Katharine Zaleski
I am the cofounder and President of PowerToFly. I'm sharing my experiences working with America's largest companies to diversify their teams. Sometimes I'll throw in some random stories... and some studies that show the economic benefits of gender parity.
I was in media for over ten years as the sixth employee and head of the homepage at Huffington Post, the Executive Director of Digital at The Washington Post and the Founding Managing Editor of NowThis. So I've been around a bit.
Follow me on twitter @kzaleski
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June 02, 2020
Being Anti-Racist
My cofounder Milena and I shared the note below with our team this week. We wanted to share it publicly with our community as well:
<p>Team - </p><p>When you have people being killed senselessly by the police for the color of their skin along with a White House that makes White Supremacy one of its pillars, it's no surprise people are protesting. I urge you to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/06/01/quick-lesson-what-mlk-rosa-parks-really-said-about-protests/" target="_blank">read what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks</a> said about protests over fifty years ago. Their words apply to what we are seeing today. Another reminder that racial justice will not happen while it's a trending topic. Our commitment to building a world that ought to be is going to take generations and countless necessary resources.</p><p>Many of you have asked what we can do at PowerToFly beyond our daily work and <a href="https://powertofly.com/summit/" target="_blank">Diversity Reboot 2020</a>, the four-day summit, and job fair from June 15th - 18th where Donna Brazile, Rep. Val Demings, and more leaders and hiring managers will connect to people who need action and jobs now.</p><p>Dionna Smith-Keels has started an "Allyship Training" module after speaking with clients who want to put Anti-Racism front and center in their virtual workplaces. We'll continue to update you as we develop these modules - <em>quickly</em>.</p><p>On Friday, Dionna will lead a talk on "Being An Ally To Black Colleagues and Peers". This will be open to anyone outside the company as well. They can <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/276535-being-an-ally-to-black-colleagues-and-peers" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. </p><p>Here are a few more thoughts that you're welcome to share and a library of links where you can immediately contribute.</p><h4>Take Direct Action. </h4><ol class="ee-ol"> <li>Make space for Black Lives Matter. We're participating in #BlackOutTuesday for this reason. Here's a link to <a href="https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/" target="_blank">a one-pager</a> with a number of actions you can take on the BLM site. </li><li>Go local. Look for protestor bailout funds in your communities as well.</li><li>Research organizations that are doing the work to lobby against White Supremacy and for politicians and PACs committed to the same. Supporting the right lawmakers and voting will force change. Use your voice and your vote to support politicians committed to ending police brutality. Visit <a href="http://vote.org/covid-19" target="_blank">vote.org/covid-19</a> to request an absentee ballot and learn how COVID-19 has impacted your state's voting procedures.</li></ol><h4>Educate yourself.</h4><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Read and listen. I suggested "White Fragility" over the weekend. I've read it and it really impacted me. </li><li>The New York Time's posted an anti-racist reading list <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/29/books/review/antiracist-reading-list-ibram-x-kendi.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </li><li>Here's a link to <a href="https://shoppeblack.us/2018/11/black-owned-bookstores-2/" target="_blank">28 Black owned bookstores</a> that you can order online through. </li></ol><h4>Listen.</h4><ol class="ee-ol"><li>This goes with education but it deserves a separate bullet. Just listen. I can't pretend to understand what others are going through right now. I can learn what they need and find ways to make space for them, amplify their voices, and marshal resources for them.</li></ol><p><strong>Here are a number of additional resources/places to donate that are also helpful:</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"></ul><ul class="ee-ul"></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.antiracismproject.org/resources" target="_blank">https://www.antiracismproject.org/resources</a></li><li><a href="https://policeviolencereport.org/" target="_blank">https://policeviolencereport.org/</a></li><li><a href="http://justiceforbigfloyd.com" target="_blank">JusticeForBigFloyd.com</a>: Demand all officers involved in Floyd's murder be arrested and charged. </li><li><a href="http://justiceforbreonna.org" target="_blank">JusticeForBreonna.org</a>: Demand Taylor's murderers, none of whom have been arrested, face charges. </li><li><a href="http://runwithmaud.com" target="_blank">RunWithMaud.com</a>: Demand Arbery's murderer and his accomplices face just time in prison. </li><li>More petitions can be found at <a href="http://colorofchange.org/campaigns/active" target="_blank">colorofchange.org/campaigns/active </a></li><li><a href="https://www.joincampaignzero.org/" target="_blank">Campaign Zero</a>: Help lawmakers adopt data driven policy solutions to end police brutality across America </li><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter</a>: Support the fight against state-sanctioned anti-Black violence and systemic racism. </li><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/freeblackmamas2020" target="_blank">National Black Bailout Fund:</a> Help end systems of mass incarceration and free imprisoned Black mothers.. </li><li><a href="https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/louisville-community-bail-fund" target="_blank">Louisville Community Bail Fund</a>: Contribute to bail for protestors in Louisville. </li><li><a href="https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/" target="_blank">Black Visions Collective</a>: Fund campaigns to empower Black communities in Minnesota.</li><li><a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2" target="_blank">Reclaim the Block:</a> Help Minneapolis community and city council members move money from the police department into areas that promote community health and safety.</li></ul><div><br></div>
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March 13, 2020
Work From Home
Remote Work Resources + Live Support
*Resources Updated Regularly*
We wanted to let you know what we're doing here at PowerToFly to help you get through this period of uncertainty, as we navigate the significant impacts of COVID-19.
<p>We're extremely grateful that we're set up to run remotely and are working safely from homes across the globe. And while we believe firmly in the benefits of remote work, we also know that 1) it is a privilege to have the option to do so and 2) that working remotely is not without its challenges.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://powertofly.com/get-a-demo"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjg4NTQzMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MjY5OTQyNn0.YY15YzKvseGBuqsEGOWupGtm5IXht6ItfiQfgiFpPL0/img.png?width=980" id="c14f5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b43da398a3aae2c6f3003ea44c89eda1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="" data-width="1968" data-height="450"></a>
</p><p>That's why our remote team is here to provide a myriad of virtual connections and a sense of community. We're also laser-focused on ensuring that hiring opportunities remain high over the next few months. In fact, remote roles have doubled on our site since last week. You can see all of the current <a href="https://powertofly.com/jobs/?location=Remote" target="_blank">opportunities here</a>.<br></p><p>Whether you're a seasoned remote worker, have been asked to work remotely for the first time, or are looking for a work-from-home job, we've get several resources to support you. You can use PowerToFly to:</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/jobs/?location=Remote" target="_blank">Apply</a> for remote jobs.</li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/" target="_blank">Join us</a> for virtual networking. </li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/videos/" target="_blank">Re-watch</a> remote-focused chats.</li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/work-from-home/" target="_blank">Read</a> work-from-home advice on our blog.</li></ol><p>We've flagged some of our most popular resources, as well as upcoming events, below.</p><h3>For Remote-Job Seekers</h3><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/159857-remote-101-tips-for-scoring-and-thriving-at-a-remote-job" target="_blank">Remote 101: Tips For Scoring - And Thriving At - A Remote Job</a></li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/125976-tips-for-applying-to-remote-roles-successfully" target="_blank">Tips for Applying to Remote Roles</a></li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/37480-virtual-vip-lunch-learn-crafting-a-remote-job-resume" target="_blank">Crafting a Remote-Job Resume</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/best-work-from-home-companies-2641658620.html" target="_blank">Our 2020 Best Work-From-Home Companies</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/best-work-from-home-jobs-2623761914.html" target="_blank">Best Work-From-Home Jobs</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/stay-at-home-mom-jobs-2638438974.html" target="_self">Great Jobs for Stay-At-Home Moms</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/remote-interview-tips-2629389414.html">How to Prepare for a Remote Interview</a></li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/119311-pioneering-remote-work-at-a-non-remote-company" target="_blank">Pioneering Remote Work at a Non-Remote Company</a></li></ul><p>Once you're feeling ready, apply to these <a href="https://powertofly.com/jobs/?location=Remote" target="_blank">roles</a>!</p><h3>For Those Currently Working Remotely</h3><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/203084-transitioning-from-in-office-to-remote-employee" target="_blank">Transitioning From In-Office to Remote Employee</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/a-guide-to-remote-work-during-coronavirus-2645402589.html" target="_self">A Guide To Remote Work for Employers & Employees During Coronavirus</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/programs-to-download-if-you-work-remotely-2641080686.html" target="_blank">6 Tools to Download If You Work Remotely</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/team-building-for-remote-teams-2640167386.html">Team Building Activities for Remote Teams</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/productivity-tips-for-remote-workers-2639744506.html">Productivity Tips for Remote Workers</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/home-office-design-tips-for-remote-workers-2639315123.html" target="_blank">Home Office Design Tips</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/ways-youre-driving-your-remote-coworkers-crazy-2630187400.html">6 Things *Not* to Do When You Work Remotely</a></li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/118116-how-to-manage-a-remote-team-thrive-in-a-remote-friendly-culture" target="_blank">How to Manage a Remote Team & Thrive in a Remote Culture</a></li><li><a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/204823-strategies-for-becoming-a-better-remote-team-manager" target="_blank">Strategies For Becoming A Better Remote Team Manager</a></li></ul><h3>Join Us for (Free!) Virtual Networking & Coworking Events</h3><p>View all upcoming events <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/" target="_blank">here</a>. Or sign up for our upcoming April chats below:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><strong>Tuesday, April 7th</strong> How to Talk About Race - Book Club <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/224537-virtual-book-club-march-discussion?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TalentNewsletter040520" target="_blank">Register</a> </li><li><strong>Wednesday, April 8th</strong> How to Unleash Your Negotiation Potential <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/253961-she-empowered-women-around-the-world-to-unleash-their-negotiation-potential?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TalentNewsletter040520" target="_blank">Register</a> </li><li><strong>Thursday, April 16th </strong>How to Embrace Change for Growth <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/259329-fear-play-a-growth-mindset-for-embracing-change?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TalentNewsletter040520" target="_blank">Register</a> </li><li><strong>Monday, April 20th </strong>How to be a "Servant Leader" <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/259320-how-servant-leadership-can-help-you-connect-with-your-team?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TalentNewsletter040520" target="_blank">Register</a> </li></ul><div>----</div><p>Looking for a resource you don't see here or have a question about remote work? Let us know in the comments!</p>
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August 21, 2019
Career Advice
How To Lose A Job In One Sentence
This is a harsh post. So why am I writing it? Because I've seen way too many people make this mistake recently.
<p>When you're corresponding with the person who could be your future boss, make sure you don't have any typos in your email to her or him! This is especially true if you're interviewing for a role that is front-facing. In other words, a role that requires you to correspond with people on behalf of the company. </p><p>Some people have told me I'm too strict when it comes to typos. These same people really like to dig into me when I make my own typos (I do, I do... I'm human). We're all prone to typos. Even the woman who wrote <em>Eats, Shoots & Leaves</em> and the author of <em>Strunk and White</em> have typos in their past. Knowing that we are all prone to commit typos should make you a million times more vigilant when you're writing to a potential employer. </p><p>My response to a typo-laden email from someone who wants to work with us is this: "If you can't take the time to make sure you're spelling correctly when it really matters, how can I trust you to run other parts of our company?" Actually, I'm a little kinder in my responses, but the aforementioned quote is what's happening in my head.</p><p>I had an exchange with someone around this today. She was interested in an open position at PowerToFly, but made typos in two separate emails. I explained to her that this was one of the main reasons I couldn't proceed with her candidacy for a role that requires frequent email correspondence with clients. </p><p>She was gracious when I gave her the feedback and committed to working on her writing skills. As a result, I'm talking to her next week about a backend role that doesn't require writing emails to clients. </p><p>My next suggestion to her will be to download Grammarly and ask a friend to read over any important emails (I do that everyday).</p><p>Oh and let me know if I made any typos in the comments section below :)</p>
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May 22, 2019
Career Advice
My 5 Tips for Networking at a Conference
As the Cofounder and President of PowerToFly, I've been to my fair share of conferences and networking events. PowerToFly ran over eighty events over the last twelve months!
<p>Needless to say, I know that trying to meet new people at a multi-day event seems overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be exhausting. It can be reinvigorating and lead to useful connections that last for years to come - after all, that's why we go to conferences, right?</p><p>So, without further ado, here are my 5 tips for networking at a conference - read them, live them, and make the most of your next conference!</p><p><strong>1. Do Your Homework -</strong> Conference networking starts well before you pick up your name tag. Review the speakers and program as a whole a few weeks in advance so you can make a plan for who you want to meet and how you can connect with them. </p><p><em>*Pro tip*</em> - Once you've decided who you absolutely want to meet at the conference, <a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/linkedin-connection-request-2634340592.html" target="_self">ask a mutual connection to introduce you on LinkedIn</a> or send them a connection request with a specific ask. Tell them who you are, why you want to meet them/need their help, and propose a time to meet. If you're delivering any pitches or talks of your own at the conference, you can invite them and ask them to connect for 5 minutes afterwards.</p><p><strong>2. </strong><a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/grace-hopper-conference-2018-2603846357.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3" target="_self"><strong>Practice Your Pitch</strong></a> - You'll be introducing yourself <em>a lot. </em>Be ready to tell everyone you meet the following info in 30 seconds or less: </p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Your name</li><li>What you do</li><li>Why you are at this particular conference</li></ul><p><strong>3. Be Genuinely Interested in the People You Meet </strong>- Dale Carnegie's old advice <em>definitely </em>applies to networking at a conference… Your ability to drive an interesting conversation that isn't all about you will be a breath of fresh air for your fellow attendees. Try the following: </p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>When you meet someone, repeat their name and use it in the conversation</li><li>Ask open-ended questions </li><li>Practice <a href="https://powertofly.com/career/live-chats/86280" target="_blank">active listening</a></li><li>Smile and ask targeted follow-up questions</li></ul><p><strong>4. Take Notes </strong>- Once you're done chatting with someone, jot down a few notes about the conversation. If you've done step 3 effectively, you should have several unique takeaways that go well beyond the person's job title. </p><p><strong>5. Follow Up & Share The Wealth</strong> - This is where the real fun begins. Connect with everyone you'd like to stay in touch with on LinkedIn and/or social media - when appropriate, you can use the notes you took to add a personal message that references something unique about the conversation you had! </p><p>Finally, consider sharing what you learned at the conference in a blog post or even a short video (you can share videos throughout the conference too). This is a great stepping stone to connect with fellow conference attendees you didn't have the chance to meet, and to share your key conference takeaways with colleagues/acquaintances who weren't able to attend the conference. </p>
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