Gems

As May begins, we find ourselves at the intersection of two significant observances: Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. These observances hold profound importance for our communities and workplaces, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and action. Mental health is a universal concern that transcends cultural and ethnic […]

Overworked, exhausted, and feeling the constant pull to respond to work emails or messages after hours? You’re not alone. The blurring of boundaries between work life and personal life has become a pervasive issue, leaving many employees feeling drained and burnt out. This pressure not only takes a toll on mental health but also undermines […]

Grief knows no expiration date; it accompanies us throughout life, regardless of time or circumstance. Why is this so top of mind today? Well, it marks the 4th anniversary of the death of a very close friend, Rhonda, who died from cancer.  Four years later, the pain and grief of that loss still floats around, […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

‘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 […]