If you’ve ever felt unheard, overworked, or caught in a cycle of self-doubt in your career, you’re not alone. These struggles impact professionals at every level, but the good news is, you have the power to take control.
This week, Sevval Cira, founder of Ascend, and I hosted a Corporate Masterclass Session, where we unpacked three crucial topics that can redefine how you show up at work:
- Finding your voice and defining your core values
- Setting boundaries like a leader (without guilt)
- Overcoming negative self-talk and tracking your wins
Missed the session? No worries.
Here’s a full recap with all the insights, strategies, and action steps you need to take ownership of your career.
1 | Finding Your Voice & Defining Your Core Values
Your voice is more than just how you speak, it’s how you show up, what you stand for, and the impact you create in your workplace.
If you don’t define your voice, someone else will do it for you.
How to Make Your Voice Louder & Clearer:
- Get clear on your core values – These are the guiding principles behind your decisions and actions.
- Know your non-negotiables – What do you refuse to compromise on? Time freedom? Work-life balance? Respect?
- Understand your ideal work environment – Do you thrive in remote work? Collaborative spaces? Quiet solo work?
- Define your unique expertise – What do people come to you for? What are you naturally great at?
Action Step: Define Your Voice with this 3-Part Framework
Answer the questions, to come out with a clear and concise statement. This will help you define your voice, your impact, and how you want to show up in the workplace.
- Your Expertise – What do people rely on you for?
- Your Medium – How do you best communicate (writing, speaking, video, etc.)?
- Your Razzle Dazzle – What makes your approach unique?
Example: “I am passionate about helping people clarify and communicate their unique value. People come to me for career guidance that blends marketing and personal branding. I bring energy and clarity to complex career transitions.”
The clearer you are about your value and presence, the more confidently you can navigate workplace conversations, job opportunities, and leadership roles.
2 | Setting Boundaries Like a Leader (Without Guilt)
Newsflash: Boundaries aren’t selfish. They are a necessary leadership skill that protects your time, energy, and mental well-being.
Why Are Boundaries So Important?
While some people are stuck in a loop trying not to be selfish, other people who have finally decided to set boundaries are:
- Preventing burnout and exhaustion
- Improving their productivity and efficiency
- Promoting professionalism in workplace relationships (by leading by example!)
- Strengthening teamwork by clarifying expectations
- Increasing work-life balance
Where You Might Need Boundaries at Work:
For those who struggle with setting boundaries. Use the questions below as a temperature check.
- Work Hours – Do you feel obligated to check emails after hours?
- Extra Workloads – Are you saying yes out of guilt or pressure?
- Personal vs. Professional Interactions – Are you oversharing to maintain relationships?
- Conflict Management – Do you give yourself time to process issues before responding?
Action Step: Small, Sustainable Boundaries to Set Today
- Block out email-free hours – Choose one hour daily where you don’t check emails or messages.
- Set clear availability for meetings – Make it known when you’re available for calls or when you need focus time.
- Use AI to create a Workplace Manual – A simple document that communicates how you work best to colleagues. (DM me if you want the AI prompt we shared!)
Example: Bill Gates takes “Think Weeks” twice a year. These are full weeks where he disconnects from emails and meetings to focus on deep work. While we can’t all take a week off, setting even a daily focus hour can dramatically improve clarity and productivity.
3 | Overcoming Negative Self-Talk & Rewiring Your Mindset
The way you speak to yourself shapes your confidence, career trajectory, and relationships.
If your inner dialogue is constantly saying:
❌ “I’m not qualified for this.”
❌ “I don’t belong here.”
❌ “What if I fail?”
Then it’s time to reframe that narrative.
Rewriting Negative Self-Talk: A 3-Step Process
- Identify Your Negative Thought – What limiting belief keeps repeating in your head?
- Challenge It – Where did it come from? Is there evidence to disprove it?
- Reframe It with a Growth Mindset – Turn it into an action-driven affirmation.
Example:
❌ Instead of “I’m not qualified for this role,” say:
✅ “I bring unique strengths to this role, and I am constantly growing and learning.”
Use the Affirmation Framework to Build Confidence:
Need more momentum, keep it going by using the below affirmation framework.
🗣 I bring X value to Y.
Example: “I bring problem-solving and creativity to my team by streamlining processes and simplifying communication.”
Your confidence starts with you. The more you reinforce positive, truth-based self-talk, the more others will see your value too.
And bonus plug! If you have a habit of being a “hater” to yourself, try using this “hater translator tool.” It will help you quickly flip that negative thought and replace it with a positive one.
4 | The Power of Tracking Your Wins
Too often, we forget our own accomplishments. Keeping a record of your achievements isn’t just good for self-esteem, it’s essential for performance reviews, salary negotiations, and job applications.
Why You Need a Win Bank:
- Boosts confidence before big meetings
- Provides concrete proof of your value in salary negotiations
- Helps track progress toward career goals
- Ensures you don’t forget key achievements when updating your resume
Action Step: Start Your Win Bank Today
- Write down 3 wins per week (big or small).
- Save positive feedback from managers or colleagues.
- Review before important meetings to remind yourself of your impact.
Example: “This week, I improved our onboarding process, reduced errors in reports, and received positive feedback from a client.”
When it’s time to advocate for yourself, you won’t have to scramble for examples—you’ll have a clear, undeniable record of your impact.
5 | Final Takeaway: Own Your Value, Set Your Boundaries, & Speak with Confidence
Last but not least, we discussed how AI can be a powerful tool for defining your workplace presence.
One of the best applications? Creating a Workplace Manual that clearly defines your value, your boundaries, and your presence in the workplace. It’s a simple document that outlines how you work best so colleagues know what to expect.
You can use the prompt below, to get started on you’re Workplace Manual.
“Based on the information, tell me how to show up at work to make the most of my working environment. What’s the best type of work arrangement for me, what’s the best way to receive feedback, what’s the best way to communicate and collaborate, etc. add anything else that would help me thrive. Write this in polished and professional tone, and make it adaptable for any work environment, so that I can share this with my supervisor and colleagues, and they instantly know about me and how to work with me”
If you take only one thing from this session, let it be this:Your voice matters. Your boundaries matter. Your achievements matter. Start owning them.
What resonated with you the most? Drop your biggest insight in the comments!
