Jackson Owago's Blog

Hiring on a Budget? Here’s What Actually Works “We can’t compete with the big guys on salary. How are we supposed to hire anyone great?” A founder said this to me last week, and I nodded. It’s something I’ve heard from startups, nonprofits, and even mid-sized companies. And it’s a real concern. The Problem Let’s face it, money talks. But not every company has the budget to pay top-tier salaries, especially in today’s competitive talent market. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It simply means you need to think a little creatively. What You Can Do Instead Here are a few things that don’t cost a fortune but do catch candidates’ attention: Showcase Purpose Today’s candidates want to work somewhere meaningful. If your company is solving a real problem or making life better in some way, talk about it. Ensure your purpose is clearly communicated on your website, in your job ads, and during interviews. Be Flexible (Really Flexible) Flexibility is the new currency. Can people work remo...

Why You Should Chart Your Path to Chief Commercial Officer Let’s be honest. You didn’t get into sales, marketing, or business development just to hit quotas and call it a day. You’re here because you want to drive real impact. You want a seat at the table where strategy meets execution, where revenue meets vision. That’s the CCO role. But here’s the problem.  Too many talented professionals get stuck in the middle. They jump from one role to another, waiting for someone to hand them the keys to the C-suite, only to realize too late that no one is coming to promote them into leadership. It’s not about luck. It’s about design. If you’re serious about becoming a Chief Commercial Officer , you need a real plan—not just hard work, but the right work. This isn’t just another career guide. It’s your roadmap to the top. What Does a CCO Career Map Look Like? Career mapping isn’t about waiting for opportunities—it’s about creating them. It’s the difference between: Drifting from role to role...

How Women Leaders Can Set Boundaries Without Guilt Saying no doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you a better leader. Discover how to set boundaries that empower you and your team. Did you know that 71% of women feel guilty when they say no at work, even when they’re overwhelmed?  From societal expectations to workplace pressures, women are often conditioned to be accommodating, putting others’ needs before their own.  But here’s the truth: setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for effective leadership. The fear of being seen as difficult or unapproachable can hold women back from enforcing boundaries, leading to burnout, resentment, and reduced productivity.  This post is your guide to setting boundaries confidently, without guilt, and becoming the leader you’re meant to be. Why Women Struggle with Setting Boundaries Women face unique challenges when it comes to setting boundaries: Societal Conditioning: From a young age, women are often taught to prioritize ot...

How Women Can Build Supportive Networks That Propel Them Forward Your network is your greatest asset. Today, we’ll explore the journey from being a mentee to becoming a mentor—and why embracing both roles is key to effective leadership. Did you know that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, yet women are 25% less likely than men to have access to senior leaders who can advocate for their career growth? Networking and mentorship aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re critical tools for breaking barriers and achieving leadership success. But for many women, building a strong professional network can feel daunting. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, lack of access, or uncertainty about where to start, the challenges are real.  This post is your roadmap to creating meaningful, supportive connections that will propel you forward and help others do the same. Why Networking & Mentorship Matter for Women Networking and mentorship are more than just buzzwords—they’re game-changers for car...

Women Can Lead Authentically Without Apologizing Did you know that 76% of women feel pressured to downplay their accomplishments to avoid being seen as “too assertive”? This phenomenon, often called the likeability trap, creates a psychological conflict for women in leadership: be respected or be liked, but rarely both. From softening their tone to over-apologizing, many women feel compelled to conform to outdated expectations of how a leader “should” act. But here’s the truth: authentic leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about leading with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Here’s how to escape the likability trap, embrace your authentic self, and lead unapologetically.  Let’s dive in. Understanding the Likeability Trap The likeability trap is the double standard women face when they lead assertively. While decisive men are praised as strong leaders, decisive women are often labeled as “bossy” or “difficult.” Societal Expectations: Women are often socialized to be nu...

How Introverted Women Can Thrive as Leaders in a Loud World You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to lead. Learn how to harness your introverted superpowers and redefine what it means to be a strong leader. Did you know that 40% of executives identify as introverts, including icons like Marissa Mayer and Warren Buffett? Yet, introverted women often feel pressured to conform to extroverted leadership stereotypes, speaking louder, acting bolder, and constantly being “on.” The truth is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room. It’s about vision, empathy, and the ability to inspire others, qualities introverts naturally possess in spades. This post is for the quiet thinkers, the deep listeners, and the reflective leaders who want to thrive without changing who they are. Let’s explore how introverted women can leverage their unique strengths to lead with confidence and authenticity. Understanding Introversion in Leadership Introversion i...

How Women Can Overcome Self-Doubt and Step Into Leadership Roles Why do so many talented women hold themselves back? Today, we want to explore the science behind the confidence gap and discover proven strategies to close it for good. Did you know that 62% of women report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, compared to just 48% of men?  Despite being equally—if not more—qualified, women often doubt their abilities and hesitate to step into leadership roles. This phenomenon, known as the confidence gap, holds many women back from reaching their full potential. Imposter syndrome—the persistent belief that you’re not good enough, even in the face of evidence to the contrary—disproportionately affects ambitious women. It whispers, “You don’t belong here,” even when you’ve earned your seat at the table. But here’s the good news: self-doubt doesn’t have to define your story. This post is your guide to understanding the roots of self-doubt, breaking free from its...