Karan Ferrell-Rhodes

 

CEO – Shockingly Different Leadership

Featured Expert and Contributor

Insights to Help People & Orgs Become Future Ready . . Today

Our CEO, Karan Ferrell-Rhodes is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. She is a featured contributor, sharing insights and hot tips on a variety of leadership, business, and workforce-related topics.  

Being a partner with the Forbes Coaching Council allows Karan to fulfill one of her passions to equip and empower others via best practices learned from her experiences during both her corporate career as well as from being SDL’s CEO and Lead Strategist.  Her background leading strategic people initiatives in the human resources, talent development and organizational development fields have helped catapult cross-industry organizations across the globe.

Enjoy some of her popular insights via the links below, as she shares her unique perspectives to create impact on a larger scale. 

In Karan's Words: What inspired you to become a Forbes expert?

 

“For my entire career, I’ve heard organizations tout how their people are their #1 asset.  However, it pains me when orgs lack the knowledge, resources or bandwidth to effectively support the very people accountable for their bottom-line.

I’ve always been the type of person who wanted to help improve the professional lives of others.  I’ve been lucky to have had tremendous mentors and many rare experiences, whose lessons might be of value to others.

I thrive on being a favorite ally to others – by being a thought partner, sharing wisdom and inspiring the moxie which will assist in up-leveling and optimizing workforces to do their best work.

We all need a hand sometimes, as success is not achieved alone. Partnering with Forbes is my chance to pay it forward to help nurture the legacies of both today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.”

Forbes Coaches Council Q/A Features on Forbes.com

2023 Featured Advice in Forbes

September 6, 2023 14 Ways CEOs Can Help Employees Make Decisions Based On Company Values
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Help Employees Consider How Their Personal Values Align


August 28, 2023 –  13 Coaches Share How They Would Help A Client Navigate Business Risks
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Accurately Assess ‘Calculated Risk’


August 17, 202320 Pathways To Establish Thought Leadership
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 18 – Define Your Differentiating Value


August 11, 202319 Key Steps For College Students Hoping To Land A Dream Fall Internship
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Emphasize Your ‘Differentiating Value’


May 18, 202320 Smart Ways To Reduce Stress And Boost Productivity When Working Remotely
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Get A Pet Or A Plant


May 17, 202320 Impressive Questions To Ask A Potential Employer At A Job Interview
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – What are the best ways to differentiate one’s performance that align nicely with the company culture?


April 21, 202317 Ways Leaders Inadvertently Fail To Project Confidence With Their Teams
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 17 – Staying Silent In The Midst Of Chaos


April 10, 2023 –  15 Tips For Professionals Suffering From Creative Boredom
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 13 – Join A Design Thinking Class Or Hackathon


March 23, 202315 Ways To Skyrocket Your ‘Hireability’ As A Paid Speaker
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Take the initiative to connect with the meeting planners


March 9, 2023 –  16 Tips For Maintaining Healthy Boundaries With Coaching Clients
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 15 – Draw A Red Line Between Coaching And Informal Chats


February 23, 2023Nine Effective Ways To Establish Brand Credibility In A New Market
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Communicate the niche your brand is serving.


January 11, 202315 Essential Leadership Skills Every Entrepreneur Should Cultivate
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Differentiating Your Leadership


 

2022 Featured Advice in Forbes

October 13, 202215 Steps Aspiring Leaders Can Take To Start Building A Personal Brand Online
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Identify Your Unique Skill Set


October 12, 202216 Coach-Recommended Methods To Improve Client Acquisition
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 13 – Feature Clients In Your Content To Create Social Proof


September 21, 202215 Steps Every New Business Owner Should Take When A Crisis Arises
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Seek Advice From Experts


September 16, 2022How Senior Leaders Can Approach Tough Talks With Poor-Performing Managers
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Understand The Root Causes


July 7, 202214 Must-Have Skills For Successful Workplace Negotiations
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – Understanding Personal Motivators


July 7, 202214 Must-Have Skills For Successful Workplace Negotiations
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – Understanding Personal Motivators


July 1, 202214 Steps To Take A Networking Pitch To The Next Level
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Share A Life Fact Or Experience First


June 30, 2022 –  How CEOs Can Gain Essential Insights Into Every Department
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Use An Exercise Called ‘Onboard Me’


June 28, 202213 Ways To Use Behavioral Science To Stop Bad Habits And Start Better Ones

Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Find A Trusted Accountability Partner


May 10, 2022 –  11 Entrepreneurial Strengths That Can Become Weaknesses As A Business Grows
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Stakeholder Savvy


May 9, 202212 Ways Senior Leaders Can Ensure Business Runs Smoothly When They’re Away
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Have Employees Create Role-Based Continuity Plans


March 24, 2022 –  14 Effective Ways To Leverage A Part-Time Contingent Workforce
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Work With A Managed Service Provider


March 23, 202215 Ways Leaders Can Give New Hires An Immediate Feeling Of Belonging
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Have Culture Immersion Check-Ins During The First Month


February 3, 2022Effective Ways For Leaders To Keep Stakeholders In The Loop
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Determine Stakeholders’ Roles Using The RACI Matrix


February 2, 2022How To Use Coaching Tactics With Arrogant Employees
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Move From Coaching To Feedback


February 1, 202215 Critical Aspects Of Remote Culture Leaders Should Focus On In 2022
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Discovering Each Person’s Approaches And Motivations


January 31, 202212 Ways Coaches Can Stand Out Without Pitching Services Or Results
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Let The Prospect Do The Talking


January 27, 2022Key Elements Of Some Of The Most Innovative Mastermind Groups
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – An Equal Mix Of Professional And Personal Support


January 27, 2022Modern Lead Generation: Unique Ways To Connect With Prospects
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 6 – Host Virtual Group Coffees


 

2021 Featured Advice in Forbes

August 23, 2021 –  How Marketers Can Authentically Connect With Younger Consumers
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 6 – Make Them Part Of The Marketing Process


August 23, 2021 –  13 Ways Smaller Startups Can Attract And Retain The Best STEM Talent
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Partner With College Alumni Departments


July 19, 2021 –  13 Ways Employees Can Give Honest Feedback To A Problematic Manager
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Ask For Permission To Give Feedback


July 15, 2021How To Fix 14 Public Speaking Issues Professionals Commonly Overlook
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Wear Speaker-Friendly Clothing


July 8, 2021 –  14 Ways Cost-Conscious Solopreneurs Can Gain Brand Visibility
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Collaborate With Non-Competitors In Your Niche


May 7, 202112 Tips For Entrepreneurs Starting Or Joining A Mastermind Group
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Establish An ‘Out’ Clause Or Process


May 4, 202112 Ways Brands Can Appeal To Generation Z’s Deep Convictions
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Let Them Contribute To Your Story


April 28, 2021How To Handle A Client Leaving: 13 Valuable Lessons
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Have An ‘Out’ Clause


April 20, 202110 Key Strategies For Dealing With Sudden High Turnover
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Do Stay Interviews With A Random Sample Of Employees


March 30, 202111 Creative Ways To Develop Professionally Outside Of Work
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11- Use Vacation Days To Shadow An Expert


 

2020 Featured Advice in Forbes

December 30, 2020 – 14 Ways To Project Warmth And Foster Connections In Virtual Meetings
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12- Be Conscious Of Your Voice


December 29, 2020 – 15 Ways To Convince Employees To Utilize An Open-Door Policy
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8- Reinforce The Metaphor


December 28, 2020 – 16 Smart Ways To Boost Customer Retention For A New Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10- Invite Them To Join A Focus Group


December 22, 2020 – 15 Essential Tips To Plan A Podcast That Helps A Business Grow
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7- Be Clear About The Value You Want To Bring


December 18, 2020 – 12 Ways For Business Leaders To Make More Proactive Decisions
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8- Capture Topics To Address At The Next Meeting


December 15, 2020 – 16 Coaches’ Biggest Public-Speaking Gaffes (And How To Avoid Them)
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11- Not Checking In With Your Audience


December 11, 2020 – 15 Trends That Are Expected To Drive Small Business In 2021
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9- Creative Joint Ventures


December 10, 2020 – 14 Engaging Ways To Connect With And Inspire Virtual Audiences
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11- Tweak In-Person Tactics


December 9, 2020 –  15 Types Of Training Companies Need To Give To Middle Managers
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9- Tactical Leadership Execution


December 3, 2020 – Don’t Make These 16 Common Mistakes Of New Business Owners
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8- Falling In Love With Your Idea Without Testing It


November 24, 2020 – 11 Methods To Figure Out The Ideal Frequency For Lead Outreach
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10- Understand The Persona Of The Potential Client


November 19, 2020 – 16 Ways To Become A Better Entrepreneur By Enjoying A Hobby
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11- Listening To Podcasts Helps To Hear Diverse Perspectives


November 17, 2020 – 14 Delegation Strategies That Will Help Entrepreneurs Build A Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 14- Fund A Support Structure Of Skilled Contractors


November 11, 2020 – Lost Out On A Promotion? Here Are 13 Ways To Move Forward
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7- Schedule A ‘Readiness Meeting’


October 5, 2020 – 14 Bad Communication Habits And How Professionals Can Break Them
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Sending Canned Networking Messages


October 2, 2020 – Passion Fading? 12 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Do Immediately To Rekindle It
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Check In With A Client You’ve Helped


September 28, 2020 – Never Too Late: 11 Tips To Help Busy Professionals Master A New Skill
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Embrace Microlearning


September 22, 2020 – How To Build An Ideal Customer Profile: 11 Critical Questions To Ask
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – What additional improvements is my target market asking for?


September 16, 2020 – 14 Ways To Build A Solid Crisis Management Strategy
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 14 – Stress-Test Your Strategy Regularly


September 16, 2020 – 14 Ways To Build More Meaningful Professional Relationships
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Work On Creating An Instant Bond


September 8, 2020 – 14 Activities Professionals Can Use To Center Themselves
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Organic Gardening


September 3, 2020 – 14 Ways To Reach Big-City Prospects From Smaller Market Spaces
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Join Professional Associations In The Area


September 1, 2020 – 13 Clever Ways Professionals Can Leverage Social Media For Networking
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Don’t Overthink It


Aug 31, 2020 – 11 Emerging LinkedIn Trends And How To Prepare For Them
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Providing More Creative Ways To Enhance Profiles


Aug 19, 2020 – 14 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Disrupt Job Searches And Recruiting
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – New Opportunities For Coaching Job Seekers


Aug 18, 2020 – Interacting Virtually? 15 Bad Communication Habits To Break
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Leaving Your Microphone On When You’re Not Speaking


Aug 17, 2020 – 13 Smart Reasons To Consider An Apprenticeship After Graduating
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 13 – The Ability To Identify And Articulate Your Unique Skills


Aug 14, 2020 – 11 Creative Approaches To Attracting New STEM Talent
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Give Them Space To Create Their Own Job


July 23, 2020 13 Actionable Steps To Take If You’ve Made A Disastrous Mistake At Work
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Find Viable Course Corrections


July 22, 2020 – 16 Strategies To Land That Fall Internship You Want
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 19 – Use Internship Job Boards


July 9, 2020 – Struggling To Find Good Talent? 15 Ways To Switch Up Your Hiring Strategy
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 13 – Give Candidates Space To Innovate In Their Role


May 27, 202015 Strategies For Finding Courage When Facing Life’s Challenges
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – Think of someone less fortunate


May 18, 2020 – 14 Inventive Ways Coaches Can Offer Support During A Crisis
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Offer A Shoulder


May 11, 2020 – 16 Creative Ways To Diversify Your Revenue Streams During Tough Times
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Crowdsource Ideas Via A Hackathon


April 1, 2020 – What Happens When You Ignore Advice? 12 Coaching Pros Share What They’ve Learned
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Dismiss The Haters


March 31, 2020 – 15 Professional Coaches Share The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Their Careers
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Witnessing ‘Aha’ Moments


March 31, 2020 – Want To Land A Major Speaking Gig? Try These 14 Coach-Recommended Tips
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Niche Your Pitch


March 27, 2020 – 14 Lessons From Your School Days That Apply To Your Professional Life
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Mind Your Money


March 5, 2020 – 13 Ways To Maintain Industry Expertise Amid Rapidly Changing Industry Trends
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Leverage News Apps And Google Alerts


March 13, 2020 – 15 Tools To Help You Keep Track Of Your Growing Client List
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 12 – Hubspot


March 4, 2020 – Avoid Making These 14 Critical Mistakes When Promoting Yourself Online
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Mimicking Someone Else


March 3, 2020 – Want To Develop Internal Talent? 13 Strategies For Creating Your Future Leaders
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Give Them Space For Development


March 2, 2020 – Got A Fast-Growing Team? 15 Ways To Keep In Touch With Everyone
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Hold Reverse Mentoring Sessions


March 2, 202015 Coaches Share Their Top Advice On Creating Multiple Revenue Streams For Your Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Consider The Power Of Tweaking


February 26, 202015 Unique Ways A Small Business Can Become A Staple In Its Community
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Combine Social Media And Power Brokers


February 26, 202013 Proven Methods Businesses Can Leverage To ‘Go Green’
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Use Crowdsourcing To Mind The Gap


February 25, 2020Seven Things Every Business Should Avoid When Using Crowdfunding
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 3 – Not Being Clear On Your Story


February 24, 202013 Mistakes Business Owners Make When Trying To Differentiate Their Company
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Mimicking Others


February 21, 202012 Effective Tips For Better Sleep As A Busy Professional
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – Start With The Basics


February 21, 202012 Things Stay-At-Home Parents Should Avoid When Reentering The Workforce
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Not Ask For What They Need


February 20, 2020 – How Will Automation Affect The Job Market? 15 Coaches Share Their Predictions
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Grow The Importance Of Blended Workforce Management


February 18, 2020 – 11 Effective Methods Of Generating Offline Exposure For Your Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 6 – Connect Others Via In-Person Meet-N-Greets


February 12, 202015 Bad Examples You Might Be Setting For Your Team (And How To Correct Them)
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Forgetting That Inclusion Rules


February 12, 202016 Ways To (Gently) Get Your Clients Outside Their Comfort Zones
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Get Them Dancing On The Edge Of The Zone


February 11, 202014 Coaching Pros Predict The Hottest Career Paths Of 2020 And Beyond
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Managed Service Providers


February 10, 2020The 13 Most Valuable Forms Of Education For Entrepreneurs
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Pivoting Quickly


February 3, 2020Is Your Company Growing Too Fast? 14 Red Flags To Watch For
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Operating Expenses Are Gobbling Up Cash Flow


January 29, 202011 Coach-Recommended Apps For Setting And Tracking Goals
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – monday.com


January 28, 202012 Up-To-Date Lead Generation Tips For The Modern Salesperson
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 6 – Send Early Birthday Wishes


January 27, 2020Financing Your First Business? 16 Expert-Recommended Funding Tips
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Ask For In-Kind Support


January 24, 2020Keep Your Stakeholders In The Loop With These 14 Communication Tips
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Send Quick Voice Texts


January 10, 202013 Signs That It’s Time To Pivot Your Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 2 – Clients Are Telling You To


January 8, 202016 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Pursue A Side Hustle
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – Will your intellectual property be safe?


January 8, 202015 Essential Tips And Tricks For The Modern Salesperson
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 14 – Own Relationships With Decision-Makers


January 7, 202015 Ways To Actually Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions In 2020
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 10 – Create A Team Of Accountability Partners


January 6, 202015 Clear Signs Your Employee Deserves A Promotion
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Your Business Needs Align With Their Capabilities


January 6, 2020Promoted To Management? 15 Ways To Navigate Workplace Relationship Changes
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Renegotiate Your ‘New Normal’


January 3, 2020How To Keep Company Culture Intact After Leaders Leave: 15 Effective Tips
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 14 – Don’t Leave Dead Bodies In The Wake

2019 Featured Advice in Forbes

December 30, 201912 Starting Points For Pivoting Your Business
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 1 – Create A Strategic Mind Map


December 27, 2019Has Your Company Brand Lost Its Luster? Try These 14 Tips
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 5 – Peel Back The Layers Of The Onion


December 27, 201910 Programs And Tools Every Remote Worker Needs For Guaranteed Success
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Headspace


December 16, 201915 Smart Negotiating Techniques For Business Professionals
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Embrace The ‘Pregnant Pause’


December 13, 201912 Ways The Gig Economy May Evolve In 2020 And How It Will Impact The Business World
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 4 – The New Workforce Optimization Strategy


December 12, 2019Job Hunting? 15 Ways To Keep Up With Your Current Job While You Look
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 6 – Tap Into Your Network Of Strategic Supporters


December 11, 201915 Proactive Strategies That Establish Entry-Level Professionals As Leaders
Karan’s Quick Tip: Read Item 13 – Do The Unexpected


December 6, 2019Finding Inspiration In The Day-To-Day: 15 Ways To Set Yourself Up For Success
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 9 – Be OK With The Need To Pivot


November 27, 2019Want To Be A Better Team Player? Take These 15 Steps
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 11 – Have A Dual Focus On Individual And Team Needs


November 27, 2019Seven Work-Life Balance Tips For The Busy Holiday Season
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 8 – Be Transparent With Colleagues And Family Members About Your Priorities


November 26, 201915 Common Pitfalls To Avoid As A New Business Owner Or Entrepreneur
Karan’s Quick Tip:Read Item 2 – Not Articulating What Truly Differentiates You


November 25, 201915 Essential Questions To Ask Your Mentor Or Business Coach
Karan’s Quick Tip:Read Item 2- Who else should I speak to?


November 20, 201914 Ways To Embrace And Accept Change In Your Life
Karan’s Quick Tip:  Read Item 7 – Redefine Change To Be Your ‘Nirvana’

#AboutSDL

Shockingly Different Leadership is a human capital professional services consultancy that provides organizations access to the best consulting expertise in the areas of Talent Development, Organizational Development, and Human Resources – on an on-demand, project, or contract basis.

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