How to rock your return to startup after maternity leave
Several months ago, I wrote a post about family planning in a startup. I wrote another post about what it was like to be out…
When you should bring in the heavy hitters
The VCs on your board are up in your shit. It’s been six months since they not-so-subtly suggested that you get some more…
That time you failed to follow up on diversity
In March, we celebrated International Women’s Day. My Twitter feed was full of people talking about diversity, how to be…
Starting with the man in the mirror
Over the past few months, several women have gone on the record about their experiences with harassment in tech. This isn’t…
Why is your team so angry all the time?
I learned it by watching you. In the late eighties, there was a reasonably famous anti-drug commercial. Maybe you’ve seen…
Actionable feedback, why it matters, and how to get better at giving it
You’re somewhere in Q4 — let’s say it’s the first week of December. If you’re in a startup, chances are good…
How to negotiate like a boss
Last week, a friend pinged about an upcoming salary negotiation. In advance of the discussion, she’s talking to lots of folks…
You can’t be what you can’t see
The first time I heard this phrase it was about diversity in jobs. I can’t recall whether it was specifically about women…
This is the year to stop gossiping at the office
It’s 2017. If you still run around the office, whisper about your coworkers’ lives, and snicker in the hallways, this…
Family planning while working in a startup
I’ve been back at work post-mat leave for a few weeks now. I’m deep in ramp mode and trying to get back in the flow of…
Immigration, hives, and life under NAFTA
I came to Canada on a weird little carve out of NAFTA — a small provision for Management Consultants. This allowed me…
A brief overview of failing, firing, and Scotch
We’re sitting around the living room drinking super smoky Laphroaig Quarter Cask and talking about the first time we had…
Why you should never apologize for crying in the office
Oh, tech. You adorable, idealistic, inconsistent beast. Tell me again about how much you value passion. Let’s talk about…
Obvious to you is not the same as obvious
“What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year? Business lesson, I mean.” I know it immediately and I wish I…
Why it’s a mistake to hire superheroes
Welcome to startup interview #27. In our opening scene, the curtain lifts on a startup conference room. There’s a big monitor…