At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We chatted with Belma McCaffrey, CEO and founder of Work Bigger. Belma is a career and leadership coach focused on building the next generation of purpose-driven leaders. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Meggie: Hey Belma, thanks so much for sitting down to chat with us today! Let’s dive right in with our first question - How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Belma: I'm driven, lead with heart first, and am obsessed with challenging the status quo and human potential.
Meggie: Love it! Speaking of being driven, how did you get to where you are today in your career?
Belma: I've gotten to this point in my life and career by never giving up. I look at each struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow versus something I need to get right. I also care deeply about people and supporting others in their journey.
Meggie: Sounds like an excellent strategy! Switching gears a bit, have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, How'd you move past this?
“I look at each struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow”
Belma: I'll never forget resigning from my full time job to run Work Bigger full time. I worked for the largest news organization in the world for 5 years, and spent 2 of those years building Work Bigger on the side. I was so scared to leave the security of my full time gig and to go off on my own. I cried when I gave notice. But I was also ready and knew making the decision to leave was best for my colleagues and myself. I was ready.
Meggie: Wow, that is a very impressive career pivot! While on the topic of career transitions, what advice do you have for anyone who is trying to build their own brand?
Belma: Find out who you are at the core. Connect with that part of yourself and the parts that you feel will best serve your customers. Share that.
“Find out who you are at the core. Connect with that part of yourself ”
Meggie: Some awesome advice! On the topic of advice, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Belma: (1) Work on mindset first. As a career coach, I always get questions on "how do I make the ask" but before you even go into the negotiation, check in with how you're feeling and where you're most lacking confidence. Then you can create a plan based on that (2) Create your plan! Get clear on your ideal # (and always ask for more) and your bottom line. These numbers should anchor you and what you want. And really ask yourself - what do I want? Not "what do they pay?" You'll get to that eventually. But first ask yourself, what you really want.
“But first ask yourself, what you really want”
Meggie: What do you really want - such a great question to ask! Okay, time for our final question! What book or podcast are you reading or listening to right now?
Belma: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth as I prepare for baby #2, and I just finished Clockwork - a great book about setting up systems and processes in your business.
Meggie: Wonderful! Thanks again, Belma, for chatting with us today. We appreciate your time and your insights!
To learn more about Belma and her company, check out Work Bigger on Instagram @workbigger, or on their website.