Welcome to The New Leader, a space where leadership and marketing meet real talk. Here, I go beyond the buzzwords to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, foster connection, and create change.

From practical strategies to candid reflections on life, career, and fulfillment, this blog is for those who want to lead authentically and make a difference.

Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Bright is not a compliment

I was called “bright” at the end of a 22-minute interview. Not strategic. Not experienced. Not accomplished. Just... bright. This isn’t about hurt feelings. It’s about how language masks power—and how the softest rejections can still carry the loudest messages. Especially for women, especially in leadership.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Leadership Essentials: Severance

Severance isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a moral imperative. In times of change, how a company handles layoffs speaks volumes about its values and respect for employees.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Speaking up, standing out

After months of unemployment, I chose to speak up about the hiring process. My posts are not bitter, they are a deliberate showcase of my experience and leadership. Transparency is not a liability; it is a leadership strength.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Lessons from a layoff

Stepping into a new leadership role and finding open hostility instead of trust tested every skill I had. Over time, I rebuilt not just a marketing function, but also my own understanding of what genuine, human-centered leadership truly means.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Ghosted, misled, and overlooked

Months ago, I interviewed for a role that seemed tailor-made for my experience. What followed was a shocking lesson in the unprofessionalism that has become all too common in today’s hiring process.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

The hiring process is broken

The hiring process is failing job seekers, recruiters, and organizations alike. It’s time for business leaders to step up and reimagine the way we recruit, engage, and hire.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Holiday layoffs: What now?

Holiday layoffs are tough—for those let go and those making the decisions. This post explores why companies lay off during the holidays and offers advice for jobseekers to navigate the season with resilience and hope.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Don’t pause your job search

The holidays aren’t a reason to stop your job search—they’re an opportunity to stand out. While many job seekers hit pause, you can build momentum through consistent applications, thoughtful networking, and strategic prep work. Here’s how to keep your search on track this season.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Action, not advice

For long-term job seekers like me, weekends are not a time to rest—it’s a time when doubts creep in. Selling your house to stay afloat? That’s reality for too many. The job market isn’t just competitive; it’s isolating. Advice isn’t enough. We need action—and here’s what that looks like.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Unemployed, not undone

One year, no job. But I’m still here—learning, trying, and betting on myself. Unemployment isn’t just a struggle; it’s a chance to grow, reinvent, and redefine what success looks like. Who knows? Maybe I’ll crash and burn—or maybe I’ll fly.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

The resilience of GenX

Gen X is the generation of quiet revolutionaries, tech-fluent leaders, and resilient problem-solvers. We’ve shaped the digital age and continue to adapt, innovate, and lead. Don’t overlook our unique blend of experience and adaptability.

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Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Experience isn't an expiration date

Experience isn’t an expiration date—it’s the competitive edge that businesses need to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. Yet, many experienced professionals are finding themselves sidelined, despite decades of driving innovation and growth.

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