Lissa Appiah

Certified Career Transition & Job Promotion Coach | Career & Leadership Development Workshop Facilitator | Speaker & Trainer | Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2022

Are you an introverted manager or director who’s driving results, developing teams, and still being passed over for promotions? You’re not alone.

Research shows introverts with a bachelor’s degree earn on average $290K less over their careers than extroverted peers and the gap widens to $760K with advanced degrees. Because workplaces too often reward visibility over quiet impact.

I know this struggle firsthand. As an introvert, I used to believe I had to “act extroverted” to succeed. But when I stopped trying to fit that mold and started owning my introvert strengths, everything changed. I earned 5 promotions in under 8 years without burnout or pretending to be someone I wasn’t.

Now, I help other introverted professionals do the same through The Introvert Leadership Method™, a proven career transition and leadership growth system that helps you rebrand, reframe your expertise, and land $100K–$300K roles with selling themselves short.

💡 With this system, you’ll learn how to:
✔ Position your résumé, LinkedIn, and personal brand to reflect your leadership value
✔ Build influence and visibility without draining your energy
✔ Walk into interviews and salary negotiations prepared to secure top offers
✔ Step into leadership roles where your quiet expertise commands recognition and reward

📈 Client Results:

“Shortly after working with Lissa, I received a job offer exactly aligned with the role I was seeking.” — Anna Savelyeva, Director of Programs 

“Lissa’s program gave me the tools to land new roles, negotiate better salaries, and not sell myself short.” — Linda Adwoa Aidoo, Certified Finance Professional 

“Her coaching gave me clarity, confidence, and opened doors to new opportunities I never thought possible.” — Grace Udodong, Founder, Oasis Youth Care 


🏆 Featured in: The Globe and Mail • Fortune Magazine • LinkedIn News • CTV News

👉🏽 Ready to turn introversion into your advantage and claim the career growth you deserve?
📩 Message me here on LinkedIn or book a discovery call at weapply.ca

Founder, Career & Leadership Development Workshop Facilitator

We help organizations develop and retain talent through career and leadership development workshops or programs. As a Workshop Facilitator & Keynote Speaker, my signature presentations are: 

"Building with LinkedIn: Mastering LinkedIn for Career Success"
"Brand You: Unlocking the Power of Personal Branding to Stand Out in Your Career"

All our workshops and coaching programs are customized based on your organizational needs.

My first hire taught me more about leadership than any training ever could.

She had recently relocated to Canada and was applying for an entry-level role.

Her resume stood out.
She was clearly overqualified.

I asked why she was applying for such a junior position.

She said, “As soon as I mention I’m on a work permit, no one’s interested.”

The interview confirmed what her resume hinted at:
She was exceptional.

When she left the room, I turned to the other interviewer and said,
“She’s the one.”

The response?
“She’s on a work permit. That’s extra paperwork. You’d have to justify it.”

I didn’t hesitate.
She was worth it.

She joined my team. She outperformed. We kept her on long after.

Years later, I ran into her again.
She was in tears.

She’d bought a home.
Became a Canadian citizen.
Started a family.

She said, "you gave me a chance and changed my life"

Sometimes leadership means choosing the harder path for the right person.

Because talent doesn’t always show up in the most familiar or expected way.
But when we bet on people, it pays off.

----

P.S. I've put together a list of 125+ hidden & remote job boards

Download the full list here → https://lnkd.in/gjAC8V2W

I help introverted managers and directors land $150K+ roles without endless networking | Top 20 Career Coach in Canada | Certified Career & Executive Coach | 400+ client wins | $36K avg. salary increase

Someone at work once told me I needed to “flex” and be more extroverted if I ever wanted to succeed.
 
It’s not about flexing.
 
It’s about knowing yourself and showing up as your true self.
 
It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, interacting with others in a way that feels natural and allows you to be effective.
 
That’s how you’ll set yourself up for success.
 
Being my introverted self has worked for me, and it’ll work for you.
 
There is certainly a time and place to "flex" and step outside of your comfort zone, but not at the expense of pretending to be someone you are not!

That's simply exhausting 😩
 
Are you showing up as your true self each and every day?

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P.S. I’m taking 3 new clients in December, if you’re ready to elevate your career or personal brand, let’s work together >>> https://lnkd.in/gyGrMWVg

I help introverted leaders land $150K+ roles and elevate their personal brand without endless networking | Certified Executive Coach | Top 20 Career Coach & Top 20 LinkedIn Top Voice in Canada | 400+ client wins

Hitting “Post” changed everything.
For months, I doubted myself.
I wasn’t sure my voice belonged on LinkedIn.

But one day, I pushed past the fear and pressed “Post.”
That single moment set everything in motion.

Fast forward 4 years:

▪️ 50M+ post views
▪️ 63K+ followers
▪️ 400+ client wins
▪️ 50+ media features (LinkedIn News, Globe & Mail, Fortune, CTV, Rogers TV)
▪️ 100+ workshops and speaking engagements
▪️ Multiple awards for LinkedIn + career coaching
▪️ And earlier this year, I went full-time in my business

Yesterday, I stood on the WBE Canada conference stage sharing my story, all because of one decision to show up.

The moment you stop hiding your voice, your world starts to open.
Small acts of courage create life-changing opportunities.

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If building your brand on LinkedIn is a goal for you, grab the LinkedIn Profile Cheat Sheet + Masterclass here: https://lnkd.in/enku2cRc

I learned the hard way that no visibility means no opportunities.

At an old job, there was an unwritten rule:
The more junior you were, the further back you sat.

As an introvert, I loved it.
Hiding felt safe.
Even after I became a manager, I still sat at the back.

Then one day, I started hearing a question I didn’t expect:
 “Where is Lissa?”

That was my wake-up call.
I realized people couldn’t recognize my leadership if they couldn’t even see me.

So I did the thing I had been avoiding, I moved to the front of the room.
It felt uncomfortable at first.

But the more I showed up, the more I stopped questioning whether I belonged there.

Here’s what changed:
 👉🏽 Embracing imperfection: Confidence grows through action, not perfection.
 👉🏽 Celebrating wins: Big or small, acknowledging progress builds momentum.
 👉🏽 Borrowing confidence: Pulling strength from the parts of my life where I already excelled.

Your leadership can’t grow if you’re hiding.

If this resonates, you’ll love Leading Quietly, my weekly newsletter with unconventional leadership strategies for introverted managers and directors.
Join 3K+ readers here → https://lnkd.in/enku2cRc

I've missed birthdays, family events and get-togethers.
Because there was an “important” meeting or conference.

Recently, my husband’s cousin was graduating in Windsor.
When I looked at my calendar, it was full: deadlines, client calls, prep for upcoming speaking gigs.

For a moment, I almost said, “I can’t go.”
Then I stopped.
Because there’s always something to be busy about.

I decided this year, I no longer want to be the person who misses the moments that actually matter.

So, I closed the laptop.
Dropped work for three days.
And celebrated with family.

Work will always find its way back to your to-do list.
 But time with loved ones doesn’t come twice.

Being quiet shouldn’t put your career at a disadvantage.
But in many workplaces, volume still wins over value.

I’ve watched brilliant introverts get passed over,
while louder, less qualified colleagues moved ahead.

And the data says the same thing:
 🟡 65% of executives think introverts aren’t strong leaders
 🟡 Only 2% of senior roles are held by introverts
 🟡 Introverts earn $12K less per year on average

That used to be me.
I had the skills, just not the visibility.

Everything changed when I stopped trying to be louder…
and built a personal brand aligned with my real strengths.

Now I help other introverted managers and directors do the same:
 👉🏽 Average $36K salary increases
 👉🏽 Promotions into leadership roles
 👉🏽 More clarity, confidence, and opportunities

Introversion isn’t a limitation.
It becomes an advantage when you learn to leverage it.

Ready to uncover your most marketable introvert strengths?
Take the free quiz → https://lnkd.in/e8TsqSz5

Raise your hand to speak.
Wait your turn to be called.
That’s what we were all taught in school.

But in the workplace, that same habit can make you invisible.
Doing great work quietly doesn’t guarantee recognition.

If you don’t speak up, someone else will fill the silence.

Here’s how to change that:
1️⃣ Own your accomplishments.
 Stop downplaying your impact. Self-promotion isn’t arrogance, it’s awareness.

2️⃣ Be proactive, not patient.
Don’t wait for others to notice your value. Market yourself the same way companies market great products.

3️⃣ Leverage your relationships.
Build authentic connections. People promote and support those they know, like, and trust.

You don’t have to shout to be seen.
You just have to speak with clarity, confidence, and intention.

If you’re a quiet leader ready to grow your influence without changing who you are. Join my Leading Quietly newsletter for weekly strategies for introverted managers and directors.

 👉🏾 Join here: https://lnkd.in/enku2cRc

I know what it feels like to be the first.
Because I am that first.

The first in my family to:
👉🏽 Be born in Canada
👉🏽 Earn a degree
👉🏽 Build a career in the public service

But being “the first” isn’t just a milestone, it’s a responsibility.
There’s no playbook or safety net.
You’re expected to lead the way, even while still finding your own footing.

That’s why I started WeApply, to make sure other “firsts” don’t have to do it alone.

This year, I’ve worked with incredible clients who’ve rewritten their stories:

▪️Amanda received 2 job offers and finally stepped into her Senior Director role.
▪️Shawna earned a $25K promotion + a 5% procurement incentive bonus.
▪️Antonio, a VP once labeled as “too quiet,” by his CEO, transformed his communication and leadership presence through coaching after a tough performance review.

Each of them shared one thing in common: they’re also all “firsts.”

Being the first takes courage.
But your courage becomes someone else’s roadmap.

👉🏾 I am hosting 'How to Get the Offer (Not Just the Interview)' on Dec 7 at 3pm. 
Join us here >>> https://lnkd.in/gv5EdJcP

Bad managers don’t always realize they’re bad. 
Some are doing their best, but they’re leading with blind spots no one ever told them about.

So here’s what your team wishes they could say out loud:

1. Stop trying to control everything. 

You don’t need to be in every meeting or copied on every email. 
Set the goals, and trust people to get things done.

2. Stop taking all the credit. 

Your team sees when their work is minimized so you can look good. 
Recognition builds loyalty and silence destroys it.

3. Stop setting impossible expectations. 

Long hours aren’t a badge of honour. 
Respect your team’s capacity and protect their time.

4. Stop preaching what you don’t practice. 

Accountability, transparency, respect go both ways. 
Lead by example, not by pressure.

When leaders grow in self-awareness, teams grow in trust.
And trust is what turns good managers into great ones.

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P.S. I am hosting 'How to Get the Offer (Not Just the Interview)' on Dec 7 at 3pm.  Join us here >>> https://lnkd.in/gv5EdJcP

I’ll take any job.
That was my mindset during the lowest point of my career.

I had 20+ versions of my résumé, sending out hundreds of applications, hoping something would stick.

The stress was real and the silence was louder.
I was getting no call backs or interviews.

Then I did the opposite of what I thought I should do.
Instead of applying to everything, I narrowed my focus:
▪️ Specific industry
▪️ Targeted employers
▪️ Clear role fit

Suddenly, I wasn’t just another applicant.
I was the solution to their problem.

Within weeks, I landed the right role.
That role led to 5 promotions in less than 8 years.

I’ve taught the same approach to 400+ clients.

When you stop applying to everything, you start standing out for the right things.

On December 7 at 3pm, I am hosting a free webinar sharing my 3-Step System for Introverted Managers & Directors to Land $150K+ Roles
>>> https://lnkd.in/gCmMSxJ2

The moment you start comparing your growth, you stop honoring it.
Too often, we chase validation instead of transformation.

But real growth looks different.
It’s intentional and often unseen.

It happens when you stop trying to please everyone and start focusing on who you’re becoming.

You don’t need to compete to evolve. 
Grow for yourself, not for their applause.

She returned from maternity leave to a job that no longer felt like the one she left.

The support was gone.
The workload doubled.

Somehow, she was expected to “catch up” overnight.
They were penalizing her for taking maternity leave.
Her boss said "we have to make up for the lost time"...

That was the moment she knew something had to change.

Together, 
▪️we rebuilt her confidence 
▪️clarified her value, and 
▪️created an exit strategy that didn’t force her to start over or sacrifice the career she had worked so hard for.

A few weeks into working together she landed a new role on a healthier team at her company.

Her career didn’t stall because she became a mom.
It grew because she stopped shrinking for an environment that no longer deserved her.

You don’t have to stay where you’re undervalued.

I’ve helped 400+ professionals leave toxic workplaces, land promotions, and transition into roles that recognize their worth.

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start moving, let’s talk → https://lnkd.in/gyGrMWVg

This year, I’ve spent more time building behind the scenes than celebrating in public.
But every quiet season plants seeds.

And those seeds grew into recognition this year I never expected:
▪️ Top 15 Career Coach in Ottawa 
▪️ Top 20 LinkedIn Top Voice in Canada
▪️ Top 20 LinkedIn Career Creator in Canada
▪️ Top 20 Career Coach in Canada 

Next up: This week, I’ll be leading a workshop at the WBE Canada National Conference.
Topic: Building Your Business on LinkedIn.

If you’ll be there live, come say hello at WeApply Canada Inc.'s booth.

Keep planting. Keep showing up.
The results and recognition will find you.

I’ve seen ideas die in meeting rooms.
But this one didn’t.

I still remember the day Karla Briones shared her vision for helping immigrant entrepreneurs.

Back then, it was just a spark, a belief.
Fast-forward to today: that spark has become a movement.

Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada has changed countless lives, and I’ve met entrepreneurs who credit the community for the momentum that shifted their entire journey.

Next weekend, I’ll be joining them as a keynote speaker, sharing how building a personal brand helped me grow my side hustle into a six-figure business.

It’s a full-circle moment.

Never underestimate where one idea can lead.
What you start today could become the thing that changes someone else’s future.

Things we are no longer doing as introverts in 2026 👇🏾

🚫 Avoid networking at all costs

No more awkward encounters or forced interactions. 

We're now networking with intention, on our terms and building meaningful connections.

🚫 Stay quiet in meetings because you feel like you don't have anything to say

No more silence in meetings because we fear our ideas aren't worth sharing. 

We're preparing ahead, asking impactful questions, and sharing our unique insights. Our voices matter.

🚫 Getting passed up for promotions because we're quiet

This will be the year you'll stop being overlooked for that promotion because you're "quiet." 

We are confidently advocating for ourselves and sharing our accomplishments.

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Ready to learn how to leverage your introverted strengths at work?

Join 3K+ quiet leaders and founders who have taken the Introvert At Work Quiz >>> https://lnkd.in/e8TsqSz5

It’s here!! 🎉

My next live masterclass → How to Get the Offer (Not Just the Interview).

If you’ve been landing interviews but not the offer, this is for you.

I’ve coached 400+ senior professionals and managers, and the pattern is always the same:
 👉 The problem isn’t skill.
 👉 It’s visibility, positioning, and communication.

That’s why I created this masterclass to teach you the exact system my clients use to land $150K+ roles.

In this 60-min masterclass, you’ll learn how to:
✦ Turn visibility into interviews and offers
✦ Position yourself as a six-figure leader through your résumé, LinkedIn, and brand story
✦ Interview using a simple storytelling methods

Join us on December 7 at 3pm ET
 >>> Register here: https://lnkd.in/gv5EdJcP

View event: How to Get the Offer (Not Just the Interview)

How to Get the Offer (Not Just the Interview)

Most high-achievers aren’t stuck because they lack talent.
They’re stuck because they’re waiting for permission to lead.

That was my client, an introverted director.
Brilliant, capable, and hard-working but quietly hoping someone would finally “notice.”

She considered another degree to feel “ready.”
She stayed quiet in meetings.
She second-guessed herself even when she knew the answer.

Her problem wasn’t skill.
It was the fear of being seen, being wrong, or not being perfect.
Something I see often after coaching 100s of introverted leaders into senior roles.

Then one day, she watched a colleague say exactly what she had been thinking and get all the credit.
That moment changed everything.

In coaching, we dismantled the real barriers:
▪️Fear of visibility
▪️Perfectionism
▪️Self-doubt

She learned to communicate with clarity and stop shrinking herself.

6 months later, she’s leading a team with confidence
and her boss says it’s the highest-performing team they’ve seen since joining the company.

She didn’t need permission.
She needed to step into the leader she already was.

If you’re done waiting for someone else to validate your leadership potential,  and ready to step into the role you’ve already earned. Let’s talk!

👉🏾 Book a discovery call: https://lnkd.in/gyGrMWVg

Ottawa Tourism

Director, People & Culture

Ottawa Tourism provides industry leadership, strategic direction and destination marketing to attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.

Founded in 1971, Ottawa Tourism is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization, with 340 members representing accommodations, attractions, restaurants, outdoor experiences, festivals and entertainment that work together to profile Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region as a diverse and exciting place to visit. 

Ottawa Tourism’s objectives are to promote the destination, increase visitation and enhance economic impact for the industry and its membership.


As the Manager, People & Culture, I manage Ottawa Tourism's full HR cycle, including employee recruitment, negotiations, contracting, onboarding, professional development, performance management and employee engagement. 
I work closely with VPs and Directors and ensure the organization is leading action to foster a strong corporate culture that translates to our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusions. This includes providing mentorship, coaching and direction to other team members. 
Ensure a positive culture and implement the tri-annual employee engagement survey (eNPs).

Manager, People & Culture

Precisely Careers

I offer educational workshops on how job seekers can secure their dream careers. Throughout my career, 
I have presented to 1000's of students and understand the pain points job seekers face when applying to jobs. 

I equip job seekers with the tools to build a winning resume, prepare for a job interview, pivot into a new career, and negotiate their salaries. 


Clients include Conestoga College, Algonquin College, Concordia University, Sault College and the University of Toronto Scarborough.

Human Resources Consultant & Career Coach

Modern Marketing Certificate

Instructor

Canadian Federation of Students | Fédération canadienne des étudiantes et étudiants

•Led the strategic direction and implementation of HR policies and programs, resulting in a 20% reduction in employee turnover and a 15% increase in employee engagement.
•Built and managed a high-performing HR team of 15+ professionals across multiple locations, resulting in improved HR operational efficiency and effectiveness.
•Developed and implemented a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy resulting in a 10% increase in underrepresented group representation at all levels of the organization.
•Designed and executed a talent acquisition strategy that reduced time-to-hire by 25% and increased candidate quality by 20%.
•Led the development of a performance management program, which resulted in a 30% improvement in employee productivity and a 10% increase in employee satisfaction.
•Responsible for managing an annual revenue stream of 3.5 million dollars.

Executive Director, Employee & Labour Relations

Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation

•Accountable for managing all HR-related matters, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, training and development, hiring, termination, and job equity evaluations.
•Planned and coordinated annual strategic meetings, board and committee orientations.
•Maintained and managed corporate records and archives.
•Conducted comprehensive research on HR and Health & Safety trends to identify best practices and stay current with industry standards.
•Monitored compliance with corporate policies and procedures relating to Retirement Savings, OMERS Pension, and Group Insurance plans.
•Ensured adherence to all relevant statutes and regulations, including but not limited to Employment Standards, WSIB, and Employment Insurance.
• Monitored compliance with corporate policies and procedures regarding Retirement Savings, OMERS Pension and Group Insurance plans.
• Ensured compliance with statutes regarding the Employment Standards, WSIB and Employment Insurance.

Director of Human Resources & Corporate Services

Toronto Metropolitan Association of Part-time Students

•Directly supervised a team of 5 unionized employees 20 part-time staff and supported board members.
• Managed all financial operations including payroll, accounts payable, receivables and contract negotiation.
• Coordinated and implement the services to support campaigns and services at the municipal, provincial and national level.
 • Arranged complex and detailed travel plans, and compiled all necessary documents for travel-related meetings.
• Organized conferences with a budget o $150,000+ for a diverse group of individuals across Canada, while ensuring the accuracy of expense claims.
• Utilized interpersonal and relationship management skills to facilitate partnerships with community groups.

Executive Director, Human Resources & Strategy

People Operations Coordinator

Rogers Sports & Media

• Successfully planned and executed live newscasts every 30 minutes by coordinating all broadcast needs
• Conducted in-depth phone interviews with prominent political figures, esteemed professors, and community members
• Managed social media accounts and ensured timely dissemination of news, weather, and sports updates
• Generated story ideas and curated a comprehensive list of subject matter experts for potential features.

News Anchor/ Weekend Traffic Reporter CityNews Kitchener

I help job seekers accelerate their job hunt and connect them to their dream careers | Human Resources Business Partner| Career Coach

Thanks for stopping by! 👋🏾

My name is Nicole. I like to refer to myself as "The Career Connector." I'm a Human Resources Professional and Career Consultant focusing on helping career professionals secure their dream careers. I also specialize in training graduates entering the workforce on how to create a better resume, prepare for job interviews and understand how to negotiate their salaries. 🚀

As a strong advocate of the people-first approach to HR, empathy, enthusiasm, and courage will develop an impactful culture and innovative talent solutions.🌻

I have worked with multi-generational teams in unionized and non-unionized environments. I have always valued a learning culture with continuous growth embedded in the employee experience. 

I've spoken to 1000s of career professionals, and I understand their everyday challenges. Let me explain how I can help you! 👇🏾


What I offer to Organizations 🏢 :

Workshop Topics:

🌟 Resume building and career-building tips
🌟 Secrets to acing your next job interview
🌟 How to negotiate your salary like a pro

"I hope you will be back soon too Nicole. You and I met on Linkedin and that speaks to the power of networking using this social media platform. I hope my students will use it to network as part of their job search strategy. You offered profound insight regardiing one's job search strategy and how a candidate should differentiate themselves from others. I highly recommend others to leverage your expertise in their quest to improve their job search outcomes."- Alan Keith, Conestoga College Professor.


What I offer for Job Seekers 💼::

💫 Resume and Cover Letter Writing
💫 Job Interview Preparation 
💫 Career Clarity Roadmap ( Career Transition)

"The interview prep was immensely helpful as it built my confidence for the interview questions. Nicole provided feedback on each answer and only moved forward when it was perfect. If you need to nail your interview, you've come to the right place. I am proud to say that I GOT THE JOB!" - Melissa, Client.


Let's Connect 👩🏾‍💻:

✉️  For speaking engagement requests, email me at mycareer@preciselycareers.ca
👉🏾 Learn more about my services at  https://www.preciselycareers.ca/
📚Read my thought leadership blog https://www.preciselycareers.ca/blog-1

taplio

The Battle

Lissa Appiah

Nicole Picton, CHRP

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The Battle

Lissa Appiah

Nicole Picton, CHRP

Followers

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Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Lissa Appiah's LinkedIn Performance

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