Why even be professional anywhere anymore?
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We're doomscrolling our way through the shitshow that is 2025, then we get to work or go on LinkedIn and pretend to be fiiine. Everything's fine! We're professional!
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I'd argue that we're not fine, and maybe you agree, maybe you don't.
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​But I'd also argue that being professional is our competitive advantage.​
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And no amount of unprofessional behavior from poorly regulated tyrants can take that from us, unless we let it.
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Being professional isn't being superficial, shallow, or out of touch. It's being so clued in that you have a firm grasp of the situation. It's choosing your words carefully so that you don't alienate others. It's taking the time and space to process your feelings so that they don't come out sideways in unexpected moments.
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And it's hard.
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​It's hard to stay professional when the chaos of unregulated sociopathy seems to be rewarded left and right.

It's hard to deal with your kid’s struggles at school, the latest political shitshow, job uncertainty, climate catastrophe, the crushing cost of everything ... and that corporate comms piece you need to write about the new product launch.

So if you're wondering it's even worth showing up as the ‘calm, competent one’ when the world around you feels like it’s falling apart?

SAME. We're all wondering that. And this is the answer:

Yes.

It's worth it.​
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It's worth it to not give in to bluster and bravado. It's worth it to consider our behavior and how it affects those around us. And it's worth it to act with a strategic mindset and watch dysfunctional chaos addicts fumble basic tactical decisions as we patiently persevere.
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​That's what it means to be professional.
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It's also what it means to be a leader.

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Leadership in chaos: the subversive art

Who's feeling the effects of leadership absence in this shitshow of a role model vacuum? *raises own hands*

Sure, we have chaos and despotism where we used to have role models. Fine. But hear me out:

"Leader" isn't only a job title; it’s a way of showing up.

And when more of us start showing up as leaders, whether we have that title or not, the chaos doesn't stand a chance.

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Overloaded and still expected to function?

Leading a project (or seven) while juggling a million other responsibilities? Feeling conflicted about focusing on work in an unhinged world? Think of it this way: :

Your work isn’t just another task. How you show up, regardless of what's at hand, is proof that you still have influence in your own life. You still have a way to shape the world around you.

And when it's hard to do that, that doesn’t mean you need to push harder. It means you need a different approach.

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March spots open: Grab one of 5

Want someone in your corner helping you hone your craft in the subversive art of leadership?

I’ve got 5 spots for bespoke leadership coaching in March.
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🤔 What's bespoke leadership coaching, you ask?
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😎 It’s not corporate training, and it’s not mentorship. It’s a partnership that gets you out of burnout and reactivity and firmly into grounded, strategic, self-agency mode.
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Whether you’re leading a team, a department, or a mission that no one seems to fully be on board with yet, leadership coaching will help you cultivate the kind of steady, strategic influence that actually connects with people and moves things forward.

It’s the kind of thing chaos addicts will never master. And it’s the competitive advantage that will set you apart -- without forcing you to play their game

➡ Interested? Let’s talk. Schedule a free conversation, and we’ll figure out if this is the right fit for you.

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Vive la resistance,
Kali

​Kali Jaye Coaching and Consulting
​Helping frustrated superwomen turn effort into influence

Ready to learn the subversive art of leading during chaos?

PS: I'm doing this thing where I send pep talks to people who need them. Is that you? Do you need a pep talk? There are few things I love more than helping you feel lighter when something sucks.

🖤 Head over to Pep Talk from Your Big Sister, and let me know what's on your mind. You'll get back a video, voice, or text-based message (dealer's choice) that'll make you realize how cool you are -- and how much the world is gonna have to deal with me if it messes with you.

Psst: If you're wondering why you're getting this email from me, Kali Jaye, it's probably because you signed up for a freebie on my website, kalijaye.com. Opt out or change the frequency anytime through the links below.