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Paula Duarte
Foster City, CA
Community & Government Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente
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Nelly Tonchev: Well, I have to admit, I moved abroard, change career,,,few times,,,I think we have many choices, but finally there is something that you like to ...MoreWell, I have to admit, I moved abroard, change career,,,few times,,,I think we have many choices, but finally there is something that you like to do and have a passion for... so this is the right path to follow
109 weeks ago
Gauri Nawathe: You write so well about the paradox of choice in this lovely post of yours...
By the way, I have ventured into blogging for the nth time recently ...MoreYou write so well about the paradox of choice in this lovely post of yours...
By the way, I have ventured into blogging for the nth time recently and hopefully this time, I'm going to be persistent. I think I'm going to refer to this post every time my motivation wavers :)
109 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte joined the group Professional Writers and Editors

51 weeks ago

 
Milena Thomas I'm about to give birth in 6 days (that is, if the baby comes on time!) Can someone give me the real scoop on returning to work just 4 weeks after the baby is born? I will have a very flexible, part-time schedule and can do most of my work from home, required to be on-site just twice a week for a few hours. I have a babysitter lined up for emergencies, such as if my mom or husband needs a break, etc. Thoughts?

93 weeks ago from Working Moms

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Paula Duarte: Hmmm.... you know, this is just hard to explain. Your plan can be done. It's just a question of whether or not it will make sense after baby is ...MoreHmmm.... you know, this is just hard to explain. Your plan can be done. It's just a question of whether or not it will make sense after baby is born; and that won't make sense to you (or your husband) until after the baby is born. Not trying to be obtuse or anything. That's just the way it is with overachievers and external commitments and babies and being clubbed over the head with something that is surprisingly so much bigger than you. But don't worry, you're also a problem-solver: I'm sure you'll figure out what to do when the time comes. :)
93 weeks ago
Trish Cardona: The only other thing I can add (as someone who's done the flexible work arrangement working at the office and out of home) is to try your very ...MoreThe only other thing I can add (as someone who's done the flexible work arrangement working at the office and out of home) is to try your very best to keep the dividing line between work and home.

Personally, I went back to work and made sure I was dressed up for work and not make the excuse of not looking professional because 'I just had a baby'. I needed this because I was allowed to work partly from home and I didn't want my appearance to make the impression that this was how I was working from home as well. If I looked professional in the office, then my colleagues could conclude I was looking (and being) professional at home too.

And never, ever show that the pressure is getting to you when you're at work. Just leave it for the privacy of your home. If you need to express breastmilk, do it as matter-of-factly as you can when you leave the room and do it. If it's time for you to leave, and everyone else is staying back (because work is their life), just do it with no fuss and tell them you'll see them next week (or whenever it is you're supposed to work from the office. I had to do that because I had to stop worrying about what everyone else thought of my 'special' arrangement. If they had a problem with it, they could take it up with their manager.

Granted, your workplace may be less stressful than mine but I hope my advice will make sense at some point.

Enjoy motherhood and all the best to your little bub! =)
93 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte Have any of you ever slowed down on purpose? Recently, I seem to be struggling with my desire for career achievement vs. time with my family (husband & 2 girls under 4). I applied for a job in my company and was the #2 candidate. After the initial disappointment, I was actually relieved; it would have meant a longer commute and less flexible schedule. I wrote this out a bit on my blog - 4engagement.wordpress.com -- but I'm still a little uncomfortable. What are your experiences with this?

93 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

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Mark Federman: Paula, the most important career development you can do right now with 2 girls under 4 is to invest in THEM! I'm not necessarily suggesting you ...MorePaula, the most important career development you can do right now with 2 girls under 4 is to invest in THEM! I'm not necessarily suggesting you give up your career entirely, but these are tremendously important years for developing their sense of self, their self-worth, and values. They need both you and your husband more than either of you need career achievement in the outside working world.

In the end, your only sustainable achievements are the very little people that you help to become great adults in this world.
93 weeks ago
Paula Duarte: Thank you, Barbara & Mark, for providing some perspective. There was a positive outcome in applying for the new job; I have a much better ...MoreThank you, Barbara & Mark, for providing some perspective. There was a positive outcome in applying for the new job; I have a much better relationship now with the hiring manager, who I work with often in my day-to-day. And I've gotten some other positive attention for having gone through the process. Mark, you're right: this time with my girls is precious. It's not easy to push through the dissonance, but things are never black-and-white anyway. Better to hold onto and leverage the positive.
93 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Monster actually posted an interesting question on their Facebook page today so I am going to steal it and re-post the question for you guys. If your career had a soundtrack what would be on it? To start off mine would have to include Ramble On by Led Zeppelin. It's a song about seeking out your passions and not giving up even though it's hard as hell sometimes. What about you guys?

94 weeks ago from Music, JobSTART 101 and Professional Development1 more

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steve taite: It would have to include Uninspired by Traffic one of the great unknown classics, Who Knows Where the Time goes by Fairport Convention and Deep ...MoreIt would have to include Uninspired by Traffic one of the great unknown classics, Who Knows Where the Time goes by Fairport Convention and Deep Purple's cover of Help. See clips here
http://tinyurl.com/yeconzf
94 weeks ago
JRandom42: "The Chase" by Giorgio Moroder, which won an Academy Award in 1978, as part of the soundtrack of the movie, "Midnight Express."
93 weeks ago
 
Timothy Johnson III Hi everyone. Curious if anyone here are still huge fans of podcasts through iTunes. And if so, what are some of your favorites? One of my new favorites is Podrunner, which provides fantastic workout mixes for the gym!

95 weeks ago from Social Pollination, Blogging Ideas, Brazen Foodies, Jersey Pride! and Brazen Careerists on Facebook3 more

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Thelma: @Copper - Radiolab is amazing. I recently listened to "Oops", released June 28, 2010. The story about Harvard blew my mind. Moth Stories is ...More@Copper - Radiolab is amazing. I recently listened to "Oops", released June 28, 2010. The story about Harvard blew my mind. Moth Stories is another good one.
Thanks for all the other suggestions, including Podrunner. Here's the link to "Oops":
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/oops/id152249110?i=84450509

94 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: @Thelma - I didn't know there was a moth podcast! I've been to the live events and love the stories... I'll totally have to check out the podcasts.
94 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Are you a financial burden on your parents? WSJ recently argued that because more young adults have a "failure to launch" that parenthood is too pricey (http://bit.ly/9mlHdk) - they ask, would your decision about whether to have children, or how many to have, be different if you knew you would have to support them financially well into their twenties? Personally, I always grew up desiring to support my mother as I got older, not for her to continually support me. To each his own though :)

107 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, Working Moms, Personal Finance and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals2 more

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Ty Unglebower: Well said, Paula. I never had a whole lot of respect for people who told their kids constantly, (starting at about their 13th birthday)..

"Once ...MoreWell said, Paula. I never had a whole lot of respect for people who told their kids constantly, (starting at about their 13th birthday)..

"Once you're 18, you're out of here. Don't expect a dime from me."
97 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: After supporting myself for five years, I dislike being a financial burden on my parents, but I'm grateful that they allow me to stay at home and ...MoreAfter supporting myself for five years, I dislike being a financial burden on my parents, but I'm grateful that they allow me to stay at home and eat their food while I work to get my business off the ground. I suppose that one must learn to set aside one's pride and take whatever help one can get. I don't think anyone ever really "made it" without relying on help from others.
96 weeks ago
 
Chris Parker Is pondering an issue. I have an interview coming up and I know my boss read that I have one coming up. Even though the Grant is not going to be renewed, how should I approach her, what suggestions on what to say to her, and other thoughts on this? My blasted email set up the time as a meeting and it went to her as well.

97 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter

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Paula Duarte: I would talk to her because I would want to control the message. It doesn't have to be a long conversation. At least you have an opening: "So, ...MoreI would talk to her because I would want to control the message. It doesn't have to be a long conversation. At least you have an opening: "So, I'm sure you saw the email I sent last week..." And you have some facts to list: (1) your grant is coming up, and (2) you need a new job. If you had a lousy working relationship, then you can be gracious and thank her for the opportunity to work for her, and leave it at that. If you want to build the relationship, you can ask her for her opinion on the job you're applying for and maybe some other job advice. And then let her do the talking. Just my 2 cents.
97 weeks ago
Chris Parker: @Rishona, it was a meeting schedule request sent to me at work. I think she has it set up that any meeting request sent to me goes to her also, ...More@Rishona, it was a meeting schedule request sent to me at work. I think she has it set up that any meeting request sent to me goes to her also, not sure how that is done but it was only supposed to be read by me since it was sent to me but I have read receipts on everything I email and got the one where she read it.
96 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren Do you think that being successful at your career prepares you for being a successful parent? http://wp.me/pTmBm-2c

97 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Working Moms, Personal Development and Professional Development2 more

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Paula Duarte: I agree with Cameron - it's the foundation you have in your personal life that informs your work life. I'm wondering if you're being too harsh on ...MoreI agree with Cameron - it's the foundation you have in your personal life that informs your work life. I'm wondering if you're being too harsh on yourself (you? workaholic? harsh on yourself? say it ain't so!) :) You seem to have a well-adjusted work life. And your daughter seems pretty well adjusted for someone you think you've left to fend for herself. I bet she sees you in a totally different light than you see yourself. Maybe you could try to walk in her shoes a little and let that pixie dust rub off on you.
97 weeks ago
Trish Cardona: Loved your post, mostly for the fact that it helps me (and other parents) knw that we're not alone. We all make mistakes. IT's hard to let work ...MoreLoved your post, mostly for the fact that it helps me (and other parents) knw that we're not alone. We all make mistakes. IT's hard to let work go because it is such a huge part of our identity, even before the kids came along. At the same time, we need to remember that the kids will be there (and our kids' kids) long after the career is over.
97 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte joined the group Working Moms

97 weeks ago

 
Amy Ng I recently submitted my mid-year self-assessment. I always procrastinate because I hate having to quantify and qualify what I've done. That said, I do admit feeling a sense of accomplishment when it's done, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to my performance discussions with my boss. After all, who can tell my story better than me? Does your company let you provide input prior to your evaluations? How comfortable are you in rating yourself and assessing your own performance?

98 weeks ago from Citi, Brazen Careerist's Top 50 Gen-Y Companies, Inspiring Leadership, Career Rocketeer and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals3 more

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Lilli at Citi: I don't think I have ever heard anyone say they were looking forward to self-assessments. We are sort of funny that way, but I am always happy ...MoreI don't think I have ever heard anyone say they were looking forward to self-assessments. We are sort of funny that way, but I am always happy when it is completed.
98 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon: Amy, what a terrific system you have at Citi, similar to the one I used for all the years I worked at a Fortune 500. Even though it takes a lot of ...MoreAmy, what a terrific system you have at Citi, similar to the one I used for all the years I worked at a Fortune 500. Even though it takes a lot of effort, it creates priceless aha revelations on both sides of the desk and make decisions about raises and promotions based more on fact than on perception.

Thanks to you and @Megan for your kind words about my blog post on self-appraisal. I'm so glad you got value out of it, something that always makes my day!
97 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte I know it's only Thursday, but let's pump it up! Do you use music to motivate yourself? I made a music mix recently and am feeling groovy. You can link to some of the songs on my blog at http://4engagement.wordpress.com. And let me know what you like, too!

98 weeks ago from Music

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Paula Duarte: I'm signed up for Pandora but haven't used it much yet. I used to use the Yahoo! music station when I had a job where I could listen to music at ...MoreI'm signed up for Pandora but haven't used it much yet. I used to use the Yahoo! music station when I had a job where I could listen to music at work. Sadly, it didn't mesh well with subsequent jobs. It's tough to find new music. Never used last.fm but will check it out!
98 weeks ago
Danver Chandler: @Paula, please let me know what you think about last.fm...you won't have to sign up, but there are great features once you do, it's really awesome!
98 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I got interviewed this morning by a reporter who wanted to discuss Generation Y's heightened interest in Parks & Recreation careers and other careers related to the environment, conservation and the outdoors. Do you think that this has to do with inherent Gen-Y traits or the opportunities made available to use through social media. Are we more idealistic, or just more connected?

106 weeks ago from Green Social Media and Green and Environmental industries

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Chris Williams: I think it has to go with our generation no wanting to comprise. We want to heal the environment but don't think business needs to suffer for this ...MoreI think it has to go with our generation no wanting to comprise. We want to heal the environment but don't think business needs to suffer for this to happen.
105 weeks ago
Megan Atkinson: I think that there are two major factors in the number of Gen Y'ers in green collar jobs. The availability of green jobs has increased because of ...MoreI think that there are two major factors in the number of Gen Y'ers in green collar jobs. The availability of green jobs has increased because of their social relevance. Also, I think Gen Y'ers may be more interested in the field (regardless of job availability) because we've been brought up under the pressure of "having to live with the mistakes of the past" and when the social relevance became more socially relevant, we were coming into the age(s) where we decide on a direction for our career.
98 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte joined the group Music

98 weeks ago

 
Paula Duarte I know it's only Thursday, but let's pump it up! Do you use music to motivate yourself? I made a music mix recently and am feeling groovy. You can link to some of the songs on my blog at http://4engagement.wordpress.com. And let me know what you like, too!

98 weeks ago

 
Paula Duarte I really enjoy using my commute time as learning time. Do you eschew music and talk radio for audiobooks and podcasts, and if so, what do you recommend? I wrote about some of the things I've been listening to lately in my blog: "My Ipod and Me: a rush hour love story" http://bit.ly/9GSD9U

102 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Personal Development

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steve taite: I do a lot of creative writing for the blog on the train. I find that when you have zero distractions you can be the most creative. I often almost ...MoreI do a lot of creative writing for the blog on the train. I find that when you have zero distractions you can be the most creative. I often almost miss my stop due to being to engrossed in what I'm doing
102 weeks ago
: I'm actually starting a learning program for mid-career people in my field (disaster management) where they will read and discuss online the best ...MoreI'm actually starting a learning program for mid-career people in my field (disaster management) where they will read and discuss online the best theory books in the field and then be able to apply them right away at work. I think adults love to learn and talk about theory, but hate to write about it....
101 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I'll be working a little bit this weekend. What rules do you set up for yourself when working on the weekend? We all have to do it sometimes. How do you balance work with other weekend priorities, like spending time with family and friends? Where do you draw the line?

106 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Work/Life Blur

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Paula Duarte: I compartmentalize. I've been working full-time for a long time, and always had something else going on (undergrad, law school, and many jobs ...MoreI compartmentalize. I've been working full-time for a long time, and always had something else going on (undergrad, law school, and many jobs I've been salaried and thus free to work as many hours as I like). A designated physical space works best for me: go into the office, your "office space" at home, a local cafe or the library, etc. Everyone needs to be clear that I'm working; for me at home, this means saying repeatedly, "Not now honey, Mommy is working," to my toddler, who will actually go away for a while and do something else, and sometimes helps by telling other people, "Not now, Mommy is working." :)
106 weeks ago
Jonathan van de Veen: One rule is that I don't work for my boss on the weekends on request. If I want to spend time with work for my boss on the weekend it has to be ...MoreOne rule is that I don't work for my boss on the weekends on request. If I want to spend time with work for my boss on the weekend it has to be because I want to. This hardly ever happens, because I also run a blog and write for a website in my free time. When it comes to making sure it doesn't interfere with other activities and just being lazy, I agree with Erin and Amy. Put your private/leazure activities first.
105 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau So I've always been one of those people who attends networking events and then spends the evening holding up the wall–until last night. I finally managed to overcome my fears and introduce myself to people, with great results. But I find this is an issue a lot of people have. Has anyone else had to overcome a similar problem? What tips did you use? (I wrote up my tips on my blog: http://wp.me/pPuvU-c7)

106 weeks ago from Personal Branding

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Dawn Lennon: I'd be flattered to have you include my tip in your post. Glad to have offered something useful. Best, ~Dawn
106 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: The follow up piece has been posted! Check it out - MoreThe follow up piece has been posted! Check it out - http://wp.me/pPuvU-cr - I used both of your tips. If either of you would prefer I linked to something other than your Brazen profiles, just shoot me an email at mbreau (at) jargonwriter.com with where you'd rather it link to and I'd be happy to change it.
105 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I rarely eat breakfast. I'm just not hungry first thing in the morning. Not too mention, as soon as I wake up I'm already running out the door. I'm realizing that this habit poorly affects my brain power at work. Any suggestions for what I can do?

106 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!, Brazen Foodies and Health and Nutrition1 more

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Bryon Ownby: @Ryan, I've been like this my whole life until the past year. My experiment, it does help with AM brain drain - more than I realized (although my ...More@Ryan, I've been like this my whole life until the past year. My experiment, it does help with AM brain drain - more than I realized (although my brain doesn't really function until after 10am and stops at 2am). Anything that's halfway nutritious will work (and a little caffeine doesn't hurt).
103 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: @Bryon -- Caffeine is one of my problems! I drink a lot of coffee and if I don't eat enough I get jittery.

I'm not a morning person either. It ...More@Bryon -- Caffeine is one of my problems! I drink a lot of coffee and if I don't eat enough I get jittery.

I'm not a morning person either. It takes me til around 10AM to really get my brain going. I spend the morning doing administrative tasks that don't take too much of my brain power.
103 weeks ago
 
Tameem Qazi Are attending business networking events worth paying for especially if you're new in town?

106 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Global Careers and Business, London Brazen Careerists and Ask A Coach2 more

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Katherine Liew: If you're pushed for cash, one of your best bets for meeting the important people is to find out what conferences they're at - then find the ...MoreIf you're pushed for cash, one of your best bets for meeting the important people is to find out what conferences they're at - then find the nicest bar close to that conference. Many dislike attending the formal networking because everyone is vying for their time. But they'll go somewhere close by to relax with the very inner circle before heading back to their hotel. A drink costs a lot less than a formal networking event.

Networking is undeniably important, but be smart about it.
106 weeks ago
Caroline Ceniza-Levine: @Tameem, I'm not familiar with those groups but I have been to BNI meetings in New York City, where I live and work, and the quality is uneven. ...More@Tameem, I'm not familiar with those groups but I have been to BNI meetings in New York City, where I live and work, and the quality is uneven. Some are great, and I have made lasting relationships from it, but sometimes it was a dud.
106 weeks ago
 
Paula Duarte Are you or someone you know in a rut at work? What do you think about "Aunt Krebbie's ghost: a lesson in context" http://bit.ly/a9ZX5A

107 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Creatively Inspired, INFJ and Personal Development2 more

 
Samantha Karol How are you going to show your appreciation for your mom this Mother's Day?

107 weeks ago from The Appreciation Revolution

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Paula Duarte: A hand-made bouquet of "flowers" (cut-outs of her grand-daughters' hands on pipe cleaners) and a picnic.
106 weeks ago
writeforhr: Can u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution" MoreCan u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution" http://digg.com/d31QcTR

Thank you.
106 weeks ago
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