👋🏽 Before we dive in, how are y’all really doing this week?

Not going to front - last week was a challenge. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. But between multiple rounds of Theraflu, I was able to lean into gratitude (which can minimize anxiety). This week, I’m so grateful you are here with me today.

For the newbies - WELCOME! My first newsletter went down a small rabbit hole of how HR may have given you trust issues. I’m extremely thankful for all the feedback and messages received. Y’all are the real MVPs.

You’re part of a squad that’s not afraid to sound off and our goal remains - creating a safe space where culture meets career and connections are made. 

🗣 Special Sound Off: Want to get some real People Leader gems for LESS than a pair of Air Jordans? One of my Workweek homies, Jacob Espinoza, is launching his Leader Lens Bootcamp on 10/31! I’ll be attending and learning more about transforming my leadership skills to positively drive impact for the people and the business.

🤔 Do any of these sound familiar?

• spending more time organizing v. executing

• ideas ignored because of ineffective comms

• new challenges with motivating your team

Honestly, many teams are suffering in silence and we can all do our part to help them come off mute. Register here!

🤑 FYI: Use CASSIDY50 for a 50% discount !!! Two words. F*ck yes.

If this email was forwarded to you, tap in and join the cool collective.

⛽️ Fueling creativity + community + connections ⛽️

It was 2021 and I had a decision to make…

Who doesn’t love a stroll down memory lane?

Story time, so pull up a comfy seat. I was working in Corporate America being an HR master tactician despite being positioned as a strategic partner.

Quick disclaimer before we jump in. I didn’t take the long tenure I had at this company lightly. I met some pretty awesome leaders who made sure I was visible and that my ideas were heard, even when I didn’t want any shine or spotlight.

However, all good things come to an end when burnout + toxic leader + no solutions come into play. This wasn’t any normal HR burnout. This was pandemic + systemic racism + mental exhaustion + change fatigue burnout. IT’S A NO FOR ME DAWG. I began to think about other options inside and outside of those corporate walls.

The only saving grace outside of family + friends to lean on was my creative ventures in sneaker spaces. Some of the homies were working on a startup and wanted me to join. These were people I respected and wanted to support, but join a startup biz? It was a hesitant Jason Kidd no look PASS… at first. I’m pretty risk adverse which was definitely the primary blocker for any real consideration in a role at newbie business.

Ultimately, I had to get real with myself that no corporate environment translated to job security and 100% stability. In front of me, I had an opportunity to build People Operations from the ground up in my beloved sneaker industry. Was I dreaming? Because this was not on my bingo card.

Not only that, I would be able to do it with so many others that looked like me [representation matters] and had that mutual level of respect. I would get to be myself. No code switching, no mask on, no performative office politics. Honestly, I lost my mind in the best way possible. The rest is HERstory. 😎

✋🏽 This week I’m dropping 8 lessons from the sneaker startup that have overflowed into fabrics of my everyday life. Let me know if any of these hit home for you. ENJOY!

#8. i got 99 problems…

Bonus points for completing this Jay-z lyric. While I’ve learned to embrace the art of problem solving, I am also clear that problem solving drills down to putting people first. It drives biz results.

#7. a Jill of all trades is a master of none.

I feel like my granny used to say this, but reading The 4 Disciplines of Execution cemented the concept. With so many things to accomplish, you have to focus on less to achieve more. Read that one again.

#6. find a down a** sparring partner.

I heard Brian Balfour say this on a recent podcast and it stuck with me. Rather than a coach directing from the sidelines, consider the sparring partner who is in the ring with you. They may share similar goals and can go toe to toe as you both are being challenged.

#5. steal like an artist.

HR can take a few frameworks from other departments while learning all about their ways of working. Having a growth mindset + learning how your business works will position you as a strategic partner. Speak the language of other orgs. Btw - the title of this lesson is a pretty cool book.

#4. set up your surroundings for success.

Working from home (or anywhere) requires focus. I mean, that load of laundry continually screams at me. I’ve learned to try my best to keep a routine and eliminate distractions + time block based on my energy zones.

#3. when my motivation is low, my discipline has to kick in.

Rapper Cordae gave a Ted Talk about how to create a “Hi Level” mindset and build legacy. Not everyday is amazing, but you have to keep that discipline activated.

#2. practice the pause.

As I was getting comfy with conflict, I learned to specifically take a pause between an action + the reaction. We have brought quite a bit of PTSD along for the ride and showing grace for each other during the grind is essential.

#1. i’m rich, b***h! i’m not even talking about money.

When I took the leap to join the startup, my now 22 year old son told me how proud he was. Specifically, how proud he was to see a strong Black woman going after her dreams and really doing it. Full circle from being told as a teen mom with a newborn, I wouldn’t make it far. Has your child ever told you they were proud of YOU?! Momma I made it - all the HR thug tears.

time to sound off.

We work to make money + have a nice living, right?! Money is great and it pays the bills that will never go away [cries in adulting]. However, it’s not the end all be all when you’re knee deep in toxicity at a job. It’s important to bet on yourself.

🗣 The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

At times we get stuck into the stronghold of analysis paralysis - personally + professionally. Not every situation will work out perfectly, but like the quote eloquently reminds us “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Remember that one. It’s how so much of my best work began coming to life.

A quick TL;DR moment.

If you’re an HR/POPs professional who is looking to move around in the startup space, I’m dropping some interview questions below to ask during your job search. You got this! 💪🏽

what inquiring HR/POPs minds want to know.

1. How would you describe the company culture and values? Can you share examples of how these are reflected in day-to-day operations?

2. What are the short-term and long-term goals for the company? How does the HR function contribute to achieving these goals?

3. How does the company handle resource constraints and challenges? Can you provide examples of innovative solutions that have been implemented?

4. Can you share insights into the leadership team's vision and management style? How do they support and empower employees, particularly in a small startup environment?

5. What is the level of autonomy and flexibility that employees have in their roles? How does the company encourage and reward adaptability and taking on new challenges?

⚡️QUICKSTRIKE HR + OUT OF THE BOX NEWS

The HR/People Operations landscape is evolving. As the HR World Turns 🌎 could be its own show. Check out some of the happenings below.

• Need help discovering your strengths and utilizing those to level up your career? Go cop ‘The Hidden Gem Within’ by Jessica Winder. We love a good journal prompt.

• Nike is joining the RTO ranks with plans to have employees back on campus. Read here.

• Are you compatible with your company? Tap into the latest I Hate it Here podcast episode.

• Looking for a Manager Training Guide? Check out a great playbook powered by my Safe Space friends + me!

👟 ONE TO ROCK, ONE TO STOCK

Some HR people may like pilates and shopping trips to Ulta. You could say my thing is sneakers + streetwear. If you enjoy sneaker culture - this section is for you.

• CNK Daily connected with Amari Griffin, a 2x Harvard grad who works at Nike. Representation matters. Read the interview here.

• The WMNS Air Jordan 11 ‘Neopolitan’ is shock dropping this week. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 👀

• Shaq and Allen Iverson (insert heart emojis) were announced to lead Reebok Basketball!

🗣 LET’S COME OFF MUTE + CONNECT

Supporting the small biz/brand owner is important to me. Each newsletter, I’ll introduce you to some talented people in my network and beyond.

• Reading with a Rapper is changing how students are learning. Stay connected.

• Amari Gipson, a Houston writer and creative entrepreneur, created The Reading Room. It’s a Black art reference library and creative incubator in Houston, Texas.

• Ivy Leaf Farms is dedicated to neighborhood wellness through food equity in Sunnyside, a historically Black neighborhood in Houston, Tx. Stay connected.

🎧 A SONG I DIDN’T SKIP ON MY PLAYLIST TODAY

One of my favorite Lil Wayne eras was Mixtape Weezy circa 2007-ish.

We’re halfway through the week and my hope is that you’re taking time to eat your lunch, take a walk outside, and know that you’re a bada$$.

If you need a bit more motivation or just want to chat HR and/or sneakers, I got you. Hit me up during my Kicks x Coffee hours. Shout out to those of you that scheduled time already. 🙏🏽

From the proverbs of the Notorious B.I.G., the sky is limit and you knowww that you keep on, just keep on pressin’ on.