Podcasts about career coach

Cindy Esliger addresses the reality that we often fail to recognize our own growth and why that matters to our careers. Our brains are wired to overlook wins, and Cindy explores why this is, as well as what cognitive biases are eroding our confidence. When we can't see our own progress, we tend to focus on our perceived failures and don't hold onto praise as long as we hold onto negativity. Why this impacts our careers and what strategies we can use to retrain our brains to notice our growth are the key things Cindy shares in this episode.If we can't see how much we grow, we lose faith in our own ability to take the next big step in our careers. Cindy outlines five big consequences of being blind to our progress: 1. Erosion of self-trust, 2. Being stuck in imposter syndrome, 3. Setting ourselves up for burnout and resentment, 4. Missing opportunities, and 5. Damaging our professional reputation. There is a real cost that we need to avoid by breaking the cycle of downplaying our achievements and missing our own development. Cindy shares what to look for in ourselves to identify our need to pause and take stock.Simply identifying that we dismiss praise and compliments is not enough, however. We need to take actionable steps to retrain our brains so we can build self-trust and accept our own achievements. The practical strategies Cindy advises are: 1. Keep a progress file or brag folder, 2. Set up quarterly check-ins on our past selves versus our present selves, 3. Practice evidence-based self-talk, 4. Celebrate small wins in real time, and 5. Reframe ‘not enough' as ‘not yet'. We've come farther than we think, and Cindy wants us to build up the habit of owning our accomplishments. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Tracking Your GrowthAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this empowering conversation, career coach Melanie Wexler joins the show to unpack a powerful lesson many job seekers overlook — that success isn't always a straight line. Drawing from real-life experiences, Melanie shares how shifting focus from outcomes to progress can transform frustration into momentum. Listeners will learn how to spot “quiet wins,” stay motivated during transitions, and redefine what it really means to move forward in their career goals.

In this empowering conversation, career coach Melanie Wexler joins the show to unpack a powerful lesson many job seekers overlook — that success isn't always a straight line. Drawing from real-life experiences, Melanie shares how shifting focus from outcomes to progress can transform frustration into momentum. Listeners will learn how to spot “quiet wins,” stay motivated during transitions, and redefine what it really means to move forward in their career goals.

In this episode, I chat with Michelle McCarthy, a Dublin-based life and career coach who specialises in helping women navigate professional transitions with confidence. Michelle shares her journey from being a "high-achieving perfectionist" in the corporate marketing world to finding her true purpose through coaching. After overcoming personal struggles with body image and self-worth, she realised that the traditional corporate ladder didn't align with her new perspective on life. Now, she helps other women advocate for themselves, set boundaries, and find roles that bring them genuine fulfilmentAbout the guest: Michelle McCarthy is a qualified Life and Career Coach who helps women land their next job move, navigate career transitions and build lasting confidence at work. She is deeply passionate about the importance of being happy at work - whether that means doing something you truly enjoy, learning to advocate for yourself, or setting healthier boundaries.Michelle began her career in the corporate world before training as a life coach and later as a career coach. She brings to her clients both a mindset-driven approach and a practical, real-world perspective, empowering them to create careers that feel fulfilling and aligned.Connect with Michelle: IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelleamccarthy_/Website: https://michelleamccarthy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemccarthy-coach/.

Cindy Esliger unpacks the reality about first impressions and how they can quietly make or break a professional trajectory at work. While we tell ourselves that what's on the inside is what matters, the uncomfortable truth about first impressions can't be ignored. In a work setting, the way we carry ourselves, our posture, expression, and even choice of clothing can all determine how seriously we are taken. Cindy explores the subtle cues we may send without realizing it, the consequences of neglecting our professional presence, and shares strategies for taking back control without acting.     It's simply a fact that it takes less than 30 seconds for people to form opinions about us based solely on a first glance. That's not enough time to say hello or learn anything about us. So neglecting how we present ourselves can have long-term consequences. Cindy outlines five of those consequences when we ignore how we are perceived: 1. We get underestimated, 2. We get overlooked, 3. We get misunderstood, 4. We send mixed signals, and 5. We miss our chance to connect if we're closed off. Everything from our posture and facial expressions contributes to first impressions. Body language is a key part of communication. We want to be authentic, but aware of how we are seen. Do we fidget? Avoid eye contact? Dress to hide? Cindy shares five strategies for refining our presence: 1. Start with one small change, 2. Let our clothes work for us, not against us, 3. Use eye contact, posture, and a smile as tools, 4. Use our hands with purpose, and 5. Don't perform confidence, build it. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Making A Powerful First ImpressionAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode, Pierre shares information on translating classroom experience into a strong résumé. Information discussed includes identifying academic projects, using action‑focused bullet points, and showcasing relevant coursework. But first, Jordan starts the episode by highlighting the NACE leadership competency. After listening, we hope you better understand how classroom experience strengthens your résumé. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  00:00–01:00 | Introduction & Episode Overview Pierre and Jordan introduce the Career Ready Podcast and outline today's focus on how classroom experience can be translated into résumé‑ready content. Jordan begins by highlighting leadership as a key NACE competency and why it consistently ranks highly among employer priorities. 01:00–03:30 | Leadership Competency & Student Application Jordan explains how leadership involves motivating others, recognizing strengths, and building trust. She connects these behaviors to group projects, emphasizing how students can demonstrate leadership before entering the workplace and how academic relationships can support long‑term growth. 03:30–06:00 | Understanding Classroom Experience as Real Experience Pierre discusses the hidden value of academic work and how students often underestimate their classroom accomplishments. He lists examples such as labs, research, presentations, and software use, emphasizing how these experiences mirror real‑world expectations and should be included on a résumé. 06:00–09:00 | Examples Across Academic Disciplines Pierre walks through how STEM, business, humanities, social sciences, and creative programs all provide résumé‑worthy experiences. He explains tasks like data analysis, financial reviews, interviews, writing, and portfolio creation—showing how they align with workplace responsibilities. 09:00–12:00 | How to Format Academic Experience on a Résumé Pierre outlines how to structure academic experience: listing institution, class, dates, a descriptive title, and 3–5 action‑oriented bullet points. He offers sample statements for accounting, legal studies, biology, and marketing, and recommends using Career Coach for professional language. 12:00–13:45 | Final Tips & Encouragement Jordan and Pierre close by encouraging students to recognize the value of their academic work across résumés, LinkedIn, and interviews. They stress that adding details boosts confidence and helps showcase readiness for internships and early‑career roles. Resource Mentioned: • Career Coach for general job descriptions and résumé language Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In this episode, Liz Herrera sits down with Monique Kelley, professor at Boston University, consultant, and author of Redefining Networking to reframe networking for today's job search.You'll hear about:Why being told to “just network” feels frustrating and inauthentic for many job seekersHow to shift from transactional networking to value-based, relationship-driven connectionsWhy introverts may actually have an advantage when it comes to networkingHow clarity, storytelling, and visibility help others recognize the value you bringPractical ways to build and maintain connections without burnout or over-networkingWhy meaningful career opportunities often come from peers, former coworkers, and existing relationshipsIf you're job searching and looking for a more authentic, human approach to networking, this episode offers mindset shifts and practical insights you can apply right away.Connect with Monique:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquekelleygigliotti/Book: https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcareercoaching/Email: lizcareercoaching@gmail.com40 Best Career Coach Podcasts100 Best Coaching PodcastsSupport the show

Today I'm joined by Michelle Michaux, who shares how her unconventional career journey (from banking operations to marketing) gave her a front row seat to how large complex organisations can bridge the gaps between marketing, sales, and delivery.Michelle brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what marketing should be doing inside organisations, why alignment with sales is still one of the biggest challenges in B2B, and why marketers need to get better at articulating their value at the leadership table.Together, Emma and Michelle explore the realities of working inside complex global organisations like Fujitsu, the cultural nuances that shape business decisions, and how marketing can move beyond execution to become a genuine driver of growth.If you care about career growth, influence, strategic thinking and the future of marketing, this episode will give you both practical insight and plenty to reflect on.To connect with Michelle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-michaux/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:22 Michelle's Career Journey02:07 Transition to Marketing03:11 Running Her Own Consultancy04:10 Operations Experience and Its Impact06:59 Sales and Marketing Dynamics11:21 Challenges in B2B Marketing15:32 Global Marketing Complexities18:41 Cultural Insights from Fujitsu22:58 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections24:06 Understanding Cultural Differences25:02 Marketing's Role in Business Strategy25:50 Challenges in B2B Marketing28:06 The Importance of Customer Insight30:00 The Role of Chief Customer Officers32:19 Aligning Marketing with Business Goals34:11 Articulating Marketing Value43:28 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsCan you also find episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaGrahamCareerCoach/videos Your host, Emma Graham, Career Coach and ex-recruiter, is here to help you with:

In this podcast, Michelle wraps up season 2.FromSupporting women in leadership and key topics - leadership, leading teams, confidence and popular episodes about feedback and managing toxic workplaces.ToGo deeper for women in leadership who want to change the world and do my part to see change in the world.

“There's power in people and in stories” on the Daily Grind ☕️, your weekly goal-driven podcast. This episode features Kelly Johnson @kellyfastruns and special guest Caitlin Magidson @caitlinmagidson, who is a licensed psychotherapist and certified career coach who blends mental health expertise with strategic career guidance. Caitlin works with clients 1:1 in therapy, in career coaching, and in group programs through her private practice. And now, she's launching a powerful new offering — The Career Design Program — a 10-week, high-touch experience designed to help you redefine what's next in your career so you can wake up each day knowing exactly where you're headed. No more guessing, spiraling, or staying stuck.S8 Episode 38: 1/29/2026Featuring Kelly Johnson with Special Guest Caitlin MagidsonFollow Our Podcast:Instagram: @dailygrindpod https://www.instagram.com/dailygrindpod/  X: @dailygrindpod https://x.com/dailygrindpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailygrindpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailygrindpodPodcast Website: https://direct.me/dailygrindpod   Follow Our Special Guest:Website: https://www.caitlinmagidson.com/the-career-design-program Instagram: @caitlinmagidson https://www.instagram.com/caitlinmagidson/

Cindy Esliger addresses defensiveness at work, that tendency that some of us have to walk into work already braced for a fight. We assume criticism is coming even when it isn't and tend to perceive questions directed at us as personal attacks. We probably don't even realize we're doing it. Cindy breaks down why we assume a defensive posture and how to identify those patterns, and she shows what it looks like to shift from reacting to responding. Ultimately, self-awareness is a much more powerful tool than justifying and deflecting.    Heading into work on the defensive isn't a case of everything being wrong at all times, but it is often a learned behavior. We're always bracing ourselves for criticism as a survival strategy. But it's mentally exhausting and can be a career liability. Cindy describes five common risks we encounter when our default is defensiveness: 1. Damaged relationships, 2. Missed learning opportunities, 3. Reinforcing negative perceptions and stereotypes of women in male-dominated spaces, 4. Emotional overload, and 5. Stalled career progress. Cindy explains that shifting from defensive reacting to actual responding can take time, and we often mistake compliance for commitment. Compliance means doing what we're told just because we have to. Many of us fear that. But commitment means doing things because we believe in them. That's our goal. Cindy offers five practical ways to help us shift out of defensive mode: 1. Before any high-stakes conversation, breathe, 2. Ask reflective questions in real time, 3. Create a pause buffer between emotion and reaction, 4. Name the emotion, and 5. Choose curiosity over certainty. It's time to lay down our armor and be intentional about our presence at work. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Letting Go of DefensivenessAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grab my free e-course, where I break down job titles, salary ranges, and employers hiring macro social workers right now. Here is the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://macroandpaid.com/https://macroandpaid.com/--- Why Introverts Have the Career Advantage Right Now | Macro Social Work, Career Strategy & Professional Leverage Introverts are not behind in the job market. They are positioned. In this podcast episode, I break down why introverts are uniquely equipped to lead systems-level change right now and how your natural way of thinking, observing, and working is a professional leverage point, not a limitation. If you're an introverted social worker, case manager, or systems thinker who feels overlooked, underestimated, or pressured to perform like the loudest person in the room, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I explain in plain language: • What professional leverage points are and why they matter in today's job market • Why introversion is a strategic advantage in macro social work and systems change • How observation, pattern recognition, and depth of thinking create real career momentum • Why employers are quietly shifting away from charisma and toward substance • How introverts naturally build high-trust relationships that drive funding, partnerships, and impact • Why focused execution and depth of work lead to visibility and advancement • How to stop treating your introversion like something you need to fix • How to prepare now for macro roles without overcorrecting or burning out I also talk about the broader shift happening across social media, nonprofits, government, and mission-driven organizations and why authentic, thoughtful systems focused social workers are becoming more valuable as surface-level noise increases. This is not an “introverts vs extroverts” conversation. It's about alignment, timing, and leverage. If you've ever felt like your ideas are ahead of the room but you're unsure how to position yourself, this episode will help you see your strengths clearly and use them on purpose. Interested in macro social work jobs or career advancement? Enrollment for the next cohort of the Micro to Macro Career Accelerator is opening soon. You can: • Join the waitlist • Learn what it's like inside the accelerator • Schedule a free 20-minute Get to Know You Chat. Visit https://macroandpaid.com/ to get started. Happy macro career planning, Marthea Pitts, MSW jobsforintrovertedsocialworkers, introvert leadership, macro social work jobs, social work career advancement, introverts and leadership, professional leverage points, systems thinking careers, macro social work career strategy, introverted professionals, changemakers, workforce development careers #Introverts #MacroSocialWork #SocialWorkCareers #SystemsThinker #CareerStrategy #Changemakers #IntrovertedLeaders #MacroJobs #workforcedevelopment

Why I started the Leading with a Braveheart podcast.The leading with a braveheart journeyI started out with 7 episodes on what I learned in the corporate world, as a woman.Then I was inspired to continue to support women in leadership with key topics such as leadership, leading teams, confidence and popular episodes about feedback and managing toxic workplaces.

Cindy Esliger discusses the difference between being good at our jobs and being easy to work with in this episode. Self-awareness is the key to career growth, and it's not just about knowing our strengths or how we like to work. It's about understanding how our behavior impacts others and how we're perceived. Cindy breaks down exactly what true self-awareness looks like and why it matters more than ever. The value of accepting feedback and being easy to work with are things many of us underestimate, but which will open more doors in the long run.    There are two types of people in the world: those who think they're self-aware and those who actually are. Those who only think they are tend not to have any idea of the impact of their actions on others. Behavior blindness is real. Cindy outlines five unpleasant consequences of not paying attention to what it's like to work with ourselves: 1. Stalled career growth, 2. Damaged relationships, 3. Lack of critical feedback, 4. Reputational damage, and 5. Missed opportunities. If we want people to want to work with us, we have to make it a painless experience.Being easy to work with involves following instructions, being on time, and not making things harder than they should be. External self-awareness, knowing how we're perceived, is just as important as internal self-awareness and knowing ourselves. Cindy shares five strategies to make self-awareness easier to build: 1. Compare perceptions with actual outcomes, 2. Ask for feedback early and often, 3. Be coachable, 4. Challenge our assumptions, and 5. Practice perspective-taking. We have the power to build reputations that open doors and make people want to work with us. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Understanding Your ImpactAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exam season is here - and hitting straight after the holidays, leading many parents to turn to tutors over the festive break. But as new research suggests, is over tutoring creating more problems than it solves? Helen asks education consultant Heather Harries. Plus, we meet two women determined to help us master the return to work – or mid-career pivot – with confidence, and ask the author of a new book why he thinks the way we breathe might be making us ill…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a global marketing career?How do you go from working in a local market to leading marketing for global brands? In this episode, Adam Lavrentiadis shares his journey from Australia to the global stage, breaking down the mindset, skills, and strategic moves required to build a successful international marketing career.

In this episode of The Modern People Leader, Sarika Lamont, Chief People Officer at Vidyard, joins us to unpack her non-traditional journey into HR and how AI is reshaping the role of People teams. She shared practical AI use cases from onboarding automation to AI coaching, along with the mindset shifts HR leaders must make to lead change rather than fear it. ----  Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode276Sponsor Links:

On Episode #5 of of the Tedi Talks Podcast, Tedi welcomes back Marcia Wall, a successful Career Coach and the Owner of MW Career Services, located in New Orleans, LA.  Tedi and Marcia talk about what grief and loss are and how we can work through it.  Marcia explains what the Five Stages of Grieving are and how important it is to seek professional help during the grief and loss cycle.  Tedi and Marcia discuss ways we can support others who are experiencing some form of grief or loss. This is a great conversation, one that we all need to listen to.  To learn more about Marcia, you can connect with her at:Website:  https://linktr.ee/marciawallCareer Counseling Connection:   https://www.careercounselingconnection.com/california/san-diego/career-  counseling/marcia-wallLinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MarciaWall.                                              Email: mwall1000@gmail.com                                                                                 Phone: (619) 309-7354 RESOURCESThe Trevor ProjectBetterHelp.com988 Life LineEPISODE SPONSORS7Clingo.comSuccessful Coaches EnterpriseThe opinions and statements made on the Tedi TalksPodcast are/or do not necessarily reflect those of the Tedi Talks Podcast or Tedi Parsons. To learn more, please visit: https://www.teditalks2.com/The music used for this podcast was provided by: chill-house-vol-9-by-sascha-ende-from-filmmusic-io. https://filmmusic.io/standard-license. License (CC BY 4.0):The opinions and statements made on the Tedi TalksPodcast are/or do not necessarily reflect those of the Tedi Talks Podcast or Tedi Parsons. To learn more, please visit: https://www.teditalks2.com/The music used for this podcast was provided by: chill-house-vol-9-by-sascha-ende-from-filmmusic-io. https://filmmusic.io/standard-license. License (CC BY 4.0):

Cindy Esliger explores regret, the unpleasant emotion we'd rather forget about that can actually help us grow and gain clarity. Regret isn't a sign that something is wrong with us; it's actually a sign that things matter to us. It alerts us to something that didn't align or that still needs our attention. So if we learn to acknowledge regret, it can be a catalyst for transformation. Cindy offers insight into defining, understanding, and dealing with regret so it can become a useful tool in career advancement.    Regret tends to be quite uncomfortable, so we avoid revisiting it. However, there are consequences to not reckoning with our regret, and Cindy identifies four of them: 1. Career stagnation, 2. Chronic dissatisfaction, 3. Low self-trust, and 4. People-pleasing paralysis. Cindy points out that when we dare to examine our regrets, we can turn them into strategic fuel for career growth. She names three ways we can start: 1. Reflect on past regrets, 2. Anticipate potential future regrets before making a decision, and 3. Recognize the lessons in our regrets.Author Dan Pink identifies four kinds of regrets: foundation regrets, boldness regrets, moral regrets, and connection regrets. Understanding these can help us realize that regret does not necessarily point to something done wrong, but rather that something was challenging or we were at a crossroads. Cindy shares five powerful ways to harness the value of regret without getting stuck in it: 1. Use the future self test, 2. Sort the decisions that actually matter, 3. Reframe mistakes as data points, 4. Set our own bar, and 5. Practice self-compassion. The goal is to work with our regrets instead of against them.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Turning Regret Into Career ClarityAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laurel Ridge Community College isn't just accepting applications—it's actively dismantling the barriers that keep people from pursuing their educational dreams. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, the college's Director of Marketing, and Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of PR and Special Events, to explore how accessible higher education has become in the Shenandoah Valley. The conversation reveals a striking truth: whether you're a high school junior, a parent returning to the workforce, a professional seeking advancement, or even a retiree looking for a new challenge, Laurel Ridge has carved out a space for you. Moreover, the college has systematically addressed the most common objections that prevent people from walking through their doors. No Prerequisites, No Judgment "You literally have to know nothing about college to get started," Brandy emphasizes, addressing one of the most pervasive fears potential students harbor. She encourages prospective students to ignore the academic jargon and forget about needing to sound scholarly. Instead, the college meets people exactly where they are. Throughout her tenure at Laurel Ridge, Brandy has witnessed an extraordinary range of students succeed. "I've seen valedictorians graduate from high school and come here to Laurel Ridge," she explains. "We've also seen individuals that have been through unimaginable struggles in their life—maybe they took a wrong turn or maybe life just was very unkind to them." The common thread? Once these individuals found the courage to walk through the door, the college took their hand and guided them toward success. Furthermore, age presents no barrier whatsoever. The college serves everyone from dual-enrolled high schoolers to graduates in their eighties. As Brandy notes, "There is no age limit here at Laurel Ridge at all." Pathways That Make Sense Guy Curtis highlights one of the college's most valuable features: its pathway system. Rather than forcing students to commit to a specific career before they're ready, Laurel Ridge offers structured pathways that help students explore their options while making progress toward a credential. These pathways align with in-demand careers in the region, ensuring that graduates find relevant employment opportunities. Additionally, the programs remain "future-proof" in an era of rapid technological change. Guy points to healthcare, IT, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and education as fields where Laurel Ridge prepares students for long-term, rewarding careers with meaningful wages. For traditional students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, Laurel Ridge provides an ideal starting point. However, the college equally serves those seeking quick certifications to re-enter the workforce or gain a promotion. This flexibility allows the institution to meet diverse needs within a single community. The Financial Reality: Surprisingly Affordable When Janet raises the inevitable question about cost, Guy delivers encouraging news. Laurel Ridge charges approximately one-third the price of most four-year institutions. Beyond this baseline affordability, however, numerous funding sources make education even more accessible. Multiple Funding Streams The college helps students navigate a complex landscape of financial support, including: Federal financial aid provides the foundation for many students. Meanwhile, G3 tuition assistance targets high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, education, engineering, and public service, helping Virginians pursue careers that employers desperately need to fill. Although Fast Forward funding has faced reduced state support due to its popularity, local entities have stepped up to fill the gap. The Winchester Economic Development Authority now offers scholarships for city residents, while the Frederick County Economic Development Authority contributes additional funding. Other sources include the Hazel Family Fund, the Building the Future Fund, and various locality scholarships throughout the region. Remarkably, families of four earning up to $128,000 annually—400% of the poverty rate—typically qualify for classes at no cost through G3 and other funding sources. Guy emphasizes that many eligible students never come forward because they assume they won't qualify. "Asking for someone to help you navigate those options is the first big step," he advises. The Dual Enrollment Advantage High school students gain an even more compelling opportunity. Juniors and seniors can earn their first 30 credits at no charge through dual enrollment. This head start not only saves money but also accelerates degree completion. Guy explains the strategic advantage: "If you get those 15 credits to start with at no cost within your high school, but look to move to a degree or applied program at the college, you're already off on a great starting point." Students graduate high school with college credits already completed, positioning themselves to finish an associate's degree quickly and affordably. The Two-Year Degree Advantage Janet recalls a conversation with Jeff Sinclair, a veteran who attended Laurel Ridge before transferring to Shenandoah University's pharmacy program. His insight resonated deeply: students who start at a four-year institution and leave after two years walk away with education but no credential. In contrast, Laurel Ridge students earn an associate's degree after two years, providing a tangible qualification and a foundation for future advancement. Brandy's daughter exemplifies this pathway. After taking dual enrollment classes in high school, she completed her associate's degree at Laurel Ridge in just one additional year for under $5,000. Now pursuing her bachelor's degree online through Old Dominion University, the family appreciates having only two years of four-year tuition bills rather than four. Additionally, Brandy emphasizes a crucial fact: college credits never expire. A potential student who took classes in the 1980s still retains those credits, which can be applied toward current degree requirements. This permanence means that education remains an asset throughout one's entire life. Flexibility for Real Lives Recognizing that students juggle multiple responsibilities, Laurel Ridge offers extensive scheduling flexibility. The college provides online programs in business administration, computer science, education, general studies, liberal arts, social justice, and numerous other fields. These fully online options appeal to today's students, who increasingly prefer remote learning. For programs requiring hands-on experience, hybrid formats blend online coursework with in-person sessions. Students might meet on campus once weekly while completing the remaining work online. This approach proves particularly effective in skilled trades programs, where students combine bookwork at home with hands-on learning in the classroom, actually speeding up program completion. Evening and weekend options accommodate working professionals. Janet mentions the CDL program specifically, which offers classes during non-traditional hours to fit around work schedules. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent who can only study after the kids are in bed or a full-time employee seeking advancement, Laurel Ridge structures programs around your life. Comprehensive Support Services Beyond academics and affordability, Laurel Ridge has built what Brandy calls "a remarkable support community." These services address the real-world challenges that can derail educational goals. The Cub House This kid-friendly space opened last year, providing a solution for student parents. While not a daycare—parents must remain with their children—the Cub House offers a place where kids can play while parents study, meet with professors, or work on group projects. This simple accommodation removes a significant barrier for parents pursuing education. Food Pantry and Basic Needs Located in Cornerstone Hall on the Middletown campus, the food pantry stocks food, hygiene products, and clothing. Importantly, students face no questions or paperwork requirements. If you need food, you simply take it. This no-barrier approach ensures that basic needs don't prevent academic success. TRIO Program This federally funded program serves first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. If you qualify for any one of these three categories, you can access additional support services designed to help you succeed. Free Tutoring Brandy shares a secret: "The A+ students, their secret is they got help, they got tutoring. They weren't ashamed to ask." The college provides free tutoring services, recognizing that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. Furthermore, the college hires students as tutors, creating employment opportunities while supporting academic success. Social Work Services A full-time social worker now serves on campus, connecting students with community resources. Whatever obstacle you face—housing insecurity, transportation challenges, childcare needs, or other life circumstances—the social worker helps you find solutions. As Brandy explains, "Our main goal is to help get you to your goal of walking across the stage with your degree." Career Coaches in Every High School For high school students and their parents, career coaches stationed in guidance offices provide the first point of contact. These Laurel Ridge employees offer unbiased guidance about all college options, not just Laurel Ridge programs. They help students explore interests and potential career paths, making the transition from high school to college less daunting. Professional Development and Workforce Solutions Laurel Ridge extends beyond traditional degree programs to serve working professionals and employers. The Continuing Education and Professional Development division offers courses ranging from four-hour workshops to longer online programs. These options help individuals upskill for promotions or learn new competencies like AI literacy. Corporate training programs allow employers to develop their workforce. Companies can send employees to leadership courses or specialized training, keeping teams engaged and informed about best practices and emerging technologies. Guy highlights the new AI Immersive Tech program, a six-month certification course that equips students with AI technology, data tools, and digital skills. Looking ahead, the college will host the Laurel Ridge AI Summit on April 1st from 8:00 AM to noon, showcasing AI resources for both individuals and employers seeking to enhance their workforce capabilities. Getting Started: Simpler Than You Think Despite all these opportunities, the first step remains remarkably simple. You can walk into any campus—Middletown, the Fauquier campus in Warrenton, or the Page Center in Luray—and someone will help you. Alternatively, you can call or visit the website at laurelridge.edu. The Career Coach Site For those hesitant to make initial contact, Guy recommends starting with the Career Coach site, accessible from the homepage under "Explore Careers." This free resource allows you to browse in-demand careers in the region, marked with flame emojis for the hottest opportunities. You can take skill assessments—ranging from six to sixty questions—to identify careers that align with your interests and abilities. The site also displays real job openings from local employers like Valley Health, showing actual positions, required qualifications, and salary ranges. You can even drop a pin on specific locations—Luray, Warrenton, or even Washington, DC—to see opportunities in your preferred area. Employers can post jobs at no cost, connecting directly with students and community members exploring career options. Information Sessions and Tours Brandy's outreach team regularly hosts information sessions, both online and in person. The college also conducts open houses for specific programs, giving prospective students detailed insights into particular fields. You can schedule a guided tour or simply show up for a self-guided walk through the facilities. As Janet jokes, you might even run into President Kim Blaiser wandering the halls, ready to point you in the right direction. Guy confirms this welcoming culture: "Everyone in the college has that kind of heart of service. Regardless of who you are, whether you're maintenance or the president, they're gonna show you where you are and where you need to go." A New Year, A New You As Guy emphasizes, the new year presents the perfect opportunity for transformation—whether that means becoming a new you, a new employee, or simply a more skilled version of yourself. The first step involves reaching out and talking to someone at the college. Laurel Ridge has systematically addressed the barriers that keep people from pursuing education: cost, scheduling conflicts, lack of support services, uncertainty about career paths, and fear of not being "college material." By removing these obstacles, the college has created an environment where success becomes not just possible but probable. The stories Brandy and Guy share—from valedictorians to individuals overcoming tremendous hardships, from teenagers to octogenarians—demonstrate that Laurel Ridge truly serves all walks of life. The common denominator isn't prior achievement or perfect circumstances. Instead, it's simply the courage to walk through the door and say, "I want something better." From that moment forward, Laurel Ridge takes your hand and guides you toward your goal. With affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, comprehensive support services, and programs aligned with real career opportunities, the college has created a pathway to success that works for virtually anyone willing to take that first step. The question isn't whether Laurel Ridge can work for you. The evidence suggests it can. The real question is: what are you waiting for?

Cindy Esliger puts the spotlight on people-pleasing and conflict avoidance in the workplace, exploring how to stop playing small to please others. If we don't define what we want from our careers, others decide what we deserve, and we end up settling for that. We deserve better, though, and Cindy explains the cost of staying silent about our needs. She offers ways to shift from reacting to responding, how to set boundaries without guilt, and how to communicate assertively.There is a cost to simply going with the flow and refusing to make waves. Being easygoing isn't a strength in every situation. We need to set our own boundaries and make our needs heard. Cindy outlines five of the most common consequences of not doing this: 1. Chronic resentment, 2. Identity stagnation, 3. Invisible contributions, 4. Doing great work just earns more work, and 5. Muddled communication. We're conditioned to think that accommodating others makes us better colleagues, but what it actually does is teach others that our time and energy are up for negotiation.If we're feeling obliged to say yes, saying sure and rearranging our schedules, waiting to be recognized without advocating for ourselves, thinking our needs and wants are too much, or thinking people should just know what we need, then we're already in the trap of people-pleasing and letting others decide our path. Cindy shares five strategies on how to ask for more without burning bridges in the process: 1. Shift from reacting to responding, 2. Name what we actually want, 3. Communicate clearly, 4. Set boundaries and stick to them, and 5. Repair, don't resent. The key to change isn't becoming louder or more aggressive; it's in becoming more intentional.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Laying Claim to What You WantAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wasanga Mehana speaks to Yoke Van Dam, Leadership and Career Coach, to explore the art of leading from the sidelines. They dive into strategies for influencing decisions, shaping culture, and building trust, without being in a formal leadership position. The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As I kick off Season 11 of the Liz Career Coaching Podcast, I'm inviting you to slow down and pause before rushing into new goals, plans, or decisions.A new year often brings pressure to do more, achieve more, and figure everything out quickly. In this episode, I share why I believe clarity doesn't come from pushing harder it comes from self-reflection and intentional pauses. I talk about how journaling helps me recognize when my goals start to feel fuzzy or when I'm chasing things without really understanding why.I also share a personal and vulnerable story about stepping outside my comfort zone. It reminded me what it feels like to be a beginner again, to face fear and ego, and to choose growth anyway.This episode is a gentle reminder to give yourself permission to try, even when you don't feel ready. Episode HighlightsWhy I believe pausing and self-reflection are just as important as goal-settingThe discomfort of being a beginner and why it's actually a good thingHow fear and ego can quietly keep us stuckWhy confidence comes after action, not beforeA reminder to give yourself permission to try...big or smallConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcareercoaching/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcareercoaching/Email: lizcareercoaching@gmail.com40 Best Career Coach Podcasts100 Best Coaching PodcastsMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comSound from Zapsplat.comArtwork: Joseph Valenzuela DesignSupport the show

In this episode, Cindy Esliger confronts self-doubt and explores what it takes to counteract it in our careers. Self-doubt shows up quietly, like a persistent undercurrent, and if we're not careful it will chip away at our confidence while feeling logical. How do we reshape our response to self-doubt? Cindy discusses how a subtle but powerful mindset shift can lead to the kind of career growth we didn't let ourselves believe was possible. Believing in ourselves is choosing to build the version of our career that we really want to experience.    When self-doubt takes hold of us, it appears as a slippery, sneaky voice that whispers we're not ready or not qualified, and left unchecked, that limits our career growth. It convinces us to stay in our lane and keep quiet. There are systemic inequities at play and performance pressure that contributes to this doubt. But we sometimes can't identify that it's happening. So Cindy points out the five most common red flags that self-doubt may be showing up: 1. Waiting to be picked, 2. Discounting praise or deflecting credit, 3. Over-apologizing or hedging our ideas, 4. Passing on opportunities, and 5. Mentally beating ourselves up for not being perfect.Cindy immediately counters these red flags with five effective strategies for combatting self-doubt: 1. Reframe failure as growth, 2. Get out of our head and into motion, 3. Focus on one brave action at a time, 4. Shape our mindset to be more encouraging, and 5. Practice a little positivity. Cynicism often feels safer because it protects us from disappointment, but Cindy urges us to believe in ourselves instead. After all, what do we have to lose? Countering self-doubt is about choosing to take action even when we don't yet feel confident. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Counteracting Your Self-DoubtAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kgomotso Modise host Dr Sanele Gamede, Youth Life and Career Coach to discuss new year’s resolutions, Dr Gumede shares why we fail and gives tips on how to make lasting changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nokukhanya Mntambo talks to Judy Klipin, Author and Career Coach, about why annual goal setting is more than a checkbox. It’s about giving teams direction, improving performance, and aligning personal growth with organizational priorities. Rather than being a bureaucratic exercise, clear goals help staff focus on what matters most over the year and measure progress in a meaningful way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Cindy Esliger unpacks what burnout really looks like when we're still functioning at a high level. Burnout doesn't happen all at once; it sneaks in quietly. On the outside, everything looks fine, except it isn't fine. The joy is gone, the spark isn't there, and we're barely holding it together. Cindy explains how to recognize the early warning signs of burnout, what the long-term personal and professional consequences can be, and how to step back from the brink of burnout. She wants us to reclaim control, protect our well-being, and build a version of success that doesn't require continued self-sacrifice.    True burnout shows up as us continuing to do the job we're paid to do until we simply can't. We become completely physically and emotionally depleted, develop a detached and cynical attitude towards everything, and we desperately try to hide how ineffective we feel. We miss the signs of burnout until we finally realize we're ready to collapse. Cindy draws on her personal experience with burnout to explain how it shows up incrementally, worms into every aspect of work, takes us down, and how the road to recovery is a very long journey. The consequences of burnout are real, and Cindy points out five of the most common outcomes: 1. High-functioning depression, 2. Cognitive decline, 3. Damaged reputation, 4. Isolation and shame, and 5. Erosion of self-worth. There are strategies we can set in place to help avoid burnout, and Cindy identifies several. Overall, however, we may need to take stock of whether or not we're in a toxic work environment or a career that simply doesn't align with our values. Burnout recovery is possible, and we can choose to protect our well-being and success. Cindy is here to guide us through. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Recognizing the Career Cost of Pushing ThroughAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've been stuck in a job that's slowly draining you—and using wine to cope with the Sunday scaries—this episode is your permission slip to start thinking about what's next. Career coach Michelle Schafer has been through two major career reinventions herself, and she's spent the last decade helping people figure out what they actually want and build a plan to get there. But here's what makes this conversation different: we get into the real stuff. The limiting beliefs that keep you playing small. The shame that makes you hide your job loss from your own family. And the tactical, right-now advice on how to use AI to actually get hired—without getting screened out by the same technology. This episode is for you if: You're languishing in a job that's draining you but feel too stuck to move You've been numbing the career dissatisfaction with wine and wondering if there's another way You're curious about using AI in your job search but don't know where to start You've been applying to jobs and hearing nothing back You need a kick in the ass to stop overthinking and start taking action Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/  Free offer #1: A free chapter from Michelle's book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/  If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.    Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q&A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!    Find me on: YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer  X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc   Transcript  

In this episode, Cindy Esliger addresses perfectionism and why the drive to be perfect quietly sabotages us, fuelling procrastination and self-doubt. The pursuit of flawlessness seems like a noble quest, but it proves to be a cleverly disguised trap that delays progress and increases our stress. What is the alternative to perfectionism? Cindy explains that sustainable excellence is what we should strive for over perfection. It's a balance of ambition with self-compassion that protects our mental health and rebuilds confidence.   Perfectionism becomes a loop that urges us to set impossibly high standards, feel anxious about meeting those standards, avoid the task due to the pressure we created, finally get the task done in a panic, and then, exhausted, still believe we could have done better. Flawlessness is damaging and drives us to constantly outdo ourselves. Cindy points out five ways in which perfectionism messes with our performance, well-being, and career growth: 1. Expectation, escalation, and burnout, 2. Mental health fallout, 3. Inconsistent performance, 4. Refusal to delegate, and 5. Plateaued growth.  Cindy advises that we shift our energy from being perfect to being more strategic. She explains intentional imperfection and how it involves choosing where to be excellent and where to be average on purpose. She offers five strategies for moving away from the perfectionism trap: 1. Use time, not outcome, to set boundaries, 2. Get honest about the trade-offs, 3. Practice planned procrastination, 4. Recalibrate what enough means, and 5. Intentionally choose where to excel. It's okay to want to be great, but greatness doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from showing up consistently and learning through missteps.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Letting GoAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Best of 2025 special, The Lonely Office revisits the conversations that helped job seekers make sense of a new normal—where old career rules broke down and new ones quietly took shape. From power versus status, to remote work as negotiation, to AI's real impact on hiring, these moments cut through the hype and name what's actually happening beneath the headlines. Not shortcuts or silver bullets—just sharper language, better frameworks, and a little more agency for navigating work when certainty is gone. This is a great episode to recap 2025 and get ready for 2026! *Guests Featured Alison Fragale — Organizational Psychologist, Author & Professor of Management Daryl Fairweather — Chief Economist, Redfin Jeremy Schifeling — Founder and CEO, The Job Insiders Madeline Mann — Career Coach and Founder, Self Made Millennial Nick Bloom — Professor of Economics, Stanford University Phyl Terry — CEO and Co-Founder, Never Search Alone Hosts: Matt Sunbulli ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstdraft.vc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Aaron Calafato ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leah Ova ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Leah on TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Senior Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Research: Matt Sunbulli Zaid Safe Aaron Calafato

Grab my free e-course, where I break down job titles, salary ranges, and employers hiring macro social workers right now. Here is the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠macroandpaid.com---Why Now is Not the Time to Give Up on Your Job Search | Career Coach for Macro Social WorkersFeeling discouraged about your social work job search? This podcast episode is for the social worker who is tired of receiving rejection emails, confused by job market headlines, and tempted to pause the search because it feels like nothing is moving forward.In workforce development, there is a name for what happens when you stop trying because you start believing there are no jobs for you. It's called a discouraged worker. In this conversation, I break down the federal definition, the early warning signs, and the mindset and strategy shifts that keep you in the game.You'll learn how to spot discouragement before it becomes your new normal, how to stop internalizing headlines as your personal truth, and how to rebuild your job search strategy for the job market we are in right now. I'll also explain why what worked for you in the past years to find social work-focused employment might not work today, and what it looks like to approach job postings, resumes, interviews, and rejections as information you can use, not proof that you are not qualified.If you're a social worker exploring macro social work jobs, this episode will help you think more strategically and move with more clarity.Enrollment for Cohort 22 of the Micro to Macro Career Accelerator opens in January. If you want proven strategies to identify, apply for, and interview for macro social work jobs, join the waitlist at: https://macroandpaid.com/Happy macro career planning,Marthea Pitts, MSW #socialwork #socialworker #msw #bsw #job #socialworkjobs #macrosocialwork #careercoachforsocialworkers

Building Influence and Navigating Career Growth with Katherine CookIn this episode of The Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo sits down with Katherine Cook, a career coach who helps engineers rethink their career paths, build influence, and navigate corporate environments more effectively. Drawing from her own journey from engineering to technical marketing, product management, and ultimately coaching, Katherine shares practical and candid insights into what it really takes to grow your career—at any stage.What We Cover in This EpisodeKatherine's unexpected shift from engineering into coaching—and the spreadsheet that started it allWhy understanding your “why” makes career decisions clearer (and less terrifying)How to assess risk realistically using worst-case scenario planningWhy networking feels uncomfortable for many engineersPractical, low-pressure ways to build meaningful professional relationshipsThe role of networking in job mobility and career advancement (hint: it's bigger than you think)The unique challenges Black women face in corporate America—and how diverse networks can helpHow resilience, curiosity, and strategic relationship-building shape long-term career successWhy corporate America isn't a meritocracy—and what to do with that truthKey TakeawaysYour career path doesn't need to be linear; it needs to be intentional.Networking isn't about small talk at happy hours—it's simply building genuine relationships.Most career opportunities come through people, not job postings.Being effective in your role is important, but managing yourself and your relationships is essential.You can influence your career trajectory more than you think—especially when you understand the landscape you're operating in.About Our GuestKatherine Cook is a career coach who specializes in helping engineers identify their strengths, navigate transitions, and build fulfilling careers. She brings a structured, pragmatic approach rooted in her technical background, combined with deep experience supporting professionals in complex corporate environments.Connect with Katherine:Katherine Cook CoachingLinkedIn

In this episode, Cindy Esliger discusses the pattern of catastrophizing that keeps us stuck in inaction and blocks career opportunities before we even give ourselves a chance to succeed. Catastrophizing - the anxious thought patterns that only allow us to imagine the worst-case outcome of any situation - is an exhausting form of self-sabotage that is keeping us stuck in place. But it can be disrupted, and Cindy breaks down how to identify when we're engaging in catastrophizing, and how we can learn to challenge those thoughts before they drag us down.    What does catastrophizing look like? Cindy identifies the five most common cognitive distortions that feed our spiraling: 1. Catastrophizing, 2. Magnification, 3. All or nothing thinking, 4. Overgeneralization, and 5. Blaming. These distortions keep us locked in a loop of stress and stalled momentum. How do we know if we're falling into these patterns? Cindy offers five red flags to watch for: 1. Avoiding new opportunities, 2. Overpreparing or aiming for perfection, 3. Reacting emotionally to changes, 4. Looping negative thoughts, and 5. Discounting our wins. Catastrophizing is anticipating the worst that could happen without ever considering a neutral or even positive outcome. We need to learn to break the cycle. Cindy suggests practical strategies like a thought audit, reframing the situation, experimenting with action, and tracking our growth. Negative thought patterns don't make us weak; they make us human. But they are survival strategies that have overstayed their welcome. We may not consciously choose to spiral, but we can consciously choose to overcome catastrophizing with Cindy's guidance.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Dismantling the Disaster MindsetAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Farrah Laurent. A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Farrah Laurent. A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Farrah Laurent. A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.

Grab my free e-course, where I break down job titles, salary ranges, and employers hiring macro social workers right now. Here is the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://macroandpaid.com/---If you've been watching the headlines, scrolling LinkedIn, or listening to coworkers, friends, or family talk about layoffs, hiring freezes, and “how bad the job market is,” I want you to listen to my new podcast episode.In this episode, I'm breaking down:Three (3) realistic ways to move forward in your career when everything feels uncertain.Explaining why social workers can no longer overly rely solely on their degrees, credentials, or the reputation of the profession.And how career self-management skills are helping my career coaching clients land macro social work jobs on repeat in a job market that everyone says sucks!This is the episode every social worker needs right now, whether you love your job and don't expect any changes under the new administration or are confused about the current job market and what steps you should take to pivot into macro social work roles without feeling like you're starting over.If you want to learn how to future-proof your career and make yourself marketable in a changing job market, press play.And when you're ready to take the next step, join me inside the Micro to Macro Career Accelerator so you can stop guessing and start moving strategically.Click here to learn more and join the waitlist at macroandpaid.comHappy macro career planning,Marthea Pitts, MSW

Feeling stuck in your career? What if your “secure job” isn't actually secure?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast I interviewed Maja Taylor. Maja Taylor is a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur's Source where she helps people explore opportunities outside of the traditional job market including entrepreneurship and business ownership, through investments or licensing and franchising. She is passionate about positive transformations and continuous learning. She enjoys watching people experience AHA moments and live up to their full potential. Maja is a certified professional coach with a background in talent development and science education. She has worked for global organizations across Europe and the United States as a team leader, scientist, strategic HR professional, trainer, coach and mentor. Her primary focus is for her clients to reach higher levels of success and happiness by helping them grow their dreams, wealth and equity on their path to self-sufficiency. Ready to make a career move but don't know how?Check this out!Show Links:Maja Taylor on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majataylor/overlay/about-this-profile/Maja on Facebook:  FacebookThe Entrepreneur's Source Wesbite: https://entrepreneurssource.com/Book a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/

In this episode, Cindy Esliger addresses the myth that managing people is the only way up the career ladder. We're often told that stepping up into management is the only way to advance in our workplace, but shoving people into management roles unprepared can come with devastating fallout. Both the managers and employees find that the move exacts a painful toll. Cindy explains why it's critical to rethink how careers can grow and employees can advance beyond people management. Leadership and success do not have to be synonymous with managing people.   Managing people requires a very different set of skills than most people imagine. Cindy breaks down four of the key things managers are responsible for: 1. Morale, 2. Performance, 3. Retention, and 4. Culture. As Cindy notes, “a great manager is in the trenches with their people, shaping how employees experience the workplace”, and not everyone is cut out to do this. We've all had bad managers, and they may have been people promoted into management positions without preparation, told that it was the only way to advance.If we do end up in a management role, Cindy offers six strategies to add to our toolkits: 1. Have people create informal personal operating manuals, 2. Ask the right question, 3. Balance, 4. Practice presence and curiosity, 5. Brush up on conflict resolution and stress management skills, and 6. Set and enforce boundaries. But if we aren't ready for managing people, Cindy urges us to ask where we can thrive and how we can make the biggest difference on an alternate path. Roles like Principal Engineer, Distinguished Scientist, and Senior Strategist are designed for those who want to deepen impact without taking on direct reports. The goal isn't just climbing higher, it's building the career we actually want.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Redefining Career Growth Beyond ManagementAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three different times, in three different jobs, I asked for fair pay and I was rejected. I was laughed at. I was told “feel free to quit.” And you know what? I did quit, and I doubled my salary.But that doesn't mean that it was easy to navigate those moments. Tune in to hear the full story of how I turned those rejections around and came out better on the other side.FREE WEBINAR: Get a Raise in Any Economy! Register via thefirstgencoach.com/webinar! See you Tuesday, 12/9 at 8 PM EST on ZoomResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please meet Cynthia Pong. She came to me by way of super-connector and personal board director an occasional SVU actor, Sarah Storm. Cynthia Pong packs a lot of punch. A one time public defender turned career coach / founder of Embrace Change. We have a wide-ranging conversation about the disadvantages women, and especially women of color, face in the workplace . We also talk about starting your own business and the elusive topic of helping people answer the question “What Do You Want.”Watch full episode on YouTube. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Cindy Esliger explores why answering the question ‘how are you?' with the knee-jerk answer of ‘fine' is holding us back. It's a reflex to deflect attention away from ourselves, but there's a hidden cost that keeps us invisible. Cindy lays out why learning to answer honestly can transform not just our relationships but our professional opportunities. She guides us through how to speak up, track our own progress without comparison, and build stronger connections for visibility and recognition.Deflecting attention from ourselves by answering ‘fine' opens us up to the listener role in which we hide ourselves and take on whatever others want to say. That unconsciously tells others that our contributions don't warrant recognition, and over time, it limits our careers. How do we know if this is happening to us? Cindy outlines three things to watch for: 1. We're always in the listener role, 2. Our colleagues never reciprocate curiosity and can't be bothered to ask ‘what about you?', and 3. Balancing privacy with openness.How do we learn to open up while still protecting our personal lives, then? Cindy has three practical strategies to try: 1. Share small, intentional pieces of ourselves, 2. Test the waters, and 3. Use curiosity as a two-way street. Another thing that keeps us from deserved recognition is only ever asking others how we're doing and not measuring our progress on our own. We need to build our own honest scorecard so that our sense of worth is not at the discretion of others. Cindy shares how answering honestly and learning not to deflect attention away from ourselves will create the confidence and visibility we need to move forward.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Answering HonestlyAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Founder and CEO of Jennifer Nash Coaching & Consulting, Jennifer Nash, PhD, MBA, PCC is an executive advisor, leadership development consultant and author who helps Fortune 50 organizations prioritize people to power performance.Jennifer earned her MBA from the University of Michigan and her PhD from Case Western Reserve University. She taught over 700 rising leaders at Deloitte University and is a research fellow at the Weatherhead School of Business. She serves as an Executive, Leadership, and Career Coach at the University of Michigan and is a fellow at the Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching.Dr. Nash's work is published in Harvard Business Review, LinkedIN, and select academic journals. She serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan and has presented her groundbreaking leadership and coaching research at Harvard University and Columbia University. Jennifer is the bestselling author of the award winning leadership book Be Human, Lead Human.Free Leadership Assessment: Human Leader IndexBook: Be Human, Lead HumanDr. Jennifer Nash: drjennifernash.com.Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book HereAgency Sponsorships: Book GuestsMaster Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwagFree Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 CoachingSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stu Bradley, CFA, CFP — Wealth Advisor at Hightower St. Louis — joins Scarce Assets to explore how bitcoin fits into modern portfolio design, the illusion of market “cycles,” and why peace of mind matters more than price charts.With decades of experience across HSBC, UBS, Vision Capital, and now Hightower, Stu brings a global investor's perspective on inflation, fiscal dominance, and the future of wealth management in a K-shaped economy.This episode cuts through the hype to reveal how advisors are quietly rethinking sound money, digital assets, and intergenerational planning — all while clients question the meaning of risk, time, and value in a rapidly changing financial system.Stu Bradley on LinkedIn // Hightower Wealth Advisors // Stu's Presentation, Understanding Bitcoin // ⁠Connect with Onramp⁠⁠ // ⁠⁠Onramp Institutional⁠⁠ // ⁠⁠Jackson Mikalic on X⁠WHAT WE COVER:- From HSBC and UBS to Hightower: a career across global markets- How a $20 smoothie became the “wake-up call” on inflation- Why Bitcoin represents optionality, not speculation- Fiscal dominance, QT's end, and the K-shaped economy- The psychological side of wealth: why “peace of mind” beats alpha- How advisors are integrating BTC exposure through ETFs & custodial platforms- The coming wealth transfer and how next-gen clients will reshape the advisory modelKEY INSIGHTS DISCUSSED:- Expectations = suffering — and 2025 proved it- Bitcoin is entering its “IPO moment” as long-term holders distribute- Fiscal dominance and policy inertia make inflation a structural feature, not a bug- The top 10 mega-cap stocks now represent 75% of U.S. GDP — a concentration risk hiding in plain sight- Owning a small allocation of the most tamper-resistant asset in history may be the best form of risk management- The future of advice: meeting clients where they are, not where the market says they should beSTU'S THESIS: “Bitcoin isn't about getting rich — it's about staying solvent. When money itself is changing, optionality becomes the ultimate form of wealth.”WHO IS STU BRADLEY?- Wealth Advisor — Hightower St. Louis (managing $1.6B for 400+ families)- Former Institutional Investor — HSBC, UBS, Vision Capital Advisors- CFA & CFP Charterholder — Bridging traditional finance with digital assets- Career Coach & Educator — Founder, J. Stuart Bradley Consulting- Advocate for sound money, long-term stewardship, and client-first financial planningCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro & Stu's Background03:00 - From Wall Street to Hightower06:00 - The $20 Smoothie & the Inflation Epiphany10:30 - Bitcoin as Stewardship, Not Speculation15:00 - Longevity Risk & Portfolio Construction21:00 - Peace of Mind Over Price Action27:00 - How Advisors Discuss Bitcoin with Clients33:00 - 2025: No Blow-Off Top, No Problem38:00 - Fiscal Dominance & QT's End44:00 - The K-Shaped Economy Explained50:00 - Inflation, Inequality, and the Role of Scarce Assets56:00 - The Great Wealth Transfer01:00:00 - Preparing for the Future of Advice01:03:00 - Outro & ResourcesScarce Assets: a biweekly podcast presented by Onramp which delves into the emergent role of bitcoin in finance professionals' strategies and outlooks. Hosted by Jackson Mikalic, Scarce Assets provides invaluable insights for wealth managers aiming to outperform their peers in the decades ahead. Finance professionals everywhere know about stocks and bonds, but the macroeconomic outlook requires that serious investors pay close attention to another category: Scarce Assets.Please subscribe to Onramp Media channels and sign up for weekly Research & Analysis to get access to the best content in the ecosystem weekly.

Welcome to today's ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip from one of our guests that you might have missed. Have you been debating whether to quit your job or stick it out? In this uncertain job market and economic volatility, it's hard to know what to do, so we're throwing it back to this helpful advice from Emily The Recruiter, plus her insights on how to handle back-to-office mandates if you've been working remote.Emily Durham—aka Emily the Recruiter—is a career coach, content creator, and host of the Clock In Podcast. With millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Emily is known for her no-BS advice on how to land your dream job and deal with workplace dynamics like a boss.Listen to the full episode with Emily The Recruiter here.Tune in every Monday for an expert dose of life advice in under 10 minutes.Check out our first episode with Emily here.Follow Emily on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.  Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Welcome Back to the "I won't keep quiet" series! Career Coach, Crystal Williams, discussed the importance of maintaining "momentum" through consistent effort, sharing a "mindset hack" and encouraging attendees to overcome the "enemy's dares" by holding fast to scriptural truths and God's promises. Crystal Williams concluded the call with a prayer for the attendees' work week, asking for holy boldness, protection, and supernatural healing, and referenced various scriptures including Deuteronomy 31:8, Romans 8:16-17, and Hebrews 12:2 to support her message. Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to crystal@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: YouTube:https://youtube.com/@theyoubrandacademy?si=od0A3g5qXyVApVu5, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/ ; TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@_dopecareercoach?_r=1&_t=ZT-911A8776ZsE

Welcome Back to the "I won't keep quiet" series! Career Coach, Crystal Williams, opened up by celebrating National Career Development Month with the theme "Futureproof Your Career: Accelerate through Uncertainty," and highlighted the "I Won't Keep Quiet" series, which focuses on sharing testimonies about God's goodness and aligns with the scripture Esther 4:14, noting that a period of isolation for spiritual preparation and renewal has an expiration date, requiring them to "come out from the background." Crystal Williams asserted that true transformation is required to recognize oneself as more than a conqueror, emphasizing that "no negotiating with God" exists in the call to action, offering scriptures such as Psalms 23:1 and Romans 8:37 for biblical affirmation. Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to crystal@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: YouTube:https://youtube.com/@theyoubrandacademy?si=od0A3g5qXyVApVu5, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/ ; TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@_dopecareercoach?_r=1&_t=ZT-911A8776ZsE

Welcome Back to the "I won't keep quiet" series!  Career Coach, Crystal Williams, began the session with worship and prayer, then introduced a new musical opening for the career prosperity prayer call to encourage listeners to pursue their purpose without seeking permission. Crystal Williams announced that November is National Career Development Month, continuing the "We Will Not Keep Quiet" series, and shared several strategies for career growth, including creating one's own stage, focusing on the "audience of one" (God), shifting one's mindset to leave the comfort zone, and countering facts with faith. Crystal Williams concluded with a prayer for "holy boldness" and the belief in career abundance and acceleration, and then announced the release of a new course, *Career Acceleration Secrets Disclosed*, to help participants elevate their mindset, which was identified as the number one career asset. Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to crystal@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: YouTube:https://youtube.com/@theyoubrandacademy?si=od0A3g5qXyVApVu5, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/ ; TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@_dopecareercoach?_r=1&_t=ZT-911A8776ZsE

From being laid off to spinning your wheels in a position with no momentum, getting to the next step in your career can take a lot of energy. And resources, too, if you decide to hire a career coach. This week's guest has been focused on building a learning culture wherever she goes, and as the Senior Director of Leadership Development at Udemy, Rebecca Stern has applicable ideas on how to use AI as a thought partner to assist you in achieving your goals.This episode covers how human coaching can be inaccessible and how AI models can serve the same purpose, from identifying and contextualizing your career strengths and areas for improvement to facilitating learning through small experiments or tests of a new skill. Turning the page to the next chapter in your career will take a bit of planning. This episode will leave you with small, actionable steps to regain your confidence and find the motivation within. Follow Leading Up: The Work Shift on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes drop Tuesdays.  ⁠Subscribe to our Substack ⁠. If you're trying to skill up, head to Udemy.com  Use code SHIFT25 for 20 percent off your first month on Udemy and turn today's inspiration into actual progress.  Find out more about Leading Up: The Work Shift at business.udemy.com/leading-up-podcast  Production by Pod People 

Can we get real for a second?So many entrepreneurs are waiting to feel "ready." Waiting for the right gear, the right timing, the right confidence. But here's the thing… you'll never have enough.In this short but mighty episode, I'm sharing a powerful snippet from a past conversation with my friend Ken Coleman—also known as America's Career Coach—and whew, it's a gut check.We talk about:The myth that you need more experience, tools, or permission to start.Why being uncomfortable is part of the assignment if you're growing.The real truth about imposter syndrome (spoiler: it never goes away).And my personal “3 M's” that I lean on when the fear tries to creep in.This is a message for anyone who's sitting on a dream because they're afraid of being judged, failing publicly, or starting messy.Let me remind you: people will always have an opinion—whether you sit on the couch or start that business, whether you win or fail. So if you're going to be judged anyway, you might as well be judged while chasing your purpose.Let's normalize failing forward. Let's normalize standing up after getting knocked down—again and again. Because the people you see “winning” didn't avoid failure… they just kept getting up.The next time fear whispers, “Who are you to do this?” I want you to flip it and ask, “Who am I not to?”This episode is a short pep talk, a rally cry, and a reminder that your purpose doesn't need permission.Let's stop waiting. Let's start doing.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:36] Why we believe we need more than we actually do to start[01:19] “You'll never feel like enough”—what we must accept to grow[01:52] People will always have opinions—do it anyway[02:56] The truth about getting knocked down (and getting up again)[03:43] The 3 M's that helped me move past imposter syndrome[04:24] Why your message, your medium, and you still matter