Blog
Insights from Ann-Marie Flinn, Champion Change Agency Founder
How to Get Your Employer to Fund Your Professional Training (and Why So Many Women Still Hesitate to Ask)
Struggling to ask your employer for professional development funding? You're not alone. Research shows only 7% of women negotiate their first job offer compared to 57% of men, and this gap persists throughout careers. Learn how to overcome your Inner Critic, craft a purpose-driven request that aligns with organizational goals, and transform "no" into "not yet." Discover the proven strategy to advocate for your growth with confidence—because when you invest in your leadership development, everyone wins. Your next career breakthrough starts with one bold ask.
My 2026 Word Of The Year
At this time of year, I love reflecting on the moments that shaped me and the people I had the privilege of walking alongside. I also choose an “anchor” word to return to throughout the new year, a word that helps me grow into who I am, who I’m becoming, and what I desire more of in my life and work.
This year, when a team member asked what my word for 2026 would be, the answer came out before I could overthink it: Curious.