MAJOR MOVES

Leadership & Professional Development

Careers in advancement stall for predictable reasons: avoidance, lack of clarity, and institutional complacency. This section focuses on leadership judgment, professional growth, and the skills that separate effective fundraisers from busy ones. Less about motivation, more about responsibility. Written for professionals who take their role seriously.

GIVING magazine, Karen Alonso on Cover, United Way Las Vegas, AFP Chapter President

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Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

8 Actions That Get You Past Your Perfectionism

Overcoming perfectionism involves actionable steps. Start by managing your inner critic, embracing imperfections, prioritize self-care, and avoid excessive self-critique.

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CAUTION: Comfort Zone Sign Serving as a Warning
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

Become Forgettable

People don’t remember your credentials—they remember how you made them feel. Small, daily moments shape your reputation, yet most rush through conversations, assuming there will always be another chance. There won’t be. The ‘last meeting theory’ proves your most recent interaction defines how you’re perceived. Neglect this truth, and you become forgettable. Visibility matters more than effort alone. Show up. Engage. Deliver value. Every single time. Relationships don’t decay from one mistake but from consistent neglect. Stop assuming your work speaks for itself—it doesn’t. Effort matters. Show up like it does.

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Job candidate experiencing anxiety and self-doubt before an interview
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

A Beginner’s Guide to Negotiation When You’re Intimidated By Rejection

Most candidates lose the interview before they realize it. Not because they lack experience—but because they stumble on predictable questions. The toughest interview questions aren’t designed to trap you. They’re designed to reveal how you think under pressure. Learn how to answer weaknesses, salary questions, and career setbacks with confidence, clarity, and credibility.

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