The Heather Russell Journal
Thinking carefully about professional identity.
Editorial perspectives on documentation, professional communication and the words we use to make experience understood.
Journal theme
Beyond the Duty List
Why a CV that lists duties rarely gets read to the end, and what replaces it.
ExploreJournal theme
How You Are Described in Your Absence
Your reputation is already being described. The question is whether the words are yours.
ExploreJournal theme
The headline and the first three lines of About do most of the work. Start there.
ExploreJournal theme
Executive Presence
On paper, seniority shows through selection — what you choose to leave out.
ExploreJournal theme
Board Careers
A board CV answers a different question from an executive CV: what will you add to the table?
ExploreJournal theme
Professional Identity
Identity is what remains consistent across your roles. Naming it makes every document easier.
ExploreJournal theme
Career Transitions
When you change direction, the document has to explain the bridge — not hide the move.
ExploreJournal theme
Writing
Notes on the craft itself: shorter sentences, exact verbs, and knowing when to stop.
ExploreJournal theme
Personal Positioning
Positioning is choosing what you want to be considered for — and saying so.
ExploreJournal theme
Professional Communication
Letters, requests and introductions that must land correctly the first time.
ExploreBegin in writing
A useful idea can be a beginning.
You do not need the perfect terminology. Write what is happening and what you are working toward.