Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources to learn more. Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
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Christa Dhimo, Dr.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M Podcasts
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Ask Christa! Can My Career Grow If I Don't Want to Manage People? (S5E52)
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12:30Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a common concern among professionals: lack of career growth if they opt-out of management roles. She emphasizes that career growth is possible without managing people, debunking the myth that management is the only path to advancement. The discussion includes insights on organizationa…
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Ask Christa! Am I Stuck in Middle Management Forever? (S5E51)
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14:54
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14:54Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by middle managers in their career growth. She discusses the perception of middle management as a stagnant role and emphasizes the importance of viewing it as a strategic position within organizations that should be focused less on task managemen…
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Ask Christa! What's My Next Career Step? (S5E50)
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9:47
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9:47Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about career progression in the service industry, particularly from a call center representative to potential supervisory roles. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, recognizing when one has outgrown their current role, and the need for actionable guidance from super…
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Ask Christa! How Should I Be Thinking About Career Growth? (S5E49)
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8:34Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about career growth, emphasizing the importance of adopting a growth mindset. She discusses how career growth is a personal journey that varies for each individual and encourages listeners to define what success means to them at different stages of their car…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Stay Engaged When I'm So Underutilized at Work? (S4E48)
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10:35Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the effects of employees being underutilized in the workplace, exploring how it can lead to feelings of disengagement and burnout. She discusses the importance of strategic talent management as a competitive differentiator, and how organizations improve their overall performance by tr…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Get Over My Fear of Speaking Up? (S4E47)
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20:09By Christa Dhimo, Dr.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M
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Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Work Friend to Meet Deadlines? (S4E46)
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10:50Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the significance of workplace friendships and how they impact employee engagement and performance. She addresses a listener's dilemma about managing a close friend's performance issues at work, emphasizing the importance of open, direct, and compassionate communication and support. Ch…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Co-Worker to Quit the Chit Chat? (S4E45)
9:39
9:39
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9:39Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing social interactions in the workplace, particularly when a coworkers chatty style disrupts focus, flow, and productivity. She discusses the importance of establishing boundaries, effective communication strategies, and the need for a supportive work…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Ask a Co-Worker to Tone it Down? (S4E44)
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12:15Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing team dynamics, particularly focusing on the listener’s co-worker, whose exuberance and enthusiasm are overwhelming for others. Christa emphasizes the importance of understanding self-awareness, and the need for adjustments in behavior to foster a high-functioning …
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Ask Christa! I Hate Office Politics - Help! (S4E43)
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16:31Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concerns about office politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding influence in the workplace. Christa defines office politics, differentiating between toxic and constructive politics, and provides actionable strategies for managing toxic environments. She encoura…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Diplomatically Decline Wasteful Meetings? (S4E42)
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17:04
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17:04Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace issue of excessive meetings and how to navigate them effectively. She consolidates listener questions about declining unnecessary meetings while maintaining professionalism. She also reviews the cultural dynamics that influence meeting attendance. The conversation…
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Ask Christa! What are some best practices when working with partners? (S4E41)
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15:00Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo tackles a listener’s question about alliance management, exploring the challenges, best practices, and evolving role of managing partnerships in business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding alliance objectives, building trust, and fostering collaboration for mutual success. Listener…
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Ask Christa! What Are Some Tips to be More Focused at Work? (S4E40)
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11:25
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11:25Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo answers the listener question about tips to stay more focused at work. Christa explores what “focus” really means, then emphasizes the importance of making it personal, understanding how our own definition of focus can transform the way we approach work. She shares practical, research-backed st…
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Ask Christa! Why do I hate deadlines so much? (S4E39)
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12:46
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12:46Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking, “why do I hate deadlines so much?” She explores the psychological and environmental factors that contribute to stress and aversion to deadlines, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual perceptions and realities of workload and time. Christa discusses how o…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Better Manage Anxiety at Work? (S4E38)
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20:09Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concerns about managing anxiety in the workplace, particularly in the context of an upcoming reorganization. She emphasizes the importance of understanding anxiety as a natural response to uncertainty and offers practical strategies for managing stress, including leveraging workplace res…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Improve Collaboration in My Team? (S4E37)
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12:19Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving team collaboration amidst growing organizational challenges. She distinguishes between collaboration and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and effective communication. Christa provides insights into common misconceptions about collaboration,…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Improve My Presentation Skills? (S3E36)
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16:24Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving presentation skills as a way to advance their career. Christa emphasizes the importance of connection with the audience, every-day practice, rigorous preparation, and finding one’s unique style. She discusses the complexities of communication, the typical pressur…
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Ask Christa! How can I run meetings better? (S3E35)
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13:31Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenges of effective meeting management, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding the purpose of meetings, and fostering a culture of respect—especially a respect for time. She provides practical tips for structuring effective meetings, ensuring they serve the team's nee…
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Ask Christa! What Do Executives Do? (S3E34)
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18:01Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about the role of executives in any size organization. She explores the fundamental responsibilities of executives, emphasizing the importance of accountability, communication, decision-making, performance, and efficiency. She also reviews the traits that make eff…
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Ask Christa! How Much Finance Should I Learn? (S3E33)
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17:33Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about how much finance knowledge and learning a founder needs as they get a business started. She emphasizes that while finance is crucial, it is not the sole focus of a business. Christa discusses the various functions within a business, particularly the rol…
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Ask Christa! What Do Boards of Directors Do? (S3E32)
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18:29
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18:29Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the essential functions and responsibilities of a Board of Directors (BODs). She talks about how BODs serve as oversight bodies, the importance of matching board composition with organizational needs, and the evolving functions of boards as companies grow, and a BOD’s responsibility t…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (6/6) - What Areas of a Business Do Founders Overlook? (S3E31)
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13:38
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13:38Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking what aspects of a business are commonly overlooked by founders. She emphasizes the critical importance of having an executable plan, understanding customer needs, having a sound perspective on business, and the necessity of detailed planning for success. Christa also disc…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (5/6) - What is Outsourcing and Should All Businesses Do It? (S3E30)
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10:51
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10:51Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of outsourcing, explaining that every business engages in outsourcing to some extent, emphasizing the importance of leveraging outsourcing to enable businesses to focus on their core competencies: what they do best. The key to outsourcing is being intentional about what sta…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (4/6) - Why Do So Many Startups Fail? (S3E29)
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13:02Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common question of why so many startups fail. She explores the assumptions about founders, the importance of vision and mission, market fit, business management, and effective leadership in startup success. She discusses how founders are often driven by a deep belief in the vision…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (3/6) - What's the Best Funding Model for Startups? (S3E28)
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18:06Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the various funding models available for startups, understanding which model aligns best with a founder's objectives and business goals. She reviews the misconceptions surrounding funding, the significance of ownership and leverage, and the complexity of products in determining fundin…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (2/6) - What's More Important, Funding or Product? (S3E27)
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16:19Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's dilemma about whether to prioritize product development or seek funding for a prototype. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market research, protecting intellectual property, and building value before approaching investors. That puts you in a position of stren…
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Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (1/6) - How Do I Learn About Business Basics? (S3E26)
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13:29
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13:29Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo introduces a new series focused on business basics, addressing common questions about how to learn about business. The episode itself explores the fundamentals of learning about business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal learning objectives and how they shape the lea…
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Ask Christa! How Can I Feel Less Intimidated by Business? (S3E25)
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11:43
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11:43Summary In the Season 3 opener of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common intimidation felt by individuals entering the business world and engaging in business concepts, particularly those from non-business backgrounds. She emphasizes that business is fundamentally about understanding people and processes, and that anyone can learn the nec…
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Ask Christa! When Should I Leave? (S2E24)
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13:10
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13:10Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about the decision to leave a job to pursue career growth. She explores the dynamics of personal engagement and fulfillment in the workplace, the difference between jobs that are merely transactional and those that provide deeper meaning, and the importance …
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Ask Christa! What Are the Top Skills of Effective Managers? (S2E23)
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15:02Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the essential skills of effective managers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the ability to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios. She discusses the challenges of management, particularly in matrix organizations, and highlights the need for personal growth and un…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Do More with Less?? (S2E22)
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17:35Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace challenge of being asked to do more with less. She critiques the phrase 'doing more with less' as a misguided approach for austerity that often leads to employee burnout and a scarcity mindset. Christa discusses the historical context of austerity measures, their …
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Ask Christa! How Can We Manage Time If We Have No Control of Time? (S2E21)
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12:50Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of time management, emphasizing that time is a human construct and that managing time is not the same as controlling it. She discusses the importance of understanding personal perceptions of time without the pressure of control, encourages listeners to make friends with time, and offe…
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Ask Christa! What Does a Healthy Work Culture Look Like?? (S2E20)
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10:57
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10:57Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement over mere satisfaction. She discusses how a healthy work culture is characterized by trust and respect, with a mindset that organizational performance is sustained by getting the best out of your e…
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Ask Christa! Why Organizational Structure Matters!! (S2E19)
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15:38Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo discusses the strategic role of organizational structures in business success. She explores various organizational structures, explains how they directly impact employee and organizational performance, and how org structures impact decision-making and employee empowerment. The conversation highlights the impor…
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Ask Christa! Does Management Training Matter? (S2E18)
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15:08Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical importance of management training in today's workplace. She emphasizes that effective management is essential for organizational performance, team success, and employee retention, especially in matrix organizational structures. Christa outlines necessary skills that manag…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Downs) at Work? (S2E17)
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12:38Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about dealing with a disrespectful coworker whose style is to put others down. She emphasizes the importance of respect and dignity, and the impact respect and dignity has on organizational performance. She discusses how to understand and utilize harassment polici…
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Ask Christa! Managing an Interrupting Boss (S2E16)
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12:19Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenge of being interrupted by a manager during your team meetings—in front of your team. She explores the concept of an interrupting culture, the reasons behind interruptions, including excitement, poor listening skills, and power dynamics. Christa provides practical strategies…
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Ask Christa! How to Give Feedback to a Defensive Team Member?? (S2E15)
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11:33
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11:33Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges of giving feedback to defensive coworkers. She explores the reasons behind defensive behavior (including low self-esteem and past criticism), the importance of understanding it, and offers strategies for effectively providing feedback. Christa emphasizes the need for self-care, resetti…
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Ask Christa! How to Introduce a New Idea within a RIGID TEAM? (S2E14)
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10:37
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10:37Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about introducing new ideas in a resistant team environment. She explores the underlying reasons for resistance, particularly focusing on learned helplessness, and offers strategies for effectively pitching new ideas. Christa emphasizes the importance of learning…
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Ask Christa! Season 1 Reflections: What if You Consider Yourself First? (Negotiations, Conflict Management...) (S2E13)
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9:17Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo wraps up the first season of her podcast by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in navigating business challenges and workplace issues. She discusses how understanding our own needs and concerns can enhance our ability to influence, negotiate effectively, and handle conflict management more productive…
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Ask Christa! What if Failure Didn't Exist in the Business World?? (S1E12)
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9:01Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of failure in the workplace, emphasizing that it is crucial to focus on learning and achieving goals rather than being weighed down by the fear of failure, and the importance of reframing our understanding of failure and success. She discusses how perceptions of success and…
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Ask Christa! Ugh, I Yelled at Work, and I'm Ashamed-- What Do I Do?? (S1E11)
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14:29Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about yelling at work due to stress. She discusses the impact of workplace stress on performance, behavior, and emotional responses, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing stress levels by diffusing stress to get back to a “Green” zone. She offers practical stra…
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Ask Christa! Strategy Series (3/3): How Do I Create Goals If There's No Strategy?? (S1E10)
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14:06Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenge of creating goals aligned with a company's strategy, particularly when that strategy is, or corporate goals are, unclear. She discusses the importance of understanding corporate goals, the process of crafting and drafting individual goals, and practical steps to a…
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Ask Christa! Strategy Series (2/3): HELP!! I Don't Know My Company's Strategy!!! (S1E9)
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13:36Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common concern of employees feeling that there is no clear strategy within their organizations. She discusses the importance of understanding what constitutes a strategy, how to identify existing strategies, and the steps employees can take to engage with leadership about strategi…
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Ask Christa! Strategy Series (1/3): What is STRATEGY?? (S1E8)
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10:42
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10:42Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of strategy in organizations, emphasizing its importance in achieving goals and navigating uncertainties. She discusses the common misconceptions of strategy as well as how many small and mid-sized companies lack clear strategies and the implications of this on their operat…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Raise My Freelance Rates (without chickening out!)? (S1E7)
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28:23Summary In this conversation, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges freelancers face when considering raising their rates. She emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself as a business, mindset, preparation, and effective communication strategies to navigate these discussions with clients. Christa provides practical advice on how to overcome fear…
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Ask Christa! Humility or Imposter Syndrome? (S1E6)
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4:45
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4:45Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of imposter syndrome—which is actually and originally called imposter phenomenon—and humility. She distinguishes between the two concepts, explaining that imposter phenomenon is a feeling of self-doubt regarding one's achievements, often attributing success to external…
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Ask Christa! How Do I Startup a Business? (S1E5)
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10:12Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the essential steps to starting a business, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's feelings about and commitment to the business idea, creating a strong foundation, and utilizing available resources. She highlights the various funding options and the significance of address…
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Ask Christa! Adapting to Change as a SUPERPOWER!!! (S1E4)
17:27
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17:27Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges of managing necessary changes in the workplace. She emphasizes the discomfort that often accompanies change and offers strategies for reframing our approach to it. By focusing on adaptation rather than mere handling of change, individuals can find stability and growth opportunities. Ch…
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Ask Christa! Do All Startups Need Advisors? (S1E3)
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9:59Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical role of advisors for early-stage startups. She emphasizes that all businesses, even those just starting out, can benefit from having advisors who provide honest and supportive assessments. Effective advisors help founders navigate the complexities of transforming ideas in…
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