This One Move Makes Women 2.5x More Likely to Land Exec Roles

Hey, it’s Jacqueline
Welcome to my weekly newsletter on negotiating, resilience, and standing out as a high performer. For more insights, check out my group coaching Resilient Leaders Program 

This Week: Let’s Talk Real Networking

Not the awkward mixers. Not the LinkedIn “just checking in” messages.
We're talking about building an inner circle that actually moves the needle.

You don’t need to work the room. You just need real relationships that show up when it counts.

The research backs it up:
➡️ Harvard Business Review found that women with a close inner circle of female peers are 2.5x more likely to land executive roles.
➡️ 85% of job opportunities come through real-life relationships not cold emails or job boards.

This week, I want to reframe networking as career infrastructure, not a side hustle.
It’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows you, KNOWS the value you add, and advocates for you when you’re not in the room.

Leadership Lab: Try This

Think of the Leadership Lab as your actionable playbook… a space where we break down complex professional growth into simple, executable steps. Each week, I'll share targeted strategies that transform networking from a daunting task into a natural, powerful extension of your career development.

This week's Leadership Lab focuses on low-pressure, high-impact connection strategies:

1. Share a Resource: Pass along a podcast, article, or event. No pitch needed. Just: "Thought this might help."

2. Connect Meaningfully: Reach out to someone you admire with a two-line message or voice note. Genuine connection goes further than you might think.

3. Create Connections: Introduce two women you respect. No hidden agenda… just pure intention.

These micro-moves can lead to macro shifts in your professional landscape.

Resilient Leader Question Of The Week

Quick Wins Spotlight

Community highlight: She’s So Lucky by Les Alfred

After years of building a trusted platform around balance and wellness for Black women, Les Alfred is launching a powerful rebrand: Balanced Black Girl → She’s So Lucky.

This isn’t just a name change it’s a bold invitation to define success and “luck” on your own terms.
The launch episode dives into what it means to create momentum through mindset, connection, and clarity.

🎧 Listen to the episode and reflect: What does creating your own luck look like for you this season?

Resources You Shouldn’t Miss

• Voice Power for Leaders → 5 Techniques to Build a More Powerful Speaking Voice – HBR

• Workforce Watch → Has the Decline of the Knowledge Worker Begun? – NYT

• Top Skills of 2025 → AI Literacy & Conflict Mitigation are in demand – LinkedIn

• Strategic Networking for Women → Why Women Need Different Kinds of Networks – HBR

Power Phrases + Strategic Preview

Preparing for High-Stakes Conversations with AI + Confidence

Ahead of the March 31st workshop, here are a few phrases drawn from our focus on negotiation strategy and AI tools:

• “Show up clear, confident, and ready whether you're in a boardroom or on Zoom.”

• “Harness AI to uncover hidden leverage and shape your narrative.”

• “Evaluate and transform insights into actionable strategies for future interactions.”

Here’s why this matters right now:

➡️ AI literacy is now the #1 most in-demand skill, according to LinkedIn.
➡️ Negotiation remains one of the top leadership differentiators, especially in volatile job markets.
➡️ Leaders who integrate data into communication planning see higher close rates and faster decision-making.

In the workshop, we’ll walk through how to use AI tools to prep for negotiations, tailor messaging in real-time, and track what works across conversations.

This isn’t about sounding robotic it’s about leading with intelligence and intention.

If you’re curious about the format or want to be notified when the replay drops, reply to this email and I’ll make sure you get the details.

Implementation Corner

I know your calendar’s full. So here’s the one thing:

Decide how you will expand your table this week.
One check-in. One shared resource. One intro. That’s it.

That’s how momentum is built quietly, intentionally, and with care.

See y’all next week. XoXo, Jacqueline

P.S. Want to hop on a Zoom call with me and have me review your resume??? Hit the share button or forward this email to a friend!