October 2026 I Volume 13, Issue 10

IMAGE MATTERS NEWS

October 2026

Welcome to the October edition of Image Matters News!

This month, we’re focusing on Career Advancement: Growing Into the Professional You Want to Be—because moving forward in your career is about more than reaching the next milestone. It’s about intentionally developing the confidence, communication skills, professional presence and personal style that support where you want to go.

In this month’s feature article, we’ll explore practical ways to continue growing professionally and positioning yourself for new opportunities.

We’re also introducing a NEW Spotlight section, where we’ll highlight timely events, initiatives and news you won’t want to miss. This month there is a lot instore in our Spotlight features, including: our Fall 2026 Menswear Virtual Trunk Show, a NEW Ask-the-Expert "Presence Advantage Lab", highlights from time in Chicago with AICI USA (Association of Image Consultants International) Color Matters Conference—and the latest sheSTANDS conversation tonight! at 7:30p ET.

Additionally, enjoy our:

· Dental-Healthcare Resources – Explore the latest resources and insights created specifically for dental-healthcare professionals.

· Style Fix: Shop with a Strategy – Learn how a more intentional approach to shopping can help you build a wardrobe that works harder for your career, lifestyle, and budget.

· Communication Insights – Discover ways to strengthen how you communicate, connect, and present yourself as you advance in your career.

Wherever you are on your professional journey, this month’s edition is designed to help you move forward with greater intention, confidence and clarity.

Stay inspired, stay polished and enjoy the October edition!

Successfully yours,

Kelly

Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC

Founder and President,

KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC

www.kellyduggan.com

Specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette and communication skills

Feature Article

Listen Here! Click here to listen to this edition (7 minutes, 30 seconds)

Career Advancement:

Growing Into the Professional You Want to Be

When you think about career advancement, what comes to mind? A new title or promotion? A bigger opportunity? Taking on greater responsibility in your current position? Perhaps.

But meaningful professional growth is more than the next step. It begins inside with understanding who you are, what you bring to the table, where you want to go and the relationships you have. In other words, professional growth rests on the foundation of your inner image: your mindset, values, goals, strengths and skills.

Start From the Inside

Before deciding where you want to go next, take some time to consider where you are today.

· What matters most to you?

· What are your professional and personal values?

· What are your natural strengths?

· What skills have you developed, and where are your opportunities to grow?

· What do you want to achieve in the next chapter of your career?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you make more intentional choices.

Your mindset about this process is equally important. Career advancement often asks us.....Read Here

Click here to read more and access our IMNs archive

NEW! KDIC Spotlight

Menswear Fall 2026 Trunk Show

Fall Has Arrived!

Watch the newest looks and inspirations in our latest Trunk Show!

Checkout this season’s latest trends

for men’s fashion and styling tips.

View on YouTube and share it with your friends!

Fall 2026 Virtual Trunk Show

Key Looks for Fall

Casual to Formal wear.

Custom-made for every occasion.

FREE monthly Ask-the-Expert live virtual experience! Bring your questions and challenges to this Q&A open discussion!

Our October Topic of Discussion and Q&A will be: Career Advancement Strategy

NEW! Ask-the-Expert

The Presence Advantage Lab:

Thu, Oct 29 • 1pm - 2pm

Topic: Career Advancement Strategy

Join us for our first ever Presence Advantage Lab to gain insight from an expert on career advancement, and the professional situations you’re personally navigating.

In this interactive session, we’ll discuss understanding how you’re perceived, building the right relationships, and becoming more intentional about where you want your career to go next.

Come with a question. Leave with a strategy.

Build your presence. Strengthen your influence. Advance your career.

Reserve Your Spot

Chicago Never Disappoints!

AICI USA - Recap

Color Matters

Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) USA - Color Matters Conference

September 24-26, 2026

Chicago IL

WeekendRecap! Chicago AICI USA - Color Matters Conference

WATCH the Recap Above!

This fabulous event included:

Wendella Architectural Boat Tour
The Color Factory-Willis Tower
Education day with Michelle Lewis, Color Psychologist and Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute
Philanthropic program "Color with Purpose" for Midtown Metro Achievement Center
....and fine dining in Chicago with US and international based AICI image professionals.

Reserve Your Seat

This is a conversation, not a webinar. Ask questions out loud, in the chat, anonymously — or simply listen.

DON'T MISS IT! Tonight October 7th

SheSTANDS: Is This Menopause? — FREE Virtual Program

That brain fog, the short fuse, the 3pm sugar cravings, the feeling that you're just not yourself lately? All of it gets harder when you're not sleeping well.

And it's so easy to blame yourself. You think you need more discipline, more willpower, a better attitude. But you're trying to manage all of it on an empty tank.

The good news? Sleep won't fix everything, but when it gets better, everything else gets easier to work on.

Wednesday October 7th | 7:30 PM ET | FREE

with Mary of Mustard Seed Health

And know someone who could benefit? Share it with one woman who comes to mind.

Dental - Healthcare Corner

Elevate Your Dental-Healthcare

Practice/Career Today

Let's work together to:

· Skillfully communicate, with a verbal and non-verbal communication strategy

· Elevate your "team to patient care" experience

· Set a confident and strategic brand standard for your practice

· Refine your leadership presence to lead your team

Raise the level of performance, productivity and profitability in your practice

Visit Our Article-Podcast Archive

Are you ready to build rapport

and better patient care?

Check out our learning library, filled with strategies for success when communicating within

your practice.

We're Celebrating

National Dental Hygiene

Month this October!

With a combined expertise

from more than 30 years in the dental and image industries, we are sharing our expertise and insights.

Let's Connect!

Style Fix

How You Shop Means A Lot

Your shopping style means more than you think.

There’s actually a psychology to it. Your wardrobe reflects your decisions, not just your taste. Shopping patterns influence more than just what you wear; they influence what you spend, and if your wardrobe is truly built to support your lifestyle. Transforming your purchasing behavior into strategy is the key to building a wardrobe that feels intentionally authentic to you.

Your clarity starts here.

Take our SHOPPING STYLE QUIZ to identify YOUR shopping profile!

Watch the video, take the quiz, and then unlock a free PERSONAL STYLE MINI SERIES that teaches you how to apply your results in real life.

To get started, follow the link below!

Start Here - Learn Your Shopping Style

Ready to learn what your

shopping style says about you?

Learn what drives your buying habits.
Look into your closet and see outfits to wear vs. "nothing to wear."
Gain the know-how and confidence that you look GREAT!
Start here, by learning your shopping style.

To Learn More Contact Us here.

Client's Say....

“I had no idea how many elements affected

the way I sounded when speaking. Kelly helped

me understand what I was doing right and wrong and deliver my message clearly and authentically. If you’re looking to become a confident, solid speaker, I

highly recommend Kelly Duggan.”

-Dr. Zina Berry, DDS

Founder of Z-Loupes

"Kelly made preparing for my branding photo shoot so much easier. Reviewing my existing wardrobe and understanding my personal style gave me confidence that every outfit I packed would work.

I felt prepared, polished and ready for the camera."

-Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, FADHA,

COM, IBCLC

Owner - Oral Function Specialties

“Kelly helped me with a new custom denim. She

took the time to listen to what I wanted out of a pair of

jeans and matched that up with current style trends and

the extensive J.Hilburn offerings."

-Ken Toy

J.Hilburn Client

Communication Insight for Impact

One small shift that makes a big difference in how you are seen and heard.

"Career advancement starts before the title changes. Communicate

with intention, confidence and clarity to show you’re ready for what’s next."

Schedule a Call to Discuss Your Career or Organizations Coaching, Training and Professional-Personal Development Needs

You, and the people of your organization, are your greatest asset!

About Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC

Kelly has been helping executives and their organizations make their best impression since 1999.

My goals for my readers? To help them realize the power they have in themselves, develop their inner poise and confidence, and position themselves strategically for greater professional and personal success.

Learn More

KDI Consulting is an award-winning, Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) certified firm. Kelly recently served a term as VP Treasurer on the AICI Global Board of Directors’ Executive Committee and is a past President of the AICI Chicago Midwest Chapter.

"Because Image Matters..."

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