teaches this in leadership programs

You show up prepared.
You deliver results.
And somehow you still hear: 
“too aggressive”
“not strategic enough”

The research is clear: women leaders face a no-win scenario. 

When I was sure of myself, I was ‘aggressive’. 
When I focused on our mission, I was ‘cold’. 
When I laughed and smiled, I was ‘not serious enough’. 

This is the double bind.

Here's the truth nobody says out loud:
You can be brilliant and still get dinged for your delivery.
You can drive results and still hear you're not strategic enough.
You can advocate for your team and get called emotional.
And none of it is about your competence.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:
You don't need to shrink. 
You don't need to soften. 
You don't need to become someone else.

You need tactical moves that let you show up fully without paying the likability tax.

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

🔸 Lead with strength and warmth.
Open with your decision, then invite perspective: “What am I missing?”
It’s strategic, not playing small. 

🔸 Use clear, direct language.
“Given A and B, I’m choosing C. 
What risks do you see?”
No apologies. No hedging. Just clarity.

🔸 Stay authentic while reading the room.
Your values stay constant.
Your delivery adapts.
That’s not compromise, it’s leadership.

🔸 Tell stories that show the whole picture.
The win and the team behind it. 
Both matter.

🔸 Build your circle.
A mentor. A sponsor. 
A peer group who gets it.
You don’t have to do this alone. 
And you shouldn’t.

This isn’t about fixing you.
You’re not broken.

It’s about refusing to let an unfair system steal your confidence—or your opportunities.
Try one practice this week.
Notice what changes when you stop second-guessing and start using moves built for the reality you’re in.

You deserve to lead without the Sunday-night dread.
You deserve credit for your work.
You deserve to rest knowing you’ve led on your terms.

P.S. If you’re ready to lead on your own terms, join our Sisters in Leadership community—where women are done playing small and ready to rise.

♻️ Repost if you’ve ever left a meeting replaying every word you said.
➤ Share this with a woman you admire

7 Moves to be Seen as Both Effective and Relatable

Your hard work won't save you this time.
I know that's hard to hear.

You've been told your entire career that if you just work harder, stay later, and take on more, you'll be fine.

But the rules changed while you were busy proving yourself.

AI can now do the analysis you spent years mastering. The reports you stay late to finish. The data work that used to make you indispensable.

So what does that leave you?
The messy, beautiful, irreplaceable human stuff.

The ability to:
➙ Read a room and know what's not being said
➙ Build trust when the stakes are high
➙ Navigate conflict without damaging relationships
➙ Lead with courage when the path isn't clear

These are the skills that will matter in the next 5 years.

And most of us have never been taught how to identify them, let alone strengthen them.

That's why I'm hosting a workshop on December 5th called Future Proof Your Career.

In 2 hours, you'll:
✅ Identify your Zone of Brilliance (the skills that set you apart from AI)
✅ Discover your Secret Sauce (what only you can bring to leadership)
✅ Find your Ikigai (where your strengths meet what the world needs)

This isn't theory.
It's a map.

By the end, you'll know exactly how to position yourself for the jobs that require work only humans can do.

I've watched too many brilliant leaders panic because they're competing on the wrong playing field.

You don't need to work harder.
You need to work more human.

December 5th
8-10 PT / 11-1 ET
(recording)

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gufdkFM3

The leaders who thrive in the next decade won't be the ones who can do everything AI does, just slower.

They'll be the ones who double down on being irreplaceably human.

P.S. What's one skill you have that you know AI could never replicate?

♻️ Repost to help your network prepare for what's coming.

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