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MCDA Business Brief
Insights on operations, finance, HR, and communications for growing businesses


Seasonal Employees and Temporary Workers: What to Get Right This Holiday Season
Temporary help can carry a business through the holidays. In California, seasonal employees are covered by most of the same rules as permanent staff, many of them from day one.

Marilyn Murua


Stay Interviews: Asking Before Someone Leaves
Most businesses learn why someone left during the exit interview. A stay interview asks the same questions while there's still time to act on the answers.

Marilyn Murua


The First 90 Days of Post-Merger Integration
Signing the documents ends the deal. For the people inside both businesses, the first 90 days are when the real work of becoming one company begins.

Marilyn Murua


The Manager's Role in Employee Mental Health
Workplace mental health has become a more visible topic in recent years, and with that visibility comes a common source of anxiety for managers: uncertainty about their role. Many managers worry they'll say the wrong thing, overstep a professional boundary, or take on responsibility that isn't theirs to carry. That uncertainty is reasonable. A manager is not a therapist, and shouldn't try to be one. But a manager is also not powerless, and the space between those two extremes
Sep 22 min read


Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Rising Professional
For many rising professionals, success can bring an unexpected companion: imposter syndrome . That nagging feeling that you’re not “good enough,” that your achievements are luck rather than skill, or that sooner or later, others will realize you don’t belong. It’s common — especially for ambitious professionals navigating new roles, promotions, or leadership opportunities. The good news? Imposter syndrome can be managed and even transformed into a source of growth. Here’s how
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Why Overachievers Are Most at Risk for Professional Anxiety
In professional settings, overachievers are often celebrated: they take on extra responsibilities, consistently exceed expectations, and push teams to deliver exceptional results. But behind the accolades, overachievers are disproportionately vulnerable to professional anxiety, stress, and burnout. Understanding why this happens—and how to mitigate it—is crucial for both individuals and organizations. The Overachiever’s Mindset Overachievers are driven by high personal standa
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Preventing “Last-Minute Madness” Through Effective Planning
As the holiday season approaches, many organizations feel the familiar crunch: projects piling up, last-minute client requests, and looming deadlines. This “last-minute madness” isn’t just stressful—it can compromise quality, morale, and even business relationships. The good news is that much of this chaos can be mitigated through thoughtful planning and proactive strategies. Why Last-Minute Madness Happens Even the most organized teams can find themselves in a year-end scram
Nov 28, 20252 min read


The ‘Always-On’ Culture Is Killing Creativity—Here’s How to Fight It
In today’s hyperconnected workplace, the expectation to be constantly available—checking emails at night, responding to messages instantly, attending endless meetings—has become the norm. This always-on culture is often framed as a sign of dedication or productivity. But for many employees, it’s quietly eroding creativity, focus, and overall well-being. Why ‘Always-On’ Culture Hurts Creativity Creativity doesn’t flourish under pressure or constant connectivity. The human bra
Nov 27, 20252 min read


Mental Health in the Workplace: The Next Competitive Advantage
Not long ago, mental health was considered a personal matter—something to be dealt with outside the office, behind closed doors, and...
Sep 22, 20253 min read


Emotional Intelligence in Business: Why It’s a Superpower
In today’s fast-paced, competitive business environment, technical skills and industry knowledge are undoubtedly important. Yet, there’s...
Aug 8, 20252 min read


The Real Cost of Too Many Choices: Understanding Decision Fatigue in Business
In a world that demands fast decisions, long to-do lists, and constant connectivity, it's easy to assume that productivity hinges on how...
Jul 22, 20253 min read


The Hidden Financial Costs of Founder Burnout
Running your own business is one of the most rewarding things you can do — but let’s be honest: it’s also exhausting. Long hours,...
Jul 10, 20253 min read


The Executive Pause: Why High Performers Need Regular Self Check-Ins
In the world of business, we’re trained to scan metrics, measure outcomes, and constantly move forward. Whether you're leading a team,...
Jun 16, 20253 min read


Developing a Resilient Entrepreneurial Mindset
In today’s fast-moving and often unpredictable business environment, success hinges on more than just a great product or a well-crafted...
Jun 3, 20253 min read


Why You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Impressive in an Interview
In today's competitive job market, the pressure to present a flawless image during interviews is immense. However, research indicates...
May 2, 20252 min read


The Truth About Work-Life Balance: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It
Work-life balance has become a defining issue in modern workplaces. Amid rising burnout rates, evolving job expectations, and increased...
May 1, 20253 min read


Networking for People Who Hate Networking (Yes, It’s Possible)
Let’s face it: for a lot of us, the word “networking” brings up awkward images of forced small talk, business card exchanges, or...
Apr 16, 20253 min read


The Stigma of Mental Health in the Business World: Addressing the Silence and Encouraging Open Conversations
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it has historically been a taboo topic, especially in the business world....
Apr 1, 20254 min read
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