Andrea Wade, MBA's Linkedin Analytics

Baseball made him a legend. Reinvention made him limitless. Baseball hall of famer Ken Griffey Jr. is continuing to build his legacy. But this time as a photographer. After years playing with teams like the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey has made a pivot to another career. Now he is a sports photographer. And not just your, I play around with this camera” photographer. He was a credentialed photographer at the Masters golf tournament. He was on the sidelines—with a camera. At 55, he’s shooting the Masters, NFL, MLS. Not as a fan. As a credentialed photographer. This is the definition of reinvention. The takeaway? You won’t be handed your next chapter. You have to create it. Especially if you want more. Definitely if you want different Follow your curiosity. It will take you some amazing places!

Have you ever tried to make a great impression at work? But in reality you were doing just the opposite? Years ago when I was relatively new on a job a colleague gave me some great advice. I was excited to show everyone that I deserved to be there. I was suffering from a bit of imposter syndrome and I wanted them to know they hadn't made a mistake in hiring me. Like many eager new employees, I was eager to show how much I knew. I was killing myself by volunteering for everything, trying to figure everything out on my own instead of asking for help, and suffering major anxiety if someone suggested I do something a different way. And then one day a colleague pulled me aside and told me: " Seek to understand. " That day, my whole life changed. At first I didn't get it. What kind of mind ninja mumbo jumbo was he trying to work on me? Then I let it sink in. I realized that making sure I "understood" before reacting was key to guiding me to take the RIGHT action. Simple. Not easy. Powerful and effective. What advice has helped you in new situations?

The CMO roles at four major companies are vacant: Geico Colgate Bumble   Burger King We're not talking small-time startups.   These are billion-dollar brands with global reach.  I know people want these jobs. So why are they vacant? There are qualified people on the market.   There are qualified people inside other companies, itching for a pivot.  Are employers looking for unicorns? Or holding on hiring to save on expenses? You might be an internal candidates who won't get proper consideration. Why not? You are stuck in the day-to-day grind.  Too deep in the weeds.   Too "average" to stand out Too busy keeping up to prepare for the future.  Meanwhile, the landscape changed.  Companies want modern marketing.   But you are stuck in the past:  Tactics from 2019. Frameworks from 2015.   Case studies from a world that no longer exists.  “Qualified” isn’t the same as “prepared.”  Companies don’t just want résumés.  They want agility. They want foresight. They want relevance. They want proof that you saw what’s next—and you’re already fluent in it.  Don't wait to update your thinking 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 they’ve been passed over.  Read the article 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 the job is available.   Build the skillset 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 the layoffs happen.   Work on your story 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 you need to tell it.  Anticipate disruption. Don't wait for it to hit you in the face. Anticipate the shifts and you won’t have to chase the opportunity—it’ll chase you.

Change is here! Do you flee or freeze? I just learned about a woman who was notified about her layoff a few months ago but instead of focusing on what is best for her, she is pushing to impress her current boss who can't even look her in the eye. She knows her job is ending but she can't shift into survival mode. She is frozen with fear, and she is not alone. There is a book that can help and you can read it in less than an hour. Who Moved My Cheese is a simple story that illustrates how to deal with change. The characters are Sniff and Scurry (the mice). And Hem and Haw (the people). They all go to the same place every day looking for cheese. One day they notice that there is less cheese than the day before. The next day, there is even less. At this  rate, the cheese is gonna run out. Sniff & Scurry, putting survival first, make a pivot. And start looking for new cheese! Hem and Haw notice the cheese is disappearing too But they don’t do anything. Instead they waste time: • Hoping the cheese will come back • Being mad that it’s not there • Debating what to do next Sniff and Scurry get busy Hem and Haw get distracted. Want to guess how it ends for them? Your story is in progress and you can control the ending. Are you team Sniff & Scurry? Or Team Hem & Haw?

He noticed that things started to change. It started slowly but felt like slamming into a wall! For 15 years, his work was steady. One gig led to the next. The opportunities were always there. Until they weren't. California’s film and TV industry? Down 30% in employment since 2022. Writers. Costume designers. Makeup artists. All suddenly asking: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸? Some are pivoting Into other fields. Getting new skills Launching businesses. What about you? What if 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 industry shifts? What if the demand dries up? What if you're already seeing signs? Hoping things just go back to normal is risky. There is no normal! If you bet your future on your industry you are vulnerable. But if you know your 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴? You have power. You can shift. Reinvent. Build something new. The ones who survive don’t wait for the storm. They start moving when the wind changes. What are you waiting for?

There is change all around Do you ignore it, run from it, or adapt to it? Change moves fast So running from it is not an option! You need a plan so that you aren't caught off guard. A woman saw the signs of change at her company and reached out to me to get a plan. She decided she wanted to get back to something she had done before. She knew what she wanted to do so we worked on getting clear on her skills and the value she offered to get her there. This was essential because she had been away for a few years so she needed to build a bridge from what she had done recently to what she wanted to do next. She understood why, but the how was clunky at first. She kept at it. She relaunched with her clear purpose. She re-engaged with her network and her network’s network. She communicated her value, found her advocate and made a clear ask. She has been in her new role for a few months now. If you aren’t happy with where you are: 1. Determine where you would like to be 2. Take action to get there How are you adapting to change in your industry?

You survived the layoff. So why do you feel so bad? You've got a case of corporate survivor’s guilt— when you're grateful but anxious, employed but uneasy. What you say: “I’m lucky. I still have my job.” What you think: “For now.” It’s hard to stay focused when you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Here are 3 ways to steady yourself while you figure out what’s next: 1. Set boundaries. You can’t outwork a layoff. And piling on extra projects won’t buy you safety—it’ll just burn you out. Protect your time and energy. 2. Find your people. You’re not crazy for feeling the way you do. You need a space to vent, reflect, and get a little tough love. A solid crew will help you feel less alone—and more in control. 3. Start planning your next move. This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation. Update your stuff. Start having conversations. You don’t need to jump—just be ready in case you need to. Because here’s the truth: You didn’t get cut this time. But stability is not promised. Take back the power. You’ve worked too hard to feel this uncertain.

A year ago, I wrote about 2 rich men fighting. My point wasn’t them, it was the potential casualties as a result of this ego bust-up: What would happen to the employees? So neither one tapped out and now Jeremy is also gone from UTA. Not pushed out, but pushed to the side: UTA named a new CEO but Jeremy will remain on the Board and help with the transition, before he is gone, gone. This comes 2 weeks after he and Michael Kassan were both in Quatar pitching Qatar’s Government Digital Council (GDC) for their business. I’m guessing Jeremy didn’t bring home the prize. He has admitted to some that the fight with Michael that started a year ago cost the agency millions in legal fees and resulted in lost business revenue. It also damaged MediaLink’s brand that they were fighting to keep and publicly embarrassed a company whose entire business is based on being able to protect and nurture relationships. Jeremy will be fine. Michael is fine. Rich men have different problems than you or me. What about the employees? As I said when this fight first started:  - You never know what is going on at the senior most levels of a company. - The executive you looked up to could be gone tomorrow. - Don’t hook your future to a their cart. Think about what is best for your future and plan accordingly.

Believing blindly is easy. Questioning everything is survival. I read the email. Then I read it again. Of all the things impacting the industry, this is what they wanted to talk about? There was a time you could trust people in charge. Even if you disagreed with them. Think about this when you are listening to company leadership. Are they talking about real issues? Or distracting you with trivial matters? You have to question 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨: What’s missing? Who’s saying it? What are they avoiding? Trust isn’t a default. It’s a trap—if you’re not paying attention. So yeah, it’s annoying to have to: • keep updated on industry news • find answers to your questions • look for the gaps in messaging But it’s not optional. It’s survival. In a world trying to manage your reactions, staying informed is rebellion. Truth is the hill worth dying on. What is the craziest thing you've heard recently?

How far will you go to survive? Are you willing to chew off your own arm? Blackweek launched last year. The founders are brilliant, accomplished and thoughtful executives. I know a couple of them and there are a couple who are “friends in my head”. Yesterday a read a post about their decision to change the name from Blackweek to Blankweek. I didn't like it but I understood. It seemed to be a matter of survival. I know how much work can go into designing and launching something new. How much effort it can be to get sponsors. How much effort it can be to get people to register. How much effort it can be overall to plan and execute. So when I saw the message, given the attacks on anything that resembles DEI or a support of Blackness, I didn't like it, but I understood. I’m Los Angeles born and raised. When I was 8 or 9, my grandmother wanted to take me on a trip to her hometown, Hazlehurst, Mississippi. My father did not support the trip. He too was Los Angeles, born and raised. He had memories of Emmett Till in his head. He was worried about his daughter going to Mississippi. I made the trip and even at that young age, I realized that something about Mississippi was “different”. The past 60 days have reminded me of how frustrating it is to feel like you have to explain yourself, explain your presence, explain why you are where you are. This is a time when people need to do hard things because they are the RIGHT things. Black Week needs to happen. But the unfortunate reality is, the people who really need to be there won’t attend because of the name. What do you think of this April Fool's joke?

Retirement used to be a goal. Now it is a distant dream. Many people in their 70s and 80s, are still working. Struggling to make ends meet, unable to retire. Things have changed. People over 50 aren’t trying to get to retirement; They are trying to survive! With rising healthcare costs, inflation, and the pressure of living longer than expected, People are grinding, when they thought they would be resting. The takeaway? The expectation of retirement has shifted. Stopping "work" isn’t a given anymore. It’s not just about saving enough, but having the ability to navigate financial pressures that could pop up. Financial security is more fragile than you think. What could you do that doesn’t feel like work, but could also help you to earn money? If you have to keep working longer than you expect, it will help if the work fulfills you, AND pays the bills. What is your dream for your life at 70?

I would not have predicted this pairing: Best-selling author (The Tipping Point, Outliers) and an uber successful producer (Blackish and its different spin-offs; Girl’s Trip) Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris walk into a bar… I’m guessing they knew of each other, but didn’t know each other. But here they are, co-hosts on a podcast… hmmm… The show will interview some of the world’s most successful people, focusing on their unique and often distinct paths to that success. Guests include: WNBA legend Sue Bird, Writer-director Ava DuVernay, Chef/Momofuku founder David Chang Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel Maryland first Black governor, Wes Moore Former Xerox CEO and the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Ursula Burns The premise is not that unique. What I’m interested in is how they approach the show. The takeaway? When you are successful, you can get people to pay you for things that are related to your success area. (*Malcolm has a very successful podcast but Audible is paying Kenya's company to produce The Unusual Suspects.) And thus we have a podcast that none of us knew we were missing. Will you be listening?

Before influencers sold you makeup on your phone, women sold you miracles in mini-catalogues. I was today years old when I learned that AVON went bankrupt in 2024. It was just a matter of time I guess. I sold Avon when I was 9 years old. This was before the internet and e-commerce. The Avon ladies ( they were usually ladies) would have samples so they could let customers try on the product and close the deal. It was these samples that hooked me! I didn’t like the fake, pretend makeup that i got for my birthday. And my Mom didn’t like me playing in her makeup. Avon was the answer to my problems! I signed up with an adult Avon lady. I managed to get to the mail before my mom when my kit was delivered. Everything was going OK with my customers until it was time to submit my orders.   I got a little confused with the order forms and had to ask for my mother for help. She told me I had to shut down my business! I couldn't let my customers down. Although I was new to business, I knew I had to get my customers their products. With my Mom’s help, I delivered my my first and last orders of Avon. My Avon career ended but the lesson of delivering to the customer no matter what stuck with me. RIP AVON!

I saw people come back from meetings with envelopes and a box.    Another layoff.  I wasn’t impacted that time.   But I knew they weren't done.      That feeling made me sick.       I’d seen this movie before.  The moment things go silent… is the moment you start preparing.      Freezing is not an option. Security isn’t about working harder;   It’s about taking steps to be prepared for anything.    Here are 4 things you should do so a layoff doesn't catch you slipping:  𝟭. 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 What are your essential expenses? What are the minimum expenses you MUST cover? Determine that number, multiply it times 3, save that amount. 𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 Expecting a tax refund, save it. Saving for a vacation, downgrade it and move money to your emergency fund. Compromise a little now to avoid pain later. 𝟯. 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘁. With Interest rates at 20%+, you want to pay down balances ASAP At a minimum, stop increasing your credit card debt. Do what you can pay more than the minimum each month. 𝟰. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗵 In a dire situation, what could you do to raise money? Can you take on projects? Do you have things you can sell ( jewelry, designer bags, household items? ) Is it possible to get a roommate? Things are changing quickly. Pay attention to the signs and act accordingly so that you aren’t caught off guard.

My eye was open.   And someone was cutting into it. This isn't the start of a horror film. Less than a week ago I had an eye surgery. I was conscious the whole time.  Aware. Awake. totally calm.   (and thankful for powerful pharmaceuticals) The reality hit me like a slow-moving train: Not because I didn't feel pain But because of what was happening 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 I felt nothing at all. My eye. Surgery. While I "watched" and listened to my doctor's playlist.  I had the same surgery a few years ago in my other eye. Didn't remember it at all. And I I would’ve laughed if you if you said I was awake for it. But the truth is:  I was awake. I was conscious. And now I'm writing about it. The unimaginable isn’t just possible.  It’s survivable.  With the right team, with real expertise—   You can survive almost anything: The things that you don't think are possible.   The things that sound like science fiction. The things that scare you. If you don't believe it is possible, put your trust in those you can believe.  You will be blown away by what you can survive when you surround yourself with the right people. For those going through a tough time, find the people who can provide the support and encouragement that you need.

A picture is worth a thousand words, But this one is worth billions. Let me break this down: From the chart in the picture: Target stock down nearly 50%—from $173 to $95. How did this happen? A few factors came together for a perfect storm: • Management decisions re: DEI. • Changing Market conditions. • Anticipated impact of tariffs. And those small shifts? They compounded. Billions in value, GONE! (they were down $12 billion a month ago) The takeaway? Even if you’re not making the decisions at your company — You’re 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 with them. You’re seeing: Layoffs. Budget freezes. Leadership talking but not saying anything. It’s easy to feel powerless when you see the chaos around you. But this is the time to pay attention. To stay sharp. To be honest about what’s really happening. To get proactive instead of reactive. Because when companies make bold (or bad) decisions— The market responds. And so should 𝘺𝘰𝘶. Be prepared for the unexpected. It shows up in every workplace. And the sooner you see it coming, the better you can position yourself when it hits. Don’t be surprised. Pay attention. Then plan accordingly. What recent decision has you confused?

Being a Black woman over 40 is a triple threat. But not how you would think. Our threats: A way to be dismissed. A way to be underestimated. A way to be discriminated against. I’ve experienced all three. Sometimes all at once. Advised to not be so direct. Told to smile more, then not taken seriously when I did. Had roles downgraded when it came time for me to apply. And still, I kept going. Black women are taught: • To make it work. • To “push through.” • To not be too much. But we overcome these "environmental conditions". It is how we survive and thrive! We use being dismissed as as a sign to not get too comfortable. We use being underestimated to do the unexpected We see discrimination long before it arrives. The takeaway? If you’ve felt overlooked, underpaid, or boxed in—you’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone. But also— You’re not stuck. You don’t have to wait for someone else’s permission to make a move. You’ve earned your experience. You’ve earned your voice. Frustration can be a huge motivator. If you let it.

The IRS gave employees 3 options before they start layoffs. If this was your company what would you do? Here is the background: The IRS just offered three options to thousands of employees as part of a “reduction in force” plan: 1. 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀 – Lump sum cash payment (up to a capped amount) to leave now. 2. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Paid administrative leave for a few months. 3. 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – For those with 20 - 25 years of service For some, this might feel like a blessing. Others feel blindsided. These options are coming 𝘯𝘰𝘵 because employees did something wrong. They’re coming because of budget cuts and a change in priorities. Translation: Even a government job — long considered the gold standard of stability — isn’t guaranteed anymore. What if you are in this situation? The first thing you want to do: Ask if you will still be able ot apply for unemployment if they "voluntarily separate". My guess is in the case of the IRS, they won't be eligible for unemployment if they take a "buyout". In that scenario, you might want to take your chances on a few more months of work. Then if you get laid off, you can apply for unemployment. For the early retirement options, there are more considerations depending on your financial situation and your ability to retire or need to continue working. Key Takeaways? Your work situation can change at any time. You need to be able to pivot when it does. You want to make changes 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘴, not theirs. If you’ve been nervous with all the change around you,  Don’t ignore that feeling. You don’t have to leave, but you should be ready. Just in case. Don't panic. Do plan. Your job is safe. Until it isn’t.

I hate-watch White Lotus. And season 3 really annoyed me! The trio of privileged women: great actresses that brought out extreme emotions. Victoria Ratliff, the Southern matriarch played to perfection by Parker Posey. The story line: another resort, another round of wealthy chaos. And yet—I kept watching. But because of Belinda. Natasha Rowell’s character—now on exchange from the Hawaii location, learning the Thailand resort’s practices. She is the one trying to do the right thing, trying to catch a break. She’s calm. Competent. Relatable. The quiet center in a storm of absurdity. Belinda is part of the 92% who tried to save us...(IYKYK) I ride with her! The show is dark. It’s tense. And it pulls me in. Somewhere between the think pieces, the drama, and the satiric overload, I just accepted my fate: I can't quit White Lotus. I need it. Not just for the pop culture hit. Not just to support a talented Black actress. But because the world is on fire. Sometimes slipping into someone else’s storyline for a while can provide a bit of relief. Don't judge yourself for finding relief however you can. You can only spend so many hours in a day facing monumental issues. Find a show that you can hate watch. To laugh at problems that aren’t yours. To remember how good your own life actually is. To witness the absurdity and be glad you're not part of it. What is your guilty pleasure?