
From the Wedding Circuit to the Political Arena
Jenny Bach left her photo booth company for politics — becoming Secretary for the California Democratic Party
Anyone who has applied for a job before understands the dilemma of having an incongruous mix of work history on your resume, reflecting a career shift that has occurred somewhere along the line.

Staying Flexible
Freelance workers control their schedules in a way that most employees can’t
Let’s celebrate all of our Capital Region-based freelance colleagues who are doing this day in and day out. Freelancing is all about freedom and flexibility, but it’s also challenging — with dry spells and the typical ups and downs of being a small business owner.

Davis Needs to Give Wet Labs The Green Light
In the 27 years I have lived in Davis, there has only been one sizeable business park with wet lab space for life sciences and ag biotechnology companies, which is University Research Park at the corner of Drew Avenue and Richards Boulevard. Each and every time another proposed development for wet lab space comes up to the Davis City Council or to voters, it fails to get a green light.

Dilemma of the Month: Managing an Insubordinate Subordinate
I recently received a promotion, so two months ago I hired “Jane” to assume the role of my former position. Since she’s been here, Jane has constantly undermined me. She has told lies about my character and my productivity to other employees. It is quite obvious that she intends to do whatever she can to show that I am not fit for my new role. What is the best way for me to document her behavior?

Action Items: Pilot
Justin Knighten and Bernadette Austin on how we can better prepare local leaders
Justin Knighten and Bernadette Austin speak with our host, Tre Borden, on how mentorship pushes the region forward. We talk about leadership transitions, diversity and inclusion, and hitting up potential mentors at the gym.

Breaking the Habit
Toxic patterns abound in the workplace — but you can change them
As I write this, I am seated by the window on an airplane flying east. Taking off over Sacramento, acres and acres of green and brown agricultural fields come into view. Each block of squared-off land is juxtaposed against another, all cut into varying diagonals and straight lines, forming an intricate pattern of rich farmland.

Tech Crunch
Nevada County companies are in desperate need of techies — here’s how they’re cultivating a new workforce
In 2016 business and government leaders in Nevada County had an “ah-ha” moment: A report, commissioned by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council in coalition with the Northern Rural Training and Employment Council, showed stakeholders that the county’s local workforce needed easy access to tech-based skills.

How to Follow Up That Killer Presentation
Congratulations, you nailed that presentation! Much like a baseball player who reaches first base seeks to advance to second, you should seek to advance further and raise your stock, close your sale or secure that plum assignment. These five simple suggestions can significantly amplify the impact of your success.

Dilemma of the Month: Abruptly Made a Manager
Yesterday, I was an individual contributor who did technical work. This morning, a group of my coworkers and I found out that we are now expected to manage about 10 non-exempt staff each. Overnight! There’s no title change, no increase in salary — just added work and stress. We are told we have no choice and have to take on that extra work because the company’s success or failure depends on us. Can they just make us managers without asking? Do we have the right to turn down these positions?