Do You Need A Professional Glow Up?

You need to find out for yourself. Dive in.

Let’s be honest. After a while, working without learning or implementing new things can start to feel a bit drab. The work becomes mundane and the meetings tend to drag on. Your career might start to seem dull.

When was the last time you took a course just for you? Not because your boss sent you a link. Not as part of your team’s development plans for the year… But because you decided it was time to sharpen your skills?

If you're scratching your head or quietly side-eyeing this email... don’t worry, we’re not judging. But you need to remember the world of communications is evolving quickly.

One moment it’s all about long-form storytelling, and the next it’s 30-second videos and AI-written blurbs. If we’re not learning, we’re falling behind and none of us came this far just to stay stuck.

That’s why upskilling isn’t just a good idea. It’s a great idea

Now, don’t panic. We're not asking you to earn a second degree (unless you really want to). What we’re talking about is intentional, bite-sized learning. A free LinkedIn course here. A storytelling webinar there. Maybe even that class you’ve had bookmarked for months but keep pretending not to see in the shortcuts folder on your laptop. It could even be a YouTube video!

Practice your writing with a challenge or maybe you can start by finishing that book you’ve been reading for the past four months.

You deserve to invest in your craft. You deserve a professional glow up.

And this is not just for a shiny new certificate to add to the pile you probably have but it’s for the joy of learning.

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Ask a colleague what they’re learning. Join a study group. Share that course you found in your team chat. Even if they leave you on read... again.

So here’s your friendly nudge: pick one thing to learn this month. Just one. It could be Canva. Crisis comms. Personal branding. Storyboarding. Media relations. Anything that excites you or challenges your comfort zone.

Because while talent may open the door, intentional growth is what helps you stay in the room. Here’s a list of courses and videos specially curated for you:

Enhance your ability to craft and execute impactful communication strategies.

• Ogilvy Behavioural Science Practice – YouTube
  Explore how behavioural science is applied in Communications.

• TED Masterclass
  Learn to identify, develop, and share your best ideas with the world.

• Executive Presence: Foundations of Confident Leadership – Udemy
  Gain tools and strategies to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

• Canva Design School
  Access tutorials on design principles, typography, and creating impactful visuals.

• Purposeful Leadership & Coaching

  Build leadership skills that foster growth and development in yourself and others.

• Coaching Skills for Managers Specialisation – Coursera
  Develop coaching skills to enhance team performance and engagement.

• Leadership Circle Profile® 360° Assessment
  Gain insights into your leadership effectiveness and areas for development

• Looking for a job? This video has tips that will help you out!

Finally, The Comms Avenue offers custom training options for teams and executives. We’ll be happy to curate something for you or your team. Find out what’s possible in our brochure or send us an email here - letstalk@thecommsavenue.com.

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Let’s meet our Community Member of the week!

Hello TCA, I’m Oti Egwu and I’m a PR Account Manager at Djembe Consultants. I live in Lagos, Nigeria.

I have an admirable interest in strategic writing a goal-oriented approach to communication, emphasising the use of language to achieve specific objectives.

In more ways than one access to networking opportunities, industry insights, and a community of like-minded people.

I like very much the witty quote from the 20th century Irish writer, William Butler Yeats: "Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people".

I’m happy to make new connections on LinkedIn.

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This week’s resource is a podcast recommendation 🎧

It’s called OnPeople, hosted by The People Practice. 

OnPeople is your podcast guide to the world of people at work, showcasing real stories, insights, and lessons from those shaping the workplace.

If you listen, do let us know what you think!

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This week we’re sharing about community and events!

If you’re in Enugu, TCA is having a hangout for you.

Mark your calendars for our first TCA Enugu hangout.

We’re bringing Comms professionals in Enugu together for a time of fun, learning and networking. Come ready to pick up career tips and meet new people.

Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025

Time: 1pm WAT

The venue will be communicated to fully registered participants.

Join us by signing up here.

Women in PR Ghana is hosting a Webinar on Corporate Strategy.

Corporate strategy is the overall plan an organisation uses to define its long-term goals, guide its major decisions, and create value across all its business units.

The webinar will explore the key components of an effective corporate strategy, reasons for challenges faced in execution and the role AI, ESG and CSR play in shaping business and communications strategies.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn!

Date : 15th May, 2025

Time: 7pm GMT

Registration here.

Planning your first Corporate event doesn’t have to be daunting. Join TCA Lagos for this webinar.

TCA Lagos is hosting a webinar to share knowledge on how to plan your first corporate event.

What goes into the planning of an event? What shouldn’t you take for granted?

Join us on Friday, 16th May by 5pm WAT. Here’s the link to sign up.


Mentorship is a crucial part of your professional journey. Join the Comms Mentorship Circle for answers to those career questions you’ve always had.

Led by our Co-Founder, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, the Comms Mentorship Circle is a space designed to provide hands-on support and tailored mentorship for professionals navigating their path to success in the African Communications industry.

Join live Q&A sessions on Substack every Thursday. You can also follow on The Comms Mentorship Circle on social media for more updates.

That’s all for this week.

Scroll back to the top of this newsletter so you don’t forget the links we’ve shared. You might also want to share this with a friend or a colleague.

Have an amazing weekend.

Yours professionally,

The Comms Avenue.