Lazaruk Consulting Inc.
402 W. Pender St # 306 V6B 1T6 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Latest book to read from the Study and Struggle project is Captive Genders - I love to read things that challenge and open my mind. Best quote so far, in terms of what I'm learning about abolition (which can seem like a scary topic) is from an article within the first section, written by Morgan Bassichis, Alexander Lee and Dean Spade: "Abolition is not some distant future but something we create in every moment...every time we insist on accessible and affirming healthcare, sa...fe and quality education, meaningful and secure employment, loving and healing relationships, and being our full and whole selves, we are doing abolition. Abolition is the breaking down things that oppress and building up things that nourish. Abolition is the practice of transformation in the here and now and the ever after." I love this. So many of us were and are practicing this daily and didn't know! #antiracism #antioppression #readtolead #professional #presence #vancouver #style

Zoom ready on top, comfy (yet still matching) on the bottom (just in case I need to jump up while on camera!) #professional #presence #vancouver #style #ootd #outfitoftheday

Outside my office window today, the cherry trees are bursting - it's easy to work when surrounded by beauty. How is your work environment reflecting and affecting your #professional #presence?

Nothing like a gorgeous bow on top of a kick pleat to make a pencil skirt unique! Thanks to @blushingboutiquevancouver for the timeless purple beauty (that still fits in spite of the pandemic!) Lovely example of "professional casual" level of formality. #professional #presence #vancouver #style #ootd #outfitoftheday

So excited to be part of the opening panel discussion on mental and emotional labour at the @wnorthconnect Pivot Microconference. Get your tickets asap!

Speaking of occasional outings, here's a #casual #professional look for that #sociallydistanced meeting. Combining a silk base layer and a sweater lets me wear a spring coat, one of my fave #vintage ones courtesy of a friend many years ago. Vegan leather (haha, plastic) pants from @aritzia and a pair of pink flats I picked up in @singapore in 2019 make it all complete. Oh yeah, and can't forget rings from @maharanijewels - my fave! #presence #ootd #outfitoftheday #pandemicfashion #vancouver #style

Today's question: How do you manage the #unexpected in your workday? Is there space for things that come up as urgent and important? Is there important but not urgent work that can come forward if you have a cancellation? What are you adding or deleting from your calendar and lists of things to do that bring #value to your work? Giving some thought to your strategy ahead of time sets you up for #resilience - for me, it means adding in a book writing session where meetings have been rescheduled, using my #giftoftime wisely. #professional #presence #leadership #strategy #prioritization

I've succumbed to the #athleisure trend as #pandemicfashion - I really just needed some colour and this sky blue sweatsuit from @aritzia under their tna line was so cheerful. Plus the pants have #pockets - bonus!!! #professional #presence #vancouver #style

I'm back and yay, only 309 emails! Does the idea of turning off your email while on break make you sweat? I've got good news for you - the quick fix is to book a couple of hours on your first day back to do the necessary "catch-up". Don't be shamed or pushed into jumping straight into other people's priorities - book your first few days before you go to clean your inbox, prioritize tasks, and set update meetings with direct reports so you'll have space to settle into the groove. #leadershipdevelopment #takeyourtime #youreincontrol #yourtimeisvaluable #strategize #skipthedrama #professional #presence #vancouver #style

Off and unplugged for the next ten days! See you then! #restandrelax #staycation #takeabreak #springbreak

Okay okay, I know my slippers aren't uber-fashionable, but hey, I put on real #pants today. Thanks again to @aritzia for elastic waists and to @eileenfisherny for their always comfortable and beautiful sweaters. #professional #presence #remotework #vancouver #style

Who's got a snazzy new chair?! This gal! No more sore butt or back from sitting long hours on Zoom and it fits in my little home office closet even better than my other chair did! Woot!! Happy butt! Happy Monday! Thanks @impactofficevan - I love it. #professional #presence #vancouver #style

Oh yeah, these *look* like sweatpants but they are actually uber comfy trousers. Thanks @aritzia for hitting the mark on elastic waist, extra pandemic comfort. Love these and my long sweater is getting a ton of use too. #professional #presence #vancouver #style

I'll wear a #jacket, I'll wear #pants, but I draw the line at #shoes for #workfromhome - #zoomlife #hereweare #fabandfifty #fiftylooksgood #professional #presence #vancouver #style #ootd #outfitoftheday

And now, early #birthday #dinner courtesy of the always amazing @emellescatering and my dear friend. (not pictured, the epic card including a delightful ton of #wordsofaffirmation for my bday from Nicole, my dear friend and Director of Sales). This woman knows me!

Today's #starwars mask a must for being #outandabout! #birthdayweekend

Borrowing this excellent list today from one of my smart friends, @beautybyangeladean - it definitely deserves reposting. How are you caring for yourself right now? #goodadvice #smartfriends #professionaldevelopment #personalgrowth

Some days, even Zoom days, just call for extra #comfy and #cosy - depending of course on your #audience - where do you find yourself needing a little extra these days? #selfcare #casualstyle #relaxing #workfromhome #ootd #outfitoftheday #vancouver #style

Wise words from @andrewgibby - there is work to be done by our southern neighbours and work to be done here at home too. #antiracism #systemicracism #lovenothate #indigenousrightsarehumanrights #blacklivesmatter

Okay, I know this was the VP nom pic, but the joy on her face...love it. Now to reckon with Georgia to flip the Senate blue and white folks who overwhelmingly voted for the incumbent. #racism #antiracism #blacklivesmatter #votersuppression #wearenotokay

As I prepare to head out for a writer's retreat next week, this was an apropos post from my colleague @coachteresia which merits a repost today. What are your plans for the last of 2020? (More sleep, more space, more work, more creativity? Less stress, fewer meetings, less pressure on yourself?) #thoughtful #easydoesit #dontreinventthewheel #inspiration #love

@elleusa has done a somewhat decent job of including #diverse faces on their covers this year, and it's nice to see them celebrating @kamalaharris - a #political pioneer who is #thisclose to becoming the first Black female VP. Here's hoping.

Comfy #crossover #sweater for the @wnorthconnect #virtualconference today. Information packed, a touch of networking and many good tips to take away.

With every person and every team I've ever worked with, this #truth is central to strong #executive #presence - you cannot always be sure that what you are saying is landing the way you intend and you must always be prepared to #checkyourassumptions - what's happening with your #communication today? #professional #development #coaching #vancouver #style

Spending my day today with a fantastic group of women, @wnorthconnect listening, learning and growing. #virtualconference #workfromhome #networking #leaderslearn

Comfy #workfromhome #outfitoftheday - wide leg pants and top from @gap and scarf from @plumclothing - comfort and #style aren't mutually exclusive. #professional #presence #vancouver

It's important to me to support #policy #initiatives that build up society and support equity for all. @leahgazanmp is putting forward a motion for Guaranteed Basic Livable Income for all Canadians. There have been a number of studies on the positive social and fiscal effects of GLBI and I think we should all be working towards financial independence for all of our citizens. There is no reason for anyone, disabled, mentally ill, temporarily or chronically impoverished, ill or addicted to be subjected to the indignity of grinding poverty. We can afford this - it's the right thing to do. If you agree, reach out to your MP to voice support, share this post and sign the petitions. #endpoverty #socialsupport #love #equity

Okay, maybe I could catch a little tiny last bit of summer. Tomorrow the sundresses and sandals go away, for real. #professional #presence #vancouver #style #ootd #outfitoftheday

Ready to learn with @haymarketbooks and #studyandstruggle - what are you doing to get educated about #racism , #prisonpipeline and #abolition? Amazing gathering of activists and scholars and readings. If you want more info, check out studyandstruggle.com. Highly recommend!

Fuzzy #vest is out, it must be #fall. Time to put away the sandals and peep toes and sundresses in favour of sweaters, wooly pants and closed toe shoes. #professional #presence #vancouver #style #ootd #outfitoftheday

I've tweaked a #dailyritual for my professional practice since I've returned to work from my mental health break that bookends my days and keeps me on track. I have four questions on intention, vision, gratitude and action for the morning and three questions on actions taken, insights and gratitude for the evening. I take about five minutes for each set and it helps me stay present and focused in the face of whatever happens, whether my day is intensely active or calmly meditative. What rituals do you have in place to support your #mentalhealth and what do they help you do? #professional #presence #vancouver #style

This #outfitoftheday is proof that #comfort and #professional #style are not #mutuallyexclusive - stretchy knits, in the right colour, fabric, texture and pattern for you will always be a #win ! #vancouver #workfromhome #getdressed #feelbetter

I know many of my strong #leaders depend on themselves more than anyone else, but consider today's statement. It could mean that you've been burned in the past, so you've chosen this adjustment, but I guarantee you, it's often the road to #burnout. The smartest leaders I know are the ones who know when they need help and who to ask. Who is in your #professional #coaching corner? Where would you be willing to be a little more interdependent? . . . Original image by Rising Woman

Nothing like a good #necklace to jazz up a #casualfriday #outfitoftheday - today sees me going from client meeting to a park meeting, so an easy transition with subbing out necklace for scarf and flats for brogues is in order. Happy Friday! #professional #presence #vancouver #style

When the world is burning down, it's trauma. We aren't always able to identify it because of our beliefs about what trauma is and we tend to rate it in comparison to other people's trauma. Trauma is large and small, it is cumulative and we all experience it to some degree. If you've noticed a rise in any of these behaviours lately, it might be time to take a look and see what's getting blocked. My blockers are eating and scrolling - do you recognize any of these in yourself? ... . . . . #trauma #recovery #collectiveconsciousness #healing #learntolead See more

Back into #sweaterweather today and my most comfortable work pants for a #workfromhome day. The standards for #professional #style are relaxing a little as we move through the pandemic, but let's not get carried away. Keep it at #smartcasual to remain professional, stylish and comfortable while Zooming.

Your presence is about more than just your #look. Before you can #lookthepart you need to know what your part is and will be. I'm revisiting a classic this month, getting #backtobasics - what are you #reading currently? #readtolead #professional #presence #vancouver #style

First full face of #makeup in ages. Goes well with my #workfromhome #outfitoftheday - complete with fuzzy supportive #slippers...this new world is an interesting one for #image - how's your #professional #presence looking these days? #vancouver #style

Coaching is all about solving problems by keeping the focus on yourself and what you can change. Sure, there's a fine line between claiming what's yours and letting go of what isn't, but it will always be true that some of the issue is you. A good #coach will help you figure out the balance. #coachingforsuccess #coachingforlife #leadershipdevelopment #ownership

Going to be a warm one today, so #linen is where it's at. Woven trousers that are such old favourites that I can't remember where I got them and knit tank by @judithandcharles #workfromhome #professional #presence #vancouver #style

The power of a #plan cannot be underestimated. This was one of the first things I did as soon as I got back to the office. These mid-range plans help me to stay on track with #business and #life. Categories include #entrepreneurialmindset , #salesandmarketing , #clients and #newbusiness - this reminds me to focus my efforts on the things that matter most in my #worklife , especially now that I'm experimenting with a concentrated workday. I was first introduced to this idea by John Nieuwenburg, of W5 Coaching, in the very early days of my business and it's continued to be a big part of my success. How are you planning to get the things you want to do done? #professional #presence #vancouver #style

First day back at work after an eight week hiatus. It feels weird to be wearing #workclothes again, and thank goodness for loose blouses. Blue linen trouser with gray accent inside seam by @jacbyjc and gray silk blouse by @setfashion - I'd wear sandals, but I'm #workingfromhome so barefoot it is. #backtowork #professional #presence #vancouver #style

It's far past time for us to be having the conversation on what constitutes "professional" when it comes to image in North America and in other majority white nations. So often the norms are rooted in white, Eurocentric ideals and require other racial groups to conform. We need new guidelines, new ideas and new representation of images. AICI Global colleagues, let's start talking. https://www.teenvogue.com//a-brief-history-of-black-hair-p

What are you reading? #readtolead #lifelonglearning #antiracism #feminism #intersectionality

Which upgrades are you installing? #personaldevelopment #griefjourney #trauma #healing