profile

Hey, I'm Mal

I'm a consultant and online course creator who shares insights about thought leadership and personal branding. I help early- to mid-career professionals overcome imposter syndrome by mastering key skills and mindsets to thrive in their career with purpose and confidence.

Subscribe to Reframe for the latest insights

reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #18: The art (and strategy) of managing up

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. Building trust with senior leaders isn’t about playing politics We talk a lot about leadership in the context of managing down; inspiring teams, giving feedback, developing others. But one of the most underrated leadership skills, especially early in your career, is learning how to manage up. Not in a manipulative, “office politics” kind...
READ POST

Reframe #17: The sneaky lies imposter syndrome tells you

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. You’re more capable than your brain sometimes lets you believe If you’ve ever thought, “Any day now, they’ll realize I have no idea what I’m doing,” then you’re in good company. Imposter syndrome shows up in subtle ways. Not just as insecurity, but as overpreparing for presentations, second-guessing your decisions, or downplaying your...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #16: How to know if it’s time to stay or go

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. Before you make that big move, ask yourself these questions We’ve all been there. That restless feeling creeping in between Monday meetings and late-night LinkedIn scrolls. You catch yourself thinking, Maybe it’s time for something new. But here’s the truth no one tells you: deciding whether to stay or leave a job isn’t just about the...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #15: What to do when you feel like you’re falling behind

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. You’re on your own timeline, and it’s more powerful than you think. A question I hear often in mentoring conversations is: “How do I stop feeling like I’m behind everyone else?” It usually shows up after scrolling LinkedIn and seeing a peer land a big promotion, or when a friend casually mentions their new title, salary bump, or dream...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #14: How to speak up for yourself without sounding pushy

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. Advocating for yourself isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity. Have you ever left a one-on-one or team meeting thinking, “I should’ve said something…”? Maybe you wanted to highlight the late nights you pulled on a project. Or you had an idea you knew would make the work stronger. Or perhaps you just wanted to ask for what you needed, but the...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #13: The power of just 10% more confidence

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need a little more courage than yesterday. Picture this: You’re in a meeting with an idea that could really move the needle. You think about sharing it… and then hesitate. By the time you’ve built up the courage, the conversation has already moved on. We’ve all been there. Confidence isn’t about...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #12: How to ask for feedback that actually helps

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. Stop asking “Any feedback?” Here’s what to say instead Have you ever asked someone for feedback and walked away with… nothing useful? Maybe you got a vague “You’re doing great!” or the dreaded “Just keep it up.” Nice to hear, sure, but not exactly actionable. Or maybe you received a laundry list of “improvements” that felt more like...
READ POST

Reframe #11: Finish Q4 strong without running yourself into the ground

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. The Q4 sprint (and how to survive it) There’s something about Q4 that makes workplaces feel like a pressure cooker. Budgets need to be spent. Goals need to be met. Projects suddenly marked “high priority” pile onto your desk like someone just remembered the year has an end date. It’s easy to get swept up in the rush. To say yes to...
READ POST
reframe: perspective shifts for ambitious professionals

Reframe #10: The truth about your first year as a manager

Every edition of Reframe helps you shift how you think, show up and get ahead without selling out or burning out. One idea, one insight, one step at a time. First time managers, step right up The first time you become a manager, everyone congratulates you. There’s talk about “stepping up” and “finally getting to lead.” It’s exciting. You picture yourself guiding your team with wisdom, inspiring great work, and maybe even becoming someone’s favorite boss. And then Monday hits. Suddenly you’re...
READ POST