Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton on How to Give Difficult Feedback

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the founder and CEO of the self-care brand Chillhouse. Founded in 2017, her New York-based company now consists of a spa in Soho and a line of wellness products ranging from press-on nails to bath soaks. Below, Ramirez-Fulton shares her advice for having tough conversations at work, overcoming imposter syndrome, and unwinding after a stressful day.

Advice for what to do when you…

Have to give difficult feedback… 

I vacillate between being super gentle and being super straight with people. Ultimately, it depends on my mood and the situation. If it’s the first time providing feedback, I lead with a lot of empathy. If it’s a constant state of needing to provide feedback, that’s when I tend to get more blunt. I never like to get to the point of being passive aggressive, so it’s better to be one or the other.

Need to focus… 

No meetings, put a hard block on your calendar, bring out the green tea, get the notepad out, and put those headphones in. Keep your phone at arm's distance, mute your Slack. Do whatever it takes. But most importantly, NO MEETINGS. 

Feel stuck...

Bring your passion into the mix. Introduce something that sparks joy into your role, or pitch your boss on something you'd like to take on in the business. 

Want to pitch an idea… 

Practice your pitch in the mirror, remind yourself that you're exactly where you're supposed to be, and if the pitch doesn’t work out, then it's not part of the plan. Takes some of the edge off.

Fail... 

Cry. And then remember the mantra, “Que será, será.” That failure is there to set you up for success for the next thing. 

Have imposter syndrome... 

If you’re invited to the room, you belong there. No if, ands, or buts. 

Want to unwind after a stressful day... 

Easy dinner at home, wine, face mask, two hours of mindless TV, magnesium, and bed. 

Get your paycheck... 

Enjoy it, and if there's some leftover, invest it.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.