Senior Manager Strategy & Transformation in the Financial Services | Strategic Leadership Coach | Speaker | Mentor | Leader, passionate about people and continuous organizational improvement | 2x LinkedIn Top Voice

Global Senior Manager with 15+ years' banking experience in areas of Enterprise Risk Management, Governance, Strategic Transformation Projects, and Change Management with a heavy focus on Executive Leadership Reporting. Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong relationships, influence others, and lead high performing teams that advance global priorities. 

Committed to continuous organization improvement, enhancing customer experience and delivering solutions to support strategic financial and business decision-making. 

As a persuasive communicator fluent in English and Spanish, I effectively engage with clients, regulators, stakeholders, management, and staff at all levels. My diverse background includes extensive experience in ERM frameworks, risk culture programs, control assessments, audits, capital structure optimization, and statistical modelling for risk management matters. Leader with a proven track record of leading large-scale projects, implementing change management strategies, and delivering cost savings through efficient project management methodologies.

Core competences include:
•Enterprise Risk Management •Governance & Compliance •Operational Risk •Internal Audit • Executive Leadership Reporting & Analytics •Project Management •Change Management •Data Risk •Model Risk •Strategic Risk •Coaching & Talent Development •SAS/SPSS/DWH •SharePoint & Power Apps •Power BI/Python/R •Copilot •Agile/ Waterfall •JIRA/Confluence •Six Sigma/Kaizen •Protiviti

Diana Lasso

Fear isn’t the enemy. 
Staying stuck is!

Comfort zones feel safe.
But they also keep us small.

You want more:
➟ Impact
➟ Fulfillment
➟ Confidence

Yet fear whispers: What if you fail?
Instead, ask: What if you don’t?

Every breakthrough starts with discomfort.
Every success story begins with a risk.

As Nelson Mandela said, 
"Courage is not the absence of fear, 
but the triumph over it."

You don’t need to take a giant leap.
Just one step forward.

P.S. What’s one change that helped you grow?

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What makes someone a Top Performer?
 → It’s not a title
 → It’s not a one-time win
 → It’s who you are, every single day!

In a company with 90,000 employees across 55 countries, 
standing out is hard.

→ The pressure is real.
→ The expectations are high.
→ And some days feel heavier than others.

But I’m here to tell you something important:
It is possible!

Yesterday, I felt deeply humbled and grateful
to receive the Best of the Best award
in the Top Individual Performance category.

Thank you to my Senior Leadership Team,
my team, my mentors, my mentees,
my LinkedIn community, and to you reading this.
This recognition belongs to all of you!

Thank you for the space, the trust, and
the support to live my purpose and 
show up as the best version of myself.

Leadership is a shared journey, and
I’m grateful to walk it with you.

Here are my 3 secrets:

1- Clarity of purpose:
 → Know exactly why you do what you do.
 → Turn that “why” into daily, intentional actions.

2- Commitment to growth:
 → Invite feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
 → See every challenge as a chance to evolve.

3: Consistency with heart:
 → Show up fully. especially on the hard days.
 → Deliver not only results but trust.

As Aristotle said,
"Excellence is not an act, it is a habit." 

Be the person who gets things done.
You already have what it takes!

P.S. What’s your go-to strategy to perform at your best?

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Good luck is a myth.
A story we tell ourselves.
A comforting tale that makes success look effortless.

But here’s the truth:
The master has failed more times
than the beginner has even tried.

This isn’t about luck.
 ↳ It’s resilience.
 ↳ It’s persistence.
 ↳ It’s showing up, again and again.

Think of Thomas Edison.
When asked about his thousands of failed attempts
before inventing the light bulb, he said:
“I have not failed.
 I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Success is a collection of failures.
 
Failures that:
 ↳ Teach
 ↳ Shape leaders
 ↳ Build character

Leaders aren’t born.
They are forged through experiences,
especially the painful ones.

Mastery evolves every time you show up.
 ↳ Showing up builds resilience.
 ↳ Showing up strengthens your effort.
 ↳ Showing up reinforces your choice to grow.

So, the next time you see someone succeed, remember:
It wasn’t good luck.
It was good lessons learned.

The road to mastery is built on failures,
each one a stepping stone to something greater.

Your story is proof of your resilience. Own it!

P.S. What small win are you proud of today?

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Sometimes all you need is charisma
(and one moment taught me exactly why).

Five years ago, I walked into a meeting
already feeling rushed.

Too many tasks.
Too many tabs open in my mind.
Too many versions of me trying to keep it together.

I sat down, pretending to be fine.
Inside, I was overloaded.

Then a colleague looked at me
and gave me a simple, open, genuine smile.
I still remember it like it was yesterday.

We’ve all met someone like that.
Someone whose presence feels warm.
Someone who makes you feel good
before a single word is spoken.

In that moment, something shifted.
My shoulders relaxed.
My breath slowed.
I felt seen.

No words.
Just presence.
And the entire room felt different.

That moment taught me something powerful:
Charisma begins before you speak.
It’s the emotional message you send
When your inner world feels steady.

Charisma is not a performance.
It’s a practice.

Charisma is about:
→ Feeling aligned with yourself.
→ Connecting with warmth and intention.
→ Leaving people emotionally better.

If you want to lead well,
You must work on your presence.

When we train our presence, we:
→ Build trust faster.
→ Strengthen connection.
→ Create safer, warmer spaces at work.

Here are 5 simple ways to train your charisma every day:
→ Ground your energy before you enter a room.
→ Show warmth in small, genuine ways.
→ Keep your posture open and steady.
→ Listen fully, without rushing the moment.
→ Aim for people to feel lighter after talking to you.

As Brené Brown says,
“Connection is why we’re here.”

Charisma grows when you feel calm inside.
It expands when you lead with warmth.
And it becomes unforgettable
When your presence helps others breathe easier.

P.S. What’s one small action you'll practice today to grow your charisma?

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Your team needs a leader, not just a boss.
The difference changes everything.

Bad Leaders:
→ Focus on blame
→ Criticize in public
→ Avoid responsibility

Good Leaders:
→ Praise in public
→ Focus on solutions
→ Take responsibility

As Simon Sinek said,
"Bad leaders care about who's right, and 
Good leaders care about what's right."

Leadership is not about power. 
It's about empowering others!

Do the right thing, always. 
Be the leader you wish you had.

P.S. What's one quality you admire in a great leader?

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Anyone can lead when things are easy.
But the real measure of a leader?
How you treat people when things fall apart.

Kindness is often misunderstood.

It’s not:
 → Saying yes to everything.
 → Pretending everything is fine.
 → Avoiding the hard conversations.

Kindness is how you show up when it matters most.

→ It’s courage to make the right call.
→ It’s respect, especially when emotions run high.
→ It's clarity, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

As Brené Brown said, 
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

Kindness costs nothing.
But its impact?
↳ Huge

Lead with heart and let that be your legacy.

P.S. What’s your go-to strategy to lead with kindness?

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Your next chapter starts with one simple step:
Understanding the one you just finished.

Most people rush into planning 2026:
→ New goals
→ New dreams
→ New intentions

But here’s the truth:
You can’t design your future 
If you don’t understand your present.

→ We forget our wins.
→ We magnify the hard moments.
→ We overlook the small things that made us feel alive.

As Stephen Covey said,
“Begin with the end in mind.”
And that starts by knowing where you’re standing today.

Here are 5 Tips to Create Intentional Goals for 2026:

1. Revisit your year:
✓ Review your calendar to remember what actually happened.
✓ Write down the top 3 moments that defined your year (good or bad)

2. Track the moments that made you happier:
✓ Identify where you felt most alive (places, people, activities)
✓ Highlight 3 things you want to feel more often next year.

3. Write down what worked, and what didn’t:
✓ Capture 3 wins you want to repeat in 2026.
✓ Capture 3 things you’re ready to leave behind.

4. Capture the lessons that shaped you:
✓ Write the 3 biggest lessons this year taught you.
✓ Turn each lesson into one simple action for 2026.

5. Notice what is changing around you:
✓ Acknowledge shifting priorities (family, health, values)
✓ Set one goal that honors the reality of where you are now.

2026 isn’t just another year.
It’s an invitation to create a life with clarity, intention, and truth.

And when you're ready, use the SMART method:

 S —  Specific: Clear and concrete.
 M — Measurable: With a number you can track.
 A —  Achievable: Realistic for your life today.
 R —  Relevant: Connected to your values and priorities.
 T —  Time-bound: With a deadline that creates momentum.

SMART makes your goals:
→ Real
→ Visible
→ Actionable

And here’s the best part:
When you gain clarity, your confidence returns.
When you choose with intention, your energy rises.
And when you design your year with truth, 
Your life begins to feel like it’s finally yours again.

Step into 2026 with clarity. Lead it with purpose.

P.S. What’s one insight from 2025 that will guide your goals for 2026?

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Your resume opens the door.
Your Power Skills decide if you stay in the room.

The game has changed.

Today, everyone has:
↳ Talent
↳ Credentials
↳ Experience

So, what makes you different
In a global, fast-moving world?

Your judgment.

Maybe you’ve felt it too,
you deliver, you show up, you care…
and still, growth feels out of reach.

Your next promotion isn’t about time in the company.
↳ It’s about how you interpret information,
↳ anticipate what’s coming,
↳ and make decisions with a human touch.

And the data is clear:
LinkedIn: Power Skills drive 89% of promotions.
McKinsey: Strong judgment improves decisions 3.8x.
IBM: Critical thinking and adaptability are CEOs’ top 3 priorities.
WEF: Cognitive flexibility is the #1 differentiator for 2030.
PwC: 72% of executives value judgment over technical expertise.

AI can give you all the data you want.
But your Power Skills
will define your future.

That’s why I created the 5-step MINDS Formula
to help you stand out in rooms where decisions are made.

M — Map:
→ Name the real problem in one sentence.
→ Identify the three elements that shape the outcome.

I — Investigate:
→ Look for the pattern behind the data.
→ Ask what’s missing, not just what’s shown.

N — Notice:
→ Picture the best and worst scenario.
→ Identify who will feel each choice.

D — Design:
→ Create two or three real options.
→ Test a small step before a big decision.

S — Sense:
→ Combine data, intuition, and ethics.
→ Choose what you can explain calmly a year from now.

As Albert Einstein said:
“Not everything that counts can be counted.” 

Leadership starts when you trust your own decisions.
Own your growth.
Own your judgment.
Own the leader you’re becoming.

P.S. Which step of the MINDS Formula speaks to you today?

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Use my 5-step MINDS formula to help you stand out by DL

Now that you’re back in person,
You feel more tired when you get home.

You are not alone
This has a name: Neurofatigue.

When your brain moves from a controlled environment
to noise, movement, conversations, fluorescent lights,
and constant social evaluation,
Its energy drains faster.

Deloitte found it in 2024:
↳ Emotional exhaustion rises by 52%

You’re not losing capacity.
You’re navigating overexposure.

But you can protect your energy.
You can also train your brain to adapt.

Here are 5 Simple Anchors to Stay Strong During In-Person Work:

1. Manage your brain’s load early:
↳ Simple mornings create stronger days.
➟ Pick one clear priority first.
➟ Delay non-urgent chats until after your focus block.

2. Give yourself small pauses:
↳ Tiny resets work wonders.
➟ Take a quiet 3-minute pause between tasks.
➟ Stand and walk every hour to release tension.

3. Use your social energy wisely:
↳ Connection fuels you. 
➟ Choose two meaningful conversations to invest in.
➟ Step away when everything feels too intense.

4. Protect the space where you think:
↳ Your attention is gold.
➟ Review emails in set time blocks.
➟ Turn off notifications during deep work.

5. Take care of your body:
↳ Physical comfort boosts mental clarity.
➟ Keep water at your desk and sip often.
➟ Add small stretches during the day to release tension.

As Maya Angelou said,
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

You may not shape every moment in the office.
But you can shape how you care for your energy.

You grow stronger when you honor your rhythm.
You gain clarity when you support your mind.
You protect your presence when you lead yourself first.

P.S. Which anchor will you practice today?

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Your work opens the door.
Your evidence keeps you in the room.

The competition isn’t the real challenge.
The lack of documentation is.

In a world where excellence is the baseline, everyone brings:
 ↳ Skill
 ↳ Ambition
 ↳ Performance

So, what truly sets you apart
in a fast-moving, global environment?
Your visibility.

Maybe you’ve felt it too…
 ↳ you deliver, you show up, you exceed expectations
and still, your growth moves slower than your impact.

Your next promotion isn’t about effort.
 ↳ It’s about what you can prove,
 ↳ how clearly you show your value,
 ↳ and the story your achievements tell for you.

Here’s the truth:
What isn’t documented gets lost.
What you capture becomes career capital.

That’s why I created the 7-step EVIDENT Formula
to help you make your results impossible to ignore.

E — Extract:
 → Capture the real outcome you created.
 → Name the problem you solved in one sentence.

V — Verify:
 → Collect numbers, emails, and indicators that prove impact.
 → Anchor your narrative in real data.

I — Illustrate:
 → Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
 → Make your contribution unmistakable.

D — Document:
 → Keep a monthly log of actions, results, and insights.
 → Build a timeline of measurable growth.

E — Elevate:
 → Share wins with intention in meetings and updates.
 → Visibility with substance, not ego.

N — Normalize:
 → Make evidence a habit, not an exception.
 → Review it before interviews, evaluations, or negotiations.

T — Tell:
 → Turn your data into a compelling story.
 → Show how your impact moves the business forward.

As Seneca said:
 “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Your achievements deserve a record.
Your career deserves visibility.
Your future deserves to be EVIDENT.

Leadership grows when your impact is seen.

P.S. Which step of the EVIDENT Formula speaks to you today?

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7-step EVIDENT formula to help you enhance your results

What my niece taught me about delegation 
(it transformed my team’s productivity since)

Last weekend, I decided to teach my 5-year-old niece
how to make the bed. 

Normally, it takes me just a few minutes. 
But she was excited to help, so I couldn’t say no. 

I showed her how to pull up the sheets, 
smooth out the blanket and arrange the pillows. 

She struggled a bit ... tugging the blanket unevenly
and getting the pillows all mixed up. 

We had to redo a few steps, and 
it ended up taking much longer than usual. 

In the end, it took nearly 20 minutes. 
But by the time we were done, 
she had learned something new 
and something to brag to her brother about!

Delegation is not just about offloading tasks.

Delegation is about:
→ Empowering others to learn and grow. 
→ Fostering a culture of capability and independence. 
→ Leveraging diverse strengths to achieve greater results.

When we invest our time in training and coaching others, we: 
→ Cultivate trust.
→ Build a stronger team.
→ Encourage innovation. 

As John Maxwell says,
“Leaders become great, not because of their power, 
but because of their ability to empower others.”

Delegation is an investment 
in someone else’s growth and confidence. 
Invest in your people today!

P.S. What’s one small responsibility you could delegate today to help someone grow?

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We all have days when you feel on top of the world. 
The next day, it’s hard to get out of the bed. 
But let’s be honest: motivation doesn’t last.

Here’s why you shouldn’t rely on it:
→ It’s Unpredictable: Motivation varies daily 
→ It Can Fade: Excitement diminishes over time
→ It Lacks Structure: No plan for sustained progress 

That’s where discipline comes in.

Discipline is like a muscle:
→ Provide Consistency: Ensures daily commitment 
→ Builds Strong Habits: Habits drive results 
→ Keeps You Accountable: Maintain focus on goals

As Aristotle said,
“We become what we repeatedly do.” 

So, the next time you rely on motivation, 
Remember: it’s your discipline that will carry you through.

In the end, Discipline is doing what needs to be done, 
even when you don’t want to.

P.S. What habit are you strengthening this week?

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People love the finish line.
Few see the grit it took to get there.

Because success isn’t built on luck.
It’s built on resilience, focus, and 
tiny steps that no one applauds.

For years, you might’ve believed:
↳ “Once everything aligns, I’ll move forward.”
↳ “If I had more time, I’d do better.”
↳ “When things calm down, I’ll start.”

Those beliefs once protected you.
Now, they hold you back.

Many high performers professionals lose momentum because:
❌ They wait for perfect conditions.
❌ They let setbacks define their pace.
❌ They forget that progress requires endurance, not ease.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t need a smoother road.
You need a stronger mindset.

Here are 5 Ways to Stay Strong When Growth Feels Slow:

1- Start before you’re ready:
↳ Courage grows through movement.
➟ One imperfect step beats endless planning.

2- Treat challenges as training:
↳ Pressure shapes character.
➟ Every hard moment prepares you for the next.

3- Focus on what you can control:
↳ Chaos is constant.
➟ Your focus is your anchor.

4- Protect your recovery:
↳ Your brain needs oxygen to think.
➟ Resilience depends on renewal.

5- Keep your “why” close:
↳ When you know your why, you can handle any how.
➟ One priority. One outcome. Real progress.

As Angela Duckworth said,
“Our potential is one thing. 
What we do with it is quite another.”

Don’t chase perfection. Build persistence.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
and neither is your growth.
You already have what it takes.
Trust your process, the results will follow.

P.S. Which step speaks to you the most?

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The moment you choose yourself…
your energy begins to return.

But burnout rarely starts with a big moment.
It starts with the tiny ones you ignore:

The moment you push through the headache.
The moment you answer one more email at 10 PM.
The moment you whisper, “I’ll rest later.”

And suddenly…
Later never comes.

According to Gallup,
1 in 5 professionals is experiencing burnout right now.

Not because they lack talent.
But because high-performing professionals tend to overgive.
Instead of reducing their load, they carry more.
And what begins as dedication slowly becomes depletion.

Burnout is a silent disease.

Maybe you’ve been there:
➟ You deliver
➟ You support
➟ You show up

And still, your body struggles.

Not because you lack discipline.
But because you stopped listening to yourself.

That’s why I created the 7-step RENEWAL Formula
to bring you back to the leader you are:

R — Reduce strain:
➟ Ask for clarity on deadlines.
➟ Cut one commitment that drains you.

E — Ease your nervous system:
➟ Practice 3–5 breathing twice a day.
➟ Take short pauses to reset your mind.

N — Nurture connections:
➟ Share pressure points early.
➟ Reach out to someone supportive weekly.

E — Establish daily limits:
➟ Protect recovery windows.
➟ Set a hard stop for the workday.

W — Withdraw from noise:
➟ Silence notifications before sleep.
➟ Reduce evening screen exposure.

A — Adjust your workload:
➟ Clarify what truly needs you.
➟ Redistribute tasks with your leader.

L — Live your core values:
➟ Write your top 5 values.
➟ Choose actions that honor them.

As Maya Angelou said:
“Nothing will work unless you do.”

Sustainable leadership begins the moment 
You choose your health as part of your success.

Honor your energy.
Honor your health.
Honor the life you’re building.

P.S. Which step of the RENEWAL Formula speaks to you today?

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Use my 7-step RENEWAL formula to bring you back by DL

Do you feel your team could achieve more?
The secret lies in investing in your people.

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of 
our HOLA Mentorship Program 2025.
What a journey it's been!

Leading this program has been a true honor.
Seeing 270 Mentors and Mentees 
grow has been truly inspiring.

A huge THANK YOU to our Mentors and Mentees
for believing in our team's growth. 
Your dedication and commitment make us stronger every day.

Special thanks to our allies in Mexico Adda Nelly Lopez Gallegos, Emmanuel Serrano Loza, Edgar Ricardo Araujo Alcántara and our HOLA Canadian team Ellis Mendez (MSc, MBA, PMP®, CSM®, CSPO®, ITIL®), Federico Yu, 
Andrea Alonso-Kuri and Pablo Cuevas. 
We couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you for your collaboration and support.

Why invest in your team?

→ Growth
↳ Investing in your team fuels their personal 
and professional growth.
A growing team is an evolving team.

→ Retention
↳ People stay where they feel valued and developed.
Retention isn’t just about pay; it’s about purpose.

→ Innovation
↳ A well mentored team is an innovative team.
They bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table.

As John Quincy Adams said,
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, 
learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Your team’s growth reflects your leadership.

P.S. What’s your favorite strategy to help your team grow?

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If you only measured three things this week,
you’d transform your entire career.

Anyone can look busy.
But the real measure of a strategic leader?
What you choose to track.

Because productivity is often misunderstood.

It’s not:
 → Checking off tasks.
 → Going from meeting to meeting.
 → Replying to every email the moment it appears.

Productivity is how you direct your energy with intention.
 → It’s moving one strategic goal forward.
 → It’s solving the problem that actually matters.
 → It’s strengthening the relationships that elevate your influence.

For years, many professionals believed:
 ↳ “If I finish everything on my list, I’m performing.”
 ↳ “If I stay busy, I’m adding value.”
 ↳ “If I join every meeting, I’m leading.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they limit your impact.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t rise by doing more.
You rise by measuring what matters.

Here are the 3 metrics that can elevate your leadership:

1- Value (Impact Today):
What problem did you truly solve?
Real value comes from outcomes, not effort.

2- Progress (% Implementation):
How much did you move your quarterly goal?
One needle moved is worth more than tasks completed.

3- Relationship (Influence & Alignment):
Who did you align, support, or strengthen this week?
Leadership grows through trust, not titles.

As Peter Drucker said,
“What gets measured gets managed.”

 ↳ Lead with clarity.
 ↳ Measure with intention.
 ↳ And let your metrics tell the story your calendar never will.

P.S. Which of these 3 indicators is your favorite?

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Big goals don’t fail from lack of talent.
They fail from a lack of focus.

You don’t need more time.
You need fewer distractions.

The hard part isn’t setting the goal.
It’s protecting it.

Every ping, every scroll, every “just 5 minutes” 
chips away at the future you said you wanted.

Distractions aren’t harmless.
They’re expensive.
And they often wear the mask of productivity.

Answering one more email.
Rewriting the plan instead of executing it.
Saying “yes” to things that don’t move you forward.

Here’s the truth:
If everything matters, nothing does.

When you protect your goal:
➟ You move with intention
➟ You reclaim your energy
➟ You make progress faster

As James Clear said:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. 
You fall to the level of your systems.”

So, build systems that honour your focus.
And stop negotiating with your distractions.

P.S. What’s one small habit that helps you stay focused each day?

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Visual: VisualsbyMelodi🙏

You can ask for a raise all year…
and still walk out with nothing.

Because compensation isn’t about effort.
It’s about value, demonstrated with clarity.

For years, you believed:
↳ “If I show how hard I work, they’ll see it.”
↳ “If I’ve been here long enough, I deserve more.”
↳ “If others earn more, I should match them.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they’re hurting your strategy.

Many high performers fail in negotiations because:
❌ They negotiate from efforts, not impact.
❌ They compare themselves to others and create friction.
❌ They speak from emotion instead of measurable results.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need more justification.
You need more evidence.

Here are 5 ways to negotiate your salary like a Strategic Leader:

1 — Know your impact before you ask:
↳ Confidence comes from data.
➟ List your top wins and estimate your results.

2 — Speak in outcomes:
↳ Effort is invisible. Results are undeniable.
➟ Turn your work into numbers, savings, or improvements.

3 — Build a simple business case:
↳ A raise is an investment, not a favor.
➟ Show how your contributions strengthen the future of the team.

4 — Think in total compensation:
↳ Growth has many forms.
➟ Explore bonuses, stock, certifications, or development programs.

5 — Choose your moment wisely:
↳ Timing gives you leverage.
➟ Ask after a win, a success, or a visible achievement.

As Peter Drucker said,
“What gets measured gets managed,
and what gets measured gets rewarded.”

You don’t earn a raise with hours.
You earn it with impact.
Visible. Measurable. Irrefutable.
And it all begins with one step: own your value.

P.S. Which of these steps will you apply in your next negotiation?

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You can work hard all day…
and still feel like you didn’t move anything forward.

Because productivity isn’t about doing more.
It’s about directing your mind with intention.

For years, you believed:
↳ “If I keep multitasking, I’ll get ahead.”
↳ “Jumping between tasks means I’m fast.”
↳ “Being busy means I’m productive.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they’re draining your clarity.

Many high performers lose impact because:
❌ They overload their brain with constant switching.
❌ They stay in reaction mode all day.
❌ They confuse activity with progress.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need more speed.
You need more focus.

Here are 5 ways to work smart when your mind feels overloaded:

1- Choose one task at a time:
↳ Your brain performs better with one target.
➟ Single task. Full presence.

2- Cut distraction triggers:
↳ Noise kills clarity.
➟ Fewer tabs. Fewer apps. Fewer pings.

3- Protect your deep work:
↳ Focus is a boundary.
➟ Block time. Close doors. Own your attention.

4- Reset your mind often:
↳ Your brain needs oxygen to think.
➟ Step away. Take breaks. Breathe.

5- Pick your “one win” for the day:
↳ Impact comes from direction, not volume.
➟ One priority. One outcome. Real progress.

As Cal Newport says,
“Focus is the new superpower.”

You can’t multiply your brain.
But you can multiply your impact when you protect your attention.

P.S. Which habit will you reset today?

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What my high school nuns taught me about managing energy 
(It transformed my leadership style and my team's effectiveness)

At high school, I was juggling basketball, volleyball, and homework, often feeling drained by the end of the day.

No matter how organized I was, 
The exhaustion never seemed to go away.

One afternoon, one of the nuns looked at me and said:
“You don’t need to manage your time.
You need to manage your energy.”
That sentence stuck with me for life.

Here’s what I learned over the years:

1- Set a clear goal: 
Such as ending your day feeling energized.

2- Identify your why: 
Like being present for your family and pursuing your passions.

3- Implement a plan: 
Simple changes like regular breaks and 
focusing on energizing tasks can make a big impact.

Managing energy keeps you going when the tasks seem endless. It allows you to show up as your best self.

As Oprah said:
“You can’t be a source for others if you’re running on empty.”

So, if you feel drained, pause and reassess.

Ask yourself not just what you need to do, 
but how you want to feel while doing it.

Your energy is your most valuable resource.

P.S. What’s your goal for energy management?

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CodePath

Special Projects, Office of the CEO

Elevation Chief of Staff Training

Sharing my Chief of Staff expertise and experience via an online, self-paced certification program to help others enter and excel in the profession as well.

Founder

ArlanWasHere

As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ArlanWasHere, I spearheaded the strategic coordination and management of Arlan Hamilton's array of endeavors, including her book tour, online learning platform, 2,000+ attendee live conference, and media productions. My primary responsibility was to ensure that each project not only aligned with Arlan's overarching vision but also operated smoothly and effectively, maximizing impact and audience engagement.

Beyond operations, I played a pivotal role in shaping Arlan’s personal brand and thought leadership presence. I developed and executed strategic communications plans that amplified her influence across multiple platforms, ensuring her messaging remained compelling, consistent, and aligned with her mission. I worked closely with media partners, crafted high-impact narratives, and curated key opportunities to elevate her voice in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and social impact spaces.

From audience engagement strategies to positioning her brand for long-term visibility, I ensured that every initiative resonated with her community while reinforcing her status as a trailblazing leader. Through integrating strategic storytelling with operational execution, I helped transform vision into tangible influence, cementing ArlanWasHere as a powerhouse of education, empowerment, and advocacy.

Chief Operating Officer

Promise

As the Chief of Staff at Promise, I served as a key strategic advisor and trusted partner to the executive team. My role involved:

- Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior leaders to develop and implement the company’s strategic initiatives.
- Operational Efficiency: Overseeing daily operations to ensure alignment with the company’s goals and enhancing organizational efficiency.
- Leadership Support: Acting as a liaison between the executive team and various departments, facilitating effective communication and decision-making.
- Project Management: Leading and coordinating critical projects, ensuring they were completed on time and within scope.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the company’s objectives.
- Problem-Solving: Addressing complex challenges with innovative solutions to drive continuous improvement and growth.

In this capacity, I leveraged my expertise in leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management to support Promise in achieving its mission and vision.

Chief of Staff

Backstage Capital

Chief of Staff to Arlan Hamilton— an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and media personality who built a venture capital firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential, underestimated founders.

- Served as a thought partner and strategic advisor, including being her proxy in meetings and following up accordingly
- Provided analysis, recommendations, and options regarding high impact decisions
- Tracked high priority initiatives and identified any potential obstacles
- Facilitated and oversaw special projects and ensured action items were tracked and completed, provided actionable recommendations for improvement
- Supported at a tactical, strategic, and operational level
- Served as an extension of Arlan, and information funnel, filter, and facilitator with internal and external stakeholders
- Assessed inquiries directed to Arlan and determined priority and the proper course of action

Hire Runner

Head of Customer Success & Growth

As a founding team member and Head of Customer Success at Runner, a fast-paced venture-backed startup, I was entrusted with shaping the company's customer-centric ethos from the ground up. I developed foundational strategies while also directly engaging with customers, crafting messaging, and managing brand presence to maximize engagement and visibility.

Key Responsibilities:
- Developed and executed Runner’s inaugural brand and customer success strategy, defining how the company engages with and adds value to its customer base.
- Hired and led the customer success team, ensuring a seamless user experience from onboarding to advanced platform utilization.
- Established key metrics and KPIs to measure and improve customer satisfaction, analyzed data and implemented real-time improvements.
- Crafted and implemented tailored customer success plans to optimize value and retention while also setting long-term engagement strategies.
- Integrated customer insights into core business strategies, serving as both a hands-on contributor and a strategic leader in shaping company decisions.

Achievements:
- Launched impactful customer success initiatives such as quarterly business reviews and customer training sessions that became standard practices.
- Secured strategic partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft and Hello Alice, effectively amplifying Runner’s credibility and market presence.

Skills Developed:
- Hands-on execution in customer success, brand communication, and social media strategy
- Early-stage startup leadership and strategic decision-making
- Data-driven customer engagement and retention strategies
- Scaling and developing teams in high-growth environments
- Stakeholder management in a venture-backed setting

Director of Customer Success

Black Girl Ventures

The Change Agent Fellowship by BGV is a 9-month leadership skills development program created specifically to expand the capacity of early-stage entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to strengthen the ecosystems of Black/Brown women founders!
 
BGV incubates Black/Brown woman-identifying founders and ecosystem builders across multiple local ecosystems as a means to amplify women leaders and to create an “each one, teach one” model for growing the long-term entrepreneurial knowledge and sustainability of underrepresented founders. Black Girl Ventures cultivates local leaders, who in-turn cultivate their community as a service to the greater good of creating equal opportunity to thrive at the intersection of being a Black/Brown woman and an entrepreneur. Together, we will create access to social and financial capital for Black and Brown Woman-Identifying Founders!

Change Agent Fellow

Community Dental Partners

In my role at Community Dental Partners, I spearheaded initiatives aimed at business expansion, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. My multidisciplinary approach combined data analysis, market research, and collaborative leadership to achieve key performance indicators.

Key Responsibilities:
- Managed and executed growth-focused projects, including new practice openings, service line expansions, and partnership development.
- Conducted in-depth market research and data analysis to identify growth opportunities and areas for operational improvement.
- Strategically marketed the company's partnership opportunities to dentists, dental practices, and dental students.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales, Compliance, and Operations, to develop and implement growth strategies.
- Oversaw financial planning for growth projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
- Maintained strong relationships with dental professionals, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure project success and long-term growth.

Achievements:
- Successfully launched 7 new dental practices, resulting in a 23% increase in annual revenue.
- Enhanced customer retention rates by 12% through the implementation of a targeted customer satisfaction program.
- Achieved an average ROI of 34% on growth projects through effective budget management and strategy execution.
- Was awarded CDP's 2016 Employee of the Year for my ability to strategize, develop, lead, and implement successful growth projects for the company

Skills Developed:
- Strategic planning and execution
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Vendor and stakeholder management
- Data-driven decision-making

Project Manager (de facto Chief of Staff)

Associa

- Served as the main point of contact in all matters related to my portfolio of clients’ concerns and needs
- Built and strengthened client relationships to achieve long-term partnerships 
- Maintained client records, kept track of any contract updates and renewals
- Worked with sales and other internal teams to develop strategic marketing plans and ensure KPIs were being met
- Developed a thorough understanding of our products and service offerings to better upsell and cross-sell to clients
- Handled inquiries and requests from customers and addressed their needs
- Met regularly with other team members to discuss progress and find new ways to improve business
- Generated progress reports for clients and senior leaders within the organization
- Identified upsell, cross-sell, and renewal opportunities and communicated them with the sales team

Senior Account Manager

Worth Ross Management Co., AAMC

- Organized ideas, projects, people, time, and resources necessary to keep the company moving forward
- Communicated the vision, ideas, projects, and process (via content creation and providing context) to the necessary stakeholders and staff members
- Assisted in delegating projects and tasks to the appropriate people, then tracked progress, supported them, and held them accountable to the results

The Chief of Staff Coach™ | 3x Chief of Staff helping others get into and excel in the profession 🚀 | Founder of Elevation Chief of Staff Training | CEO at ArlanWasHere

👋🏾 Hi! I’m Melanie Jones, a 4x former Chief of Staff and founder of Elevation Chief of Staff Training. 

Throughout my career, I’ve led strategic operations, managed complex projects, and conducted in-depth research to support executive decision-making. My expertise spans project management and special initiatives, where I’ve built scalable systems, aligned cross-functional teams, and delivered high-impact results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

My experience as a Chief of Staff (since 2010!) led me to becoming a passionate advocate of the Chief of Staff profession. 

It’s one of the most impactful roles in any company— one of the fastest growing professions, an incredible launchpad for further success in your career, and WAY too many people have never even heard of it! 

That’s why I’m committed to:

🪄 demystifying the misconceptions about the role

🧱 breaking down the barriers to entry to this incredible career path

📚 and teaching others how to excel in the role through coaching and through the online Chief of Staff certification course at www.ElevationChiefofStaff.com

Let’s connect!! 🤗 

🔔 Follow me for more insights as I carry out my mission to empower others to become rockstar Chiefs of Staff too ✨

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