top of page


Sparking Leadership #2: Exciting problems, boring solutions (and the real work of leadership).
In a recent conversation, a leader told me, "Exciting problems have boring solutions" and it stuck with me. Because it’s true and it’s...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
May 1, 20252 min read


The moment you have to pull rank and say, 'Because I'm the boss,' you've already lost.
Most of us have had to deal with the leader who, when challenged, pulls out the "Because I said so" card. They remind everyone of their...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Apr 10, 20252 min read


Gut-based hiring: is it the right way to go? 🤔
Hiring the right #talent has become increasingly challenging. There are fewer roles, but the stakes are higher - every new #hire needs to...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Apr 3, 20252 min read


The Scaling Trifecta: 3 Non-Negotiables for Sustainable Growth
A lot has been written and said about how to scale an organization effectively. But, after having supported fast growing scale-ups for...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Great leaders don’t just manage people; they manage their emotions. How well do you regulate yours?
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage one’s emotions effectively - modulating their intensity, duration, and expression in a way...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Feb 5, 20252 min read


It's not you, it's the current reality of work: Why good performance is no longer good enough.
In my 16 years in HR, I've participated and managed countless #performance cycles for multiple organizations of various sizes. But, I've...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Jan 30, 20252 min read


Joining the thriving Dutch startup scene: Is it the right career move for you?
Understanding startups, scale-ups, and SMBs Let’s first start by understanding the difference between startups, scale-ups and SMBs:...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Dec 11, 20243 min read


Brain Rot at Work: Why Oxford’s word of the year is all too real for professionals 🧠 🧟
"Brain rot" is Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024. But honestly, it’s been the unofficial slogan of repetitive, soul-crushing work for...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Dec 5, 20242 min read


Why Sharing Your Salary Expectations First Can Be Smart—If Done Right
The conventional wisdom says: "Never share your salary expectations first." But as a career coach with extensive HR experience, I’ve...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Nov 26, 20243 min read


So, you want to be Chief 🏢 🫅
Becoming a C-level executive isn’t just a title change—it’s a mindset shift. As Chief [Insert Cool Job Title Here] , you’re not just...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Nov 20, 20242 min read


Nail Your Interview - Landmine questions to avoid & what to ask instead
Don’t Just Answer—Ask! Interviews are your chance to stand out—but it’s not just about answering questions. It’s about asking the RIGHT questions to show you're genuinely interested in the role, the company, and the team you'll be working with. Curious about what kind of questions will really make an impact? I've put together a slide deck that dives into how to avoid common pitfalls and ask smart, strategic questions. The 2 key things to keep in mind: Interviews are a two-

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Nov 13, 20241 min read


Is it time to say cheers to alcohol-free work events? 🍻
A recent article in the Financial Times highlights an interesting trend: fewer employees want alcohol at workplace events. With nearly 60%...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Oct 28, 20242 min read


Buzzwords Are Buzzkills: How Corporate Jargon is Hurting Your Team
💼 "Let's put a pin in this for now, maybe circle back later when we're ready to get our ducks in a row and really grab the low hanging...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Sep 18, 20242 min read


Leadership development, a $78 billion dollar industry is failing to produce the leaders of the future.
According to DDI's Global Leadership Forecast, only23% of leaders rate their leadership development as high quality while 77% of...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Jul 17, 20242 min read


Why is showing emotions at work such a taboo?
In many professional settings, emotions are often viewed as a liability, something to be suppressed or ignored. This perception can...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Jul 4, 20242 min read


Is your loyalty to your employer hurting your career?
Loyalty as a trait is associated with trustworthiness, reliability, commitment, patience and resilience. And, although it's an admirable...

Christina - Spark Back Coaching
Jun 26, 20242 min read
bottom of page

