Quotes from Kate White

And lock your hands to the table so they don't flail around or touch your hair.

When your boss makes suggestions about your work activities, follow up on them. In

About the same as if someone had just backed over me with their SUV. Honestly, it was this god-awful mix of unrequited love and raw humiliation over the fact that he hadn't called me. If they could only harvest that feeling, it would make a perfect weapon of mass destruction.

Later, you can shoot your boss an e-mail and comment positively on the new strategy or ideas she suggested and say you are eager to implement them. She'll appreciate

Smile, look invested, and when you hand in certain projects, say you enjoyed working on them.

When your boss assigns you a project, take good notes and ask questions regarding anything you're not sure about. … The key question to ask: "What are the results you're looking for?" Be clear, too, about deadlines and who needs to be looped in on the project.

Once you've identified people who can be both mentors and sponsors, you need to make contact. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself to a potential ally at an event or in the elevator and say you admire her work. If the person is spearheading a committee or drive, volunteer to be on it. You can also request an informational interview. You could say something such as "I've heard so much about your work [or latest venture] and would love to know more about it.

If a job opens up that she could "sell" you for, tell her, "You've been such a valuable resource for me. I would really appreciate having your help on something. There's a terrific position open at Company A, and I'm hoping you would be able to advocate on my behalf." Don't be shy about also asking a sponsor, "Do you know anyone I could talk to?

When you create a résumé, for instance, it's not about listing every single role and responsibility you've had. Instead it's about highlighting accomplishments that all ladder up to your overall positioning, expressing a clear point of view. You're taking control of the impressions you make by doing the work for them.

You should also have a bio that plays up your brand—this will be used for any kind of press or speaking engagement. Make it jazzy and exciting, and don't be afraid of language that really touts you.

When someone does a professional favor for you, send a handwritten note. You must send a written note to a mentor or sponsor when she helps you. Perhaps even a gift. And here's a great tip from Archambeau: When you take someone's advice, let her know it and how it worked out. So few people ever do that.

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters to what lies within us.

There was only one child, a 21-year-old daughter, and natch

their heads popping up prairie-dog style from their cubes.

Let's say you ask your boss if you can travel to an annual industry convention, and she says yes. You end up making some key contacts who down the road introduce you to others. That's a compound effect.

Most people don't have the time to meet in person so ask for a ten-minute phone conversation. Be specific. Tell them you're looking and would appreciate any help they can give. Could they introduce you to a key person in their own organization?

B train for Brighton Beach. Though the subway trip may have been shorter than going by car, it still seemed interminable, and just when I thought I couldn't take one more second, the train rocketed out of the tunnel and up onto an elevated track. I should have realized part of the trip would be aboveground, but I hadn't been expecting it. We rattled along the track, past endless grim, grimy red-brick buildings. A few seconds later, we pulled into

with signs in Russian.

I was gazing at: Brighton Beach Avenue, a four-lane road below the elevated train, was lined with endless storefronts—delis, hair salons, bookstores, dentists, funeral homes, palm readers—

You never wanted to appear out of your element in New York. It made you vulnerable.