Hey there, CPG all-stars! It's Polly, your go-to resource for navigating the exciting and competitive world of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) careers.

One of the most powerful strategies I emphasize in my coaching is this: interviewing is networking, and networking is interviewing. They’re two sides of the same coin, and when you embrace this mindset, every interview—whether it leads to a job or not—becomes an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and propel your career forward.

We all know the job search process can feel overwhelming, right? The pressure to perform and impress during an interview can easily take over. But here's the key: when you start seeing interviews as a form of networking, it takes the pressure off. You shift your focus from just "getting the job" to "building lasting relationships."

This subtle but powerful change in perspective allows you to show up as your authentic self. It encourages you to engage in meaningful conversations and...

In the demanding world of CPGl life, maintaining mental wellbeing can often be a challenge. Yet, it's a critical component of sustained career success and personal happiness. Insights from a recent coaching session shed light on effective strategies for mental health management.

"I need to change my thoughts because the thoughts that are running through my mind are not healthy for me." my client shared.

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns Awareness is the first step. Recognizing when your thoughts are unproductive or harmful allows you to take action. Negative patterns can lead to stress and decreased productivity.

Techniques to Cultivate Positive Thoughts

• Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to stay present and reduce anxiety.
• Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative thoughts.
• Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to refresh and reset your mind.

Implementing and Sustaining Change My client’s approach to...

Networking is a cornerstone of professional success, but its true value is realized through effective follow-up. Building genuine connections and maintaining them over time can transform your career trajectory, opening doors you never imagined.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the most of your networking efforts by mastering the art of follow-up and why it’s the secret ingredient for long-lasting professional relationships.

The Foundation of Networking

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. It’s about:

• Creating a Supportive Web: Build relationships that guide and assist you throughout your career.
• Fostering Authentic Connections: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than surface-level acquaintances.

When done right, networking becomes a powerful tool for both personal growth and professional advancement.

Why Follow-Up is the Key to Success

A single meeting or introduction holds potential, but...

Authenticity can sometimes feel like a rare commodity in CPG. However, embracing genuine interactions can profoundly impact your career, leading to more meaningful connections and opportunities. One such instance was beautifully articulated by one of my clients  during a recent coaching session.

"Last week was the first time I ever showed up and I was like, this is going to be a conversation. This isn't me performing; this is me being authentic." 

1. The Power of Authentic Conversations: The shift from performing to having a real conversation marked a turning point. Authenticity not only helps in expressing oneself better but also builds trust and rapport with colleagues and potential employers.
2. Steps to Embrace Authenticity:

• Be Present: Focus on the conversation at hand without worrying about the outcome.
• Be Honest: Share your true thoughts and feelings instead of what you think others want to hear.
• Listen Actively: Engage with what the other person is saying, showing...

In your CPG Career, the concept of a passive job search offers a strategic pathway for professionals who are currently employed but looking to advance their careers. The nuances of conducting a passive job search, as opposed to an active one, involve a delicate balance between excelling in your current role and discreetly exploring new opportunities. Based on expert insights from Polly Rowland, let's delve into how you can navigate this journey effectively.

Understanding Passive vs. Active Job Search

A passive job search signifies the pursuit of new career opportunities while being employed full-time. This contrasts with an active job search where the individual is fully dedicated to finding a new role, often due to unemployment. While the goals remain similar—to advance one’s career—the strategies and considerations differ markedly.

Navigating the Derailers of a Passive Job Search

Polly Rowland highlights two primary challenges that can derail a passive job...

In C-suite and senior management job hunting, stepping beyond the usual job boards can open up a realm of possibilities you might not have considered. Why? Because the most coveted executive positions are often hidden away, entrusted to specialized retained search firms by companies prioritizing discretion and specificity in their recruitment.

So, let's chat about why engaging with a retained search firm could be a game-changer for your career trajectory. Imagine stepping into a landscape where the roles you dream about are within reach, not because you're tirelessly scrolling through job listings, but because you've made a strategic connection with those who know where the real opportunities lie.

Building a Relationship with Retained Search Firms: A Guide to Elevating Your Career Path

Retained search firms are the gatekeepers to the executive roles that never make it to the public eye. These firms are hired by companies to find the best fit for their top positions, which means...

Today we are tackling a topic that's often approached with a bit of trepidation: compensation negotiation. Whether you're stepping into a new role or reassessing your current position, understanding your value and how to effectively communicate it is key to achieving the compensation you deserve.

Know Your Value

First things first: Recognize your worth. In the CPG industry, your experience, skills, and past successes are invaluable assets. Before entering any negotiation, take stock of your achievements and how they've positively impacted your company. You're not just a cog in the machine; you're a driving force behind its success.

Approach with Strategy

Negotiating compensation isn't about making demands; it's about opening a dialogue. Approach your manager not with a sense of entitlement, but with a well-reasoned case for why your contributions merit a certain level of compensation. This conversation should be a collaborative discussion, not a confrontation.

...

In Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), productivity isn't just about doing more; it's about making smarter decisions, building effective relationships, and using time strategically. Let's explore how to amplify productivity across various facets of your CPG career.

Decision-Making with Conviction: The Productivity Cornerstone

Productivity begins with making informed decisions swiftly and confidently. In CPG, where trends and consumer behaviors shift like the tides, basing decisions on robust data and insights is crucial. But beyond the numbers and forecasts, it's your conviction in these choices that propels you forward.

Productive professionals understand that decision-making is an active process. It's about committing to your choices, learning from the outcomes, and continuously refining your decision-making skills. When faced with a crossroads, own your decisions with the knowledge that they are steps towards your growth.

Maximizing 1-on-1s: A Productivity Multiplier

Regular 1-on-1s...

Do you ever find yourself questioning your achievements, worrying that one day you'll be exposed as a fraud at work? If so, you're not alone.

I vividly recall those days when an "exceeds" performance review triggered a peculiar thought – "I'm not truly an exceeds performer; I'm just skilled at convincing them I am." This phenomenon is classic imposter syndrome.

Back then, I didn't recognize it as such; it was merely how I perceived myself, an indisputable fact in my mind. I believed I was fooling everyone around me. Now, years (dare I say decades) later, I can readily identify it not only in women but also in my male clients.

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, even when there's ample evidence of success. It subtly creeps in, causing individuals to question their abilities and attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than merit.

Why is it problematic? Well, first and foremost, it feels terrible. More importantly, though, imposter...