Building a better work-life.

Happy Monday 🎉
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I just witnessed a client do something that made my heart sink. We were role-playing the dreaded “Tell Me About Yourself” interview question and despite her brilliance at her job, it simply did not translate into her answer.

See, Sarah has 8 years of experience, has led multiple successful launches, and genuinely loves solving complex problems. But when I asked her to tell me about herself, she launched into a chronological recitation of her resume that made my eyes glaze over in 30 seconds. Here’s what Sarah didn’t realize:

By the way, this isn’t Sarah’s fault. Having coached thousands of job seekers, it happens all the time. Excellent professionals who know their stuff but turn into resume robots the moment stakes get high.

Today, I want to share three insights that separate magnetic professionals from forgettable ones and then invite you to a free training on June 17th where we’ll go deeper 👀

1️⃣ Stop Thinking Like a Job Seeker

The Problem: You’re playing the role of “grateful candidate hoping to get picked.” Sarah walked into that interview thinking: “I hope I say what they want to hear.”

The Shift: Think like a business owner evaluating a strategic partnership.

Try This: Before any important conversation, ask yourself: “If someone wanted to invest $300K in me, what would I need them to see?” Then show them exactly that. When you flip this mental switch, your entire energy changes. You stop hoping they’ll like you and start evaluating if it’s mutual fit.
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2️⃣ Lead with What Drives You, Not What You’ve Done

The Problem: You default to listing accomplishments instead of revealing what makes you tick. Sarah told me about launching three products. What she didn’t tell me was WHY she’s drawn to product work – that she’s energized by turning chaos into clarity for users.

The Fix: Start with your authentic motivational core, then connect it to business impact.

Try This: Take something you’re genuinely good at. Ask “Why does this matter to me?” Keep asking why until you hit emotional truth.
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​Example: “I’m good at product launches” → “Because I love solving complex problems” → “Because there’s something deeply satisfying about turning confusion into clarity” → “Because when systems work smoothly, people can focus on what really matters.”
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Now THAT’S compelling. And it directly translates to business value.

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3️⃣ Paint Pictures, Don’t List Facts

The Problem: You claim qualities instead of proving them with visual evidence. Instead of saying “I’m detail-oriented,” Sarah could paint this picture: “I have color-coded project trackers and my team jokes that I catch typos in 72-point font. But that attention to detail is why our last launch had zero critical bugs in the first month.”

The Fix: Replace abstract claims with concrete, visual evidence that proves your qualities.

Try This: For each quality you want to convey, find physical, visual proof. What would someone see if they followed you around for a day that proves this trait? The jigsaw puzzles around your room. The way you organize your closet. The questions you ask in meetings. These details make you unforgettable.

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Here’s What Changes When You Master This…

✅ You stop reciting your background and start making a strategic case

✅ Conversations become collaborative instead of interrogations

✅ You leave knowing you represented your true value

✅ People remember you weeks later (and often reach out with opportunities beyond the job)

I know this because I’ve lived it. And coached clients through the exact same thing to results bigger than they could’ve dreamed!

Want to See This in Action?

I’m hosting a FREE training on June 17th where I’ll demonstrate these principles with a live coaching experience:

• The complete 5-part framework in action Live demonstration with a volunteer (so you can see my coaching style)
• How to flip from “pick me” to “invest in me” energy instantly
• Why treating interviews like business strategy sessions changes everything

Plus, everyone who attends live will receive my slides plus $100 off the full Pitch Not Interview program 🎉
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(There will be a recording + recap for everyone else.)
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REGISTER

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We got this – together 💪

x Claire

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PS I have the capacity to coach a few more clients this summer, reach out if you’re interested in a complementary session.​

In this issue: ​

Webinar Details Pitch Not Interview Watch Hire Ground Episode 2 Coach Spotlight Master Intentional Communication

🗓️ Live Webinar

Pitch Not Interview

When June 17, 1-2:15p PT Where Zoom / Recorded Cost FREE

Stop reciting your resume and start commanding the conversation.

Join my FREE training on June 17th at 1pm PT and learn the Ask Not Interview method that puts you in the driver’s seat of the interview. You’ll discover:

✅ The $300K investment mindset shift

✅ How to uncover what drives you that drives profits

✅ Visual storytelling that makes you unforgettable

✅ Strategic framing techniques

No more sounding like everyone else. Just proven strategies to own your story and command any room.

LEARN MORE →

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Welcome to the second episode of Hire Ground, show that gives you hope – and help – behind the headlines.
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​💎 Insights Include:

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• Why changing jobs right now is risky (and when you should do it anyway)
• The 4-step action plan for today’s market that actually works
• Micro-credentials: The secret weapon 96% of employers value
• Why you need 9 months of savings instead of the traditional 3-6
• Why the “spray and pray” approach is killing your chances
• How AI is disrupting hiring (and how to use it to your advantage)
• The networking strategy that landed 90% of successful job seekers their roles
• Learn the 4-bucket system to quantify your impact: Revenue & Business Growth – Efficiency & Productivity – Team & Organizational Impact – Creative & Innovative Impact

🔥 Most Valuable Takeaways

“Don’t build a network when you need it” – Start investing in relationships like a mutual fund

“Less is more” – Make it crystal clear you’re a 70% match rather than confusing hiring managers

“Embrace AI or get left behind” – Companies want people who can work WITH technology, not fear it

“Close every interview” – Ask: “Is there anything that would prevent me from moving forward?”

🎁 Bonus: Career Value Tracker Framework

Learn the 4-bucket system to quantify your impact: 1. Revenue & Business Growth 2. Efficiency & Productivity
3. Team & Organizational Impact 4. Creative & Innovative Impact

🔥 Why This Episode Hits Different

Unlike generic career advice, this gives you the actual insider perspective from someone who’s been placing candidates for 26 years, combined with data-driven strategies from analyzing the latest job market reports.

Bottom Line: The job market is challenging, but people are getting hired every day. The difference? They’re being smarter and more strategic. This episode shows you exactly how.

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WATCH

Coach Spotlight: Michelle Tillis Lederman
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4 Tips to More Intentional Communication

One of the things I am known for in my coaching (and parenting) is my focus on, and sensitivity to, language. Words have power, nuance, and connotations built into them. The words we choose can significantly impact our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Especially the words we use when talking to and about ourselves. Don’t let your words create a negative or limiting mindset.

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When I am listening, especially level three listening, (AKA Intuitive listening), I pick up on subtle clues based on the words they choose. I can often hear something in what they’re not saying but the word choice is saying it for them.

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What I find is that sometimes people don’t have the intention behind the words they say. It may not be a conscious choice, or they are not thinking thoughtfully about their words. But what happens is if you have something in your mind, if you have emotions in that you are feeling, the language you choose reflects it and then projects it.

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Guess what, you’re not being subtle. You may not be obvious either. And as a result, people will interpret your communication potentially very differently than you intended.

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Here are four tips to putting intention to your words:

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1. Choose Actionable Language: Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. What you will do, not what you won’t do. Use active verbs rather than passive language and you will even feel the momentum when you speak to them.
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2. Use Neutral or Positive Words: Avoid using words that are negative or judgmental. “Unfortunately,” doesn’t soften the blow, but rather braces someone for something much worse than the actuality often is.
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3. Own Your Words: Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements to take responsibility for your thoughts and feelings. Share your interpretation and perspective, when you do it projects confidence and competence.
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4. Be Mindful of Your Tone: The way you say something can convey as much as the words you choose. Remember, that edge in your voice is heard loud and clear. If there is an incongruence, people typically interpret things in the worst possible way.
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Words can leave a lasting impression. By being mindful of our language, we can cultivate a more positive and productive mindset and workplace. Remember, words have the power to both hurt and heal. Choose them wisely.

GET MICHELLE’S FREEBIES!

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x Claire Wasserman I help women embrace their worth and activate their potential. I’d love to support you – learn more here!​ ​ ​PS Consider leaving a tip to support my work and keep this newsletter free 🙏