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The Big Tech Reckoning: Layoffs, AI, and What It Means for Your Career
Free food, nap rooms, wellness walks, unlimited vacation days—these were once the defining perks of working in tech. Along with six- and...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Feb 1712 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 185 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 12, 20245 min read


How to Lead Effectively Across Cultures: Lessons in Power Distance and Directness
When a Chinese-American coachee recently shared her experience with the communication style differences between herself and her new...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Sep 23, 20247 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 9, 20246 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 26, 20244 min read


Why We Get Stuck: Breaking Through Old Habits, Gridlocks, and Patterns
In my coaching practice, I encounter many individuals who feel stuck in some aspect of their lives, whether it's their career, personal...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 24, 20246 min read


Navigating Career Change as an Expat: Embracing the Challenges and Opportunities
Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience, especially when your career trajectory is impacted by the move....

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 18, 20245 min read


Peacock vs. Crane: Redefining Success Beyond Visibility at the Workplace
Roughly a dozen years ago, my then-manager complimented my work but noted my career advancement hinged on improving my "visibility."...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Mar 17, 20247 min read


The Silent Career Killer: How to Spot and Stop Workplace Gaslighting
Gaslighting at work is a sneaky, under-the-radar kind of manipulation that can mess with your head big time, affecting everything from...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Mar 9, 20245 min read


A Year in Review: Leaving my Corporate Job to Build a Career in Coaching
As we approach the end of another year, it feels like an opportune moment to pause and reflect on my transformative journey of...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 24, 202310 min read


The Career Kaleidoscope & the Art of Portfolio Diversification (a.k.a. Musings on Portfolio Careers)
My upbringing was in a household that lived and breathed the virtues of a stable job, consistency, and diligent work - principles deeply...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 14, 20238 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


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


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


How to Write a Killer Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Let’s call it what it is.  A Curriculum Vitae (a.k.a. Resume) is a sales tool. It’s one of the few ways—arguably the most important...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Mar 25, 20237 min read


How to prepare for a promotion: Understand the Process, Focus on Impact
Being promoted is something almost every employee aspires to. Recognition brings a raise, new responsibilities, heightened confidence,...

Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Mar 5, 20234 min read
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