This week's episode is for all the strong women out there, who struggle with balancing their tactical professional and caring compassionate self. I know this is an internal conflict that I deal with regularly as an entrepreneur in a care-giving and creative sector. How can I highlight my expertise, intelligence, and strength without losing the softer side of myself? This struggle is particularly evident in negotiations, where we are required to bargain for something we want, such as a promotion, raise, or new opportunity. Women are typically socialized to step back, give in, and avoid conflict. So, how do you harness your inner shark without losing yourself?

This week’s guest is Alexandra Kutilin, a full-time MBA student at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. Alex is passionate about career mentorship, professional development, and entrepreneurship for women, topics that she regularly explores on her blog, professionalwomanblog.com. As an ambitious young career woman, she is also very active on campus. She is currently the President of the Graduate Women’s Council, Student Ambassador, Mentors in Business participant, and has been a competitor in the 2019 BC MBA Games and 2020 National MBA Games, just to name a few of her many pursuits.