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Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed

It’s pretty hard to get something if you don’t ask for it. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and people will “read your mind” or do things on your behalf, but a majority of times we need to open our mouths to get what we want. I had a mentor tell me that YOU are the one that cares the most about your own career development. Mentors and sponsors are helpful and needed, but if you don’t care about your development then it’s not going to matter.

The term of closed mouths not getting fed isn’t new, but I got to sit down with someone who really embodies it!

TianEn Stephenson is a multi-hyphenated woman. She's a wife, mother, executive, author, and speaker. She is passionate about helping others and has a successful career in technology digital consulting. She is also involved in various leadership roles, including serving as a strategic advisor in the African-American Employee Resource Group and running a nonprofit youth sports program.

She shares about her story and journey of leadership in her new book in this episode where you can stream or watch on YouTube at the below links.

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MORE DETAILS ABOUT EPISODE

She is a high achiever who believes in prioritization and balance. She manages her busy schedule by taking inventory, writing things down, and aligning her work and personal calendars. She thrives off productivity and takes moments to reset and take care of herself. TianEn's journey to success includes multiple promotions and balancing her career with motherhood. She recently released a book titled 'Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed' to help others on their journey to success. In this conversation, TianEn Stephenson shares her experiences and insights on career advancement and the importance of building relationships and advocating for oneself. She emphasizes the need to be intentional, curious, and fearless in pursuing opportunities and seeking support. TianEn also discusses the power of communication and having people in your corner who can vouch for your work. She shares her vision for the future, including writing a children's book, releasing an audio book and workbook, and hosting conferences and workshops.

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TAKEAWAYS

• Prioritization is key to balancing a busy schedule.

• Taking inventory and writing things down helps stay organized.

• Productivity and achieving goals can be energizing.

• Having a support system and mentors is crucial for success.

• Asking for what you want and speaking up is important.

• Success can be achieved while balancing career and motherhood. Be intentional, curious, and fearless in pursuing opportunities and seeking support.

• Build relationships and have people in your corner who can vouch for your work.

• Communicate effectively and regularly with key stakeholders to ensure they are aware of your contributions.

• Tell your own story and be prepared to advocate for yourself.

• Have a vision for your future and take action to make it a reality.

COACHING

Are you tired of feeling stuck? Has everything you tried failed? Or maybe you feel like you’ve hit a ceiling in your leadership or career? Reach out to me for coaching help. incredipaul.org/coaching. Let’s make 2024 your best year yet!

LEADERSHIP QUOTE

New episodes come out every Monday at 6am CT. Check out this episode by going to incredipaul.org/podcast or stream on the following platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon and More.

MERCH

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