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Make Bold Requests (Even If It Scares You)
Bold leadership isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing growth over comfort. Whether it’s requesting a raise, proposing a new initiative, or challenging the status quo, bold leaders recognize that progress begins with the courage to ask. They understand that staying silent maintains the current state, while speaking up opens doors to new opportunities.
Embracing discomfort is a catalyst for personal and organizational development. By stepping into vulnerability, leaders not only advocate for themselves but also inspire others to do the same.
Reflect on a bold request you’ve been postponing. Today, take the first step: draft that message, schedule the meeting, or initiate the conversation. Remember, progress starts with the ask.
#LeadWithVision #PurposeDrivenLeadership #CommunicateToInspire #LeadTheChange #LeadershipVoice#Blogboost #AdvantaStrategies #LeadershipInAction #LeadershipClarity #StrategicThinking #IntentionalLeadership #LeadershipChallenge
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...
Grammar Matters
In a world where your words represent your brand, grammar isn’t just about correctness it’s about credibility. You can have the best ideas in the room, but if your sentences stumble, people stop listening. When you speak (or write) with precision, you project professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail qualities every successful designer and business owner needs.
Think Fast, Speak Smart
When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent. The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time...
Social Savvy
Elegant events aren’t just about the wine and the lighting they’re where lasting professional connections begin. With confidence, curiosity, and a graceful goodbye, you can turn any gala or awards night into an opportunity for genuine rapport.
Sweat Palms
Swap sweaty palms for confident handshakes.
Tell Me More
A few months ago, I watched a young designer at a networking event nervously circle the coffee station. She rehearsed “So, what do you do?” at least four times before finally approaching a woman from a major firm. Five minutes later, they were laughing...
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Advanta Strategies, LLC
814-360-1950
linda@advantastrategies.com
Asking does take courage even in our personal lives. I have been learning to ask for more help this year from my loved ones. It has brought us closer.
Bold requests aren’t always easy—especially when speaking up hasn’t felt safe in the past, or even now. I’ve experienced situations where being brave didn’t open doors; instead, it brought more pushback and pressure from leadership. Still, I do believe there’s value in standing up for yourself. I’m learning how to do that in ways that protect my well-being—and hopefully, other aspects of my life too.
I used to have a client who would always say, “Get your ASK in gear”. I still use it today.