Last month, a series of conversations recorded in 1964 between Jacqueline Kennedy and Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a former Kennedy aide, was published into the latest book on the legendary first lady – and one of my favourite 20th-century style icons – titled Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy. During these conversations, Jackie speaks her mind – sometimes controversially so – sharing her opinions on political figures, musing on life in the spotlight, reminiscing on past times with JFK. Though her words in these conversations can be raw, from them emerges a new perspective on Jackie’s life from the woman herself – and it serves to remind me what a strong and unforgettable woman she was.
Posted on October 30th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Celebrities, Fashion, Image, Womenswear | No Comments »
The job search can be daunting, whether you have just entered the market for the first time or you are seeking a change after years of employment. Finding a new job requires not only persistence and determination, but also a sound set of tools, including your resume, cover letter, interview skills and plan of action. At Corporate Class Inc. we also teach that a well-developed professional image and an understanding of business etiquette contribute significantly to your growth as a professional and to your success in the job market. Because these tools and skills combined are all vital when searching for jobs, we would like to recommend a useful resource that addresses all these components and outlines the process in a comprehensive guide: Narinder K. Mehta’s recently published Five Steps to Your Next Job: A Powerful Manual for Job Search and Career Development.
Posted on October 25th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Communication, Image | No Comments »
Leadership is a skill that is not reserved solely for managers, directors, VPs, or anyone else who is the head of a department or a company. It is a crucial quality that any valuable employee should demonstrate in some form or another in the workplace. The term “leadership” can encompass a wide variety of actions and attitudes; it does not necessarily apply only to a single leader of a group. Leadership can manifest in small actions that can ultimately result in change – and as such, it is an essential part of the progress both of a company and of your individual growth as a professional.
Posted on October 19th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Communication, Image, Presentation Skills | No Comments »
It’s that time of year again: crisp, bright mornings; fall foliage in a stunning palette of gold, red, and orange; the freshest picks of the fall harvest. Autumn has so much to offer – yet here in Toronto, I already felt the first pangs of longing for the recent summer when the weather turned bitter, wet and windy last week. Navigating through that harsh weather is certainly an adjustment – not to mention, a major hazard to your business attire if you have to confront rainy city streets on your way to work or a meeting! Not to worry: there are many ways to stay stylish – and protected from the elements – even in the wet weather’s worst.
Posted on October 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Fashion, Image | No Comments »
A captivating new phenomenon in business communication recently has emerged: office-wide social networking sites. Reading an article in The Globe and Mail last week detailing the pros and cons of this rapidly growing form of internal communication, I was struck by the possibilities for valuable discussion between all levels of employees that this casual forum enables. And yet I couldn’t help but wonder: what new questions or problems for communication etiquette could these sites invite? As I learned more about the sites and their benefits, I kept this question in mind.
Posted on October 3rd, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Communication, Image, Techno-Communication | No Comments »
A well-rounded selection of business attire is essential for any professional. Yet I would add that the right set of business accessories is equally as important in developing a polished image for the workplace. Professional accoutrements combine form and function to give the impression of a prepared and put-together individual. Anyone ranging from recent graduates just entering the workforce to seasoned employees can benefit from these suggestions.
Posted on September 27th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Image | No Comments »
Life is filled with meeting and greeting new people. Even though we’re reminded repeatedly; “Never judge a book by its cover,” we do. We’re constantly making snap judgments about the people we meet and greet. Curiously, it turns out, our first impressions tend to be quite accurate:
“We have long known that people jump to conclusions about others on the basis of very little information but what’s striking about these findings is how many of the impressions have a kernel of truth to them.”
– Psychologist Sam Gosling, The University of Texas at Austin.
In other words, we make assumptions, or jump to conclusions, with very little information and generally, we’re right!
Appearance, body language, intonation and interaction all work together to create a first impression. When they work in harmony, the result is positive. Let’s examine the four keys:
Posted on August 24th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Communication, Dress, Etiquette, Image | No Comments »
I’ll make no secret about it, the number one question I’m asked, from the emails I receive to the meetings I attend, is how to, “Dress for Success.” Sure, some people put a slightly different spin on it — professional clothes, dress for an interview, business formal attire —but fundamentally what they’re asking me is, the how to dress for success question.
Posted on July 12th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Image | No Comments »
Nothing short of a power outage could have kept me from a pre-dawn awakening this morning. The so-called “wedding of the century” was finally about to unfold and I was primed.
Although I’d read that two billion viewers were expected to watch, the actual London turnout signaled this was going to be a real celebration. And it was. Impeccably timed, perfectly rehearsed —everything went smoothly but with such a sense of joy, this was modern pageantry at its finest. You just knew that everyone from the cheering crowds to the wedding guests was enjoying the entire spectacle.
Posted on April 29th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Fashion, Image, Special Events, Weddings, Womenswear | No Comments »
Almost four million viewers tuned into the English leadership debate Tuesday night, myself included. My mission was more than personal interest. I needed to take copious notes on the demeanor and dress of the four leaders.
Although typically media will call me for commentary following the debates, this time I’d been given a heads up, by the producers at CBC Radio’s The Current, and was scheduled for an early morning discussion with two other women keeping close tabs on the evening: Kady O’Malley, political correspondent with the CBC and Globe and Mail columnist, Tabatha Southey.
My mandate, clearly, was not to comment on content but to interpret the body language of four seasoned politicians, all determined to make their points under crossfire — and the hot lights of a TV studio.
Posted on April 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Language, Celebrities, Dress, Hair, Image, Presentation Skills, Special Events | No Comments »
