Farrah Corbett, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CLRP

I think my most notable achievement was starting this business - it takes vulnerability and bravery to venture out and start your own business. I've always admired business owners because it takes a lot of discipline. But what I'm most proud of from creating that business is that 80% of the clients that I have are referrals. People get my name, people get my number, and they say 'you need to talk to Farrah.' That's usually the first question I always ask - how did you hear about me? I think that speaks volumes, because no one is a stronger indicator of success than word of mouth. People speaking on your behalf, because I can't do that for myself, but if someone else does that, a trusted colleague or friend or family member, then that speaks volumes. That's the best way to grow a business - better than any marketing or advertising that I could do for myself.

One of the things that my father used to say is the only people who aren't making mistakes are the people who aren't doing anything. Part of all of this, especially as we're all learning about what the new job market landscape looks like, is learning and oftentimes stumbling along the way, but then redirecting. I tell my clients that it's okay if something isn't working - we re-evaluate, and we go a different angle. What I find is that they go through that process and more clearly define what they need and want out of a job going forward, especially if it's a career transition. You don't know until you try something, and we're all afraid to try, but if we try it, then you learn from it.

I would say women helping women - we need each other. We need to be supporting one another and helping to elevate and empower one another, and not feel in any way intimidated by that, but excited by that. We should want that for the next generation. I encourage seeking mentors and feeling like you have a strong network of women that you can turn to, both professionally and personally. I sometimes even end my emails with 'women helping women' when I'm introducing people within different networks, just because I think they might benefit from one another and be able to help each other. In every role I've ever had within HR, even in HR leadership, I believe that I was a mentor to younger women, and I would love to continue to do that in my business - help women feel strong enough and empowered enough to launch their own business and go out on their own, and just be an ear in this particular industry should they run into challenges or struggles.

Authenticity, candor, and partnership are most important to me. I always say to my clients that the more you share with me and the more candor that you offer me about what you need and what you want in your career and in your life, and where you want your career to fit into your life, the better I can then target my help and serve you. Communication is key. Encouragement and cheerleading are certainly something I value - I'm very direct and to the point, and I think that's important. I don't think people reach out for help just to be coddled. They've reached a point where they're saying I need help, I need someone to tell me how to go about doing this and how to best approach this. So I try to offer that in the most helpful way possible, but being very honest about what it is and what it's not, and how long it's gonna take, and the process.