Career Cloud Radio - Job Search Advice & Tactics

#532: Joe McKay is an Australian business coach and solopreneur mentor who helps founders and solo business owners build thriving, opportunity-generating brands. After leaving a secure government job in Australia, Joe relocated his family to France, where he grew a six-figure solo business by overcoming his own fears of posting online and sharing his voice. Today, he specializes in helping busy founders and consultants create high-impact thought leadership content, while coaching solopreneurs to move from content to conversations to conversions. Joe's clients have landed six-figure deals, booked keynote speaking engagements, guested on top podcasts, and secured board and advisory roles — all through the power of strategic content and personal brand growth.

#531 - Henna Pryor, CSP is a dynamic Workplace Performance Expert who speaks and writes about performance mindset, interpersonal dynamics, high-impact communication, and embracing bumps in a world that keeps optimizing for smoothness. She is a regular Expert Columnist for Inc. Magazine, 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and an in-demand global keynote speaker. Her playful personality and insightful talks blend 2 decades of working with corporate leaders and teams with a fresh, science-based approach to taking more strategic risks and boosting social and mental fitness for success at work. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change” — a title she wears proudly. In addition to speaking for TEDx, SXSW, and being frequently tapped by media outlets like Business.com, FastCompany, INSIDER, HuffPost, NBC, FOX, and more, she's a SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and Glassdoor WorkLife Pro. Her book was also named a Kirkus Reviews' Best Book of the Year.

#530: Katrina McGhee is a Career Break and Sabbatical Expert, creator of the Break Blueprint, BreakSpace and the author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies. As a certified master coach with an MBA, Katrina helps mid-career professionals create happier, more fulfilling lives by designing bold and transformational breaks. Her clients return from their breaks recharged, inspired, happily-employed and forever changed. On their time off, her 60+ clients have traveled the world, launched a business, changed careers and more. Katrina's work was inspired by her own 20-month career break where she saved $40,000 in just 18 months to quit her corporate job to travel the world. She's now an enthusiastic world traveler and digital nomad. Her advice on career breaks, money, and travel has been shared across various outlets including Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.

#529: Matt Doan is a transformational coach and entrepreneur dedicated to helping senior professionals break free from the constraints of corporate life and build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses online. After spending a decade climbing the corporate ladder in management consulting, he faced a personal crisis that forced him to reevaluate his path. Determined to reclaim his life, he immersed himself in entrepreneurship, coaching, and high-level mastermind programs, ultimately developing a proven system for transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurial freedom without unnecessary risk. Since 2019, Matt has guided hundreds of professionals through this life-changing journey, offering structured strategies and real-world insights to help them achieve autonomy, financial stability, and a fulfilling career beyond the traditional workforce.

#528: Sigute Zitikyte is a passionate advocate for multi-potentiality, helping ambitious individuals embrace their diverse interests and build careers that evolve with them. After spending a decade in the "multi-passionate shame cycle," feeling constrained by traditional career expectations, she broke free from a linear path and turned her creative pursuits into a thriving business. Through personal experience, she understands the struggle of balancing ambition with societal norms and now empowers others to confidently forge their own paths, integrating passion, purpose, and financial success. Sigute's journey from the tech industry to entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire to live life on her own terms—one that values experiences as much as achievements. She now coaches multi-passionate professionals on building an online presence and expanding their income streams with clarity and confidence. By unlearning the need to conform and tuning into their inner voice, her clients gain the courage to create fulfilling careers beyond the conventional 9-to-5. Through her writing, coaching, and personal brand framework, Sigute inspires others to step boldly into their ambitions and craft a life they truly love.

#527: Kasey Jones is a renowned personal brand consultant, business growth strategist, and advocate for personal and professional empowerment. She specializes in transforming overworked and underpaid solopreneurs into profitable CEOs of businesses they love, using a bespoke blend of strategy, branding, systems, and mindset development. With nearly two decades of experience in early-stage growth strategy, B2B sales, demand generation, personal brand development, and relationship building at scale, Kasey excels at helping CEOs and C-suite executives amplify their unique strengths to drive business growth and build impactful brands. Over the years, Kasey has collaborated with startups like Sila, Ripcord, and Dealpoint (acquired by Clari), and has worked alongside brands such as Gwen Stefani's GXVE, accelerators like PIE, and venture capital firms like True Venture Partners. Her expertise has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives, and teams in finding their authentic voice, building authority, and reshaping their professional journeys to achieve more income, meaning, and purpose. Kasey's guiding principles—empathy, generosity, resilience, honesty, and a commitment to doing the hard work—are at the core of her coaching philosophy. She believes in the power of authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging her clients to embrace their unique stories and transform them into powerful tools for connection and growth.

#526: Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself (LFY) Consulting and award-winning author of "Becoming Fearless," is an international leadership and career coach, Sr. Talent Management Consultant, Top LinkedIn Voice, global speaker, and host of The Executive, and the Live Fearlessly Podcasts. Ben has coached over 500 leaders with a strong focus on senior-level executives across multiple industries and geographic regions, within organizations that varied in scale from 50 to over 250,000 employees and have included names such as Amazon, Coursera, DoorDash, Google, Fiserv, Northwestern, Mayo Clinic, Pinterest, Yelp, and more. Ben's passions include working with Better for You CPG organizations, small business founders and minority-owned companies, for which he offers pro-bono coaching services. Ben possesses a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with focus on value congruence and job satisfaction, an MBA in entrepreneurial management, and an MPH in health policy administration. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ben now resides in Austin, Texas, with his partner, Tiffany, Squirt, a “rebel in a shell” turtle, Elwood, a scruffy rescue pup, and Sima, the kitty queen of their kingdom.

#525: Nicole Greene is a Business and Lifestyle Strategist for badass women founders and executives who are committed to high performance in multiple non-negotiable roles (think executive, founder, mom, caretaker). Her actionable strategies and systems help these women step out of survival mode and achieve success, in life and business. Nicole's passion for this work comes from her own experience making herself small (and eventually burning out) across a highly successful career, from defense intelligence to artisan chocolates, CPG and Health Tech, during which she founded three companies and built several others from Seed to Series B. Nicole describes herself as a recovering workaholic and forever high performer. She's a classically-trained pastry chef, perpetual learner and dedicated mentor, as well as a mom of two boys (and an Australian Cattle Dog), living in Miami, FL. Nicole has a BA and MA from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University and is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Miami.

#524: Brian Ondrako is, first and foremost, a dedicated Dad to an amazing young boy who keeps him energized and young at heart. As the host of the Just Get Started Podcast for over six years, Brian has built a platform for meaningful conversations and personal growth. Alongside his podcasting journey, he writes blogs three times a week, has published two children's books with a third on the way, and serves as a Sales Mentor to B2B Founders and their teams. The past several years have been transformative for Brian, looking very different from the life he once knew. His current pursuits are rooted in a pivotal decision to take control of his life. Overcoming childhood challenges of poor confidence, low self-esteem, and a fear of judgment, Brian reshaped his path by embracing bravery, delayed gratification, and connecting with influential people. Through these steps, he discovered a sense of purpose that realigned his life's direction. Brian identifies as a NAVIGATOR, with his “North Star” guiding him to help others take control of their own lives. He believes that true fulfillment begins from within, by understanding that happiness is only achievable when we fully discover ourselves. As we explore who we are, Brian emphasizes, we uncover a COMPASS within us, one that guides us toward a more appreciative and purposeful life. This inner compass, according to Brian, forms the foundation for a happier and more fulfilling existence.

#523: Jason Silver is a multi-time founder of kids and a multi-time founder of companies. He gets his biggest thrill helping modern employees and their teams unlock a better way to work—surfing is a close second. He was an early employee at Airbnb and helped build an AI company from the ground up back before AI was the cool thing to do. Today, he advises a startup portfolio valued in the billions on how to build great, lasting companies that people actually enjoy working for. He's a sought-after public speaker, instructor, and advisor on how to transform work into one of the biggest drivers of positivity in your life. When he's not busy helping people solve their hardest workplace challenges, Jason's kids are busy reminding him just how much of a work in progress he still is too.

#522: In 2020 when the pandemic hit, Alex and his wife Michelle took their kids to Wisconsin to visit his parents.  What was supposed to be a 3 month trip ended up being a family move as the Comptons could not get back to the Philippines and decided to migrate to the US. It was during that time that Alex was exposed to business in the US, when he was asked to be CEO of a small company. It was a significant time of learning that eventually ended up leading Alex to spending more time talking with a good friend of his, Todd Marinshaw.  Todd and Alex had been friends for decades and both had deep ties with the Philippines.  It was out of these discussions that Valor Pro Global emerged as Todd and Alex both realized they could provide a great service to businesses in the United States.

#521: Julie Bee is the founder of TJB Media (2021) and BeeSmart Social Media (2008). She's an award-winning podcast host, a leader, a professional speaker, and an entrepreneur. Julie is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program (10ksb) and a proud alumnus of West Virginia University. Julie started her career as an accountant but quickly discovered that path was not a good fit for her creativity. After losing her job in 2008, Julie founded BeeSmart Social Media. Julie continues to serve as the founder of BeeSmart, leading her remote team and supporting them in delivering services to the clients. Today, Julie focuses most of her time on helping business owners prevent burnout and achieve success. She does this through Momentum calls, workshops, delivering original content online, speaking engagements, and short-term coaching services.

#520: In 2021, Alli Rizacos took the leap and left the corporate world to pursue her dream of building a coaching business while traveling the world. In less than 3 years, she has built a recognizable brand on LinkedIn and a successful coaching business nearing $1M in revenue. Tune in to learn how Alli transitioned from corporate work to becoming a coach and her journey to entrepreneurial freedom.

#519: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and leadership development consultant. She's worked with organizations such as Deloitte, Cisco Systems and Aon Hewitt and has over 20 years of experience working with leaders at all levels. Amy earned a Masters of Science in Training and Development (MSTD), with an emphasis in Organization Development (OD), from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA), a certified Tiara International LLC Coach and certified in the Meyers-Briggs Type Instrument. Amy's second book, The Courage of a Leader: How To Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results, was released on March 3, 2021 and immediately reached #1 international best-selling status.

#518:  I dove headfirst into finance for one reason. Money. As a 20 year old I simply neglected who I was, and looked to go to the place I could make a lot of money. How ignorant. I ignored my real talents. Despite natural skills in writing, speaking, and presenting, I chose the expected path. Here's the truth: Our system, from college to career, often buries our genuine strengths under a pile of “shoulds.” It took me too long to listen, to unearth those dormant skills, and truly embrace them. Why share this? Because you, too, have untapped potential, overshadowed by what you've been told to pursue. Let's challenge that. It's time to dig deep, uncover our real talents, and redefine our paths.

#517: Welcome, everyone, to another episode of The Break podcast, where we delve into the depths of resilience, flexibility, and overcoming life's obstacles. I'm your host, Mike, and today's conversation promises to be nothing short of enlightening. Today, we're exploring a topic that resonates with each and every one of us - setbacks. Life's unexpected twists and turns can knock us off course, but it's how we respond to these challenges that defines our journey forward. You know, we often envision our paths as linear journeys, guided by societal norms and expectations. But what happens when life throws us off course? That's where our resilience truly shines. And today, we have a special treat for you - a glimpse into the world of setbacks and how they can propel us forward. Our guest has authored a captivating book titled "The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward." Through her extensive journalism career, she's discovered a common thread among leaders and founders - the ability to rise from setbacks with renewed vigor. So, what exactly is a setback? It's not just a bump in the road; it's a reversal of progress, a check on our journey forward. But it's within these setbacks that we find the fuel for growth, the resilience to navigate life's twists and turns. Today, we'll explore the concept of setbacks with our guest, delving into the neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories that illuminate the setback cycle. From the squiggly, misshapen S of our journeys to the realization that success isn't always a linear path, we'll uncover the secrets to becoming unbreakable in the face of adversity. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Because after today's conversation, you'll see setbacks not as obstacles, but as stepping stones toward a brighter, more resilient future. If you want to connect with our guest, Amy Shoenthal, you can find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

#516:  In chasing “success” we forget what it is to just be human. I feel like my struggles have been about getting back to just being a person. I don't want to just succeed at some line of work that no one will remember. I don't want to just save for retirement that might not ever come. I don't want to be one dimensional. I want to be a Full Stack Human. What does that mean?

#515:  Heyooo, So The World Economic Forum recently released their top 10 "skills for the future of work." Guess what made the list: flexibility, adaptability and resilience. Why are those so important to the WEF? Because the WEF knows that the future is changing rapidly, and companies need employees who can thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The job market and the world at large are changing quickly, and what served you yesterday likely won't serve you in the future - especially if you're already thinking about how you can make a change NOW. I talk about being unbreakable as a state where you are ready, or at least ready to handle, anything that comes your way. So I created a free 5 day mini crash course on how to become unbreakable. Right now all new subscribers are getting it, so I wanted to kick it out to everyone here for a chance to check it out as well.

#514:  You can do anything, but you can't do everything. You must choose your path with the best odds. Look there's 2 places people start when creating options: "I have no options. I can't imagine what else I could do." "I can do anything! How do I choose?" It's work to realize that neither starting point is reality, but once you do you begin to see that the path to creating options starts with thinking about our odds.

#513: Welcome back to another episode of The Break podcast, the space where we unpack the remarkable stories of individuals who've faced life's challenges head-on. I'm your host, Mike, and today's conversation is one that you don't want to miss. Our guest today is Danielle Cobo, a powerhouse in resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Before we dive into the heart of her story, a little sneak peek caught my attention recently – Danielle's truck. It's not just a vehicle; it's a symbol. We'll unravel the story behind it in just a moment. Now, for our audience, if you're seeking inspiration and insights into overcoming life's hurdles, you're in the right place. Connect with us on our social media platforms for more exclusive content, and don't forget to check out Danielle's podcast, the Unstoppable Grit Podcast. But back to Danielle's journey. The heart of today's conversation delves into her mission – helping people discover the power of resilience, courage, and determination. We'll explore her experiences, her mission, and the unexpected twists that make her story truly compelling. So, buckle up!! We're about to embark on a conversation that goes beyond the surface, exploring the depths of grit and resilience with Danielle Cobo.

#512:  I got fired in the middle of a meeting. Well, I was told the next day, but it happened in that meeting. I knew it. What a terrible feeling. I was up all night, walking the streets of Seattle in the dark by myself. My mind racing between panic and planner modes. I need a job Can I even get a job? Why did this happen? Who do I reach out to? How much runway do I have? What do I tell my wife and kids? Fortunately, my terror was short lived and I pivoted into a FT, highly paid consulting role within 30 days. Because I was ready and flexible. Here's how to pick up on the signs you're about to be laid off and how to pivot with precision.

#511:  FUD = Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt. The triad that keeps us from betting on ourselves. And keeps us on the incremental path to nowhere. I used to be a FUD. I grew up in a very fiscally conservative household. My parents are well off, but massive penny pinchers. This isn't bad, in fact it's noble. However, saying no to even the slightest risk of losing isn't great for personal growth. So naturally I was extremely risk averse for the first 20 years of my life. Until I learned about the BARBELL strategy. Here it is, and how it can help you take more bold action (that seems risky) to go after what you want in life.

#510:  I'm back and energized, to dive into something that's been on my mind – and probably on yours too: the messiness of Career Change. I know, just reading those words can send a flutter of anxiety through your chest, as it has for me many times - 6 to be exact. Yes I've made no less than 6 major career changes. And not the "I'm changing companies" kind. More like the "I'm changing industries, roles, skill sets, going to build a business then go back to corporate and then build a business to get me out of corporate" kind of changes. I know a lot about the anxiety of change. You feel it, right? Each week, another tick-tock in the background, a subtle reminder that you're yearning for something more, something different. If it's been months, or even years, and you're still ruminating about a change, it's not just a fleeting thought – it's a siren call. Lets not let "life" waste another 6 months of progress we could be making towards our future. Instead, use the 5 steps in this episode to get moving in the next 7 days.

#509:  I thought a lot about how we can build our capacity to take action towards what WE want. That can seem scary because we fear what other people will think, and we think we are RISKING a lot. After all, if what we want is different than our peers, doesn't that make us an outsider? Weird? A loner? We've all heard the expression “no risk no reward.” But if you're not learning to take risk, you're missing out on much more: No risk no confidence. No risk no growth. No risk no learning. No risk no momentum. No risk no change. No risk no freedom. No risk no happiness. Somehow our society has stripped away our ability to do bold things. Helicopter parents Politicians Professors Bosses “Advisors” Counselors They're all well meaning, but conditioned by their own programming. Still reliant on their evolutionary brain: avoid danger at all cost.

#508: We're delving into the profound topic of reinvention, exploring how to pursue our passions, even when it means taking a leap of faith. In today's interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Roger Osorio, a remarkable individual who embodies the essence of reinvention. We unravel his personal journey from a corporate job to becoming a math tutor and eventually a teacher. Roger shares his insights into the transformative power of finding fulfillment and happiness in one's work, even if it means diverging from the conventional path of financial success. He stresses the importance of taking small steps and running experiments in our lives to test different paths. Roger encourages us to discover what brings joy and fulfillment, emphasizing that it's okay to challenge societal norms and redefine success on our own terms. Throughout the conversation, Roger advocates for considering our unique circumstances and values when making decisions about our careers and overall happiness. His wisdom resonates as a guide for anyone seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life. So, without further ado, let's dive into this enlightening conversation with Roger Osorio on reinvention and the pursuit of passion. But before we do, make sure to learn more about Roger and his incredible journey by visiting his website at https://rogerosorio.com/. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerosorio/.

#507: Our guest, Arun Gupta, brings a unique perspective to the table, one that challenges conventional notions of purpose and profit in one's career. We're about to dive into a topic that could reshape how you think about your own professional journey. But before we get into that, I want to share a thought-provoking student testimonial from Arun's website, which perfectly sets the stage for our conversation. It goes like this: "Rather than thinking about your career decisions as a series of trade-offs between profit and purpose, look for mission opportunities where you can have the most catalytic impact." This approach challenges the traditional binary thinking that many of us have been taught, where you're either doing good in the not-for-profit sector or making money in the private sector. Arun believes there's a middle ground, a space where you can align purpose, profit, and mission in a for-profit way. Arun Gupta is a venture capitalist, Lecturer at Stanford University, and Adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor at Georgetown University. He is CEO of NobleReach Foundation, which is focused on catalyzing and inspiring a renewed spirit of national service through innovation.  So, without further ado, let's jump into this fascinating conversation with Arun Gupta and explore how a mission-driven career can redefine success.

#506: Ok, so 2024 is knocking at the door and I just learned a new word.  Actually 2 new words. First, my kids taught me the word "rizz" which means something about flirting or having game. Lo and behold rizz is Time Magazine's word of the year! I couldn't believe it! The second is "career pathing", as in the act of figuring out your path. I never really knew this term existed, but it makes sense. The core problem we have in "career pathing" is that individuals have much more autonomy in and responsibility for creating their own career paths now. That responsibility is often unaided, and untethered to any organization, industry or way of working. Honestly this kind of research makes me yawn because I don't care about the theory, I want to know HOW we take action to build these skills This is why The ​UnBREAKable Community​ exists - to support careerists making bold decisions in the arena, and not on the sidelines. So I want to share 3 decision making frameworks we just talked about on our group call this week.

#505: Henna Pryor, PCC is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, virtual presenter, author, and professional executive coach. She's known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. She has been invited to speak twice for TEDx in New York City and Wilmington, DE and brings her expertise to a variety of global organizations including Google, Workday, FIS Global, and Johnson & Johnson. She has also been featured in top TV, podcast, and print media including Forbes, NBC, Washington Post, Fast Company, and more. Henna founded Pryority Group – a fast-growing performance growth firm – to expand on her belief that the key to most people's success is leaning into awkwardness a little bit longer to skyrocket strategic risk-taking and be braver in the work that we do. Her best-selling book, Good Awkward, published in September has been endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson, former HBR Editor Karen Dillon, and received the rare Kirkus Star for excellence in writing.

#504: The only way to crush the uncertainty we feel about the next steps in our careers is to get comfortable not knowing. Which is a huge shift Paul had to make. I believe this is the single greatest skill we can learn if we want to achieve our hopes and dreams to get what we want out of life. This is why The ​UnBREAKable Community​ exists.  So I want to share our 5 core principles that we live inside the community.

#503: I am beyond excited for today's conversation. We've got a guest who's not only a fantastic individual but has an inspiring journey to share. I want you to meet Paul Dircks. Now, Paul and I go way back. We connected earlier this year when he reached out for some coaching during a pivotal moment in his life. Today, we're going to dive into his transformative journey and discuss how he navigated some tough decisions, ultimately leading to where he is now. For those of you curious about personal transformations, career pivots, and the nitty-gritty of making life-altering decisions, you're in for a treat. Paul's story is packed with insights, inspiration, and a sprinkle of motivation that could very well be the push you need. Now, here's a sneak peek: Paul embarked on a health journey that saw him shedding over 50 pounds, and trust me, the lessons he learned along the way extend far beyond the gym. We'll touch on the parallels between health and career, those breakthrough moments that catalyze change, and the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to redefine your path. But before we dive in, let me remind you that you can learn more about Paul on his website. And hey, don't forget to connect with him on LinkedIn. There's so much more to discover, and I can't wait for you to hear the wisdom Paul is about to drop.

#502: Last week the world lost a legend. Charlie Munger passed away at the age of 99. Charlie was (and still is) deeply influential on me. If you've taken my course, ​Advantage Mapping Foundations​, you've seen and heard from Charlie. I've learned more about life and reality from studying this man than I did in all of my schooling, easily. In honor of his passing, here are 10 key lessons from a life well lived.

#501: Our conversation today revolves around life-changing moments and the remarkable power of personal transformation. Get ready to be inspired as we introduce our guest, Justin Brey, who has a remarkable story to share. On December 19th, 2020, Justin faced a life-altering decision. He had driven out to the mountains with a suicide note, ready to end it all. But at that pivotal moment, a text message from his brother-in-law changed the course of his life forever. We'll delve into the details of that message and how it had a profound impact on Justin's perspective. Justin's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It's not just about hitting rock bottom; it's about finding the courage to climb back up. We'll take a deep dive into his journey, discussing the struggles he faced, the battle with addiction, and the arduous path to healing. This conversation may get intense at times, but it's filled with hidden gems and valuable lessons that can inspire all of us. Before we embark on this compelling dialogue, I encourage you to connect with Justin Brey on various social media platforms. Follow his journey and gain insights from his experiences – it's time well spent. Now, let's journey into the world of personal transformation, resilience, and the profound impact of discovering one's purpose in life. Join me in this eye-opening conversation with Justin Brey on The Break podcast.

#500: Today's conversation is all about belief and purpose, two essential elements on our life's journey. But first, let me share why this topic is so important. When I first reached out to today's guest, I realized how much his journey resonated with my own experiences. Many people, like me, sometimes struggle with finding our true purpose and building belief in ourselves. The journey can be a winding road, filled with ups and downs. In today's conversation, we'll explore how to build that belief, even if it doesn't come naturally. I'll also reflect on my own upbringing, the challenges I faced, and how I began to discover my purpose. It's a journey that many of us can relate to, filled with twists and turns that ultimately shape who we become. But before we dive in, I encourage you to connect with our guest, Danny Miranda, on LinkedIn and Instagram. His social media profiles are packed with inspiration and valuable insights. You can follow him to learn more about his incredible journey and stay updated on his thoughts and experiences. So, without further ado, let's delve into the world of belief and purpose, and see where this conversation takes us on The Break podcast.

#499: I heard this from a former colleague yesterday. Let me know if this sounds familiar: "After the events of last fall, I've adopted an "always on" career search mindset. I'm doing a lot of shameless self-promotion to attract people to my brand, in case my current gig goes to crap like the last one did. Not going to get caught with my pants down again." This feeling is what I'm on a mission to banish. I believe the way we can "always be ready" is to learn the principles of adaptability and resilience, and then apply those in our lives. As someone who has changed careers 6 times, I know how to stay on my toes, and I have a lot to teach on this topic which I'll share in this epsiode.

#498: We're about to dive into the remarkable journey of a man who's no stranger to carving his own unique path in the world of technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. But before we get started, I'd like to extend a warm 'thank you' to all our listeners for tuning in. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and it's what keeps 'The Break' going strong. Now, let's talk about our guest today. His name is Tim Noetzel, and he's not your average entrepreneur. Tim's story is a testament to the power of following your passions, embracing creativity, and never shying away from change and self-discovery. In our conversation today, we'll take a deep dive into Tim's fascinating journey. From his humble beginnings scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins to founding and eventually selling a marketing company in the beer industry, Tim's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of his passions. We'll explore his early influences, including struggles with reading and writing that ultimately led him to discover his love for both coding and literature. It's a story of how seemingly unrelated interests can converge to shape a one-of-a-kind career. But that's not all. Tim's journey also highlights the importance of taking a portfolio approach to your career. Whether it's exploring various industries in consulting or taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, Tim's willingness to adapt, learn, and grow has been instrumental in his success. So, without further ado, let's jump into this engaging discussion with Tim Noetzel. Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable insights into freelancing, entrepreneurship, and much more. Stay with us as we embark on another exciting episode of The Break Podcast.

#497: Every single day I hear from people trapped in their current version of work-life. They WANT to make a change, but their overwhelmed by the complexity of the problem and don't know where to start “figuring it out.” So here are the 5 layers of making a work-life transformation, that nobody explains. #1 is where 90% of people need to start.

#496: A portfolio approach to your career is all about thriving in the uncertain future. The truth is: We don't know. We don't know what's going to change in the outside world. We don't know how we are going to change in our inside world. A portfolio career is the antidote to uncertainty

#495: We've got an incredible guest in the house – a friend from the past who's has broken himself on purpose, and undergone an extraordinary journey of reinvention. But before we dive into this conversation, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share our podcast with your friends and family. We've got a lot of inspiration coming your way. Let me set the stage for you. Sean Sweeney and I go way back. We attended high school together, shared memories, and then life took us on separate paths. For over 25 years, we didn't cross paths, until one day, Sean's intriguing Twitter feed caught my eye. He'd reinvented himself multiple times, and that got me thinking. What led him down this transformative road? Today, many know Sean as a successful real estate developer and Twitter influencer. More on that later. But we're not delving into real estate. No, today, we're talking about how he went from a 23-year-old actor to receptionist at 27 to becoming a big real estate developer with over $200M portfolio. I'll give you a hint as to how he did it  – he overcame the same mental roadblocks and hurdles that can hold you back from realizing what your true purpose is.  You can check out more of what Sean is all about by following him on Twitter (@SeanDsweeney) and checking out his substack called The Bright Build. A weekly design-driven and community-focused newsletter mapping the moves and mindset that are crucial for both the seasoned and aspiring real estate developer. I hope you enjoy this episode with Sean Sweeney.

#494: In this episode, I am sharing the tactics I implored to not only gain some separation, but carve out autonomous time to design my way out of corporate altogether. If you want to change the trajectory of your career, you need to get some space first.  This is Pillar 1 in my ​Advantage Mapping Foundations​ course - Detach from work.

#493: How does a working mother of 4 go from climbing the ladder to EVP in the most competitive real estate market in the world, to saying, whoa I need a break, to then founding a corporate wellness company? By tapping into a burning problem that she finally realized she had unique advantage to create. Patrice Meagher, founded MilkMate a unique workplace service that solves the problem young mothers face when needing to breast pump at work. She's a mother of four who deeply felt this problem and was uniquely positioned to solve it. She just needed to figure out how. Ultimately instead of accepting the status quo, she decided to be a catalyst for change, and thank God she did. Because she was entrenched in a 15+ year career in the corporate world, she could have packed it in and lived the good life. But she forged ahead driven by the purpose of empowering working mothers in the workplace. Patrice's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of working mothers everywhere. Her creation, MilkMate, is a testament to her commitment to positive change in the workplace. So, stay tuned, folks! In our conversation with Patrice, we'll delve deeper into her journey, the incredible work of MilkMate, and the impact it's making on the lives of working mothers and their employers. You won't want to miss this inspiring discussion.

492: Imposter syndrome. We all know it. I know it too well. In a nutshell, it's the (irrational) feeling that sets our own limits. It tells us we don't belong. We're not worthy. Why start? There's someone else out there ahead of us. What's the use? And we retreat to our nice little comfortable box. We stop trying to do heroic things. In this episode, we chat about how I broke 25 years of Imposter Syndrome. 

#491: Dakota Robertson (@WrongstoWrite on Twitter) bet it all on himself and went from Dominos delivery driver to the internet's pre-eminent ghostwriter in under a year. He has an incredible story of transformation and resilience to share.  If you remember Dakota's name, it's probably because a previous guest, Taylin Simmonds, credits Dakota with single-handedly changing his life. So now it's time to get the master's story. He hails from Kelowna, Canada, a place that seems to have an uncanny knack for nurturing remarkable creators and innovators, as you'll soon discover. Dakota grew up with drug addicted parents, and lost his mother to the addiction at a pivotal age. Despite his childhood, or maybe because of it, Dakota knew he was destined for greatness, but hadn't a clue where it would come from. Sound familiar? One of Dakota's BREAK moments came on September 24th, 2020, a date that he's not only marked in his journal but has also proudly displayed on his Twitter banner. It was a pivotal moment in his life when he made a life-altering decision which we get into. In just three short months, Dakota transitioned from a college student with a part-time job at Domino's Pizza to someone fully immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. He made a bold choice to leave college, quit his job, and start fresh on Twitter. This decision was fueled by a burning desire for something more, a fear of living an average life, and the realization that life was too short for regrets. Dakota's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the incredible transformations one can achieve when they are driven by purpose and a deep desire for change. In our conversation today, we'll explore his upbringing, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today. We'll delve into the power of belief and how small wins can set the stage for significant life transformations. We'll also discuss the importance of self-awareness and the role that community and mentorship played in Dakota's journey. So, without further ado, let's jump into this incredible conversation with my new friend with an old soul, Dakota Robertson.

#490: Kelli Thompson is a women's leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck.

#489: When the richest man in the world tells you something, generally you should listen. Warren Buffett is famous for talking about finding your own "Circle of Competence". I listened. Heck, my entire Advantage Mapping philosophy is based off this concept. But, I realized after talking to many people struggling to find success, that CoC is incomplete, and that's where Warren and I have issues.

#488: Jacob Morgan is the international best-selling author of 5 books, keynote speaker, and professionally trained futurist. His passion and mission is to create great leaders, engaged employees, and future-ready organizations. Jacob is also the host of "Great Leadership With Jacob Morgan," one of the world's most popular leadership podcasts. His work has been endorsed by the CEOs of: Unilever, Cisco, Mastercard, Nestle, Best Buy, SAP, KPMG, T-Mobile, Audi, Kaiser Permanente, and many others. He lives in Los Angeles, California with his amazing wife Blake, their two kids, and their two Yorkie rescue dogs. You can learn more about Jacob, contact him, and get access to his content by visiting TheFutureOrganization.com. In this episode Jacob and I talk about quitting his job, how a cup of coffee changed his life, and we really go deep on vulnerability. How being vulnerable can help build trust, but also how leading With vulnerability is an entirely different skill set. In fact, Jacob wrote a book on the topic called Leading With Vulnerability comes out October 3. 

#487: Career change, fear and money. Those concepts are tightly interlinked. Much of my work is trying to break the traditional conceptions of this trinity, so we can step boldly forth on our path. I've wanted to get the financial perspective nailed down for some time, but haven't found a financial expert that could really smash the way we think about money in times of change. Until now. Richard Archer is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner for ambitious, driven, and intentional professionals. He helps people make big financial decisions and transitions with confidence. Richard believes money is a tool and he helps his clients use their money to live authentic lives, not just save it for retirement. In fact he says, “if you die with $5M in the bank, I've failed.” Richard is here for all the exciting and courageous conversations around money, fear, risk, investment and using it as a tool to intentionally design your life. Welcome to the show, Richard of Archer Investment Management.

#486: How do you get yourself to do hard things that you don't have to do? We all want to make big changes, but we often falter with the execution piece. Whether that's changing careers, losing weight or or completing our first triathlon. I think this is the central problem everyone who's ever attempted to start a side hustle faces. You want to do something new, but you don't HAVE to. My friend Kathleen Elkins know a little bit about this problem. Kathleen's job as a correspondent at Insider, covering investing and the path to financial freedom is to get the stories behind every day people who gain financial independence. And to get to that point, you gotta do some hard things whether that's buckling down on debt, starting a side income stream or investing in real estate without knowing anything about it. Also, Kathleen recently completed her first Ironman triathlon with a friend. Completing an Ironman is a master experience in getting yourself to do really hard things. Since I love Ironman, I wanted to have Kathleen on to detail her experience and what she's learned about herself and about the habits of everyday people who put themselves through the race to financial independence. I hope you enjoy this masterclass on embracing the process with the one and only Kathleen Elkins. She started her career as an editorial intern at Business Insider in 2015, covered personal finance at CNBC Make It for four years, and returned to Insider in 2021. She graduated from Williams College in 2014 and currently resides in Los Angeles.  

#485: You well know that feeling of being trapped. I need to do something else, but I can't because . . .  Well, I'm going to let you in on a secret. That dread and anxiety goes away the minute you are confident in another option. You don't even have to leave your job or get a new boss. All you need to believe is that you can say "adios" whenever you want. So, here's 5 ways to increase your options so you don't have to give AF at work.

#484: I talk a lot about risk and uncertainty, but one of the most counterintuitive lessons I learned from my time in finance, entrepreneurship, and design is that there is an upside to uncertainty. Sometimes chance encounters we never would have expected break our path and launch us in a better direction. These are our happy accidents. Dennis Geelen is an accidental solopreneur. After being laid off from his corporate job in 2018, he decided to bet on himself and launched a business consulting company, Zero In. Through Zero In, Dennis helped companies ‘solve indifference' by implementing strategies to build a more customer-centric and innovative organization. Author of the best-selling book ‘The Zero In Formula', Mr. Geelen has worked with companies in several industries, spoken at countless events, conferences, workshops, and webinars, with dozens of guest appearances on international podcasts. And now? Dennis also helps other solopreneurs get started. His latest book, ‘The Accidental Solopreneur', and online course ‘The Solopreneur Playbook' provide strategies and tactics for success. Dennis is also the author of the Happy Accidents weekly newsletter and co-founder of the Solo Creator Summit. The Solo Creator Summit will take place September 20-21.

#483: Learn about how a laugh may have broken Mark Twain's suicide attempt and how this applies to you. 

#481: Today I'm going to show you the three step, cycle of change you can use to make a habit out of changing yourself to hit your goals and transform your growth.