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Turmoil and Triumph at OpenAI: Leadership Lessons on How to Use Influence
In my role as a coach for executives and business owners, I frequently address the dilemma of earning respect and loyalty from one's...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 27, 20235 min read


My Biggest Hiring Mistake
At a certain juncture in my management career, I made a hiring mistake that remains etched in my memory. It was the initial phase of my...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 11, 20234 min read


Embracing the Learning Rollercoaster: From Frustration to Mastery
Picture this: You're eager to learn, but feel like you're hitting a wall. Growth? Yes, please—but oh, the dread of starting from scratch....

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 2, 20237 min read


Navigating Toxic Workplaces: A New Manager's Story of Transformation
When my coachee, a talented tech professional with a stellar track record, stepped into her new role as a manager at the global tech...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Oct 22, 20237 min read


The Journey of Successful Female Leaders: Balancing Work and Motherhood
Last week, I engaged in separate, insightful conversations with three accomplished female leaders during coaching sessions. Despite their...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Oct 15, 20235 min read


Accelerating your Career: The Dynamic Duo of Mentors and Sponsors
According to Gallup, currently, only 40% of employees report having a mentor in the workplace. Rates are even lower for sponsorship at...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Oct 8, 20236 min read


What you should do NOW, if your career goal is to become a people manager
I regularly meet with and coach early-career professionals who aspire to step into people management roles. It's inspiring to see them...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Oct 1, 20238 min read


From IC to Manager: Showcasing Your Leadership Potential on Your CV
Last week I wrote about 10 Common Pitfalls Individual Contributors Must Avoid in Management Job Interviews and received some great...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 27, 20234 min read


How to Become a People Manager
Are you a seasoned individual contributor with aspirations to step into a leadership role, but finding the path to climb the corporate...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 16, 20236 min read


The Asshole Genius: Exploring the Myth of the Artistic Temperament
Good (and appropriate) song to listen to while reading this article I recently joined a book club, which was a new experience for me....

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 10, 20235 min read


Thriving in the Age of Transformation: Why Middle Managers Are the Heartbeat of Organizations
I am currently working with a coachee who has been a middle manager in a tech company for 4+ years. The other day, he candidly shared he...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 6, 20235 min read


Navigating Summer Holidays with Kids: 10 Hacks to Manage Your Family Getaway like a Project
Embarking on a week-long vacation in southern Turkey was a much-needed escape for our family. As parents of young children, we recognized...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Aug 21, 20238 min read


Inside the Mind of Venture Capitalists: What VCs Look for When Evaluating Startup Opportunities
In the ever-changing world shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful force, igniting the dreams of...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 17, 20236 min read


Leaders Don't Climb to the Top, They are Carried to the Top: Tour de France & Thoughts on Leadership
Over the past 10+ days, we have been biting our nails watching Tour de France unfold. Thanks to my husband who is an avid cyclist, I've...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 12, 20235 min read


From Novice to Ninja: 10 Common Mistakes New People Managers Make and How to Avoid them
I was both excited and nervous when I landed my first job as a people manager at Google. I had gotten promoted in my sales job but there...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 20, 202316 min read


Managers’ Dilemma: People Manager or Individual Contributor?
Bob, a talented individual contributor, has recently been promoted to his first people manager role. As he takes the reins of his new...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 13, 20234 min read


Navigating the B2B vs. B2C Conundrum: Insights for Start-up Founders
Are you a startup founder asking yourself this question: Should my business target businesses or direct consumers? If your answer is...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 4, 202311 min read


The Value of Value: How Charging for My Yoga Classes Transformed the Experience
One of the best things about working at Google is being able to curate and offer your knowledge and skills as part of a program branded...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
May 29, 20236 min read


The Go-Go-Go Mindset and Productivity Anxiety
I am writing these lines from a lovely spot in Copenhagen - 20G Cafe, where I paused to take a little break, enjoy a delicious breakfast,...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
May 22, 20236 min read


Getting your First 100 Customers Part V: Perfect your Customer Service
Over the last four weeks, I’ve shared strategies for reaching your first 100 customers. So far, we’ve covered: Establish What Your...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
May 14, 20235 min read
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