ChaptertOO Talent and Business Consulting

Women in the Workplace: Examining the Past, Present, and Redefining the Future

women with raised fist in support of each other

A Gemisode® Series – Part I It’s officially Women’s History Month in the USA, and with International Women’s Day (March 8th) just around the corner, there is no better time to reflect on the experiences of women in the workplace and the critical role that organizations, leaders, and individuals play in championing support and creating […]

Metrics Don’t Matter if You Insist on Measuring the Wrong Things

Man looking at charts and graphs on double monitors.

In a tense moment, an executive leader lashed out, “The recruiting team is costing us business; they are taking too long to fill roles and I’ve had it.” The new head of recruiting, still finding their footing, found themselves in the crossfire of this outburst as the statement was directed towards them. Knowing that they […]

Layoffs, Leadership, and Learning Lessons!

sign reading surviving layoffs on top of US bills

“Some of the mass tech layoffs will cool, and we will instead start to hear about other sectors downsizing” — one of the five 2024 workplace predictions Chapter tOO made in early January. Recent headlines are validating this prediction, as layoffs in sectors beyond tech, such as retailer Macy’s closing 5 stores and laying off […]

Lessons on Leading for Lasting Legacy

View of crowd present for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech given on Aug. 28, 1963

In recent months, conversations about leadership have been dominating headlines around the globe. Whether due to ongoing unrest, election processes, or leaders being exposed for exhibiting behaviors unbecoming of the positions they hold, the discussions seem to be endless. With this in mind, we’ve been engaged in deep discussions about the qualities that define exceptional […]

Welcoming 2024: The Year of Transformation and Continued Innovation

Happy 2024

Happy New Year to you, our community of optimizers! As we welcome 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind that was 2023. A year marked by unprecedented changes and shocking revelations in the world of business and workforce management. From the unexpected SPV collapse in the first quarter to continued layoffs across […]

From Buddy to Boss: Navigating Workplace Relationship Transitions

White paper figure cutouts standing in circle with one standing out in gold.

2023 is coming to a close, and to say that the business world has seen a tumultuous end would be an understatement! Between last-minute layoffs, the recent OpenAI saga, and some employers insisting on a full return to the office, it’s safe to assume that we have a lot to be over! Amidst these changes, one […]

Quiet Strength: Embracing Introverted Leadership in Business

Napkin with words are you an introvert written

When pondering the qualities of an effective leader, does introversion ever come to mind? The opening sentence of a recent LinkedIn post made by our founder & CEO Charmaine states, “I’m an introvert, and when I say introvert, I mean HIGH. In fact, on every test for introversion I’ve ever taken, my introversion score has […]

How Insisting on ‘Preserving the Culture’ Can Backfire

a group of paper people with different emotions on a blue background.

‘Preserving the culture’ is a refrain often repeated within organizations, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions and norms. However, amidst the call to uphold the status quo, a critical aspect is often overlooked: whether said culture is truly worth preserving. Much like any living entity, workplace culture needs periodic check-ins to ensure its continued relevance […]

Navigating Global Unrest: The Responsibility of Leaders and Organizations

World map with interconnected lines

There is no question that leaders and organizations face the challenging responsibility of addressing and mitigating the impact of global unrest on their employees, stakeholders, and communities. The events of the past few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to conflicts, human rights crises, and natural disasters, have underscored the pressures leaders face and the increasingly […]