OG Tuesday Issue #282

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✅ Today’s Checklist:

The Notion setup that ends task-hunting
A strategic exit plan when your boss turns on you
Set boundaries without guilt

🤔 Riddle me this: I can be returned without ever leaving. I can be borrowed without permission. I can be stolen without a sound. What am I? (Find the answer on the bottom).

QUICK LINKS

🎁 The smarter way to send gifts at scale without hunting down home addresses.

⏰ A trainer explains why the viral 30/30/30 method might actually be sustainable.

🌀 Constantly toggling between busy and productive? Neither might be the answer.

📈 Women are redefining career growth in 2026 and leadership is adapting fast.

PRODUCTIVITY SYSTEMS

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Stop Hunting for Tasks. Build This Notion View Instead.

I’m a Notion girly. I love it. From my corporate days at a startup to now being an entrepreneur and part of The Assist team, I’m a big advocate of Notion.

However… when you’re part of several databases, teams, and wikis, it can get overwhelming when it comes to tracking your personal to-dos.

For me, I’ve got a personal dashboard, a business dashboard, a client dashboard, a Skills Scoop newsletter dashboard, and The Assist dashboard.

I’d love a centralized place to see all of my to-dos for each of those databases on one page. So let’s see if we can do this together.

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Step 1: Turn your databases into task databases

First, you need to convert your existing databases into task databases.

A task database in Notion requires three properties:

Status (to track progress like “Not Started,” “In Progress,” “Blocked,” “Done”)
Assignee (who’s responsible)
Due date (when it needs to be done)

To convert an existing database:

Open your database
Click the three dots menu
Select “Turn into task database“
Map your existing properties to the required fields (status, assignee, due date)

I did this for my CC To-Dos, Skills Scoop, and Personal databases. It was surprisingly easy.

Step 2: Add your task sources to “My Tasks”

Once your databases are converted to task databases, you can add them to your centralized “My Tasks” view.

Go to your Notion Home
Find the My Tasks section
Click “Add task sources“
Select up to 10 databases to pull tasks from

Boom. Now all your tasks from multiple databases appear in one centralized view.

The catch: workspace limitations

Here’s where I hit a snag.

The “My Tasks” feature only pulled in tasks from databases within my Team workspace. But when it came to databases in The Assist Team Notion (a separate workspace), it didn’t bring them in.

Turns out, there are security settings in team workspaces where the admin has to allow external access for linked databases to work across workspaces.

So for the sake of this article, I wasn’t able to fix that limitation. But I was able to get all my other databases consolidated, and it was so easy to do!

The verdict

If you’re working within just one workspace, you should be able to easily add tasks to your Home > My Tasks and see everything in one place.

If you’re working across multiple team workspaces (like I am), you’ll need admin permissions to enable cross-workspace database linking. Check with your workspace admin to see if they can enable external access for your databases.

Why taking 10 minutes to do this is worth it

Having all your to-dos in one place eliminates the mental load of checking five different dashboards to figure out what you need to do today.

It’s the difference between jumping between databases, scrolling, trying to remember what you’re supposed to be working on, versus opening one page and seeing everything assigned to you, organized by status and due date.

If you’re a Notion user juggling multiple projects, teams, or clients, this is a game-changer.

Set it up once, and you’ll never have to hunt for your tasks again!

Thania (TA Content Mgr)

BUSINESS BACKEND

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The Invisible Admin Drain That’s Stealing Your Time

Nothing in your department is technically failing.

Projects are moving. Budgets are approved. The team is busy.

But you’re still toggling between systems to answer basic questions.

You’re checking revenue against a project tracker. Pulling expense reports from one tool and reconciling them in another. Waiting on finance because invoicing lives somewhere completely separate from execution.

Instead of stitching tools together manually, platforms like Zoho bring your invoicing, expense tracking, and project management into one connected system.

That means:

An invoice created in Zoho Invoice reflects immediately in your financial records.
Expenses logged through Zoho Expense are categorized and visible without follow-ups.
Work assigned inside Zoho Projects connects to the budget and revenue it supports.

When systems talk to each other, reporting gets tighter, cross-functional conversations get shorter, and leadership time shifts back to decisions instead of reconciliation.

That’s the kind of operational control leaders notice.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

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What Senior Professionals Do When Leadership Turns Hostile

“My boss is targeting me at work and just doesn’t like me. I already went to HR, reported that my talent assessment was conducted unfairly, and they are launching an investigation. But it’s really stressful. I know I need to find a new job regardless, but I’m unsure how to navigate my new job search in the meantime. What if they ask for references and my current job says bad things about me?” — Nadia P.

First, let’s name this clearly: this situation is deeply stressful, and you’re not imagining it. Being targeted by a manager while trying to stay professional and quietly plan your exit is exhausting. You’re carrying emotional labor, political risk, and career anxiety all at once.

Here’s how to navigate it strategically, calmly, and in a way that protects you.

Start Collecting Allies Now

The most important thing you can do immediately is identify people who are firmly in your corner.

These are colleagues who can vouch for your work ethic, integrity, and impact. They might be former managers, cross-functional partners, senior peers, or teammates who have directly worked with you.

Ask them for:

LinkedIn recommendations
Professional references
Support if things escalate internally

When the issue is leadership, not performance, third-party credibility matters. You want multiple voices who can validate your work independently of your manager.

Document Everything (Quietly and Consistently)

Whether or not legal action ever comes into play, documentation is protection.

Keep a private record of:

Dates and times of concerning interactions
Specific comments, actions, or decisions that feel unfair or inconsistent
Emails, performance reviews, and written feedback
Names of witnesses when others were present

If HR’s investigation leads nowhere, you’re simply over prepared. If it escalates, this record becomes invaluable. Either way, you’re doing the smart thing.

Maintain Professionalism Day to Day

This is the hardest part, but it matters more than you think.

Do the work well. Keep communication clear. Be calm, polite, and consistent. Follow processes. Put things in writing when appropriate. Avoid emotional reactions in public or documented spaces.

This isn’t about being fake or suppressing yourself. It’s about protecting your reputation while you prepare your exit. Do not give anyone ammunition to question your professionalism.

Start Job Searching Now

Do not wait for the investigation to conclude. Do not wait to see if things improve.

Best-case scenario: leadership intervenes and the situation resolves.

Worst-case scenario: you remain in a slow-burn toxic environment that drains your confidence and mental health.

Starting your search now gives you leverage, options, and peace of mind. The earlier you begin, the faster you can leave on your terms.

Stop Worrying About References From Your Current Role

Here’s the good news: most employers do not expect references from your current job if you’re still employed there.

Hiring managers understand that asking your current boss for a reference would expose your job search. This is normal.

You can offer:

Former managers
Colleagues from previous roles
Senior peers or mentors

If asked directly, you can say:

“I’m still employed there and haven’t disclosed that I’m looking, so I’d prefer to provide references from previous roles.”

That response is professional and widely accepted.

Be Strategic About How You Explain Your Exit

You don’t need to lie, but you do need to be neutral.

Avoid bad-mouthing your boss or company, even if they deserve it. Frame your departure around growth and alignment, not conflict.

Examples:

“I’m looking for a role with more growth and development opportunities.”
“The company is going through changes, and I’m seeking a more stable environment.”
“I’m looking for a culture that better aligns with how I do my best work.”

Keep it high-level. Let your experience speak for itself.

Activate Your Network

Tell trusted friends and professional contacts that you’re exploring new opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues. Update your LinkedIn profile. Let people know you’re open.

Many of the best roles never hit job boards. They come through conversations, referrals, and people who already trust your work.

This Will Pass

Most people encounter a situation like this at least once in their career. It’s unfair. It’s painful. And it can shake your confidence.

But it also teaches you powerful things:

What poor leadership looks like
What you will and won’t tolerate
What questions to ask in future interviews
What kind of manager you never want to become

This is a heavy lesson, but it’s a valuable one.

Hang in there. Protect yourself. Make your plan. The next role will be better aligned, healthier, and more supportive than you can see from inside this moment.

You just have to get through this part first.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

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Your Money Shouldn’t Keep You Up at Night

If your financial to-do list lives rent-free in your brain, you’re not alone.

The 401(k) you forgot to roll over. The taxes you think you handled right. The growing “should I be doing more?” feeling. Most money stress comes from not knowing what you’re missing.

Money Pickle helps you clear the fog fast. In just 2 minutes, you’ll be matched with a vetted fiduciary advisor for a free video consult tailored to your life stage, family goals, and career path.

It’s especially helpful if you’re:

Switching jobs and wondering what to do with your old 401(k)
Saving for kids and trying to be tax-savvy
Planning for retirement and need clarity (not jargon)

No pressure, or pushy sales pitches. Just real talk with someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

👉 Book your free call now before spots fill up.

P.S. It’s totally free and could save you from years of “wait… am I doing this right?” energy.

STAFF PICKS

Stuff We’re Loving This Week

👉 Steal this high value playbook on building an AI-first org that is radically more efficient. RSVP here.

✨ Fake a full night’s sleep with this glowy, blurring foundation.

🧼 Clean your walls without climbing furniture.

😴 The kind of pajama set that you don’t immediately change out of in the AM.

JUST FOR FUN

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COMMUNITY

Upcoming Events

Thurs 2/19 @ 10AM PT: Increase Your Influence: Using Authority with Intention (SGS Only* | Join the waitlist)
Fri 2/20 @ 10AM PT: Automation Workshop (SGS Only* | Join the waitlist)
On Demand: 2026 Compliance Predictions Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore

Template Drop

100+ ChatGPT Prompts
Google Doc Resume Templates
Data & Reporting Prompt (SGS Only* | Join the waitlist)

* Smart Girl Society is our private community for women who want deeper conversations, accountability, and tools that actually make life easier. Join the waitlist to get in the next round.

Work Wisdom of the Week: Setting boundaries is key to maintaining a fulfilling life both inside and outside the office. Don’t hesitate to say no to commitments that encroach on what matters most to you beyond work. Your time is valuable, and you don’t owe anyone an apology for protecting it—including your boss. Instead, explore alternative times or schedules that allow you to participate without sacrifice. Prioritizing balance ensures you can grow professionally while staying connected to the passions that fuel you. Stand firm in your choices, and remember: advocating for yourself is never a weakness.