Protecting Your Professional Reputation During Career Decisions

When Integrity Prevails: Lessons from an Unexpected Twist In leadership, unexpected challenges can test resilience and integrity. Recently, I had a client whose situation highlighted both. Her team was thriving, delivering beyond expectations. Yet, out of the blue, her boss urged her to resign, citing the CEO’s supposed request. Rather than accepting this without question, she decided to seek clarity directly from the CEO, only to uncover a startling reality: the CEO had been told by her boss that she wanted to leave, not the other way around. Once the truth came out, it was her boss who was dismissed, and she was promoted. This experience underscores several powerful lessons for professionals at any level: 1. Transparency is Key: When something seems off, seek clarity with those who matter. In this case, a direct conversation with the CEO revealed the truth. Transparency can quickly dissolve misunderstandings and reveal agendas. 2. Trust but Verify: Even senior leaders can have misaligned motives. When life-altering decisions hinge on someone’s word, it's wise to confirm critical details, especially if they significantly impact your career. 3. Speak Up Early: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Addressing concerns openly—sooner rather than later—can prevent larger issues from unfolding. By speaking up, my client preserved her career and reputation. 4. Maintain Senior Connections: Cultivating relationships with key executives fosters alignment and offers support in challenging situations. This network can be crucial, especially when intermediaries may misrepresent intentions. 5. Integrity Wins: Ultimately, her track record and ethical approach worked in her favor. This situation reinforces that consistent performance and integrity are the best safeguards against misrepresentation. In the corporate world, challenges like these can seem daunting. However, by staying true to our values, prioritizing transparency, and advocating for ourselves, we not only protect our careers but also model resilience for our teams. This story serves as a reminder: in the end, integrity has a way of winning out.

Don’t Do This‼️ I received a message from someone who used to be in my network asking to use my credentials for a federal grant application today. Here is the message: “We are planning to apply for SBIR phase one with a partner and was wondering if we are able to use your resume as part of the application. Nothing else is required at this stage, we will see how we go by end of this year.” Here’s why this request is deeply problematic and why this person is out of my network for good: 🚩 Casual tone for serious legal risk: SBIR grants are federal programs with strict compliance requirements and potential criminal liability for fraud. This isn’t a “small favor” and it reeks of a lack of respect for my professional reputation and credibility. 🚩 Minimizing language: “Nothing else is required” ignores that lending my credentials creates immediate personal liability and ongoing compliance responsibilities. 🚩 Zero compensation or protection: Asking me to risk my professional reputation and legal standing without offering compensation, equity, or even basic indemnification. This is incredibly disrespectful and inappropriate. 🚩 Vague commitment: “We’ll see how we go” offers no clarity on timeline, responsibilities, or what I’m actually signing up for. 🚩 No legal framework: Federal grant applications require formal agreements, not casual text exchanges. The real issue: This person is essentially asking me to subsidize their business venture with my reputation while assuming legal and reputational risk in exchange for ??? Professional credentials have value. Years of education, experience, and reputation building shouldn’t be asked to be casually borrowed for someone else’s business benefit. Protect your professional worth. Always insist on proper legal agreements, appropriate compensation, and clear protections before lending your name to any business endeavor. #ProfessionalBoundaries #WomenInBusiness #BusinessEthics

Is there a professional cost to ghosting? As both a recruiter and an industry professional who receives countless messages, I've seen both sides of the outreach equation. Today's job market has a concerning trend: candidate ghosting. This practice of suddenly cutting off communication isn't just inconvenient—it's a significant career misstep with lasting consequences in P&C insurance. Your professional network isn't just about who you know, it's about who knows and trusts you. When someone invests time in your career journey, maintaining professional communication isn't just courtesy; it's crucial for long-term success. To be clear: this isn't about responding to every recruiting message. But when you've engaged with a hiring manager or recruiter and set expectations for continued dialogue, disappearing can seriously impact your professional reputation. Here's why ghosting damages your career trajectory: 👉 Burned Bridges: That hiring manager you ghosted today might lead your dream organization tomorrow. Our industry is more interconnected than ever. 👉 Missed Opportunities: The role you're passing on now might not fit, but that recruiter could have your ideal position next month. 👉 Reputational Impact: Notes on your professional reputation travel fast. Ghosting leaves a lasting negative impression that ripples through the industry. 👉 Industry Connections: The P&C insurance world is remarkably close-knit. Today's missed connection could be tomorrow's key partnership. A brief, professional response maintains relationships and keeps opportunities open. Consider this for a respectful decline: "Thank you for reaching out. While I'm not looking to make a move at this time, I appreciate you thinking of me. Please feel free to connect in the future." This takes 30 seconds but preserves your reputation and keeps doors open. Prioritize responding to: ⭐ Personalized outreach referencing your experience ⭐ Messages from hiring managers at target companies ⭐ Follow-ups to conversations you've initiated ⭐ Outreach from known industry professionals In an industry built on trust and relationships, your communication style speaks volumes about your character. Don't let a moment of avoidance compromise years of relationship building. Your professional courtesy today could be the foundation for career advancement tomorrow. What's your approach to recruiter outreach? Have relationships paid off unexpectedly?

Whether you like it or NOT the most important decisions about your career are made when you’re not in the room. Your title Your pay Your opportunities All shaped in conversations you are not invited to. As a former leader and exec I've sat in on them. Years ago, I was up for a promotion in another part of the business. I had just started working with a new manager, and when I asked if she would support my candidacy, she said yes. Later, I found out she told someone I was too junior for the role. She didn’t stop the promotion, but she tried to. What protected me was the brand I had already built. And the advocates who already knew my work. → I led a process improvement project with measurable results → I built trust with leaders beyond my team → I earned visibility through recognition programs That reputation made it easier for others to speak up. And harder for her doubt to carry weight. If you’ve ever had a manager say the right things in public but block you in private, you are not alone. When I became a leader, I made it a point to speak up for my team. Not just when it was easy, but especially when they were not in the room to speak for themselves. Because I know what it feels like when someone stays silent or worse they don't protect you at all. If you want to protect your career, start here: → Be consistent Show up the same way in high-stakes rooms and day-to-day meetings → Be clear Speak in a way that leaves no one guessing what you do or why it matters → Be credible Follow through on what you say, and let your results speak without over-explaining Your boss or [insert here] may not be your biggest advocate. But you can still have a strong campaign. And when you become a leader, do not stay quiet in rooms where decisions are made. Because if your name is going to be spoken, make sure it is by someone who protects it. Who spoke your name when you weren’t in the room? Tag them below and thank them. —- Hi, I’m April, and I specialize in helping women leaders prepare for executive roles by enhancing their influence, presence, and communication skills. Executive Material