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

The race you never win

In a world filled with curated profiles and constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of our own path. This post explores how comparison traps can derail your personal and professional growth, and offers a powerful reminder that you’re the only one who defines your success.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Leadership Essentials: Belonging

Belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for fulfillment and success at work. Here’s how leaders can create a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and seen for who they are.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Easing into 2025

Feeling disconnected after the holidays? Small acts of creativity and connection can reignite energy and momentum. Here’s how I’m easing into 2025, one step at a time.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

A warning to CEOs

Corporate America is at a crossroads. The tragic murder of a healthcare CEO underscores a deeper crisis: the growing discontent of a public that feels exploited and abandoned. Inequities have eroded trust in institutions, leaving corporate leaders with a clear choice—embrace meaningful reform or risk societal instability.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Leadership Essentials: Imperfection

I learned a business lesson from Conclave: The best leaders aren’t unshakable—they’re reflective, thoughtful, and human. They doubt. They make mistakes. They grow. Oh, it’s also a great film.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

How to kill a brand in X steps

Most say Twitter/X’s death is in its final throes. I break down the five BRAND missteps that pushed the platform from trusted to at-risk, including lessons on how leaders can preserve brand trust and authenticity. Or not. It’s a whole new world.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

Do we trust women leaders?

The election has left me questioning our progress on trusting women in leadership. Have we really come as far as we think? Or are we still stuck, trusting flawed men over highly qualified women?

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

The evolution of leadership

Empathetic leadership is no longer optional—it’s essential. Explore the journey from command-and-control management to vulnerable, human-centered leadership, and discover why empathy is the foundation for creating engaged, resilient teams.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

A guide to AI: Finding your voice

Can AI truly reflect your unique voice? With the right guidance, ChatGPT can amplify your personal style. Discover key steps to infuse your personality into AI-driven content and elevate your brand’s voice.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Carol Tiernan Carol Tiernan

The new Wild West of job hunting

The job market is like the Wild West these days! The rules we all learned seem to have faded, leaving companies and candidates alike navigating a new frontier. Finding talent—and being found—requires adaptability and, increasingly, a strong network.

Read More