Almavina Insights

What could happen when you try something new?

In early February, I ran across an advertisement for the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit. (I honestly can’t even remember where I saw it. Instagram, maybe?) For the previous few months, I had been entertaining the idea of getting started on writing a book. I had begun to read some online content about the process. I was intrigued.  The Summit was advertised as a 4-day virtual conference at a very reasonable cost – especially considering Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

Advice for my college-bound sons  

Youth is wasted on the young.  I don’t really believe that, but there are certain times that it feels just a little bit true. I am working through the college search process with my youngest son, just a year after wrapping up the process with my oldest. For me, this is one of these times where I wish I could be “young” again – after having a little experience.  To be clear, I was incredibly Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

4 Tips for Navigating Networking Events

Let’s say you are invited to a networking event. Maybe it’s cocktail hour at an in-person conference you are attending or a virtual coffee chat on Zoom. Which of the following best describes your response?  I’m sure there are some people who love these events, and there are lots of possible responses between these two extremes, but most people I know are resistant at best.  The fact is, networking can be very important and is Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

Sometimes You Need a Good Laugh

One positive thing that has come through social media for me is a reminder of how good it feels to laugh. And not just in short bursts that come from reels or memes or whatnot, not just the chuckles from a RomCom or another funny movie, but real, from the belly, stand-up-comedy-induced laughter. Laughter really does have a way of filling your cup when it’s running low from work, stress, or just everyday life.  Short Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

Culture Clues in Job Postings

I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn looking at job postings – to support friends and colleagues in their job searches and to learn about the current job market more generally. The posting below had me thinking for days. (Frankly, it raises my heart rate a little bit every time I read it!) There’s no need to “out” the hiring organization, but it’s good content for discussion. To be clear, I am not opposed Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

Understanding Why it’s Hard to Leave

As I transition to focusing my work on consulting and coaching women and leadership teams at mission-driven organizations, I am reading a lot about women’s professional experiences. That’s what led me to “Bully Market: My Story of Money and Misogyny at Goldman Sachs.” While Jamie Fiore Higgins’ experiences in investment banking are from a different planet than my experiences in K-12 education, so much of her story is relatable simply as a professional woman. I Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago

Leap into new territory!

Using the extra day this year to start something new. Yes, that is me, and yes, it’s a few years ago. It’s a good reminder for my aching, aging body of what I have accomplished. And even though my parameters change as I work through new life challenges, I use this as the motivation that I can do hard things!  I’ve had a few job transitions over the years, but this one – shifting to Read more…

By Beth Cocuzza, ago