Welcome to 2025: Where Your Career Gets Its Glow-Up! 

We're kicking things off with a fresh take on professional development. Because let's face it – growing your career while working in sweats comes with its own special flavor of challenges and opportunities. 

We've created this issue with special insights to help you thrive. 

And yes, we've got a snazzy updated look! Drop us your thoughts about the makeover at the end. 🙏

— Ric Pratte, Shellie Sullivan & Jason Alexander

CAREER QUEST

The Top 3 Career Concerns for Remote Workers (And How to Tackle Them)

Remote work is a dream for many—but it doesn’t come without its challenges. 

If you’re working from home, a co-working space, or anywhere in between, there are some career concerns that are all too common. 

Here’s a breakdown of the top 3—and how you can tackle them head-on.

1. Communication and Collaboration Woes

In an office, it’s easy to grab a colleague for a quick chat. But in remote work, that spontaneous conversation is gone, leaving space for miscommunication. 

Not getting the full picture, missing the memo, or feeling disconnected? It happens. 

The solution? Set clear communication expectations, lean into tools that help you stay aligned, and don’t be afraid to over-communicate. 

Transparency is key.

2. Feeling Mentorship-Deprived

It’s tough when the only feedback you get is a Slack message or an email. 

Without that face-to-face connection, remote workers often feel like they’re drifting without the guidance they need. 

But there’s a fix: actively seek out mentorship. It’s time to get creative—schedule regular one-on-ones with leaders, find a mentor within or outside your company, or connect with peers for knowledge-sharing. 

Proactive relationship-building is key to career growth.

3. Career Visibility Struggles

It’s easy to feel invisible when you’re working remotely. 

Without constant face-time, how can you make sure your contributions stand out? 

Here’s how: own your work, make it visible, and seek feedback regularly. Document your wins, share them with your team, and ask for opportunities that will help you grow your skillset. 

You deserve to be seen and heard—take charge of your own visibility!

Remote work can be a career game-changer if you face these challenges with intentionality. Empower your own success and take charge of your remote career!

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What is your biggest career development concern right now?

QUICK TAKES

Go Be You

🔮 Ready for a peek into your future remote career? By 2025, humans and machines will be work besties, splitting job responsibilities 50-50. Want to know which skills will keep you ahead of the robots? From digital literacy to cybersecurity prowess, we've got the scoop on the top 10 skills that'll make you a remote work rockstar in 2025.

🔋 Feeling like your career goals tank is running on empty? You're not alone – 88% of workers are experiencing burnout right now. Discover five expert-backed strategies for setting achievable goals even when you're running on fumes., including a brilliant month-by-month approach that won't have you hyperventilating into a paper bag while planning your entire year.

🎯 Think 2024 was just another year in the remote work universe? Think again! From embracing AI as your new work BFF to realizing that being human (hello, soft skills!) is your secret weapon, These four game-changing lessons from 2024 will help you navigate the evolving job market like a pro. Spoiler alert: flexibility is the new stability!

THRIVE LOCAL

Collaborative Learning – The Future of Growth is Here (and isn’t about AI)

Feeling disconnected as a remote worker? 

Missing the chance to bounce ideas off colleagues? The solution might be closer than you think.

Collaborative Learning Circles (CLCs) are transforming how remote workers grow and connect in Asheville, NC. These peer-led learning groups bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge on everything from AI to leadership, marketing to improv.

The true power of CLCs lies in their diversity. 

Learning from professionals outside your industry provides fresh perspectives and breaks down the groupthink that can stifle innovation. When you combine insights from different fields and career paths, growth accelerates naturally.

Ready to Create Your Own CLC? Here's Your 3-Step Plan:

1. What's Your Focus?: Choose a learning topic that aligns with your career goals and interests, whether it's leadership skills, AI basics, or marketing strategies.

2. Find Your People: Tap into your network through LinkedIn, Slack groups, or local meetups to find motivated learners who share your interests.

3. Structure the Magic: Establish clear meeting schedules and goals to keep the group productive and engaging.

Want to launch your own CLC or learn more? Complete this form to share your vision, and we'll help you get started. Let's make 2025 the year of thriving together—because collaborative learning elevates everyone. Ready to level up?

Learn more about the origins of Collaborative Learning Circles.

POLL – NEXT WEEKS THEME

CAREER QUEST

What I've Learned Coaching Success Stories

As the New Year dawns, I find myself reflecting on the countless professionals I’ve coached and mentored over the years. The start of the year offers a unique chance to reassess goals, especially in your career. This is the perfect time to take bold steps forward.

January brings renewed focus for companies.

New budgets, fresh strategies, and eager hiring managers make this a prime season for job seekers. For those ready to act, the opportunities are abundant. But seizing these moments requires preparation.

From my work with clients, one consistent theme emerges: the importance of understanding and articulating professional value. Reflecting on achievements is the first step. Taking time to identify key accomplishments from the past year, especially those tied to measurable outcomes, builds clarity and confidence. Many professionals I coach are surprised by the impact they’ve made once they take stock of their contributions.

Seeking feedback is another essential step.

Colleagues and supervisors often provide valuable insights into strengths and areas of impact that can enhance self-awareness. Quantifying contributions—turning “improved efficiency” into “streamlined workflows that reduced timelines by 25%”—adds tangible weight to professional narratives.

Personal branding is equally important.

Updating LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and other materials to highlight achievements and expertise ensures professionals stand out. Sharing thought leadership or insights positions individuals as experts in their fields, opening doors to new opportunities.

For remote workers especially, articulating value is critical.

Companies are selective about who can work remotely, prioritizing employees who deliver consistent, measurable results. Demonstrating unique contributions positions professionals as indispensable—the kind of individuals who earn flexibility, leadership roles, and higher compensation.

To advance your career this year, start by:

1. Reflecting on achievements and measurable outcomes.

2. Seeking feedback to clarify your strengths.

3. Quantifying contributions with tangible metrics.

4. Building a personal brand to showcase expertise.

5. Practicing your pitch to articulate value confidently.

Your career is in your hands.

The more you invest in understanding and showcasing your worth, the more opportunities you’ll unlock. Make 2025 the year your career soars—your future self will thank you.

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Until next Thursday! 🕺