69. The #1 Question to Ask When You Get a NO

What Rules!?: A career podcast for women of color

Ask yourself this question the next time someone says you can't do something: Is this a roadblock? "We are all wired to just do what we're told, but sometimes, we need to think about who's making those rules," says Nicole Todd, Vice President of Human Resources for Blackstone, one of the largest private equity firms in the world.

Nicole, a Black American, shares how she found mentors and sponsors who helped advance her career. She recalls how her street smarts from growing up in the Bronx, NY, developed her unique strengths and became transferable skills in the workplace. She also tells us about the 3 L's to consider when you're stuck about making a career move.

Theme: Turn Your Adversity into Your Strength

Episode Highlights:

• Questioning authority when it's a roadblock
• Asking for and taking feedback to improve in the workplace
• Developing your strengths even when growing up with adversity
• The real meaning of courage
• Paying it forward by mentoring other multicultural women
• Finding the right mentor and sponsor
• Setting up informational interviews
• Being intentional with your career
• The 3 L's to help you make a career move—level, learnings and location

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Learn more at www.whatrulespodcast.com.