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Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jan 185 min read
Rising Above The Great Frustration: How To Thrive in a Downturn
The job market is undeniably challenging right now, even for those at the peak of their careers. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uncertain,...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jan 134 min read
Meta's New 'Free Speech' Move: Transparency or Corporate Self-Preservation?
Mark Zuckerberg's recent statements on freedom of expression and censorship have stirred up a necessary conversation—but let’s be clear:...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 30, 20246 min read
Best of 2024: Growth, Achievements, and Learnings
2024 has been a year of remarkable growth, thoughtful reflection, and lessons that will shape the years ahead. It’s been a journey of...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 22, 20246 min read
Painting Your Path: Year-End Reflections and Strategies to Color a Brighter 2025
As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to pause and take stock. Among my community of coachees, leaders, and professionals (and...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 19, 20245 min read
How to Hire Great Talent (and Keep Them Motivated Through Tough Times)
At a recent startup roundtable I hosted, one question stood out above the rest: “How do you hire great talent when you’re competing with...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 9, 20246 min read
From Reflection to Execution: A Step-by-Step Guide to Annual Planning
As the year comes to a close, the buzz around New Year’s resolutions hits its peak. Gym memberships skyrocket, planners fly off the...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 2, 20244 min read
Toxic Teams: Where Alliances Go Too Far
Picture this: You join a new team at a massive global corporation, only to find it feels more like a family drama than a professional...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 25, 20244 min read
What Irish Dance Is Teaching My Daughter (and Me) About Leadership, Life, and Resilience
When my 7-year-old daughter decided to try Irish dance a few years ago, neither my husband nor I had any idea what we were signing up...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 18, 20244 min read
The AI Buzz and Leadership: Augmentation, Not Automation
"You’re better than ChatGPT," she said. "And ChatGPT is pretty good." Last week, during a mock interview session, a coachee threw this...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 12, 20245 min read
Building a Portfolio Career: Design a Work Life on Your Terms
Recently, I’ve noticed a significant increase in people reaching out to work with me, eager to make a major shift in how they structure...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 4, 20244 min read
Why the “Perfect Day” Routine is Overrated (and What Actually Works)
You’ve heard the hype. Wake up at 4 a.m., and you’ll float out of bed feeling like a feather, totally ready to conquer the world....
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Oct 21, 20247 min read
What Managers Need to Go From Firefighting to Multiplying
A few weeks ago, I came across an article in The Economist titled "What Makes a Good Manager?" It sparked something in me, so I brought...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 9, 20246 min read
Investing in Your Own Growth: The Best Decision You'll Ever Make as a Leader
Remember when we were kids? We'd fearlessly dive into new adventures—whether crafting a messy art project, learning an instrument, or...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 2, 20245 min read
Getting Comfortable with Rejection: Rethinking the Power of “No”
With my birthday just around the corner, I’ve been planning a getaway to Lisbon, one of my favorite cities, with a few close friends....
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Aug 26, 20244 min read
Bouncing Back from Layoffs: A Guide to Resetting Your Career in 2024
Silicon Valley continues to experience significant upheaval, as the tech industry's push for efficiency shows no signs of slowing down....
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Aug 19, 20245 min read
How to Manage an Employee Out: A Leader’s Guide to Compassionate and Professional Transition
Last week, during a coaching session with one of my coachees, we covered a topic that most leaders dread — managing an employee out. My...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Aug 11, 20245 min read
The 10 Toxic Boss Types and How They Hurt Your Business
During a leadership workshop I led last week, the conversation turned to toxic bosses—a topic many of us, unfortunately, know all too...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 29, 20244 min read
Performance vs. Authenticity: Can They Co-Exist?
One of my long-time coachees, let's call him Mike, recently faced a common leadership dilemma: Can you be humble and honest while also...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 24, 20245 min read
Leadership Lessons from the Pool: Nature vs. Nurture
In a recent pool adventure, I watched my daughter and her friends navigating their colorful world with a level of leadership that was...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 16, 20245 min read
Entitlement vs. Self-Drivenness: How Leaders Can Build a Culture of Ownership
Not long ago, a coachee of mine, let's call her Jane, found herself grappling with a perplexing issue. Jane had built a vibrant and...
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