People in Transition: Recent Episodes
Bob Gerst
To provide tips and techniques for students to first job, working men/women between jobs, job to owning your own personal business and transition to retirement. Each episode has a different perspective on these changes in life with people who have gone through it themselves. It is an interesting and fun show.
Whether you're looking for your first job, changing careers, transitioning from the military or government to the private sector, or simply trying to stand out in today's competitive job market, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately.
Our guest, Nicholette "Nik" Hemingway, is a career coach, interview preparation expert, résumé writer, executive coach, and the owner of Nike H Speaks LLC. A retired military officer with more than 25 years of leadership experience and extensive experience interviewing candidates at the city, county, state, and federal levels, Nik knows exactly what employers are looking for—and the mistakes that keep qualified candidates from getting hired. She is also the author of 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! and has helped countless professionals gain the confidence and skills to land their next opportunity.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The single most important thing every job seeker should be doing today
- The transferable skills employers value most
- How to build meaningful professional relationships that open doors
- Successfully transitioning from government or military service to the private sector
- The unique challenges facing older job seekers—and strategies to overcome them
- Two powerful insights from Nik's book, 5 Secrets to Nail That Job!
Connect with Nik:
- Website: www.nikehspeaks.com
- Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh
- Email: info@nikehspeaks.com
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In this episode of "People in Transition", I welcome Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach, career counselor, trainer, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate change, discover their strengths, and achieve professional success. Through her strengths - based and holistic coaching approach, Marcia helps job seekers and career changers build confidence, identify opportunities, and move forward with purpose and joy.
During our conversation, Marcia shares valuable insights for anyone navigating a career transition, including:
- Why a growth mindset and hope are essential for making progress during coaching and career transitions.
- Why your job search is a journey, not a destination, and how embracing the process can reduce frustration and create new opportunities.
- How to combat imposter syndrome by focusing on the evidence of your accomplishments, strengths, and past successes.
- How tools like Marcia's Best Self Reflection Exercise, SkillsScan, and Gallup StrengthsFinder can help identify transferable skills and uncover new career possibilities.
- Why job seekers often make the mistake of focusing only on themselves instead of understanding an employer's needs and challenges.
- Why you don't have to be perfect to move forward - and why remembering your past successes can help build confidence for what's next.
Connect with Marcia Wall:
mwall1000@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000
www.careercounselingconnection.com/louisiana/new-orleans/career-counseling/marcia-wall
If you're navigating a career change, job search, or professional transition, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence.
After listening, please share the episode with your colleagues, friends, and professional network. Your next opportunity - or someone else's - may begin with a single conversation.
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Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition, I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs.
After the acquisition of the company where he served on the executive team, Geoff faced a challenge many accomplished professionals experience but rarely discuss: who are you when the title and career that defined you are gone?
That experience inspired his book, Embracing Your Own Purgatory, a candid exploration of identity loss, transition, purpose, and reinvention. Rather than offering a neatly packaged success story, Geoff shares lessons learned while navigating the uncertainty between who he was and who he is becoming. His honesty and insights make this conversation especially relevant for anyone facing career disruption, retirement, burnout, or a major life transition.
In our conversation, Geoff discusses:
- Why he chose the word “purgatory” and the value of becoming comfortable being “unfinished”
- The emotional signs of major transitions and how to recognize them
- Why constant busyness can mask deeper issues
- What he means by “You can’t outwork the identity loss problem”
- How celebrating a quick comeback can sometimes send the wrong message
- Why “presence” became one of the hidden costs of career success
- How achievement, self-worth, purpose, and identity become intertwined—and what happens when that connection is disrupted
Connect with Geoff Curtis:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreycurtis
Email: geoffcurtis1@gmail.com
Book: Embracing Your Own Purgatory
Thank you for listening to People in Transition. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with others navigating change. I also welcome your thoughts, reactions, and questions. Your feedback helps continue the conversation and support others facing similar transitions.
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This week on “People in Transition”, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gates, and what a fascinating conversation it was.
John brings a unique perspective to salary negotiation and career transitions. As a former Head of Global Recruiting for multiple Fortune 300 and Fortune 500 organizations, he has spent decades sitting on the hiring side of the table, leading talent acquisition functions for major companies including Marathon Oil, Peabody Energy, ITT, and Asante. Today, he leverages that insider knowledge as a compensation negotiation coach, helping executives and professionals secure stronger compensation packages while preserving positive relationships with employers. He is also the author of the international best-selling book Act Your Wage and founder of Salary Coach Academy, where he teaches practical, low-risk strategies that help candidates confidently navigate compensation discussions.
What makes John’s approach so compelling is that it challenges much of the conventional wisdom surrounding salary negotiations. Rather than relying on aggressive tactics or ultimatums, he teaches candidates how to negotiate thoughtfully, strategically, and effectively—often resulting in significantly better outcomes while strengthening their standing with prospective employers.
During our conversation, we explored several of the most important - and misunderstood - aspects of compensation negotiations, including:
- Why do highly accomplished professionals often struggle to negotiate their compensation effectively?
- The fears that hold candidates back and how those fears can quietly undermine their earning potential.
- The smartest and safest ways to answer the inevitable question: “What are your salary expectations?”
- How candidates can use leverage appropriately and professionally throughout the job search process.
- The concept of memetic desire and how it can influence an employer’s perception of a candidate.
- Why the popular advice to “know your worth and demand it” can sometimes work against job seekers during negotiations.
These topics - and many more - are discussed in this insightful episode with John. Whether you are actively searching for your next opportunity, preparing for a promotion, or simply want to understand how compensation decisions are really made, this conversation offers practical guidance that could have a meaningful impact on your career and lifetime earnings.
To learn more about John Gates, visit his LinkedIn profile or explore Salary Coach Academy at salarycoachacademy.com.
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Dr. Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, author, coach, and storytelling expert who has spent more than three decades helping individuals and organizations communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Often referred to as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Danny blends high energy, humor, and practical wisdom to inspire audiences around the world. A former inner-city teacher, university professor, and distinguished visiting professor at The American University in Cairo, Danny has delivered more than 3,500 presentations across four continents and authored more than 20 books focused on leadership, literacy, motivation, and communication. Today, as co-founder of WellCrafted Story, he helps entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners craft stories and presentations that convert audiences into clients and inspire meaningful action.
Throughout his career, Danny has remained passionate about one central mission: helping people unlock the power of their own stories. From teaching bilingual students in South Central Los Angeles to coaching leaders and business owners on stages worldwide, Danny believes the right story told at the right time can transform lives, businesses, and communities.
Some of the powerful ideas Danny and I explored during our conversation included:
- What if becoming an expert starts with embracing being an amateur first? Danny discussed the importance of “the power of the pause” and why transitions become easier when you stop expecting yourself to have all the answers immediately. Protecting your confidence and identity during periods of change is critical to long-term success.
- How do you overcome imposter syndrome without overwhelming yourself? Danny emphasized starting with the “low-hanging fruit” — focusing first on smaller groups, familiar environments, and manageable opportunities before accelerating into larger projects and bigger stages.
- Why can’t you outsource your growth? As Danny said, “You can’t pay others to do your push-ups.” Success requires repetition, discipline, and putting in the reps yourself. There are no shortcuts to building confidence, competence, and credibility.
- What role do emotions and grief play during transition? Danny reminded us that all emotions experienced during major life or career changes are normal. Eventually, you arrive at a place of indifference — and often, that is where you can operate most effectively and make the clearest strategic decisions.
- Can you become a great leader without being a reader? Danny shared his belief that while not every avid reader becomes a great leader, it is difficult to think of a truly effective leader who is not a committed reader and continuous learner. Lifelong learning is not optional for sustained growth.
- Why is execution more valuable than education alone? One of Danny’s most impactful insights was: “Education is valuable, but execution is priceless. Knowledge is not power; only applied knowledge is power. Knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing are two very different things.” The challenge for all of us is to move from learning into action.
As a special gift to listeners of the podcast, Dr. Danny Brassell is offering a free 30-minute phone call to help you create your own story and system that converts conversations into clients. Learn more at freestorymap.com.
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Few conversations leave you inspired to think differently about your career, leadership, and personal purpose. My discussion with Paul Comfort did exactly that. Through his own experiences and insights, Paul shared valuable lessons about discovering purpose, building meaningful relationships, and intentionally shaping a fulfilling career path.
Paul Comfort is a nationally recognized transportation executive, bestselling author, keynote speaker, educator, and thought leader in public mobility and leadership development. He is also the creator and host of the widely followed Transit Unplugged podcast and video series. His upcoming book, Find Your X Factor: Follow Your Personal Treasure Map to Purpose, reflects many of the themes we discussed — discovering the intersection between your passions, abilities, and purpose.
Throughout our discussion, several powerful ideas emerged:
• How much does your very first job shape the trajectory of your career — even if you ultimately end up somewhere completely different? Paul emphasized that while your starting point may not define your destination, it often establishes the habits, skills, and mindset that influence every opportunity that follows.
• What happens when your interests, passions, and natural abilities finally intersect? According to Paul, this intersection is the “sweet spot” of your best self — the place where purpose, fulfillment, and impact align. Finding that intersection is not just a career strategy; it is often the clearest path toward discovering your purpose in life.
• What if your current role does not fully align with both your passions and strengths? Paul encouraged the idea that even if you cannot immediately find the perfect combination, having at least one — either meaningful interests or strong abilities — present in your work can provide fulfillment and motivation while you continue building toward something greater.
• How do you actually discover who you are and what you want? Paul spoke about the importance of reflection: taking time to evaluate your experiences, recognize what you have consistently been good at, and identify the moments that energized you most. Once that intersection becomes clear, intentional action becomes the bridge between where you are and where you want to go.
• Why is follow-up one of the most overlooked keys to successful networking? As Paul explained, meaningful relationships are rarely built in a single meeting. The real value of “I met a man” moments comes from intentional follow-up, continued engagement, and the creation of authentic connections over time.
• And what if communication does not come naturally to you? Paul offered practical encouragement: communication is a skill that can be developed. Whether through programs like Dale Carnegie speaking courses or by intentionally studying effective communicators as role models, growth in communication and public speaking can dramatically improve leadership presence and confidence.
Our conversation was a reminder that successful careers are rarely accidental. They are built through reflection, intentionality, relationships, continuous learning, and the courage to align your work with who you truly are. Paul Comfort’s insights challenge us not simply to pursue careers, but to pursue purpose. For more information about Paul and his resources, go to https://findyourxfactor.ai/.
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Welcome to this week’s episode of "People in Transition". I’m your host, Bob Gerst, and today I’m joined by Gregg Lunceford, PhD, CFP®, a seasoned wealth advisor and thought leader who is redefining how we think about retirement. As a Managing Director at Mesirow and an academic researcher focused on 21st-century retirement transitions, Gregg brings a rare combination of real-world experience and deep intellectual insight to this conversation. With more than two decades of advising individuals approaching and entering retirement, his work goes far beyond finances - exploring identity, purpose, and what it truly means to thrive in life’s “third age.” Gregg is also the author of "Exit from Work", where he challenges conventional thinking and opens the door to a more intentional, fulfilling vision of retirement.
In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, Gregg and I explore several important yet often overlooked aspects of retirement. We dig into why so many people struggle to feel excited about retirement - touching on the loss of structure, daily accomplishment, and social connection that work provides - and what can be done to address those challenges. Gregg introduces the idea of building a “coaching identity” and explains how it can provide continuity and purpose during this transition. We also discuss how retirement doesn’t have to be a binary, all-or-nothing decision; it can be a gradual shift, working fewer days over time. Along the way, we examine the untapped sense of empowerment that retirement can offer, the importance of replacing “kinship with friendship,” and how evolving life stages - from youth to middle age to the “third age” - shape our satisfaction and happiness.
This is a conversation that challenges assumptions and opens up new possibilities for anyone thinking about what comes next. Gregg offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on how to approach retirement not as an ending, but as a beginning filled with opportunity. If you’re preparing for this transition - or even just starting to think about it - this episode will give you plenty to consider. To learn more about Gregg and his work, visit his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-lunceford-phd-cfp%C2%AE-3aa83a15/
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In this episode of “People in Transition”, we’re joined by Steve Turner, co-owner and principal of Solomon Turner PR, an award-winning agency he co-founded more than three decades ago. Steve is an accomplished public relations professional, author, and keynote speaker. Throughout his career, he has assisted organizations ranging from multinational corporations to nonprofit entities in enhancing their visibility, credibility and achieving measurable outcomes through strategic communication initiatives.
Steve is the author of PR That Works – Real Strategies. Real Campaigns. Real Results, where he shares practical insights drawn from his extensive experience leading high-impact campaigns. His work has been featured in major outlets including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press, and he’s widely recognized for his ability to translate complex messaging into compelling, results-driven narratives. In our conversation, Steve brings that same clarity and practicality to the topic of career transitions and personal branding.
During our discussion, Steve shared several key insights for professionals navigating change:
- Strong candidates “look the part” of the role they’re pursuing - in every form of communication.
- Your message - whether written, spoken, or visual - must consistently align with your target role and brand.
- The most important question to answer is: What problems can you solve for the employer?
- Effective networking and elevator pitches should spark curiosity and leave others wanting to hear more - storytelling is a powerful tool here.
- A common misstep in personal branding is failing to remove content or signals that may work against you.
- The best networkers operate as “go-givers,” focusing on helping others as a path to mutual success.
- Successful job seekers are intentional: they define their objective, understand their audience, tailor their message, and continuously measure and refine their approach.
These insights - and more - make this episode a practical guide for anyone looking to reposition themselves professionally or strengthen their personal brand during times of transition.
For more information on Steve, visit his LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveturnerpr/ or learn more at solomonturner.com.
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In this episode of “People in Transition”, we’re joined by Sue Maitland, an ICF-accredited life and career transitions coach with over 13 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals navigate midlife change and create more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
After a successful 20+ year career in IT consulting, Sue reached a point many can relate to - her life looked great on paper, but it no longer felt aligned. That realization sparked a bold career pivot, leading her to support others who feel stuck, uncertain, or ready for change but unsure where to begin. Today, she works one-on-one with clients, leads workshops, and runs a thriving global community designed to help people gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their next chapter.
In this conversation, we explore a topic that resonates with so many - how to navigate midlife transitions, overcome self-doubt, and build a life that actually feels as good as it looks.
Key topics we discussed:
- The signs of being “successful but stuck,” including dreading the start of the work week, feeling underutilized, and questioning what you’ll have to show for your efforts
- Why change is inherently difficult - our brains are wired for consistency, making career transitions especially challenging
- The importance of doing real-world research before pursuing a new path (including Sue’s example of the “romantic” idea of winemaking vs. the reality of it being farming)
- Understanding imposter syndrome, which affects over 70% of people, and how it shows up as a fear of being exposed as not good enough
- The concept of keeping a journal to track your wins, to reflect on and appreciate your accomplishments
- Practical advice for getting unstuck: pausing to reflect, identifying your core values, and aligning your work with both your strengths and your passions
…and much more around gaining clarity, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps forward.
Connect with Sue Maitland:
- Website: https://www.suemaitland.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemaitland/
- Email: sue@suemaitland.com
If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a rating and review - it really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who might benefit from this conversation, share it with them.
Your next chapter might be closer than you think . . .
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David Chami, Managing Partner of Consumer Justice Law Firm, joined us on “People in Transition” to shed light on an issue that quietly impacts millions of job seekers: background checks. With a legal career rooted in consumer protection and years of experience litigating under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, David has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars from companies that reported inaccurate or misleading information. His work sits at the intersection of law, employment, and fairness—making him a powerful advocate for individuals navigating the hiring process.
Even before founding his current firm, David Chami built a reputation for holding large institutions accountable, including insurance companies and credit reporting agencies. Today, his focus is on ensuring that everyday people are not unfairly denied opportunities because of errors, outdated records, or systemic flaws in background screening and credit reports. His insights offer both a legal and human perspective on what can often feel like an opaque and unforgiving system.
In our conversation, we explored the realities of modern hiring, where background checks are used by nearly 95% of employers and are often handled by major background check companies. We talked about why employers generally cannot deny employment based solely on a charge without a conviction, and the many challenges within the system—such as dismissed charges that remain on records, mistaken identity issues (like data confusion caused by common names or hyphenated names), and inaccuracies caused by data vendors that don’t rely on Social Security numbers. David also shared a compelling case involving a client who successfully sued Uber over incorrect background information, resulting in a $680,000 verdict. We discussed who actually pays for legal representation (the answer may surprise you), the differences between expungement and record sealing—and why neither fully guarantees your past won’t resurface—and, most importantly, how the Fair Credit Reporting Act exists to protect employees and ensure their rights are upheld.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s job market. Whether you’re actively searching, considering a career move, or simply want to understand your rights, David’s insights could make a critical difference. Tune in to “People in Transition” and learn how to protect your future before a background check defines it.
Listeners can get in touch with David Chami at:
Consumer Justice Law Firm
dchami@consumerjustice.com
844-808-2553 (firm)
480-626-2359 (direct)
Consumerjustice.com
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I’m excited to welcome Anthony Sharp to “People in Transition”. Anthony is a career strategist and job search expert who has helped countless professionals clarify their value, sharpen their messaging, and approach the market with greater confidence and intention. With a practical, no-nonsense style and a deep understanding of how recruiters and hiring managers think, Anthony brings both technical expertise and real-world insight to every conversation.
In this episode, we explored a wide range of topics designed to help job seekers find their confidence and clearly communicate their value. Anthony debunked common myths job seekers believe about resumes — including the idea that because AI helped write it, it will automatically pass an applicant tracking system, or that an employer will figure out where you fit within their organization. We discussed why using numbers and percentages is critical to demonstrating measurable impact, and what it really means when a recruiter reads your resume and silently asks, “So what?”
We also talked about how to “own your story,” especially when addressing employment gaps — including a helpful LinkedIn hack using the career break section. If there’s one action Anthony recommends you take this week, it’s this: be intentional about what you’re looking for. Throughout the conversation, he shared powerful examples and stories that brought his technical advice to life, making this an episode full of practical strategies you can use right away.
For more information on Anthony, go to his website, brandingsyou.info, or his LinkedIn profile, linkedin.com/in/brandingu. You are going to want to follow his thoughts as recruiting and the market evolve.
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In this episode of “People in Transition”, we discuss what really happens inside the hiring process — and how understanding it can help you land your next role faster, smarter, and with far more confidence.
My guest is Dan Waskow, founder of OnPoint Job Search Solutions. With more than 20 years as a corporate recruiter for organizations like Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, Credit Suisse, Accenture, NASDAQ, and Madison Square Garden, to name a few — plus over a decade as a job search coach — Dan has seen the hiring process from every angle.
He knows exactly what recruiters look for… and why strong candidates often get overlooked.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Why you’re not hearing back
- Why interviews stall
- Or how to position yourself strategically instead of emotionally
This conversation is for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Why recruiters don’t “connect the dots” for you — and how to clearly translate your background so they instantly see the fit.
• The truth about the job market — there’s no “good” or “bad” time to search, only busier and slower cycles. The candidates who consistently build relationships always win.
• The two pillars of a successful job search: Marketing and Storytelling. Master how you present your value and how you tell your career story, and everything changes.
• Resume strategy that actually works. Clean formatting. No colors. No text boxes. No graphics. Make it easy for both humans and systems to read.
• How informational interviews and virtual coffee chats create momentum. They’re not just conversations — they’re relationship builders that open real doors.
What an episode. Dan brings clarity, strategy, and straight talk to a process that often feels confusing and frustrating.
To learn more about him and his coaching services, visit myjobsearchadvisor.com.
🎁 Bonus for listeners: If you sign up for one of Dan’s coaching packages by the end of March, 2026, and mention you heard him on “People in Transition”, you’ll receive 15% off.
And if you found this conversation valuable, please share this episode with your friends, colleagues, and anyone in your network who may be navigating a career move. A simple share could make a meaningful difference for someone in transition.
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Welcome to another episode of People in Transition. I’m your host, Bob Gerst.
Today’s conversation is especially relevant for anyone who appears successful on paper—but feels burned out, unsettled, or quietly questioning what’s next.
My guest is Mallory Byers. Mallory spent nearly a decade as a top-performing sales recruiter at Salesforce, where she helped highly driven professionals secure roles at the highest levels. She understood the hiring process inside and out—and by all external measures, she was thriving.
Yet along the way, Mallory began to notice something that fundamentally changed the direction of her work. Even the most capable and accomplished people weren’t stuck because they lacked strategy. They were stuck because deeper forces were at play: long-standing patterns, chronic nervous system overload, and a version of confidence built entirely on performance.
Today, Mallory is a Career Breakthrough and Empowerment Coach who supports high achievers navigating career transitions, burnout, or layoffs. Her work goes far beyond résumés and interviews. She helps clients strengthen the person behind the strategy—by rebuilding self-trust, regulating the nervous system, and untangling subconscious patterns such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, and over-functioning.
Through her signature one-on-one program, The Inner CEO, Mallory helps clients stop outsourcing their worth to job titles and start leading their careers with grounded authority. As she teaches, you are the CEO of your life and your career.
If you’re in a season of transition—or sensing that the next chapter of your career requires a different version of you—this conversation will resonate deeply.
Topics We Discuss in This Episode Include:
- How tying your identity to your job impacts your career—and how to navigate that shift
- What it means to operate from survival mode, and how people-pleasing reinforces it
- Where imposter syndrome shows up and how it quietly influences decisions
- The connection between perfectionism, overthinking, freezing action, scarcity thinking, and a dysregulated nervous system
- How the inner critic drives overwork during a job search—and how to stay grounded without letting others dictate your direction
- Why layoffs are such a disorienting experience, and why “staying in your lane” may not lead to fulfillment or success
- Why you don’t solve issues of the mind with the mind—how working with the body changes the job search process
- What it truly means to take ownership of your career and embody your “Inner CEO”
This is a powerful and insightful episode, and there is so much to take away from Mallory’s perspective.
To learn more about Mallory Byers, connect with her on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmallorybyers/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mallory-byers-coaching/
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This week on "People in Transition", I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Spekman, a career strategist, therapist, and founder of Made for More Coach. Rachel brings a rare and powerful blend of experience—having spent years in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work before navigating multiple career transitions of her own into mental health and career strategy. You can learn more about Rachel and her work on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspekman.
Rachel helps high-performing professionals who feel stuck in high-paid but soul-sucking roles reconnect with their values, strengths, and sense of purpose—without ignoring the realities of money, market demand, and impact. As a trained therapist who deeply understands corporate pressure, burnout, and identity loss during transitions, she fills a critical gap between traditional career coaching and emotional well-being.
In our conversation, Rachel and I explored what really shows up during a job or career transition—mentally, emotionally, and physically—and how job seekers can move from being passive candidates to confident experts. This episode is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and strategies for anyone navigating change, questioning their next move, or trying to align impact, income, and fulfillment.
Some of the Topics We Discussed in This Episode
- Somatic symptoms job seekers experience and how to recognize and cope with the physical signals of career stress and misalignment
- Using your feelings toward community, contribution, and problem-solving as guidance in your job search
- Impact vs. income: understanding what you can do, what the market needs, and where tension naturally shows up
- Positioning yourself as the expert, not a passive candidate waiting to be chosen
- The role of confidence in your job search and practical ways to build and display it
- What an internal resume audit is and how it improves both job search results and long-term job satisfaction
Also, go to her website, where there is a free training to support your job search - https://www.rachelspekman.com/
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Stephanie Cordes knows what it means to chase success—and then intentionally redefine it. After spending more than twenty years building a strong corporate career in healthcare leadership, she made a bold pivot and now helps others take ownership of their careers on their own terms. As a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source, Stephanie creates a safe, no-pressure space for professionals to explore what they truly want next—whether that’s flexibility, control, additional income, or a complete career reinvention.
In this episode of “People in Transition”, host Bob Gerst and Stephanie dive into the real emotions and practical realities behind career decisions. They unpack why reassessing your goals is essential, how unmet needs can cloud your ability to identify what you actually want, and why money often represents much more than a paycheck. Stephanie introduces the idea of a personal “North Star”—a clear framework built around income, lifestyle, wealth, and equity—to guide smarter, calmer decision-making.
This conversation is grounded, honest, and empowering. Transition doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful—and clarity is often the most powerful first step. If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or quietly questioning what’s next, this episode will help you slow down the noise and move forward with intention.
For more information from Stephanie, visit her web site: https://scordes.esourcecoach.com/contact/
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My guest today is Merry Korn, author of Fired to Inspired, a powerful teaching memoir that chronicles an extraordinary journey from professional setback to purpose-driven success. Merry’s story begins with being fired—a moment many job seekers fear most—but instead of letting that moment define her, she used it as the starting point for reinvention.
What followed was not a polished overnight success, but a real, unvarnished transformation. Through strategic pivots, hard-earned lessons, and persistence, Merry went on to build a social enterprise that now employs more than 1,300 people across 30 states, giving hiring priority to individuals facing the greatest barriers to work. Her journey is a roadmap for anyone who has ever felt defeated by a career setback and wondered whether their lowest moment could become their greatest opportunity.
Merry’s perspective is deeply rooted in resilience. Her role model is her mother, a Holocaust survivor, who taught her the meaning of perseverance and never giving up. That lesson shows up throughout Merry’s work and is especially relevant for job seekers who may feel discouraged, fearful, or worn down by a prolonged search. In a time of economic uncertainty and career disruption, her story offers both hope and practical guidance for building something meaningful out of adversity.
Key Themes We Explore in This Episode
In our conversation, Merry shares insights and tools that are immediately applicable for anyone in transition, including:
- Turning setbacks into setups for success and reframing career disappointments as opportunities for clarity and growth
- The power of informational interviews—what they are, how to use them, and why they are one of the most effective job-search strategies
- Using available resources such as coaches, books, and LinkedIn to build momentum and expand opportunity
- Staying physically strong during your job search, and how physical health directly impacts emotional resilience and mental well-being
- Overcoming fear and uncertainty, with the reminder that this season will end
- Finding purpose before accepting your next role, and why not jumping at the first offer, can lead to a more fulfilling career
Call to Action
If you’re in the middle of a job search—or know one is coming—this episode is for you. Listen with intention, take notes, and choose one idea from this conversation that you can act on this week. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe to People in Transition for more conversations designed to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
This is Bob Gerst, and this episode is about turning transition into transformation.
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Ever look at your life and think, “How did I end up here… and why doesn’t this feel the way success should?”
If that question feels uncomfortably familiar, this episode of “People in Transition” is one you’ll want to hear.
My guest, Jake Kennington, knows what it’s like to build a career that looks enviable on paper while feeling disconnected on the inside. As a licensed Structural Engineer, he spent more than a decade designing $100M buildings, leading high-pressure projects, and stacking up the achievements people associate with success. But privately, his health was slipping, his relationships were stretched thin, and he began questioning whether the life he was building was actually the life he wanted.
Becoming a husband and father of four brought that reality into sharper focus—and ultimately pushed him to redefine success, rebuild his habits, and realign his life around what matters most. Today, through his work at Actively Human, Jake helps mid-career professionals do the same: reconnect with who they really are, create space for what they care about, and build lives that feel as fulfilling on the inside as they look on the outside.
In our conversation, Jake and I explore:
• The moment he asked himself, “Is this it?”—and why that question is worth paying attention to
• How identifying who you are not can open the door to who you truly are
• Why defining your own meaning of success becomes a powerful compass
• Subtle early signs of misalignment—especially in your health and relationships
• The value of owning your morning for yourself, not your inbox
• Why slowing down (and sometimes even disrupting what you’ve built) can be the path to clarity and joy
If you want to learn more about Jake and Actively Human, visit his profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekennington/
Or visit his website at activelyhuman.com
Listen to Jake’s recording here—and take the first step toward a life that finally feels aligned.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to go deeper on these topics, grab a free resource called The Own Your Life Playbook here: activelyhuman.com/#playbook
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Welcome to “People in Transition”, the podcast that gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate life’s biggest shifts with clarity and confidence. I’m your host, Bob Gerst — the Job Transition Professor — and today’s guest is someone who brings a powerful blend of creativity, wisdom, and lived experience to the world of personal transformation: Susan Hensley.
Susan is a transformational coach, speaker, and author whose global career has taken her from corporate boardrooms in Hong Kong and London to leadership development spaces across the U.S. Her work helps people meet change with resilience, curiosity, and even joy. One of her most impactful tools is art journaling — a creative practice that blends reflection, mindfulness, and imagination to help people process transition and build emotional strength.
In our conversation, Susan and I explore how creativity can quiet the inner critic, steady us in times of uncertainty, and unlock new possibilities during job transitions. We’ll dig into the “messy middle,” examine the six major types of life transitions, and talk about why early reflection and reinvention can completely reshape your job search path.
If you’re facing change — or helping others navigate it — you won’t want to miss this episode. Susan brings practical tools, a fresh perspective, and an energizing sense of possibility to anyone standing at a crossroads.
For more information about Susan, go to https://susan-hensley.com/
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This week on "People in Transition", our guest is Jack Calhoun—an inspiring guide for anyone exploring what comes after a successful first career. As the founder of Encore Career Lab, Jack helps high-achieving professionals design meaningful “second acts” that blend purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment. His passion comes from experience: after leading Capital Directions, LLC from $50 million to over $1.5 billion in assets under management, Jack sold the firm in his early 50s—and quickly discovered how little guidance there was for life after career success. That realization became his mission: to help others bridge the gap between retirement planning and life planning.
During our conversation, Jack shared powerful insights and practical guidance for listeners thinking about their next chapter, including:
- Redefining identity: How to deal with the loss of identity that often comes when stepping away from a long career.
- Rethinking retirement: Why the traditional idea of “retirement at 65” no longer fits our longer, healthier lives—and what sustainable reinvention really looks like.
- Evolving goals: How success, satisfaction, and fulfillment shift as we enter the third phase of our lives—and how to measure meaning, not just achievement.
- Giving back wisely: The role of volunteering in encore careers, and why it won't fill the void where "work" used to be.
- Real-life transformations: Inspiring stories of people who discovered unexpected “callings” far different from their earlier careers.
- Sharing hard-earned wisdom: How to recognize and use the insights you wish you’d known 30 years ago to help others—and yourself—today.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for me?”—this episode is a must-listen. Jack’s perspective will leave you inspired to see the years ahead not as a winding down, but as a powerful new beginning. Tune in to hear how you can transform experience into impact and uncertainty into opportunity. To connect directly with Jack or learn more about Encore Career Lab, visit encorecareerlab.com or email Jack at jack(at)encorecareerlab.com.
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Have you ever reached a point in your career where you knew it was time for a change — but taking that leap felt terrifying?
This week on People in Transition, we talk with Christine Gullborg, who did exactly that. She made the bold decision to leave the classroom and step into the corporate world — a risky move that ultimately paid off, though not without a few memorable (and now humorous) interview missteps along the way.
Now a Trainer, Technical Writer, and Career Coach based in New York, Christine is the founder of IntervuPrep and creator of the Interview Training Bootcamp. With a background in education and a passion for helping others succeed, she teaches job seekers how to tell their stories with confidence, navigate the job search with strategy, and ace their interviews with authenticity.
In this insightful conversation, Christine shares the mindset shifts and lessons that helped her turn rejection into resilience — and offers practical takeaways anyone in transition can use to land their next opportunity.
Highlights from our conversation:
- Keep moving forward. Having experienced job loss and multiple transitions herself, Christine lives by Eric Thomas’s mantra: “No excuses.” Keep going, no matter what.
- Consistency counts. Do something every day for your job search — even small steps build momentum.
- Take care of yourself. Whether it’s a walk, time with family, or a quiet moment, self-care clears your mind and boosts effectiveness.
- Prepare and promote yourself. Practice your answers, be clear and concise, and don’t be afraid to share your achievements — if you don’t tell the recruiter, who will?
- Own your story. When asked, “Tell me about yourself,” tie your response to the company’s challenges and how you can solve them.
- End strong. Always close your interview on a positive note and ask about next steps in the process.
Christine’s “homework” for listeners: Read What Color Is Your Parachute? for additional job search guidance.
🎧 Don’t miss this week’s episode of People in Transition — Christine’s story is relatable, insightful, and full of practical wisdom for anyone navigating change.
As a special bonus, listeners can enjoy a 20% discount on Christine’s Interview Bootcamp course. Go to intervuprep.org/challenges to find the programs and use code FALL20 at checkout to get your exclusive 20% off savings and start mastering your next interview today!
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Why you should listen to this episode:
If you’re about to graduate and feeling unsure about what’s next, this episode will help you turn uncertainty into a clear career plan — with someone who has been in your shoes and made bold moves that paid off.
About my guest:
Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab, a platform helping ambitious grads find clarity after college. Early in her career, she rose from intern to managing editor at Dance Spirit magazine in just a year, then advanced from employee to VP at Kuno Creative, a leading digital marketing agency working with brands like Aramark and BASF.
Her success came not from following the rules but from decoding unspoken workplace dynamics and challenging outdated career advice. Named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio (2024) and featured in Forbes, SUCCESS, and Women We Admire, Brianne now helps young women navigate their careers with courage and confidence through The Independence Lab.
With nearly 20 years in marketing and operations, she’s led growth, built teams, and mentored countless young professionals—especially women making that tough leap from college to the real world.
What you will learn:
- Master the parts of your job search that actually move the needle.
- Stand out by showing you’re always leveling up, especially with AI and new skills.
- Transform everyday experiences into career stories that get noticed.
- Discover why emotional intelligence can tip the scales in your favor.
- Tackle tough interview questions with confidence and insight they won’t see coming.
- Grow your network through real connections, not generic outreach.
Brianne reminds us that confidence and curiosity are your best career tools.
If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start designing your post-college path with purpose, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Connect with Brianne at LinkedIn or explore her work at theindependencelab.com/subscribe.
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🎙️ People in Transition – Featuring Walter Sabrin
What do championship athletes and successful job seekers have in common? A short memory, a sharp mindset, and the ability to bounce back fast.
That’s just one of the powerful insights you’ll hear in my latest conversation with Walter Sabrin, Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions. Walter has built his career on people-first leadership—scaling talent strategies that fuel growth, innovation, and inclusion. From the tennis court to the boardroom, he’s mastered resilience, focus, and the art of unlocking human potential.
In this episode, Walter and I dive into ideas that could transform the way you approach your career and job search, including:
✅ Why both athletes and job seekers need to let go of setbacks quickly.
✅ How your personal brand is defined not by what you think—but by how others perceive you.
✅ Why networking only works when you give before you receive.
✅ The four job skills every effective candidate must build: confidence, curiosity, communication, and empathy.
✅ A surprising story of one candidate who landed a role by stepping way outside their comfort zone.
✅ How AI is already reshaping the job market—and what you should be doing to keep up.
Walter’s passion for mentoring, championing neurodiversity, and creating cultures of belonging shines through this conversation. You’ll walk away inspired—and equipped—with strategies to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
🔗 Connect with Walter on LinkedIn: Walter Sabrin (and mention this recording for his special attention).
💡 If you’re in transition and need help navigating your job search, don’t go it alone. Reach out to me directly—I’d love to support you on your journey.
👉 Download the episode today, and discover how to build the confidence, resilience, and strategy to land the career you deserve.
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This Week on People in Transition
We are excited to welcome Amy Adler, a nationally recognized expert in career strategy and executive branding. As President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, Amy has earned a reputation for guiding professionals through some of the most pivotal moments in their careers. Her expertise in creating powerful résumés and compelling career portfolios has helped countless clients stand out in highly competitive job markets.
In our conversation, Amy shares practical strategies and real-world insights, including:
- A client success story: how she helped someone move from hundreds of unanswered applications to applying to <10 jobs and earning interviews on 50% of his outreach, one of which yielded the right job offer—by focusing on what he really wanted and what he was really good at.
- Why LinkedIn is more than just a networking site—it’s a powerful research tool if you know how to use it.
- How being an introvert doesn’t mean being shy, and why clearly communicating your strengths is essential in a job search.
- The real purpose of informational interviews (and what they are not)—and how internal advocacy in the company you’re targeting is crucial.
- The importance of identifying exactly where you’re getting stuck in the job search process—rather than trying to “fix everything” (or, worse, the wrong thing).
You can connect with Amy Adler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyladler/
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Are you job searching the wrong way?
In this episode of People in Transition, we’re thrilled to welcome Carlee Wolfe — a multi-certified HR Talent & Organization Development Executive who has helped organizations like Hyatt hotels, Under Armour, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee thrive. Carlee specializes in designing strategies that close talent gaps, solve organizational challenges, and support bold growth plans.
If you’ve been applying to job after job on LinkedIn and getting nowhere, this conversation will change the way you think about your job search. Carlee shares powerful insights for job seekers and career-minded professionals, including:
✅ Why over 15% of jobs posted on LinkedIn don’t even exist — and how to use clarity, confidence, and curiosity to focus on real opportunities.
✅ The simple step you must take before applying — defining what you really want so you can be intentional and save time.
✅ How to evaluate company culture before you accept an offer — and avoid joining a team that isn’t the right fit.
✅ What the sports world can teach us about careers — embracing mistakes, making pivots, and always moving the ball forward.
✅ Why curiosity is the key to long-term success — whether you’re job hunting or building your future in your current role.
🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you’re in transition or planning your next big move.
📩 For more information or to connect with Carlee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleeawolfe
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Welcome to this episode of "People in Transition", the podcast that uncovers the real stories behind career change, reinvention, and personal growth.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Michelle Schafer, a recognized leader in career coaching who knows firsthand that life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities. After experiencing two unexpected job losses, Michelle didn’t just bounce back—she redefined what success and fulfillment truly meant. Her journey revealed a powerful truth: when you take time to reflect and realign, you can build a career that energizes and sustains you.
Now, as one of Ottawa’s top career coaches—earning that distinction in both 2020 and 2024—Michelle brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical strategy to help professionals navigate transitions with confidence. Whether you’re job hunting, changing industries, stepping into leadership, or simply asking “what’s next?”, Michelle’s approach helps people cut through uncertainty and move forward with clarity.
In this episode, we explore key insights from her award-winning book, “Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transition with Purpose,” including:
- Why having a clear career target and strategy is essential—and what happens when you don’t.
- How to normalize the rollercoaster of emotions during job transition—from excitement to anxiety, and everything in between.
- The truth about “rage applying”—what it is and why it rarely works.
- Why networking is your most powerful tool—and how to leverage the hidden connections in your circle.
- The importance of being “transition-ready” at all times—updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and maintaining your professional network.
- How to overcome limiting beliefs and stay focused, even when the job search feels long and uncertain.
Connect with Michelle Schafer:
- LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer Coaching
- Website: mschafercoaching.ca
- Free Resources:
- Download a free chapter from her book: Click here
- Access the Career Focus Framework tool: Download here
- Order her award-winning, #1 best-selling book: Cultivating Career Growth
- Email: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca
- Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Schedule here
Your challenge: After listening, put these strategies into action and let us know how they work for you. Remember, being in transition is temporary—clarity and confidence are within reach. And if you need extra support, Michelle and I are ready to help you navigate the journey.
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If you're on the job hunt, considering a career change, or simply looking to elevate your professional brand, this is the podcast episode you don’t want to miss!
I’m thrilled to welcome Courtney Motyczka, a Certified Career Success Coach and Certified Resume Writer, to the show. With over seven years of experience helping job seekers successfully launch and transition their careers, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and motivational insights to the table. Her passion for career development is contagious, and she’s dedicated to helping people find fulfillment and confidence in their professional journeys.
With a background in higher education and technical training, Courtney has worked with thousands of individuals—coaching them through resume writing, job searches, interviews, and career transitions. She also holds a degree in Communication and Conflict, giving her a unique edge in helping job seekers refine their messaging, navigate tough conversations, and advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence. In this must-listen episode, we dive into game-changing career strategies, including:
- Why job searching isn’t a solo journey—don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Lean on your network, seek mentorship, and open yourself up to opportunities through connection.
- The power of networking—understanding the key differences between in-person networking and LinkedIn networking and why both are critical for career growth.
- How to craft a standout resume—it’s not just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about showing how you did it and the impact you made.
- Mastering interviews with confidence—why it’s okay to pause before answering, gather your thoughts, and communicate your value effectively.
- Overcoming self-doubt—there’s a job out there for you. The key is believing in yourself and staying persistent in your search.
- The importance of communication—how to own your professional story, articulate your value, and leave a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers.
This episode is jam-packed with actionable insights and career-boosting tips that will help you navigate your job search with confidence. Whether you're polishing your resume, preparing for interviews, or expanding your network, Courtney’s expert advice will help you get one step closer to landing your next great opportunity.
Tune in now! Remember to have a pen and paper ready—you’ll want to take notes on these invaluable knowledge nuggets!
If you’d like to connect with Courtney, be sure to reach out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoty/.
Your dream job is out there—go after it with confidence!
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🌟Ready to flip your job search script? Welcome to the "People in Transition" podcast! Today’s episode is a must-listen as we sit down with the phenomenal Madeline Mann! 🌟
Madeline has completely revolutionized the job search process, helping thousands of professionals land career-defining roles. As the founder of Self Made Millennial and the upcoming author of "Reverse the Search," she has built an award-winning career coaching empire. Her unique approach empowers job seekers to break into competitive industries and land the right job—not just any job.
Feeling frustrated with countless applications leading nowhere? Have dream roles slipped away before they even hit the job boards? Enter Madeline Mann! She teaches professionals how to become "Job Shoppers," utilizing a proactive strategy that gets them noticed by top employers before the competition even begins. Her methods have secured high-paying roles at Fortune 500 companies and earned her features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC News, and a LinkedIn Top Voice distinction.
Madeline shares her insider strategies, the power of effective networking, and how you can attract career opportunities—sometimes even while you sleep. Here are a few key points we discussed:
- Aim higher: Applying for lower-level positions or jobs below your skill set can hinder your job search. Companies worry you will be bored and leave prematurely.
- Quality Over Quantity: Candidates should always think about the quality, not quantity, of applications.
- Intentional Career Choices: Your career direction is critical. Madeline outlines a method for making more intentional career decisions.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Ensure your LinkedIn profile communicates your brand effectively so that recruiters can find you.
- Engage on LinkedIn: You don’t have to be an original content creator, but commenting on others’ posts lets you "borrow" their audience and expand your reach.
- Consultative Approach: In interviews, use a consultative approach to gather information about the company, team, and role—not just answer their questions.
- Myth: Job security is a myth. Always network, keep your skills sharp, and be ready for any changes in your work status.
Join us for an informative and fun discussion with Madeline Mann. She has the answers you need to transform your job search and land the role you deserve. 🚀
Don't miss out on this game-changing episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward your dream career! 🎧 To reach Madeline, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann/
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Job searching? Career pivoting? Wondering how to stand out in today's market? You won’t want to miss this episode!
I had the pleasure of speaking with Angie Callen, a powerhouse in career strategy, personal branding, and professional growth. As the founder of Career Benders, she’s on a mission to help people break free from mediocrity and build careers they genuinely love.
Angie has a unique ability to blend business sense, marketing strategy, and career coaching into real, actionable advice. She’s helped countless professionals regain confidence, land leadership roles, and even take the leap into entrepreneurship. In a world where so many settle for "good enough," she challenges people to aim higher.
In our conversation, she shared game-changing insights:
Be the solution, not just a list of skills—companies hire problem solvers.
You don’t need 100% of the qualifications—if you match 70% and align culturally, go for it.
AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI will.
LinkedIn is non-negotiable in today’s job search—if you're not leveraging it, you're missing out.
Interview tip: Answer “Tell me about yourself” with where you’ve been, where you’re going, and why this job fits.
More than anything, Angie believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their careers. She’s dedicated to helping people see their worth—personally and professionally. Her perspective is a must-hear for anyone looking to level up and take control of their future.
Listen and walk away with powerful strategies to build the career you want.
Angie can be found at:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecallen/
Web page - https://careerbenders.com/
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Welcome to another insightful episode of the “People in Transition” podcast!
This week, we’re excited to feature Phil Davis, PHR—an Executive Career Coach, Recruiter, and, yes, Opera Singer! With his signature TUNE INTO™ process, Phil has empowered over 1,000 professionals to uncover their unique value and transform frustration into career fulPHILLment®. His dynamic career journey spans recruiting, HR, and coaching, where he has helped organizations save millions and guided individuals to clarity, confidence, and control in their careers. Phil’s contagious energy and practical advice make job searching less daunting and more rewarding. From navigating corporate layoffs to building a thriving coaching practice, Phil’s insights will inspire you to amplify your impact and create the career you deserve.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
• Networking isn’t one-and-done—it’s like a spider web: strategically built and actively maintained.
• Overcome guilt and shame after job loss by leaning on a strong support system.
• Showcase your personal brand authentically to stand out in today’s job market.
• Ace interviews by tying every answer back to how you bring value to the company.
• Leverage LinkedIn and social media strategically—one step at a time, and have fun doing it!
Connect with Phil:
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-the-recruiter/
Instagram Profile - https://www.instagram.com/fulphillmentsolutions
Website: - https://www.fulphillment.com/
Your action steps: What’s your biggest job search challenge? After you listen to the episode, drop your questions or comments below. Please don’t forget to share this episode with your connections. Let’s help more people find their path to fulPHILLment®!
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Welcome to another episode of “People in Transition,” where we explore the pivotal moments that shape lives and careers. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Deanna Russo, a LinkedIn expert and the founder of Leverage Up. Deanna’s journey is as remarkable as her strategies are transformative.
Once starting with just 400 LinkedIn connections, Deanna grew her network to over 30,000 while pioneering a methodology she calls the LinkedIn Triangle. Her passion is helping solopreneurs, corporate teams, and professionals unlock LinkedIn’s full potential, transforming it from a simple digital resume into a powerful networking tool.
Deanna’s LinkedIn Triangle centers on three principles: Know, Like, and Trust. By optimizing your profile (Know), engaging meaningfully (Like), and creating authentic content (Trust), she shows how to make LinkedIn a dynamic and rewarding experience. Deanna’s innovative techniques, featured in The Complete Small Business Growth Guidebook and her workshops, have empowered countless clients to achieve significant results—like increasing profile views and converting connections into clients.
In this episode, we cover actionable tips and insider strategies, including:
•Viewing LinkedIn as a networking event, not just a sales platform or resume.
•How to ensure your LinkedIn profile and banner resonate on mobile, where most users view your page.
•Why your headline’s 220 characters are critical—especially the first 45 characters, which follow you on posts and comments, making them key to representing your brand.
•The importance of showing up authentically—you are your own best advocate.
•A look into LinkedIn’s future trends, including premium services.
Deanna’s insights will empower you to elevate your LinkedIn game, build meaningful connections, and position yourself for professional success. Whether you’re looking for your next job, building a brand, or simply growing your network, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.
Don’t miss this chance to transform your LinkedIn approach—download the episode now and take the first step toward unlocking your potential!
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Discover the Secrets to Job Search Success with Career Coach Melanie WexlerWelcome to another informative episode of “People in Transition”, the podcast where we explore stories and strategies to help f navigate life’s pivotal job changes with confidence.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Melanie Wexler—a dynamic Career Coach, Job Search Expert, and LinkedIn Strategist with over 20 years of experience in recruitment. Melanie has dedicated her career to empowering mid- to executive-level professionals to not just land jobs, but build careers that align with their unique values, strengths, and aspirations.
With her deep expertise in resume optimization, LinkedIn branding, and interview preparation, Melanie equips her clients with the tools they need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. But her approach goes beyond the technical; she also helps clients build the confidence and mindset needed for long-term success.
Here’s what you’ll learn in our conversation:
• How recruiters think: Their role is to find the best candidate for the company, not the other way around.
• The power of LinkedIn: Did you know 90% of recruiters look at your LinkedIn profile before your resume? Is your profile telling your story?
• Reflect before you act: Your job strategy should begin with understanding your likes, dislikes, and aspirations to build a targeted career plan.
• Embrace AI and technology: Don’t fear tools like applicant tracking systems or AI—use them to your advantage.
• Showcase your skills effectively: It’s not enough to list hard and soft skills; you need to show how you’ve applied them to achieve results.
• Build a support network: Talking to other job seekers can provide invaluable insights and encouragement.
• Bet on yourself: Remember, your next great opportunity is out there—you’ve got what it takes to find it.
If you’re looking to transition into a new role, re-enter the workforce, or simply find more meaningful work, this episode offers actionable advice and encouragement to help you succeed. Listen now to gain Melanie’s insights and feel free to reach out with any questions for Melanie or me. Don’t forget to share this episode with others who could benefit from these valuable tips!
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Feeling Burned Out? Discover How to Recharge and Redefine Your Life with Laura Nguyen
Are you feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed by burnout? You’re not alone—four in ten U.S. workers report feelings of burnout. In this compelling episode of People in Transition, Laura Nguyen shares her transformative journey and practical strategies to help you reclaim your energy, purpose, and joy.
Laura, a former VP and self-proclaimed chronic achiever, made the bold decision to step away from her high-powered career to confront burnout head-on. In 2022, she embarked on a life-changing career break, meticulously planning a program to rest, reset, and redefine her life. Her story is proof that stepping away isn’t a setback—it’s a breakthrough.
Now a marketing leader, certified executive coach, and founder of Cove & Compass, Laura helps others create fulfilling lives and careers. Her book, Career Break Compass, is a powerful guide for navigating burnout and leveraging career breaks to gain clarity and renewal. Drawing insights from her personal experiences and interviews with over 180 individuals, Laura redefines how we think about pausing to build momentum for the future.
In this episode, Laura and I explore essential topics from her book, including:
- What burnout really is and what personality types and environments are most prone to it.
- The stages of burnout and how to recognize where you are.
- Types of career breaks and how to choose the one that suits your needs.
- Anti-goals: Why identifying what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do.
- The four phases of a career break and how each one ensures your time off is a success.
- Your North Star: How to use it for career planning and rediscover your true purpose.
- Why the advice to “follow your passion” might not be the best path forward.
Laura’s insights illuminate a topic we don’t discuss enough—the toll burnout takes on our lives and how we can effectively recover from it. Whether you’re on the verge of burnout or simply curious about stepping off the treadmill to recalibrate, this episode offers a roadmap for thoughtful career breaks and sustainable career planning.
Listen to this eye-opening conversation and take the first step toward a healthier, more intentional future. Share it with someone who might need the encouragement to pause, reflect, and reset—it could change their life
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Ready to Take Your Job Search to the Next Level? Listen to This Must-Hear Episode with Mark Misiano!
If you’re determined to land your dream job, score a big promotion, or make a career pivot, this episode of People in Transition with Mark Misiano is exactly what you need. Mark, the founder of RésuméReady, brings his expertise as a Certified Professional/Executive Résumé Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach to help job seekers achieve success every step of the way.
Mark’s mission is simple: to help you unlock your potential, understand your value, and market your unique skills in a way that wows hiring managers. With his deep knowledge of résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and career coaching, Mark empowers his clients to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
In this episode, Mark shares game-changing strategies, including:
•Navigating the new hiring landscape: Why recruiters are less concerned about employment gaps post-COVID and how to rise above a crowded field of applicants.
•Tapping into the hidden job market: Learn how building authentic relationships with people at target companies can open doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed.
•Crafting tailored résumés: Discover how customizing your résumé for specific roles and companies can dramatically improve your chances of landing an interview.
•Using AI as a tool: Explore how AI can support your job search without replacing the human touch.
•The two traits of successful job seekers: Be tenacious, be authentic—and learn how mastering both makes getting hired easier and faster.
•Mark also explains why the “Quick Apply” button should only be a small part of your strategy and how to make the most of tools like LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers.
This conversation is packed with actionable insights that will inspire and empower you to take control of your job search. Whether you're new to the job market or a seasoned professional, Mark’s advice will resonate and provide practical steps you can start using today.
Don’t miss this powerful episode! Share it with friends, colleagues, or anyone who needs help finding their next great job. You’ll want to revisit this episode again and again. Your dream job is closer than you think—listen now!
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In this episode of "People in Transition," we're thrilled to introduce Scott Hulderson, a true expert in the job search strategy and career transition. Scott combines years of experience, certified behavioral sciences, and psychology-based tools to provide unparalleled guidance for job seekers at every stage. Scott's approach is both engaging and effective, offering genuine support for anyone serious about finding their next career opportunity.
Scott's coaching is built on clear goals designed to empower job seekers:
- Stronger Personal Agency: Understand exactly where you hold influence—and how to make it count.
- Visibility for Success: Learn to stand out in interviews, promotions, and partnerships, ensuring the right people notice you.
- Certainty of Fit: With Scott's certified assessments, gain confidence in finding the roles that genuinely match your strengths.
With Scott's support, thousands have transformed their careers, impacting millions of dollars in value across 145+ companies in seven time zones.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Key Job Search Skills: How effective communication and building trust can make a lasting impression on hiring managers.
• AI in Job Searches: AI can assist you, but ultimately, you are the key to success. Scott shares tips to balance AI with personal impact.
• Unlocking the Hidden Job Market: With 85% of jobs unlisted, Scott shows how LinkedIn can become your 24/7 job billboard.
• Powering Up Your LinkedIn and Resume: Avoid listing only responsibilities—highlight your work's results and impact.
• STAR Method for Interviews: Structure your answers with the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to leave a strong impression.
• Psychometric Assessments: Learn why psychometric tools are nothing to fear—they're valuable resources to help ensure a good fit for both you and the employer.
Scott's insights are direct, actionable, and backed by proven methodologies. He combines an impressive background in career coaching, leadership, and executive support with his own experiences in overcoming challenges.
Listen to this episode to learn practical steps you can take to start applying today. Scott's advice will not only help you stand out—it can accelerate your path to a job offer. Share this episode with fellow job seekers and let Scott's expertise guide you through a job search that's both effective and inspiring.
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Tune in to the “People in Transition” podcast for an interesting episode with Cecile Peterkin, founder and Chief Transformation Strategist at the Leadership Coaching Centre!
Cecile brings over 22 years of experience as a powerhouse in confidence coaching and mentorship, having transformed the careers and lives of more than 1,000 professionals and entrepreneurs. Her unique approach—rooted in the life lessons of resilience, kindness, and respect passed down by her father—guides others to redefine success on their own terms. Cecile’s remarkable blend of compassionate authority and grit will empower you to uncover your strengths, make purposeful pivots, and ultimately design a legacy career you love.
In this episode, Cecile shares a wealth of transformative insights that will enhance your career journey.
- Own Your Transition: Step into the role of CEO in your job search, know your "why-how-what," and experience a smoother journey.
- Know Thyself: Before you start your resume, understand who you are at your core. This self-awareness is a core element of a successful job search.
- Network with Heart: Remember, you’re more than your job title. Build connections by genuinely seeing and understanding others for richer, lasting relationships.
- Craft Your Life Vision: Picture your life 10-12 years from now and map out actionable steps to bring that vision to reality.
- Life: You learn more from the bumps you have in your life than from your successes.
- Trust Your Gut: When your intuition speaks, listen. It often knows what your mind has yet to process.
This episode is powerful, filled with actionable steps and Cecile's magnetic wisdom. Get ready to be energized, take notes, and listen again! Share this episode widely—it's essential for anyone navigating career transitions or striving to create a purposeful, impactful life.
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Looking for actionable strategies to navigate your next career move? In this episode, I sit down with Al Lichtenstein, founder and principal of HR RESULTS, LLC. With decades of experience as a senior HR executive and career coach, Al offers a wealth of practical advice for both individuals and small businesses.
Al's unique perspective comes from years of hands-on leadership in professional services and life sciences, where he implemented HR initiatives that fueled growth. But what makes him stand out is his personal experience: having once been a client of an outplacement firm and successfully completed a 9-month job search, he truly understands the challenges of job transitions from both sides.
In this conversation, Al shares tangible tips on how to strategically approach your job search, including:
- Clarifying your career goals: Use assessments to identify your key skills, ideal roles, and preferred working environment.
- Crafting an impactful resume: Go beyond listing duties—highlight your accomplishments. Answer the question, "My efforts resulted in…"
- Combating ageism: Avoid detailing jobs older than 15–20 years; instead, capture in an additional category titled: Additional Professional Experience.
- Maximizing your networking: Al reveals why networking is far more critical than just sending out resumes—and how to do it right.
- Strategy when emailing new contacts: Use subject lines like “Bob Gerst suggested I reach out to you” to ensure your message gets noticed.
- Staying positive: Job searches are emotional roller coasters. Al explains how staying positive can boost your effectiveness.
I’ve been in the transition space for 40 years, and I learned several new tips from Al’s advice. After listening, you’ll walk away with a more thoughtful, more strategic game plan for landing your next great job—easier and faster.
Don’t miss this episode! Whether you’re in a career transition or just looking to sharpen your approach, Al’s insights will help you make the most of your job search.
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Wolpin, Vice President of Talent Operations at Prodege, who brings over two decades of expertise in Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and HR Systems. Sean is passionate about helping people find meaningful opportunities that allow them to thrive, and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to land their next job.
Throughout our conversation, Sean shared a wealth of actionable advice for navigating today’s job market, including:
- The role of AI in job hunting: Sean explains how artificial intelligence is transforming recruitment and why candidates should embrace it to enhance their job search—whether it's for resume screening or automating interview scheduling.
- Self-reflection as the foundation for success: Before diving into a job search, Sean emphasizes the importance of understanding your values and goals. This clarity helps guide you toward opportunities that are truly right for you.
- A targeted job search approach: Forget the "spray and pray" method. Sean advocates for focusing on specific companies and roles that match your skills and interests, and he shares tips on how to research and prepare effectively.
- Networking that counts: It's not about the number of connections you make; it's about building meaningful relationships. Sean offers strategies to cultivate high-quality networks that can lead to real opportunities.
- Your personal brand: Think about how you want to be remembered, even decades from now. Sean dives into how self-reflection shapes your personal brand and why it's crucial for standing out in today’s competitive market.
- The power of soft skills: In addition to technical abilities, Sean stresses that communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are often the tipping points in job interviews. Don't underestimate their value.
Sean’s advice is practical, thoughtful, and designed to help you stand out in your job search. Whether you’re actively looking or just planning your next career move, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in, and don’t forget to share it with others who could benefit!
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Welcome to this episode of People in Transition! Today, we’re excited to be joined by Victoria Michaels, an executive career coach who is passionate about helping senior professionals and executives navigate career transitions with confidence and clarity. Victoria has extensive experience working with leaders across a range of industries, including engineering, healthcare, marketing, and operations, providing highly personalized 1:1 coaching.
Since 2020, her team has coached over 280 professionals, delivering remarkable results, such as:
· Helping clients secure higher-paying roles in as little as 2-4 months
· Matching clients with dream roles at their ideal companies
Victoria specializes in personal branding and helping professionals stand out as top candidates by connecting with hiring managers in a way that makes them stand out. As a key member of the Dreampath team, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful career growth.
In this episode, you'll learn key strategies and insights, including:
- Hiring managers are not just looking at qualifications but also evaluating whether they want to work with you. Demonstrating your soft skills is crucial—let your resume speak to your abilities and experience.
- During interviews, show curiosity. Ask questions about the role, the manager, and the company to understand better whether it's the right fit.
- Always be honest and accurate in all aspects—whether you're networking, crafting your resume or cover letter, or interviewing.
- When targeting a specific role or company, identify the five key things they’re looking for and assess how you can meet those needs.
- Victoria’s own job search includes networking, connecting with new people, applying for roles, and sharing content on LinkedIn to demonstrate thought leadership.
- She even set a specific date for landing her next job—and achieved it.
I’m thrilled for you to hear about Victoria’s unique approach to career coaching and the success stories she’s been part of. Enjoy the episode!
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In this episode, we sit down with Mark James, CPC, the founder and president of HIRE Consulting Services (HCS), established in 1999. Mark is a Certified Personnel Consultant with over 25 years of experience in Executive Career Management Coaching, Outplacement, and Executive Search Consulting. Mark is the author of three best-selling books, including his latest release, "The Recruiter Mindset, The Ulitmate Guide to Working with Executive Search Recutiers." Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3OjrCJe
Here are some key points we covered from Mark's book:
- Executive recruiters can be a valuable part of your job search, but networking remains the #1 method for finding a job.
- A well-crafted Job Search Marketing Plan (JSMP) is crucial for landing your next role. It should include:
- Clear goals about the job you're seeking
- Your elevator pitch
- An exit statement explaining why you're looking for a new job
- Eight examples of your accomplishments
- A list of target companies or industries
- You have only 5-10 seconds to capture a recruiter’s attention with your resume, so make sure it clearly connects your background with your career goals.
- To optimize your LinkedIn profile:
- Use a professional headshot
- Craft a headline that defines who you are, not just your job title
- Fully utilize the 2,000 characters in your "About" section to showcase your strengths and character
- Include your contact information, especially your phone number, for easy communication
- Remember that 96% of recruiters use LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is professional and aligned with your resume
Mark’s approach to job searching is practical and insightful. This episode is packed with valuable information, and you’ll want to listen to it more than once and share it with your network!
To learn more about Mark and his services, visit www.HireConsulting.com.
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Meet Porschia Parker-Griffin, Founder & CEO of Fly High Coaching
Porschia Parker-Griffin is the visionary behind Fly High Coaching, where she empowers ambitious professionals and executives to elevate their careers. As a Professional Certified Coach, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Master Practitioner, and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, Porschia brings a wealth of expertise to her clients. With a background as a director and business consultant in the financial industry, she has helped companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden potential.
Porschia holds a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and a B.S. in psychology from the University of Georgia. Her experience extends to serving as an Associate Training Coach for the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching. She has also been recognized as a Top Voice and Career Expert by LinkedIn and has contributed to platforms such as BioSpace, FlexJobs, Levo, iOFFICE, and the Rochester Business Journal. Now, she brings her insights to a broader audience as the host of the Career 101 Podcast.
In our discussion, we explored vital strategies for navigating the interviewing process, including:
- Common Pitfalls: Porschia shared her observations on common challenges faced by candidates, such as overconfidence, lack of preparation, and difficulty answering tough questions. She offered actionable solutions to overcome these obstacles.
- Behavioral-Based Interviews: With hiring managers increasingly using behavioral-based questions, Porschia discussed how candidates can effectively demonstrate their past experiences to predict future success.
- Handling Tough Questions: Porschia provided tips on how to "buy time" when faced with difficult questions and strategies for recovering from an answer that might not have been ideal.
- Nonverbal Communication: We delved into the importance of nonverbal cues, emphasizing how candidates can project confidence, approachability, and self-assuredness during interviews.
- Building Rapport: Porschia advised on the importance of researching the hiring manager to identify commonalities that can help build rapport during the interview.
- STAR Examples: We discussed the value of having 3-5 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples ready to use in responses, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for behavioral questions.
- Follow-Up Strategies: Porschia emphasized the impact of following up with hiring managers both electronically and in hard copy, a tactic that places candidates in the top 10%.
Porschia shared an abundance of real-world examples and invaluable advice during our conversation. Her insights are sure to transform your job search strategy and deliver tangible results.
Sites Porschia can be reached at include:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/porschiaparker/
www.fly-highcoaching.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/64512733/
https://www.facebook.com/FlyHighCoaching
https://www.youtube.com/@flyhighcoaching382
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In this episode of "People in Transition," we dive into a conversation with Craig Meriwether, a seasoned mindset coach and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with over 12 years of experience. Craig specializes in helping individuals overcome negative emotions, trauma, and limiting beliefs to unlock their full potential. He is the founder of Arizona Integrative Hypnotherapy and a recognized expert in Medical Hypnosis and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).
Craig has developed the comprehensive course Ace Any Test, designed to alleviate test anxiety and build confidence in high-pressure situations like exams, auditions, job interviews, and public speaking. His work extends to a diverse range of clients, from students battling test anxiety to veterans dealing with PTSD and from cancer patients managing pain to entrepreneurs and athletes seeking peak performance.
In this episode, Craig shares valuable insights, including:
- The misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy and the importance of self-empowerment in the healing process.
- How can the mind's inability to distinguish between real and imagined experiences be leveraged to our benefit?
- Practical exercises involving self-talk and visualization to reduce anxiety before job interviews.
- The concept is that what we practice most becomes strongest in our minds, making a case for practicing peace and calmness.
- Techniques such as visualizing your "ideal self" will help rewire the brain, a strategy commonly used by Olympic athletes.
Whether you're preparing for a job interview, delivering a presentation, or simply managing stress and anxiety, this episode is packed with unique and practical tips to help you navigate life's transitions with greater ease and confidence.
Websites:
Ace Any Test
https://aceanytest.com/
Social Media:
https://www.youtube.com/@aceanytest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-meriwether-44286718b/
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In this episode of "People in Transition," I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah JanTausch, the Founder of SRJ Coaching and Consulting and the creator of the Values-Based-Career method. Sarah is an Executive & Career Coach, Speaker, and Trainer dedicated to helping individuals create values-based careers and uncover the hidden job market. She specializes in guiding career pivots, teaching generosity-based networking, and aligning total vocational impact with core values.
Sarah is the Chair of Government Relations for the Ohio Career Development Association and Co-Chair-elect for the National Career Development Association's Government Relations Committee.
In this episode, we dive into several key topics, including:
· The importance of networking throughout your career journey. Engage in networking that suits your style, from large gatherings to one-on-one informational interviews.
· How to network with curiosity and gratitude while being strategic in your efforts.
· Discovering the hidden job market through building relationships within your target organizations.
· Strategies for career pivots, including informational interviews, volunteering in new industries, and experimenting through consulting or special projects.
· The value of career assessments for mid-career changes to identify your core traits and strengths.
· The necessity of building a "freedom fund" before embarking on entrepreneurial or solopreneur roles.
· Feeling empowered to interview the interviewer to ensure the role is the right fit for you.
We also touched on many other insightful and practical points during this informative, value-packed, and fun interview. I know you'll enjoy Sarah's insights as much as I did.
For more information on Sarah and her work, visit valuesbasedcareers.com.
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Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, J.D., is an accomplished lawyer, facilitator, author, speaker, Board Certified Coach, and the driving force behind multiple successful consulting firms. After a distinguished career at the international law firm of Milbank, Elizabeth shifted her focus to empowering others by leveraging her extensive professional experience. She co-founded Zelinka Parsons, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations design succession planning and retirement solutions. Now, Elizabeth extends her expertise to individual clients, helping them towards creating purposeful and fulfilling lives post-career.
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted transition into retirement. Key topics include:
- Grieving Career Loss: It's normal to feel a sense of loss when leaving behind a career you were passionate about.
- Developing New Skills: Transitioning from reacting to issues in a professional setting to creatively managing your own time.
- Addressing Loneliness: While others may celebrate your retirement, you might feel a sense of loss. With proper planning and effort, this can be managed.
- Managing Flextime: Your schedule will transform from a rigid structure to a flexible mosaic of activities.
- Seizing the Moment: Embrace the mindset of "It is later than you think" to motivate yourself to take risks and pursue new opportunities.
- Overcoming Fear: If you fear retirement, you're not alone. Seeking help to navigate the emotional changes and find your next steps is essential.
This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you're approaching retirement or supporting someone who is, you'll find this discussion both relevant and enlightening. Listen in, reflect, and share with others who might benefit from Elizabeth's personal experiences and wisdom.
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Join us for an enlightening episode of the "People in Transition" podcast featuring Tania Chomyk. With three decades of experience in higher education, Tania is a seasoned human resources professional, change catalyst, and expert in personal and professional growth. As the visionary behind "Be the CEO of Your Career/Life," she embodies self-leadership and empowers individuals to take charge of their careers and lives through a holistic approach.
Tania's lifelong dedication to learning and growth underscores her belief in continuous personal and professional development. As an inspirational coach and facilitator, she is committed to helping people at any stage achieve fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
In this episode, we delve into critical insights, including:
- The importance of a support network: Establish your personal Board of Directors to aid your job search. Having job groups or communities makes navigating the bumps in your job search journey easier.
- Networking as a reciprocal relationship: You need to give to receive.
- The anatomy of a good resume: Tania shares invaluable advice on crafting a standout resume.
- Aligning personal values with company values: Knowing your values and finding a company that matches them is crucial.
- Addressing gaps in work history: Discussing work history gaps can highlight your values and the rich tapestry of your life.
- Designing your job search: Set clear outcomes and timelines to achieve your job search targets.
Tania's insights are inspiring, thoughtful, and empowering. This episode is a must-listen, one you'll want to revisit and share with others to aid them in finding their next great job opportunity.
To explore more about Tania and her remarkable journey, visit:
Company Website: https://www.taniachomyk.com
LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-chomyk
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In this episode, we feature a remarkable career transformation story that exemplifies the power of reinvention. After a successful 25-year career in business development, human resources, operations, and sales leadership, Tom Powner took a bold leap and founded Career Thinker Inc. His journey was fueled by years of encountering poorly written resumes, interviewing unprepared candidates, and hiring over 1,500 employees.
With a passion for helping others, Tom now offers career services, coaching, technology insights, and confidence-building strategies to inspire individuals to take charge of their careers. Tom is a recognized leader in the industry, known for educating and mentoring clients and colleagues on best practices, leveraging technology, and enhancing processes for better results. Since 2011, he has conducted over 300 career workshops, seminars, and webinars. As a LinkedIn power user and NCOPE (Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert) instructor, Tom teaches individuals how to harness the power of LinkedIn.
In this episode, we discuss:
· How to stand out in today's employer-driven market.
· The importance of viewing your job search as a 'career marketing campaign' rather than just a search.
· Why you don't need to meet all 39 key skills listed in job descriptions—showing your value is what matters.
· How technology and your unique skills can differentiate you from other candidates.
· Understanding your value proposition as your superpower to potential employers.
· The CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method for resumes, social media, and interviews.
Tom's interview is packed with actionable insights for job seekers. He holds several significant career industry credentials, including:
· Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
· Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)
· NCOPE Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (Instructor)
· Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC)
For more information, contact Tom on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompowner/
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In this episode of "People in Transition," we explore the dynamic world of workforce development, job transitions, and innovation with Dr. Kimberly Moore, Chief Innovator at Envision Moore Consulting Group. Dr. Moore's extensive background in workforce development, education, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship provides a wealth of experience and insights. We discuss her journey from driving impact in private industry and academia to founding her national strategic consulting firm, addressing the challenges and opportunities for those transitioning from student life to the workforce, shifting between jobs, or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of collaboration, creativity, and strategic partnerships in today's rapidly evolving professional landscape. Join us for a stimulating conversation filled with practical tips and innovative strategies for success in the ever-changing world of work.
Key discussion points include:
· The importance of showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively to hiring managers.
· The value of lifelong learning through platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, and be sure to emphasize strategic learning that aligns with your career goals.
· The necessity of tenacity and a positive attitude in your job search.
· The critical role of networking and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.
· The importance of thorough interview preparation, including researching the company and preparing impactful questions.
· Understanding that receiving a "no" from a company can be beneficial, indicating a misalignment and saving you from an unsuitable fit.
· The best advice: be persistent, stay encouraged, and leverage your network.
By listening to this episode and Dr. Moore's other podcasts, Workforce Insights (apple.co/3Ka6nNX) and #SayMoore (https://apple.co/44WEeU3) found on Apple, you'll gain valuable insights to enhance your job search and career transitions. We welcome your questions and comments on this episode and appreciate your ratings for the show.
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Step into the world of career transitions with Peter C. Cotton, the seasoned President of Best Sales Talent, Inc., on "People in Transition"! Peter brings unparalleled expertise to the podcast with a remarkable background spanning over 54 years in sales, sales management, and marketing.
Having thrived as an award-winning salesman and sales manager at Fortune 500 company, GAF, Peter transitioned into talent acquisition with a mission: to match the best sales, sales management, and marketing professionals with top-tier opportunities. With 48 years in the recruiting industry, including owning and operating the franchise office of Sales Consultants of Rhode Island under the prestigious MRI umbrella, Peter has honed his skills to perfection.
Throughout his illustrious career, Peter has not only excelled in talent acquisition but also co-authored a book on sales management with Professor Eugene Johnson. His dedication to community service shines through his role as the Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island, where he spearheaded granting over 1,000 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
In this "People in Transition" episode, Peter delves into the nuances of today's job market. From leveraging your strengths to building fruitful relationships with recruiters, Peter shares invaluable insights from decades of experience. Learn how to navigate the job market effectively, stand out to employers, and confidently seize opportunities.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of career transitions and unlock the secrets to landing your dream job faster than ever, guided by Peter's wealth of knowledge and expertise!
To explore more about Peter and his remarkable journey, visit:
Company Website: www.bestsalestalent.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cottonpeter/
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Ed Hidalgo is an advisor, speaker, and trainer for school districts seeking to embed career-related teaching and learning within school culture.
Ed's journey in career education began in 2016 at the University of San Diego, where he worked as the Director of the World of Work initiative with researchers, K12 leaders, and business partners to develop the theory of change for integrating career-related learning across K12 systems. He was hired by the Cajon Valley Union School District, a public school district of 28 schools and 18,000 students, as the Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer. Here, Ed led the deployment of the career development model with teachers, counselors, parents, and classified staff.
Before his career in education, he devoted nearly two decades to corporate human resources and talent acquisition. These years were pivotal, during which he oversaw the recruitment of a substantial number of contingent employees, initiated a corporate career counseling initiative benefiting a significant portion of permanent staff, and established the Thinkabit STEM Maker Space, catering to a very large number of middle school students. These experiences served as the catalyst for his transition into K12 career development.
Today, his work with the team at Educators Cooperative connects him to clients and partners across a wide range of schools, nonprofit organizations, workforce boards, education technology companies, and students and families.
Topics we discussed during the recording included:
• The improved perception of temp or contingent workforce and how they can be a part of the staffing plans made by companies.
• The same skills/characteristics are needed to be hired as a contingent worker as a regular FT worker. Can you do the job? This is the question the candidate must be able to answer.
• Finding a job – contingent or FT – is hard work. One of the keys to success in the process is consistency in your efforts.
• Ed had a great story of a candidate who came in late on a Friday to find work – the guy was not "ready" that day – Ed gave some coaching to him, and when he returned, he was hired and after some time promoted into a supervisor role – you have to listen to this – I think it says there is a spot for everyone.
• You need to be specific on what you want to do – no such position as "I can do anything."
For more information on Ed, go to 1. Ed-Hidalgo.com 2. Connectthework.com
Kolby Goodman is the founder of the personal consulting and training firm The Job Hunter and has successfully provided career advancement programs and job satisfaction programs since 2013. His clients have landed amazing jobs at the nation's top companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Tesla, Workday, Salesforce, Qualcomm, Intuit, and ResMed. He's also partnered with Panasonic, Starwood Hospitality Group, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, several universities and schools, national professional organizations, and nonprofits to provide tailored workshops. Kolby holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the San Diego State University.
Some of the areas we discussed during our time together included:
· As a candidate, you must be the product, the marketer, and the salesperson; all of them must work well together for your job search success.
· The candidate with the best resume or social media site rarely wins; the candidate who shows how to solve the hiring manager's problem gets the job.
· Things to do if you are suddenly laid off – take time off and heal, look at your skills and be clear on what problems you can solve for a company, find a community to help support you, and network your way to opportunities.
· Today's market has changed from 5 years ago – money and spending are more expensive, no one is hiring a warm body to fill the role, and hiring manager needs to see how you can be part of the solution they need and that you can be an asset to the organization.
· You should build skill enhancement into your daily routine – it helps you develop in areas you are not outstanding in and is a positive diversion to the job search, which can be lonely and hard.
· Confidence matters in your job search, but that does not mean you have to know everything; rather, you know the right questions to ask.
· We tend to rely on the volume and velocity of our search efforts, but it is all about finding your approach and being consistent in executing it.
Kolby's pragmatic approach and wealth of experience make this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions. Tune in, rate the episode, and share with fellow job seekers to unlock invaluable insights and support.
In this episode of "People in Transition," we are joined by Michelle Merritt, a seasoned career consultant boasting two decades of corporate expertise across Fortune 500 recruitment, corporate culture leadership, and Chamber of Commerce engagement. With a holistic approach, Michelle guides executive leaders through every facet of the job search journey, from crafting impactful resumes to navigating the intricacies of offer negotiations.
Known as both a speaker and trainer, Michelle specializes in empowering senior-level job seekers and board candidates. Her recent attainment of the esteemed Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) certification further solidifies her standing as an industry authority.
Beyond her professional accolades, Michelle is a valued figure in her community. She actively serves on multiple boards and even holds a Guinness World Record.
During our conversation, Michelle explores crucial topics, including the nuances of executive presence and leveraging your networking opportunities effectively. She shares invaluable insights on tailoring responses to align with recruiters' queries.
For those facing job loss, Michelle stresses the importance of crafting resumes that resonate with the reader and leveraging personal networks to navigate career transitions.
She also advocates for brief notes developed with compelling career anecdotes/facts to be effective in the interview.
Above all, Michelle's message to job seekers is one of resilience and perseverance—activate your network, showcase your achievements, and remain dedicated in your pursuit of the right opportunity. Tune in for expert guidance and actionable insights from Michelle's wealth of experience and wisdom.
Join us this week on "People in Transition" with our guest, Meredith Stanley, an Executive Recruiter based in Denver, CO, specializing in talent acquisition, particularly within the tech sector. Currently leading hiring initiatives at Integrated People Solutions in Golden, CO, Meredith brings extensive experience recruiting for Managerial to C-Suite positions across industries such as aerospace manufacturing, private equity, and consumer goods.
Meredith's journey from a background in chemical engineering to a successful career in recruiting offers invaluable insights. From her key roles at Amazon to her tenure at Lyft, she shares firsthand experiences navigating job transitions. In our lively discussion, we explore strategic approaches to job hunting, leveraging AI and social media tools for resume enhancement, networking tactics, and interview preparation tips.
Discover actionable advice from Meredith on managing setbacks, researching companies, negotiating compensation, and effectively communicating your skills using techniques like the STAR method. Join us as we delve into Meredith's wealth of knowledge and expertise, empowering you to navigate your career transitions confidently and succeed.
Unlock the secrets to mastering job interviews and confidently asserting your value with Dorothy Mashburn!
Have you ever found yourself in these situations?
· Feeling undervalued with a salary lower than your peers.
· Watching others receive promotions while you remain unnoticed.
· Excelling in your role without receiving due recognition.
· Struggling with confidence and questioning your place at the table.
· Constantly yearning for a new job out of desperation.
It's time to rewrite your story.
Drawing from 20 years of management and negotiation experience, she has discovered:
· The challenges women face in the professional world.
· The importance of realizing your worth beyond being underpaid and micromanaged.
· The societal limitations placed on our ambitions.
· Your inherent capability and deservingness of more.
She empowers you to dream big, exude confidence, and advocate for your value.
In our discussions, we delve into:
· Identifying your market value to discuss salary expectations confidently.
· Addressing common candidate fears and overcoming them.
· Leveraging AI tools to tailor your resume and align your skills with employer needs.
· Crafting a compelling response to the question, "Tell me about yourself?"
· Embracing rejection as a stepping stone to negotiation success.
· Always aim high because you deserve it.
Dorothy brings her expertise, wit, and insight to job transitions and salary negotiations. As one client remarked, her guidance is invaluable, even decades later. Tune in and embark on your journey to professional empowerment today!
Rahul Karan Sharma, an inspiring leader, dedicated his life to empowering individuals for positive change. As an author, transformational speaker, and mindset coach, he motivates audiences worldwide with his passion for personal growth. Rahul holds an MBA in Human Resources and a Master's in Organization Development. Raised in Ujjain, India, he values independence, discipline, and sportsmanship. His literary works, including "Habits4Miracles" and the bestselling "Be Action Oriented," offer invaluable career insights. With a commitment to servant leadership, Rahul excels in building high-performing teams and developing leaders.
In this episode, we discussed the positive mindset needed to be effective in your search, resume ideas, and interviewing techniques. Some key points covered include:
· Personal brand, effective communication, and relationships are all essential skills for your transition.
· Make sure you make the hiring experience for the hiring manager an easy one – you need to help connect the dots for them.
· What does reverse engineering mean in making your resume, and how can you use this to your advantage?
· What are some skills/techniques to help your personality come through a telephone or video interview?
· Every obstacle is an opportunity – you will decide how you use it.
· The power of journaling and tips on using it in your job search.
· Why having a mentor can help you find your next job.
And so many other job search/recruiting ideas. Rahul is smart, has so much experience in the recruiting world, and wants to share it with each of you. So, sit back, relax, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and career advancement with Rahul's wealth of experience and wisdom as your guide. Enjoy the episode, and remember to rate this show where you listened to it – it's invaluable to us.
In this episode, we sit down with Kim LoCascio, a seasoned Managing Partner at Sourceowls, a comprehensive recruitment service and platform. With 17 years of experience in staffing and recruiting, Kim has honed her craft in partnering with companies to uncover their perfect employee matches while aiding candidates in finding their ideal career homes.
Residing in sunny Orlando, Florida, Kim shares her home with her husband, two sons - one almost three and the other just turning 15 months - and two feline companions. When not immersed in the world of recruitment, Kim relishes family time, workouts, and leisurely days out on the boat.
During our conversation, Kim delves into invaluable recruiting and transition insights, covering a spectrum of tips and techniques, such as:
· Overcoming job change fears by rationalizing the worst-case scenario.
· Identifying company and role preferences to navigate towards fulfilling positions.
· Leveraging mentors and maintaining relevance both in-person and online for effective networking.
· Bringing your best self to telephone and Zoom interviews as you would in person.
· Maintaining positivity and focus amidst the ups and downs of the job search journey.
· Embracing transition as an integral part of life.
Kim's wealth of ideas and suggestions promises to equip the listeners with the tools needed for a successful job search. Please tune in to discover how to kickstart your recruiting plans with her actionable advice.
Laurie Swanson studied business and information technology at the University of Texas. Her first job was as a computer programmer! Then, she followed her true nature and shifted into Technology Recruiting and Software Sales. She founded The Laso Corporation in 1995 and grew it to a multimillion-dollar boutique Information Technology search firm. Around 2010, Laurie began to feel the tug towards doing something new. She was evolving and knew that Laso and recruiting had run their course. After considering many different ideas for years, Laurie knew for sure that she loved supporting women to live their dreams, and she was a coach at heart. Coaching was the clear path. Laurie got certified in 2015 and rebranded Laso as InspiHER Tech, a career coaching firm for women in tech and tech-related careers who have been dreaming of resetting their careers but are not sure where to start, supporting Laurie’s mission to empower women to create the careers and lives they love through a spirit-centered approach.
Laurie is a giver. She delights in giving back and is on the board of many local/Regional organizations. Laurie is a personal and spiritual growth junkie who never says no to hearing your miracle story and is happy to share one of hers – ask!
During our discussion, we covered many points, including:
• The importance of reconnecting with your authentic self.
• Common challenges in being selected for a role – too inexperienced or not experienced enough, not asking for what you want, and remembering you can only control yourself; the rest of the process, you must let go of.
• Having a mentor in your job search and career is a great idea. Laurie gives us suggestions on how to find the right one for you.
• You will know you are out of career alignment when you are constantly tired, always looking at the clock for the end of the day, and over “X-ing” (e.g., overeating, drinking, etc.).
• We are all born with our unformed selves; look for your passions, strengths, and values to help guide you.
• On your job search journey, remember to have fun.
If you are in a career rut or need help in your job search, reach out.
Laurie at www.inspiHERtech.comand sign up for a conversation to see how coaching might be the best next step!
David Buck, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in business development, has honed a deep understanding of productivity and efficiency beyond mere busyness. His journey led him to establish Kairos Management Solutions and pioneer the Infinity Lifestyle Design program. These endeavors are dedicated to assisting professionals grappling with rigid schedules to reclaim valuable personal time. As a Certified Professional Retirement Coach, David empowers clients to reshape their time management strategies and envision a lifestyle characterized by purpose, ease, and joy—skills that transcend one's career into retirement.
Scheduled for release in April 2024, David's inaugural book, "The Time Optimized Life," is a paradigm shift away from reactive time management toward a proactive approach that fosters purpose, enjoyment, and excitement during retirement.
Key discussion points we covered during this episode include:
· This topic is crucial since almost 1/3 of our life is spent in retirement.
· We discuss how your purpose in retirement is tied to lifestyle goals, which are then connected to strategies.
· We discussed why and how couples must discuss and plan for retirement.
· Financial advisors need to be a part of your planning – you may say in your strategies you are going to travel the world, but you only have the wealth needed to get to Pittsburgh.
· For those who say, "I am never going to retire," that is fine, but at some point, your body and mind will not be able to keep that statement going, and you will need a Plan B.
· The mid-50s is a good time to start planning and taking inventory of your next chapter of life.
· Only about 40% of people have a robust retirement plan; we discussed how you can be in this group.
David's expertise, backed by extensive research and coaching experiences, aims to facilitate a more fulfilling retirement for countless individuals. He practices what he preaches, integrating these teachings into his own life. Discover more about David and his book, "The Time-Optimized Life," on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/davidsbuck or visit his website at https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/
In this episode of "People in Transition," we're joined by Debra Boggs, an esteemed entrepreneur, international speaker, and expert in executive career growth, C-level job search strategy, and board candidate best practices. As the CEO and Founder of D&S Executive Career Management, Debra's accolades include being recognized by Forbes as a NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur and serving on the Forbes Business Council. She is also a founding Member of the Career Industry Authority and holds a master’s degree in Management.
During our conversation, Debra shared invaluable insights for executives seeking their next career move. We delved into various crucial points, including:
- The significance of LinkedIn in your job search and effective strategies to make your profile stand out.
- Leveraging vendor contacts in your networking endeavors.
- The heightened competitiveness in executive job searches due to their limited nature, emphasizing the importance of non-technical skills.
- Expectations for the job search timeline (often 6 months or more) and the necessity to persist even when opportunities seem promising.
- Avoiding the trap of comparing your journey to others, recognizing that success stories often omit challenges faced by candidates.
- Clarity on desired roles, openness to new opportunities, and acknowledging the distinct nature of an executive job search.
Debra imparted invaluable lessons on networking, recruitment, and navigating life's transitions. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave a rating, and share this enriching conversation. Your support could be a game-changer for someone else's career journey.
Thea Kelley has over 15 years of experience as a job search and interview coach, catering to job seekers across the nation. Her book, "Get That Job! The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview," achieved best-seller status on Amazon and received glowing praise as "Excellent" from Forbes.com.
With a focus on mock interviews, personalized feedback, and expert tips, Thea equips individuals to distinguish themselves in the job market and secure their desired positions.
Her coaching aims to achieve the following for aspiring candidates:
· Foster confidence: Transform the interview process from nerve-wracking to empowering.
· Articulate unique value: Clearly communicate what sets you apart.
· Strategically handle tough questions with authentic responses.
· Develop compelling resumes, social media profiles, and career documents that compel employers to take notice.
For valuable job search insights and a complimentary gift, subscribing to Thea's blog at https://jobsearchandinterviewcoach.com is a smart move. From there, access one-on-one interview coaching, assistance with resumes and social media profiles, and tailored job search strategies—proven methods to expedite your journey to landing a fantastic job opportunity.
In this episode, we discussed several crucial job search topics:
· Understanding your REV points (Relevant, Exceptional, and Verifiable) and leveraging them to stand out during interviews.
· Emphasizing the significance of leaving a lasting impression on hiring managers through compelling stories that reinforce your suitability for the job.
· Demonstrating, as a candidate, your ability to contribute solutions to the company's challenges and pain points.
· Understanding the importance of nonverbal cues, particularly on platforms like Zoom, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and maintaining good posture.
· Exploring and debunking the five detrimental myths associated with references, while learning how to turn them into an advantage.
· Thea's final advice for job seekers: Preparation, authenticity, and specificity are key elements.
Thea presented many insightful job search strategies and recommendations. Her clients consistently commend her for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and genuine commitment to helping them find their next great job opportunities.
Don't miss out—subscribe to this podcast, leave a rating, and share it with your friends to spread the wealth of valuable advice.
Annie Margarita Yang isn't just a finance expert; she's a guiding force for Millennials navigating a system that seems rigged against them.
With a no-nonsense approach, Annie boasts over a million YouTube views and is the bestselling author of two impactful books: "The 5-Day Job Search" and "1,001 Ways to Save Money."
Beyond her online persona, Annie leads a corporate career as an accounting manager and business operations leader in real estate. Yet, her true passion lies in empowering individuals to seize control of their financial future and find fulfilling careers.
During our conversation, we explored several essential points, including:
· The significance of your personal brand is often as crucial as your skills.
· Crafting an approachable LinkedIn headshot using AI headshot generators, a cost-effective option under $50.
· The importance of courage during transitions, as facing fear breeds confidence, enabling one to navigate challenges repeatedly.
· Annie's coaching advice: apply to 50 jobs daily (350 a week) because it only takes one "yes."
· A comprehensive job search strategy involving identifying career aspirations, analyzing job listings, optimizing resumes with relevant keywords, refining LinkedIn profiles, applying to numerous roles daily, and focusing on companies showing genuine interest while disregarding rejections.
*Additionally, negotiate for a salary that aligns with your worth.
Annie brings passion, practical wisdom, hands-on experience, and genuine compassion to the table. This episode is a treasure trove of her insights and recommendations, likely warranting multiple listens to absorb all her invaluable ideas.
Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton stands out as a preeminent authority in the realm of hybrid professional identity and career belonging. Her expertise has garnered recognition in esteemed publications such as Forbes, and she has delivered compelling talks as a TEDx speaker. Additionally, Dr. Bickerton is the author of "More Than My Title."
Identifying as a "Creative Disruptor," Sarabeth operates at the intersection of being an artist, researcher, educator, and designer. Her journey towards this realization was sparked by an identity crisis, during which she discovered the profound integration of these facets, realizing the inherent value therein. In her current role, she guides professionals in uncovering and articulating their hybrid professional identities, empowering them to showcase their uniqueness within the professional landscape.
During our conversation, we delved into various key aspects, exploring topics such as:
· Helped define and reshape the understanding that one's professional identity extends beyond mere job titles. that your professional identity is more than just your job title.
· Emphasized the importance of persistence, patience, and grounding in achieving success during the job search process.
· She explored the concept of a double introduction as a powerful technique for creating more impactful first impressions, and she provided concrete examples during our discussion.
· Highlighted the reciprocal nature of interviews, stressing that it's a two-way street where both the hiring manager and the candidate assess mutual fit and alignment of needs and interests.
· Offered insights into effective ways for candidates to articulate their skills and personal narrative, fostering more impactful communication.
· Delved into the three distinct types of professional identity, guiding individuals on self-discovery to determine their category and leverage this awareness to their advantage.
For more information, see:
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZg6jaMIvIE
Website: www.morethanmytitle.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarabethberk/
Buy the Book: More Than My Title
Nichole Lee is a trauma-informed healer, intuitive guide, and transformational life coach.
She specializes in guiding individuals who are experiencing significant life transitions, feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or overwhelmed into rediscovering who they are, healing from past pain, and charting a fulfilling new path for their lives.
Before dedicating her life to healing and personal transformation, Nichole spent two decades as a Business Management Consulting Leader and Executive Coach, driving large-scale change initiatives for Fortune 500 companies.
Nichole is certified in multiple disciplines, including life coaching, health coaching, spiritual coaching, energy healing (reiki, emotion code, body code), meditation and mindfulness, and trauma-sensitive heartmath practices.
We discussed many recruiting, interviewing, and authenticity topics during this episode. Some of the key issues discussed include:
- Expanding Your Networking Circle: Your relationships may be too narrowly defined on who can help. We discussed how you can think beyond the obvious and identify new and authentic ways to connect with others in supporting your job search.
- Discovering Your Unique Strengths: Asking your close circle, “What's my superpower?” can provide new insights into identifying and showcasing your inherent talents during the recruiting process.
- Navigating Job Pivots with Clarity: We discussed how you can better understand and articulate the transferability of your past jobs and experiences with recruiters.
- Creative Tools for Job Search: Integrating journaling, doodling, and voice notes can be creative and fun ways to help you gain clarity on your next opportunity while also remaining focused on the objective – finding a job.
- Emotional Management in Job Transitions: Embracing the emotions that accompany job changes is essential. Leaving an old role and stepping into a new one is vital to your emotional well-being.
- Mindful Job Searching: Remember, you are not alone in your job search; your transition does not define you, and ensure you take the time to just “be” while searching for new opportunities.
Nichole has seen and experienced it all – and you will get so many great ideas on how to make your own job search work better for you and have less pain/anxiety. Thank you, Nichole, for sharing with us your tips/techniques.
How to Fascinate Assessment: https://www.howtofascinate.com/
StrengthsFinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253868/popular-cliftonstrengths-assessment-products.aspx
Contact Nichole:
Websites: www.nicholelee.love
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholelee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnicholelee/
Podcast: www.transcendingidentitypodcast.com
Jennifer is the President and Managing Director of the Global Recruiters Network of Moon Valley. Global Recruiters of Moon Valley’s expertise includes recruitment of Executives & Professionals across the United States in PBM, Healthcare/Pharma/Bio, and Senior Living in Management, Financial, Operations, Sales, and Project Management roles and expertise in public speaking, consulting, and training services. As a senior Healthcare Executive at CVS Health for over 23 years across multiple healthcare and pharmaceutical industry verticals, she led client teams of all sizes. She achieved significant success through sourcing and developing high-performing talent.
Serving as a volunteer, Jennifer founded the Phoenix chapter of NextUp (formerly Network of Executive Women), led their logistics team, and recruited and developed volunteers for the last ten years.
Jennifer also grew up working in the restaurant business and is the wife of a chef. She is also the granddaughter, daughter, niece, and mother to military veterans, and has served as a champion for attracting, hiring, and retaining women and veterans throughout her career. Jennifer has been in your shoes as both a hiring leader and a candidate. She knows what it takes to build and retain a high-performance team and can leverage her knowledge, expertise, and deep network to help candidates and companies achieve similar success.
In this episode, we discussed many practical and actionable recruiting ideas, including:
· It is not that you made a mistake in the past; everyone does; it is how you overcame it and grew from the experience.
· Practice your interview, which helps you gain confidence and gets you into that glow state to prepare yourself mentally.
· In the recruiting process, you often have two steps forward and one back; try to be graceful for those around you, give yourself kindness, and stay connected to your network for support.
· Don’t take rejection personally – maybe the position was not meant for you.
· The three things to remember are to update your LinkedIn profile so people can find you leverage your network, and this is your opportunity to redefine yourself, so take advantage of it.
· You may need two resumes – one that the applicant tracking system companies use can read and one for your in-person meetings.
Jennifer gave us her expertise and experience in the recruiting and selection world. I know that you will be able to implement several new job transition ideas tomorrow after you have listened to this episode. Enjoy – send Jennifer or me any questions you have – leave a rating for this show – share this with others.
A highly skilled transition and leadership coach, Emily is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has helped countless clients navigate significant life transitions and develop the necessary skills to excel at life and work.
Drawing from her diverse background in psychology, business, and personal development, she uses a holistic approach to coaching that addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of change.
As a transition coach, she specializes in helping individuals navigate career changes, life transitions, and personal transformations. Whether transitioning into a new role, navigating a career shift, or embarking on a new life chapter, she guides her clients through the challenges, providing them with the tools and strategies needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
In this episode, Emily discussed many recruiting transition items, like:
· When you are in your job transition, it is essential that you know your strengths and treat yourself with kindness.
· When looking for your next job, knowing how your strengths show up in your efforts and how you use them is important.
· A lack of confidence in yourself is critical to holding most people back in their job hunt.
· When you draft your cover letter, make it short and straightforward, and tell why you want to be a part of the company and how you are right for the position.
· Things to avoid in transition activity include being overly confident/cocky, being late for appointments, and not testing your electronic equipment to ensure it works.
· Emily believes there is a job out there for good people – they need to take action to get the job – don't be paralyzed in self-doubt or fear.
Emily is intelligent, experienced, caring, and fun to be with. I know you will want to listen to her more than once and share it with your friends. Make sure you leave a rating on this episode and send me any questions you might have for Emily.
Lisa and Nan's curiosity about retirement life was piqued when they opted for early retirement packages and experienced it firsthand. Having spent decades working in financial services, their focus was on the financial aspect of retirement. However, after gaining firsthand experience, they realized the striking similarities between retirement planning and career planning, excluding the need for resumes and interviews. Motivated by their expertise in Design Thinking, they dove deeper into the issue, gathering stories from over 50 individuals. With those valuable insights, they created "The Future of You" - a testament to the fact that meticulous planning can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
During this episode, we discussed:
· As you focus on retirement, are you overwhelmed/unsettled, cautiously optimistic, or excited/engaged – and what does each of these stages mean?
· Those facing retirement and are excited/engaged have in common a growth mindset, purpose, engage their community, and manage their energy – how can you get to this place in your journey?
· What does "rebalance your life portfolio" mean, and how will it impact you?
· How can you activate "retryment" and what it means for you and your happiness?
· Retirement can be challenging, but knowing you are in the driver's seat will help get you to that exciting stage.
· "What gets you up in the morning and makes you happy/fulfilled?" is a critical question that Nan and Lisa respond to – for others and themselves.
This was such an interesting and fun recording. This episode is for you, whether you are in retirement or will be in the future. Clients of theirs have said about their coaching (and you will be saying similar comments about what they share in our podcast) :
"The experience launched me."
"My confidence and excitement about my future went up exponentially."
"Without The Future of You, you could easily float aimlessly for a long time without direction."
And you get this and more free in this recording. Enjoy!
Neha Dixit-Naik helps companies hire and retain high-caliber team members by using her proven 3-step approach to consistently attract the best candidates, test their skills, and ensure they add to your culture.
Neha has worked with Fortune 15, 50, and 500 companies as a trusted expert. Her specialty is helping scaling businesses build and keep a first-rate team.
RecruitGyan offers full-service, full-cycle talent acquisition for tech and medical companies in startup, growth, and scale mode.
In this episode, Neha shared many recruiting tips and suggestions to help you find your next great job. Some points we discussed include:
· First impressions matter in your resume, LinkedIn home page, interviews, and as you network.
· Mistakes people make as they search for jobs include dressing inappropriately, being late (or much too early), and not being their true self.
· Some hot markets right now include AI, sales, medical tech, and clean tech.
· Best advice to someone who has been laid off: things happen for you, not to you; don’t take the layoff personally; figure out what your next job is going to look like; and journal during your transition to help you know where you have been and where you are going.
· Key skills looked for in a candidate: communication skills, ownership/accountability of issues, meeting deadlines, and culture fit.
· Three things to keep in mind during your job search: have an abundance mindset, be prepared, and have fun in the process.
What a great discussion we had. We talked on so many other topics than I listed here. I know you will get as much out of this discussion as I did. Enjoy!
RecruitGyan Website: https://recruitgyan.com/
RecruitGyan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recruitgyan/
Neha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-dixit-naik/
Jared Tang is the founder of Gaggle Social; he is on a mission to streamline the tech hiring process for enterprise software, such as Salesforce, Oracle, NetSuite, AWS, and more. He has a rich history of enterprise software recruitment and hiring processes and creative marketing leadership in various industries and sectors.
Jared has a BBA degree from Pace University, and he has completed two certification courses from Cornell University in Executive Leadership and Performance Leadership and one certification course from The Wharton School in Entrepreneurship Specialization. Additionally, he is certified in Google Ads Display and Search. He has strong skills in digital marketing, analytics, operations, and great attention to detail. He is passionate about providing solutions, news, and information to help people navigate the world of technology hiring and networking.
We covered so many recruiting and life areas with Jared. Some of the key points included:
● Employees are redefining companies and the market overall, which has impacted how you go about your job search.
● In 2023 and beyond, people are being asked to return to the office setting, which many will not return to, creating an almost layoff point for many.
● There is no perfect solution to the emotional roller coaster a job search puts you through; the best is to be intentional when applying for jobs and not just chase open positions out there.
● Jared believes there is a job out there for everyone, but there is only one you, so be selective and targeted in your approach.
● It would be best for your job search to find networks and support groups to help and grow with you.
● The importance of giving and not just taking in your networking efforts.
Jared is savvy in many recruiting, HR, and technology tools and techniques. You will see how he has been a disruptive force in the enterprise software hiring industry and will learn from his experiences and the work he has done. Enjoy!
Amy C. Waninger is the Founder & CEO of Lead at Any Level, where she improves employee engagement and retention for companies that promote from within. Amy offers assessments, advisory services, and training on essential skills for inclusive leaders. She is the author of seven books, including Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.
Amy is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She is also a Member of the National Speakers Association and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. She’s been named a Top 100 HR Influencer globally, two years in a row and has served clients and audiences on all seven continents, including Antarctica! Her other credentials include two degrees from Indiana University and a “World’s Best Mom” coffee mug.
Amy shares her personal experience and coaching wisdom on job transitions in this episode. We covered many different tips and ideas on how to find your next job easier and faster. Some of the key points include:
· Why you need to be a good “job leaver” and how to accomplish this.
· What does aiming too low in your job search mean, and ways to avoid this, even if you are financially pressed.
· How can you create a diversified network to support your job search?
· Amy outlined several self-care strategies to help you be more robust and better during your job search.
· How to use job search setbacks to learn and improve your activities and not view them as a failure.
· It is not a weakness to reach out to your network for help – it is an intelligent and effective action.
After you listen to Amy and know her background, you will agree that her understanding of job changes and life transitions are areas she is very accomplished in. I know after you hear this episode, you will have many action steps you will want to implement Monday.
In 2011, Scott and his wife Carrie took Inspired Stewardship as a business to serve Christian men and couples struggling to live out their calling. They help align how you use your time, talent, and treasures so that you can identify and live a fully authentic life that allows you to live your calling, serve others, and provide for your family. As certified Human Behavior Senior Consultants and members of the John Maxwell Team, they focus on helping you understand yourself and understanding others. In 2017, they took the business full-time, offering assistance through one-on-one coaching, speaking, and workshops.
In this episode, Scott shared many ideas on recruiting and tips to find your next great job, including:
· Scott shared how you can find out your strengths and weaknesses and how this helps you during your transition.,
· Often, when people say they “can’t leave a toxic job because of the financial handcuffs” they have, it is because they have not intentionally focused on their revenue/spending.
· You must engage in conversations with your partner or spouse about your job transition; you should dream together about what the next job you take can be.
· We discussed the difference between being busy and being productive; the key is asking yourself, “will this action move the needle” in my job search and consistently doing those activities.
· Having clarity on what you want to do next, focusing intentionally forward, and keeping your supporters close to you are all keys to finding your next great job.
In addition to finding Scott and his excellent job transition advice in this episode, Scott can be found at these links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/InspiredStewardship
Twitter https://twitter.com/StewardCoaching
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stewardcoach/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/stewardcoach/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmaderer/
Chad Bean is a highly accomplished recruitment professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Chad has held several senior management positions at some of the world's top companies, where he has established a reputation for his exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and innovative approach to recruitment.
As the owner and manager of Ignite Recruitment, Chad leads a company genuinely changing the game in the recruitment industry. Ignite Recruitment is a crowdsourced referral platform designed to connect top talent with the best job opportunities, all through the power of referrals. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative approach, Ignite Recruitment is quickly becoming the go-to platform for job seekers and recruiters alike.
Chad was born and raised in Houston, TX, and now resides in Orange County, CA. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a passion for helping people find their dream jobs and positively impacting the world of work. With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and innovative approach, Chad is poised to continue significantly impacting the recruitment industry for many years.
During our conversation, we touched on several important topics.
· The market has shifted, and today, almost 90% of their placements are for in-office roles.
· LinkedIn is a great connector, but you need to find commonality and not just spray out there and hope someone takes it.
· AI is a real help in many recruiting areas, but we must keep the human element and maintain choice and values fit.
· Industries and markets have ebbs and flows; just because the market or industry is down now does not mean it will be forever.
· Finding your next job is a full-time job, and like any new job, you aren't going to be great at it right away, so give yourself a little kindness.
· Remember – to embrace change, be a continuous learner, and focus on your personal brand.
Over the years, Chad has talked with thousands of candidates. His advice is very practical and understandable. He believes a candidate working with a recruiter is like a home buyer working with a realtor – for best results – keep the recruiter in your action plan.
Jeff Ton is a sought-after speaker, author, and thought leader, having led powerful teams and built successful Information Technology departments for over 30 years. Jeff describes the IT landscape simply by saying, “Businesses today are demanding more from their technology and their technology leaders.”
In more than three decades, Jeff has served as Chief Information Officer with Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana and Lauth Property Group. He has 14 years of experience in various technology roles with Thomson Multimedia (RCA). Later in his career, Jeff “moved to the other side of the desk” by joining the executive team at InterVision Systems. After helping to guide several acquisition integrations, he left to devote his energies to his mission of changing the face of IT.
Jeff is the author of Amplify Your Value (2018) and Amplify Your Job Search (2020) and is a frequent keynote speaker on topics related to the evolving IT landscape. Meet Jeff and learn more at www.JeffreySTon.com.
He is also the host of the Status Go podcast, powered by InterVision Systems. This weekly podcast targets the technology professional who wants to break out of the status quo. Find it at InterVision.com/Status-Go or wherever you get your podcasts.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffton/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JTonIndy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JTonIndy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JTonIndy/
Key topics we discussed in this episode included:
· During your networking, always ask, “Who are three people I should talk with?” this is how you grow your network to help you in your search and career.
· A dream job leverages your strengths, passion, purpose, and values.
· Your dream job does not have to be your last job.
· How do you maximize your strengths to make your weaknesses irrelevant?
· The resume reader needs to know you can solve their problems.
· If your resume is getting you interviews, you need to ask yourself some tough questions about how you might not be answering the questions impactful enough, and then work on improving your responses next time.
Jeff had so many great ideas to help a job seeker be more successful. Starting Monday, I know you will have a handful of things from Jeff you can do to find your next great job faster and easier.
Preparing Yourself to Manage Your Job Search in the Most Effective Way
Are you considering how to achieve your true career potential? Do you have relatives at school or university who need help finding a great job to launch their winning career?
Yes?
Then this podcast will catapult your thinking into a new and productive gear. Very importantly, the podcast covers a range of essential life skills not taught at school or university.
First, you’ll learn the seven guiding principles which underlie any successful job search.
Then your host, Bob Gerst, and his guest William Cowan will discuss why it is vital to:
- Understand what makes you unique and how to communicate this;
- Build your network and seek warm network connections for life;
- Prepare and practice your answers to three common questions;
- Conduct thorough research, identify issues, and rehearse before an interview;
- Be sharp, to the point, and passionate during an interview.
This podcast also covers many other significant ideas, including resumes, resources, and LinkedIn. You must understand these areas to be successful in today’s job market.
PLEASE – share this with others who need support and guidance to make their job search more successful.
William Cowan has over 30 years of experience in CEO and Board positions worldwide. As a leading career coach, he has provided practical career guidance to over 1,000 senior executives.
His new book - Building a Winning Career - describes the strategies that will best position you for success when looking for a new job. It will also help you avoid common mistakes in building your career. The book has received over 150 five-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.
Davina Ware is a Career and Workplace Strategist, marketing professional, and founder of Upwardly Paved Path career coaching. She leads her clients to reach their fullest potential through the latest career transition principles, personal branding, and professional empowerment. She launches professionals into careers of authority that utilize their gifts and talents and prepares businesses to create spaces where top talent can thrive.
She is no stranger to career transitions as she has worked in higher education, telecommunications, nonprofit, and healthcare industries and experienced job loss herself.
Davina takes a holistic approach to her career coaching and leadership development by offering personal and spiritual development to launch career success. Her strategy is to motivate towards clarity, encourage overall growth, and combine her marketing expertise with the job search process.
She is certified by the International Coaching Federation and is a certified Master Axiologist. She holds an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor’s in Marketing Communications from Columbia College Chicago.
In this episode, Davina covered many topics that will be of interest to the job seeker, including:
· Personal branding is a foundational element when looking for a job, as it helps set you apart from others; she talked about “packaging brand you.”
· She discussed what networking is and how you can make it more comfortable for yourself
· Successful interviewing means you have done your homework on the company and the people you are speaking with, but mainly you want to be honest and yourself
· The importance of staying true to what brings you joy and your purpose
· How looking for a job for people of color has added challenges
Davina is honest, thoughtful, experienced, and giving. I know you will enjoy her as much as I did and that you will come back to listen to this episode again later in your job search.
Brad Hill has 20 years of federal service as a leader (program management) in the Department of Agriculture and Forest Service and as an analyst and liaison in the Department of Defense (Intelligence Community). He is now the US Health and Human Services Executive Officer, Administration of Children and Families, Region 10 (WA, ID, OR, AK). But, before that, Brad found himself burnout and needing to change. In this episode, we talk about his job transition experience, including:
· How he knew he had to make a change for his mental and physical well-being, the signs of burnout he had to acknowledge.
· It is OK, in fact, a good idea, to seek and get the help you need to deal with your concerns and self-doubt.
· Getting back into a routine during your job search is very important.
· One of Brad’s learnings about himself is that he has some avoidance issues and can be easily distracted; he had to acknowledge this as it directly impacted his search process.
· As part of rebuilding his life, he became a certified Project Manager, read a lot, and got his health back on course; this was key for him to be at his best for his next significant job role.
· Two critical lessons for Brad that he learned during his search included that you must believe in yourself and remain persistent in your search.
Anyone going through emotional/mental challenges can relate to Brad’s experience. Brad was open and candid about his job-hunting experience, and if you are interested in a government or private role, Brad had great advice for the job seeker.
Anne Donovan is a Human Resources leader known for developing new programs and training, dramatically improving employee retention and leadership performance. Conducting extensive employee feedback research, she designs initiatives to address underlying issues across many industries. Executives value her talent for identifying core workforce needs and taking action to develop and drive projects. Anne’s passion lies in helping people grow, both personally and professionally. Anne has a talent for spotting potential in people. She is passionate about developing and supporting people, so they realize their full potential. Anne has a proven track record of her leadership. She is very good at influencing and motivating people- a true leader. Leading culture shifts and change management during highly stressful times are some of her specialties.
In this episode, Anne shared several ideas on how you can find your next job easier and faster, including:
· You can have more confidence in your interviews if you prepare and research the company and the people you will meet.
· Your emotions during the job search will be a roller-coaster; to help manage them, get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise.
· A job transition is filled with change management issues.
· A “rejection resume” can help you see where you have come from and will guide your future.
· Be yourself during the search and rely on a mentor or coach to support you.
Anne’s calm and deliberate style will help you deal with any speed bumps you are experiencing as you look for your next job. She has many great suggestions and ideas for your job search – you will want to listen to her several times to get the most from her recording.
Sindy obtained a B.S. Degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from California State University, East Bay. In her junior year, she started, teaching Dance. Later, she taught high school and pivoted into a Trainer role at a youth job-training program combining her love of education and business.
In an HR career spanning over 25 years, she found her niche in a recruiting. She has been a Recruiter, Sr. Recruiter, Recruiting Manager, Director of Talent Acquisition, and Principal Recruiting Consultant.
Sindy’s has worked in various industries, including healthcare and information technology; manufacturing like Clorox and Mother’s Cookies; as well as smaller bio-techs and pharmaceutical companies like Amgen; Berkeley Heart Lab, Inc., a Celera business; and Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc., a division of Pfizer.
Sindy is the Founder, Host of, the Insider’s Career Club, a career podcast, career coaching business, and website.
In this episode, Sindy shared so many great ideas on how to find your next great job easier and faster, including:
· What are the four types of recruiters an applicant might run into, and what should you know about working with them?
· How can you prepare for a virtual interview to be more effective?
· Why do you want to write down your accomplishments, and what should you do with them?
· What does it mean when people say, “Rejection is a part of the job search process”?
· Why is being honest and knowing your skills critical in interviewing?
Sindy was so giving of her expertise and insights in the recruiting area. You will want to listen to this episode more than once to ensure you get all the tips and techniques she shared. These tip sheets can be found @insiderscareerclub.com under job search.
Contact Sindy:
Email: sindythomas99@gmail.com; www.linkedin.com/in/sindythomas/ or at www.insiderscareerclub.com
Emily Wong is the founder of Words of Distinction, a boutique firm she created to help job seekers land interviews through powerful career storytelling. Emily has helped hundreds of mid-career and executive-level job seekers earn rewarding roles at top organizations like Meta, Google, Fitbit, Roche/Genentech, Moderna, Abbott, Amazon, Microsoft, Sony, Stanford, Northrop Grumman, and Cisco.
The host of the Career Cohort podcast, she’s contributed to several bestselling books that specialize in resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios. In addition to certification as a resume writer, she’s credentialed as a Career Transition Coach and Career Storyteller, and is a charter member of Career Industry Authority, an organization where career professionals share ideas on how to best serve job seekers.
During this episode with Emily, we discussed several actionable resume-writing tips and debunked a few myths, including:
· The right length of a resume and why.
· Tips to make your resume visually appealing and easier to read.
· What it means to “think like the employer” when you write your resume.
· Why keywords matter and how they impact the applicant tracking system (ATS).
· What to avoid when you write your resume.
· The importance in your job search of knowing yourself and what you want.
Emily is thoughtful, articulate, and generous with her knowledge to help alleviate job seekers’ struggles. After you listen to this episode, you will have several action steps you can take to find your next job sooner and easier. Enjoy – leave me your comments – share this with others.
John Tarnoff is an executive and career transition coach, speaker, and author who supports mid and late-career professionals in defining, planning, and achieving more meaningful and sustainable careers.
Fired 39% during his 35 years as a film producer, studio executive, and tech entrepreneur, he learned how to turn setbacks into successes in a volatile business. He reinvented his career at 50, earning a master’s degree in spiritual psychology to share his lessons with others facing similar challenges.
He is the author of the best-selling book, "Boomer Reinvention: How to Create your Dream Career Over 50" and has created four courses on the multi-generational workforce for LinkedIn Learning.
Some of the topics we discussed include:
- In networking, you should follow your “A B G” (“Always, Be, Giving”): think first about what you can do to support the people in your network before asking for help.
- Worry about how you can meet someone that can refer you for the job – don’t worry about what the job description says about the role.
- The role you want in the future needs to connect with your values.
- Follow three keys in searching for your next great job 1. Focus on your Superpower (what you do best) 2. Build a Community (like-minded colleagues to refer you to opportunities) 3. Become a Thought Leader (Stand up for what you stand for, build trust and credibility).
- The career you want is already inside of you: follow your inner knowing and intuition. Question the negative messages that will come at you.
- To create your future, you need to reconcile your past: clear emotional baggage and limiting beliefs.
These are just a few of the great ideas and suggestions John shared. I hope you enjoy
his experiences, thought leadership, and energy as much as I did. Thank
you for listening to this episode of “People in Transition”.
Heike Heemann is passionate about helping others shine in their careers. Her specialty is supporting mid-career professionals to find better career opportunities and build their professional brand on LinkedIn. If you need help optimizing your LinkedIn profile or creating your own LinkedIn strategy for attracting clients, connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heikeheemann and find free resources at https://linktr.ee/HeikeHeemann
Heike also helps career women improve their confidence, professional networking skills, leadership and public speaking skills.
In this episode, Heike and I discussed several recruiting/LinkedIn tips including:
· Your LinkedIn profile is a significant part of your online branding; your headline, banner and About section need to be impactful and consistent in their messaging. Your brand highlights for the world if you are the “Starbucks or neighborhood corner store coffee” in your field.
· Described who your second-degree connections (e.g., your connections’ – connections) is and how you can use them in networking and information gathering.
· What does it mean to optimize your LinkedIn profile and why you need to make sure you use key words in your headline to help you be “found” by people you are interested in.
· Some of the biggest mistakes people make on their LinkedIn profile, including not being specific enough and not being active on LinkedIn.
· Heike recommends having a current and professional looking picture on your profile.
· She also recommends to never stop networking – you want to grow and nurture your connections each week.
Heike’s marketing skills, business knowledge and coaching experience help her in making her message impactful and enjoyable. She shared so many great tips and techniques for LinkedIn that I had to go back and listen to her again just to be sure I got all her suggestions.
I know you will enjoy your time with her – and please – with all the layoffs happening in today’s world – share this with others who can use the information. Thank you!
Catherine Lamb is a leading UK-based career transformation expert who helps professionals manage their fear of failure as they go through a job transition.
Catherine worked for 15 years in recruitment and is a qualified coach from Henley Business School. She brings together her wealth of knowledge and expertise to work with professionals who want to change careers and dread not being an expert in their new job or who want to step up into a key promotion but feel like an imposter.
Catherine has developed a successful action plan that helps her clients rapidly build their confidence, recognize their value, and get back into their comfort zone as they go through their job transition.
Some of the key points we discussed in this episode include:
· One of the common mistakes people in transition make is that the job will just leap out – it takes intentional search by the candidates.
· When you get a “no” from a company or hiring manager – it is important that you remember the “no” is temporary and not forever.
· A journal of what you did well and what you can do differently in your recruiting efforts helps you see the job search as a learning process – this is an important mindset and will help you build confidence along the way.
· “Who else do you think I should speak with?” is an important question to use in person or on LinkedIn – it is in general not your second level contacts that will lead you to a job but your 3rd and 4th level – so growing that network is essential.
· We discussed imposter syndrome (feeling like a fraud) and how it impacts your job-hunting efforts.
· And she coaches her clients that the job search will make you feel unconfident, but that you are not alone, reach out and people will help you.
· Remember, you can have an imposter moment; but that does not mean you have to have an imposter life.
Catherine gave so many useful ideas and is such a warm and supportive person; you are going to want to listen to this more than one time. Please leave me your questions and comments and remember to share this with others – we want to help the world of job seekers. Thank you!!
Music is "Le piano troix" by Torley on Piano is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Dominic Imwalle believes you should be able to obtain your career dreams and that’s what he helps professionals do. His clients have landed roles at Oracle, Deloitte, EY, Tata Consultancy, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Eaton, Salesforce, KPMG, PWC, Dell, Higher Education or started their own venture. But, landing your dream role doesn’t happen by chance, it takes hard work, patience, perseverance and working your job search plan.
Dominic has seen how treacherous the job searching process can be; automated rejections, ghosting, 14 rounds of interviews, and 250 applications a week. He does not want you to have to live in the process that every candidate believes to be normal.
We discussed many things that will help you with your job search plan, including:
-
What are the two things that hold most people back from being successful in their job search?
- Being too hard on yourself, now is the time to be a bit gentler and
- Have a bias for action, you can revise your cover letter and résumé for hours and not be further along than if you this week, meet with five people that you want to be like and talk about how to get there.
- Dominic shared that everyone should create a file of “winner notes” about your work, to remind yourself that you are an accomplished and good person.
- It’s OK to check out job opportunities, even if you don’t need a new role today.
- When you are networking, make certain that you are strategic about who you speak with, you want to connect with those people who are going to support you and help you in meeting other people that can help in your job search.
- Make sure you spend time around new people; they will help energize and stimulate you.
- We also went through a role-play exercise of several of the most common interview questions and what Dominic suggested to be home run responses.
Dominic is a caring, smart, and creative executive who really understands the recruiting and job transition environment. I think you will enjoy listening to this podcast several times and remember leave me your comments and share this with friends.
Wishing you a great and employed 2023!
Music is "Le piano troix" by Torley on Piano is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Mark James, CPC, is the founder and president of HIRE Consulting Services (HCS) established in 1999. He is a Certified Personnel Consultant and the author of "The Interview Mindset: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Career!" (2022) Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4N7KqJ7. Mark is equipped with over 25 years of experience in Executive Career Management Coaching, Outplacement, and Executive Search Consulting. He is also a quarterly speaker at Operation Connect, a program offered by the North San Diego Business Chamber that provides free business networking events for transitioning military service members. To learn more about Mark, visit www.HireConsulting.com.
What a great episode we had with Mark. We covered so many topics, a few of them are:
· Several of the 6 interview mindsets from his new book, The Interview Mindset: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Career, to help you present yourself well in interviews and get the most information about the role and company.
· Your network is your net worth and gave several ideas on how to expand it.
· 96% of search firms use LinkedIn to help find candidates – how you can use the 5-3-1 method to increase your LinkedIn presences.
· The hidden job market is right there in your cell phone and how you can use it.
· Get off job boards and connect with people – that is how you can find that next great job.
· To be most effective in your job search – you need to have a strategy, create a plan and then work it – you are not selling yourself, you are telling about you and the values you bring.
Mark was so thoughtful, sharing and experienced in his comments/tips. I know you will have a much better job search plan after you listen to him. Enjoy and make sure you share this with a friend.
Max Chan helps professionals with their job search in order to land more interviews, generate more job offers and make more money. His company, Chan with a Plan, (https://www.chanwithaplan.com) offers a variety of services, including:
· Recruiting plan and guidance
· Cover letter and resume writing
· LinkedIn profile optimization
· Job interview preparation
In this episode, Max provided his expert guidance so you can find your next great job faster and easier. Some of the points he covered includes:
· Resume construction ideas for recent grads and more experienced professionals.
· Why using numbers and metrics in your resume is critical.
· How you can effectively deal with work gaps for your resume and in an interview.
· If you can’t get interviews, change your resume; if you can’t get job offers, change your communication.
· Candidate should review job description of position they are interviewing for to get ideas on what will be asked by recruiting team and prepare response that is in line with what company is looking for.
· Rejection is a part of networking and job hunting, but you can develop a recruiting strategy that can help speed up your search and reduce your anxiety.
This is a powerful episode with so many great tips and ideas for you during your transition. Max will help you change your perspective on how you manage your transition - enjoy!
Gina Riley is a career coach, a talent selection and interview skills trainer, and an executive search consultant. As the creator of her Career Velocity coaching program, she uses her executive search experience to the benefit of her clients, sharing the best tips and tricks from a stand-out resume and LinkedIn profile to networking, marketing, and interviewing practice and the creation of a thought leadership plan.
She Transforms her clients' approach to their career development and helps them build a sustainable process to last their entire career.
To find out more about the Career Velocity System: www.ginarileyconsulting.com
During our recording, Gina shared many great ideas on job transition, including:
· The person you are networking with ultimately must know, like and trust you for them to be an effective advocate for you.
· One of the building blocks for an effective career is to have layers of experiences – which means that job changes are not always bad.
· When answering interview question – think SOAR (e.g., situation, obstacles, action, and results).
· Rambling on and on can be a real problem in any interview.
· We each own our career and the planning process it takes to be successful in it.
· Do you know what your “awesome sauce” is and how to communicate it?
Gina is smart, caring and so full of energy. You will really enjoy listening to her and hearing all the great recruiting and career tips she shares.
Donna Star spent 30 incredible years in Corporate America, and then she took the leap to entrepreneurship. She is now an Executive Coach, Business Consultant, and Writer who leverages her extensive experience to help companies and individuals maximize their potential.
Currently, her work centers around working with professionals who are dealing with work transitions - promotions, job changes, corporate politics, and everything that comes with managing a career and a life.
The transformations she has seen with her clients are powerful and humbling. Donna shared with us some of the points she discusses with her clients including:
· Always remember, if someone would ask you for help in their networking, you would support them, don’t think you cannot ask others for their help.
· Bringing your negative thoughts and attitude into an interview does not help you, you need to deal with these emotions, or your job search will be more challenging.
· We discussed the ‘great resignation’ which for many has evolved into the ‘great regret’ and what that means for job seekers.
· Remember, it is ok to acknowledge you have feelings during your job search process.
· Sometimes you may need to step away from your job search to regroup and energize yourself.
Donna is thoughtful, action packed and willing to share what she has learned – sometimes the hard way. I think you will want to listen to this episode a couple of times to get all the nuggets she shares – oh and share this with a friend – they will thank you for it.
Adrian Choo has have helped thousands of clients successfully achieve Career Clarity™ with his holistic approach to their Careers through a proprietary framework and deep understanding of Career Dynamics™.
He has been a C-suite Headhunter with Top Global Search Firms for more than a decade, published several books, and have a regular show on National Radio, "Happy @ Work with Adrian The Career Strategist" on One FM 913 every Thursday Morning that is in to its Third year!
Adrian love helpings people at their Career Crossroads, or those who just need a new perspective on their Career Challenges.
Some of the key take-aways from our discussion with Adrian include:
· The reasons why resume don’t “hit the mark” include:
o Too long
o Not updated
o Bad English or grammar
o Gaps in experience not explained
· The hiring manager is trying to answer these questions during interview, and you should make it easy for them to understand your answers:
o Who are you?
o Why should I hire you?
o Will you fit into our team/company?
· It is critical the candidate is authentic in their responses – don’t try to be someone you think the hiring manager wants to talk with – you need to be you.
· It is ok, in fact a good idea, to ask the hiring manager at the end of an interview what are the next steps.
· The best time to start being ready for your job change is today – even if you are not looking – because to wait until you must change jobs is starting way behind.
Adrian has so much recruiting experience, insights into the hiring process, and firsthand experience in dealing with the hiring manager. You are going to want to listen to this episode again and again. And as always, I would love your comments on our discussion – and please share this with others. Thanks!
Tracy Hooper is the Founder of The Confidence Project. She leads dynamic presentations for high-achieving employee groups of any size.
Tracy has been a TV news reporter, anchor, producer, and voice-over professional. Tracy’s aim is to cultivate a culture where people elevate their presence, communicate with clarity, and work together better.
As a result of working with Tracy people often share that they have more control over how they present themselves, more impact with the people they interact with, more trust in their communications, and more influence with the people they serve.
Tracy is the author of The NEW Hello.It addresses the challenges and opportunities of meeting, greeting, and communicating with confidence in The New World of Work. Her follow-on book, The NOW Hello has just been published and is available on Amazon.
In this episode, Tracy discussed several key points including:
· Three keys for all job seekers:
o Words have impact
o Practice makes progress
o Trust yourself
· The power of pause in your presentation/speaking
· Why do filler and hedge words negatively impact your brand
· How to use the right words in your speaking and not sound too formal or stiff
Tracy is smart, funny, and caring. Her down-to-earth advice will help you in your job search, in your job and for your life in general. I know you will enjoy this recording and will want to share it with your friends.
Mike Thomson has been in the recruitment agency industry for thirteen years, he launched Spark at the end of 2021 with the goal to change how everyone attracts top talent. Hiring is uninspiring, generic, faceless, and lacks personality but not anymore. He is an entrepreneur, matchmaker, sales professional, storyteller, father, athlete and optimistically curious about people. For more information on Mike, go to his web site https://www.sparkrecruiting.ca/
In this episode, Mike shared his thoughts on the future of recruiting, including:
· To help you make your resume standout, make sure you are describing the impact your work had on the company and keep it simple for the reader.
· Remember that social media sites are used by hiring managers, so you want to be your authentic self but be professional.
· One of his favorite questions for a candidate to ask of hiring manager is, “what did you see in my that made you interested to talk with me?” Gives you great insight about what is important for the role and the candidate can really play to this area.
· The perfect answer to interview questions is your answer – you must be you and authentic.
· Mike shared why he thinks the recruiting process can be FUN for the candidate.
· His 3 things he tells his clients who are changing jobs to do starting Monday are:
- Update your LinkedIn page
- Think about what you liked about your past jobs/bosses – this will give you a map for places to look for your next job
- Take ownership of your job search – you are unique – this change gives you options for your future.
Mike is a great businessman, recruiter, marketer, and career coach – a rare combination that really makes the advice he shares so special and important. I know you will want to share this with others who will want to jump start their job search and create opportunities for their future. Enjoy!
Rupert French was teaching in a country school 40 years ago when he discovered that one third of the students leaving the school would be facing long-term unemployment. In response to this, he helped to establish a community support for unemployed youth. Ten years later, he transitioned to career and job search coaching and training.
Impressed with the writings of William Bridges, and borrowing methods from sports psychology, he encourages job seekers to see themselves as self-employed, the CEO of You & Co, and to adopt business strategies to market their services to prospective employers.
The revised edition of How to Get a Good Job After 50 takes the job seeker step-by-step through this process. It is his 4th book on effective job search strategies. Link to purchase How to Get a Good Job After 50 go tohttps://geni.us/HowToGetAGoodJob
Some key points we discussed during our episode are:
· Concerns employers have regarding older applicants and why they are false.
· Why and how do you want to write your own job search mission statement.
· Why you should think of your resume as a business proposal.
· Networking made easy.
· Some practical steps to help you stay positive during your search.
Rupert has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he shares easily and, in a fun/interesting manner. I know you will be like me and want to go back and listen to him again – please share him with others – love to hear your comments on this episode. Thank you!
When Neha Lagoo Ratnakar was in school, she wanted to be a postwoman, then a librarian and then a doctor. After a failed attempt at the entrance test and a stint with Clinical Psychology. She found her true calling in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Her first job was in Training and Organizational Development, and she realized that there was a better way to onboard and train executives beyond a traditional classroom (and don't even get her started on sterile classroom team building sessions).
In her next role with a retail chain, she storified onboarding and gamified product knowledge sessions. She was floored by the response and thought this could be the next big thing!
Life took her to 8 different countries in the next 12 years, waking her inner entrepreneur. In addition to earning her MBA, she also designed websites, blogged, volunteered, and even made Henna.
Then motherhood happened and, as a mompreneur, she turned to her original calling of Industrial Psychology, experimenting with treasure hunt style games in various corporate settings and even family gatherings.
These days she works with global teams at IMA, which is a Finance non-profit to help make sure their educational offerings are meeting the diverse needs of almost 140,000 members around the world.
Her book, Back on your Feet, is for all of those job seekers who need help in finding a path forward.
Some of the key take a ways from our discussion include:
· “If you self-reject and don’t even try, your failure rate is 100%” – and what can you do about this.
· Some ideas on LinkedIn update to consider.
· How the wrong introduction of yourself, by your partner, on social media or your own, can sabotage your brand.
· What is your career portfolio and how do you use it in your search?
· What is strategic volunteering and how can it help you in finding a job?
Neha is smart, creative, and giving of her thoughts and experiences. I know you will enjoy listening to her ideas and will be able to put into practice next week, several of her suggestions. Enjoy!
Ben Wiant works with professionals in career transition to define, own, and confidently communicate their professional value and narrative. He helps them create and implement effective job search strategies to overcome the complexity of the modern job search using The 3 Doors Job Search – a foundational model he created to strategically access new career opportunities.
As a former recruiter, Ben knows what happens behind closed doors in the hiring process – he has reviewed over 175,000 resumes, formally interviewed 2,000+ candidates, and worked with 100s of hiring managers.
Ben earned a master’s degree in Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University. He also holds graduate level certifications in Human Performance Technology, Program Evaluation, and Human Resource Development. Ben is active in the Raleigh-Durham, NC job seeker community as a guest speaker and presenter and for the past 7 years has paid-it-forward as a facilitator at a weekly job seeker support group. For more information on Ben, go to his website www.the3doors.com.
During our discussion, Ben provided many tips and ideas on being a better and more effective candidate, including:
· Unless you are in a design focused industry, use a standard resume format, but most important is that the content of your resume must tell the story of how you solve companies’ problems.
· We discussed how you can access the “front, side, and back doors” as a multi-faceted approach to increase your chances of success in your job search.
· Executive search and recruiting firms work for the company and not you as the candidate but it is a great idea to be sure you are in their database so if they have an appropriate position, you are on their list of people to follow-up with.
· Often candidates are their own worst critic; they should “flip their scripts” to be positive, believe in themselves, and know that they are worthy.
· Ben explained the difference between general networking, targeted networking, and strategic networking – each has a role/purpose – but the strategic networking will have greatest positive impact on your job search and future career potential.
· During your search, remember it is important to know your values, stay professional, and take any negative feedback in stride as a learning opportunity. If you get ghosted, know it is more about them than about you.
Ben has so much real-world job transition experience, we could have gone on for so much longer. This episode provides insights you can put in action today to help you move closer to your next great job opportunity. Listen to it a couple of times – share with your friends – leave me comments on your thoughts/reactions – ENJOY!
Michael Yinger is a seasoned senior executive with experience creating, building, and managing organizations and providing strategic advice via Board of Directors membership both in the US and internationally. Over the course of his career, Mr. Yinger has delivered positive results (sales growth of 10-20% in a down market), dealt with senior level clients (CxO level), and established efficient organizations and partnerships in several different industries, within startups and established companies. Currently, he is Co-Founder and COO of Resume Sieve. “The Sieve™ is a cloud-based AI driven platform designed to help the recruiting and hiring community take the guesswork out of evaluating and ranking resumes against the required and preferred skills for the job.”
During our 30 minutes together, Michael shared many tips and ideas on how to find your next great job, including:
· Provided guidelines on how to make your resume ATS compliant.
· Key mistakes he has seen in resumes like, leaving things off that should be included. editing mistakes, and not tailoring resume for the position you are applying for.
· On your resume and all social media platforms, it is best that you speak to the results you achieved, this is what recruiters are looking for.
· More jobs are posted at the end of the week so you should schedule your time then as you will find the opportunities listed greatest at that time.
· It is best that you set small goals for yourself, daily and weekly, and work to accomplish these goals, this should ultimately lead you to finding your next great job opportunity, but that is really the result of achieving the daily/weekly goals.
· In you search, it is important that you always remain honest (with self and others) and be persistent (job search is hard and it takes determination).
Michael is a seasoned business professional that understands recruiting and hiring process. He was very candid and transparent in his comments. If you are looking to help make your job search, go faster with more positive results, Michael can assist you. As always, please share this episode with a friend and leave me any comments or questions you might have. Thanks!
Michael Levitt has seen and done it all! He is the founder and Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego based burnout media firm. He is an in-person and Certified Virtual Speaker, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, and is one of the world's leading authorities in burnout recovery and prevention. In addition, he is a Fortune 500 consultant, #1 bestselling author, and host of the Breakfast Leadership Show, a top 200 podcast on iTunes. Michael was a former Healthcare executive, CIO, and CFO overseeing $ 2 Billion budgets.
On this episode of “People in Transition”, Michael shared several important ideas to support you in your job search, including:
· Effective networking is about you giving as much as receiving
· Be confident, energized and an attitude of “I can do it” in your interview – you must believe in yourself before the recruiter believes in you
· We are often our own worst critic, need to stop beating ourselves up and keep our energy flowing
· Burn out can happen in your job search – you need to pace yourself, eat/drink healthy and remember it is OK to do things that you enjoy
Michael had so many other practical and actionable ideas to help you jump start your job search. I know you are going to want to listen to this episode several times to get all the information out of it. If you have a question on his material, or any other job transition questions/comments – please share them with me.
For more information on Michael, go to:
website: https://BreakfastLeadership.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfastleadership/
Hire Michael to speak at your event: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/speaking
I hope you enjoy this recording as much as I did!
Aletta Rochat is a professional speaker, a speech Coach as well as an interview Coach. She shows you how to speak like a professional when it matters most, so that you are remembered, hired, and promoted.
Clients come to her for:
● Presentation Preparation
● Interview Coaching
● Coaching to Increase Influence
You can find more information on Aletta at her website, https://www.alettarochat.com/. With us she shared so many interesting and useful job transition ideas, including:
● COVID has made gaps in work experience more common, discuss with the recruiter what caused the gap and what have you done to improve/enhance yourself during this time.
● Candidates can make their ZOOM interview more positive by:
o Make sure you know how to use the platform you are on
o Enhance lighting ( the direction it is coming from is important)
o Adjust your camera angle to give you the best full-face exposure
o Lean forward into the camera and don’t sit or slouch backward
o Use a professional looking background, be careful of virtual backgrounds
o Practice your answers
● Remember, you have many strengths, be ready to talk about them, you must believe in yourself.
Our discussion with Aletta was lively, fun, and filled with great advice. Please make sure you leave any comments on this recording (or any other episodes) on my LinkedIn site and share this with others. Thank you – enjoy – best wishes in finding that next great job opportunity!
Dan Cumberland is on a mission to help you set yourself “on fire”. Years ago, he found himself in a job that didn't fit for him and no easy way out, so he set out to learn everything there is to learn about meaning, purpose, and work. After a Master's degree and a lot of experimentation, he's now doing everything he can to help you find where meaning, life, and work intersect and to inspire you to push into those places. He's been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company, Career Builder, and other publications. More importantly, he wants to help you find and do your best work in any way that he can.
Today he is the host of the Meaning Movement Podcast and blogs at themeaningmovement.com, where he curates the best advice on finding your passion, calling, and life’s work and runs a software incubator, UpsideBuilders.
Some of the key points we discussed in this episode include:
· You must be the solution to the hiring manager’s problems to have any chance at the job.
· To find a job with purpose, your focus should be on:
o People
o Product
o Process
o Profit
· In transition, you can feel lonely, you need to have support structure for you.
· How can you do “mini experiments” to see if the industry/job is right for you?
· To really find out the culture of a company, you need to see how they live – day in and day out – how they make decisions – how are things like conflict or success handled.
Dan is smart, caring and a broad thinker, who really does want each person to find the job that fills them with purpose and positivity. You will be energized after your listen to this episode, and I hope you leave us your thoughts and comments on it. Enjoy!
Victoria Pelletier is a dynamic, innovative, and passionate Senior Executive with over two decades of progressive executive experience in strategy, operations, growth initiatives, and business and talent development in organizations such as Brookfield, American Express, Aon and IBM. She is currently a Managing Director at Accenture, leading much of North America’s Travel Industry Client Portfolio.
She is a visionary leader with a passion for innovation, creativity and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In fact, Victoria has won both the 2020 Mentor of the Year award from Women in Communications & Technology AND the 2019 HSBC Diversity & Inclusion in Innovation Award. Victoria was also named as 2021 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in Technology.
Victoria serves as a board member for several organizations; she is also a published author, regular contributor to Forbes and a member of the Forbes Business Council. She is an in-demand public speaker and appears regularly on national radio and television. An inspiring professional with impeccable credentials, Victoria is a trusted voice among peers and emerging executives.
In this episode, Victoria shares so many key job transition ideas and coaching for the candidate, including:
· On ZOOM interviews, it is important that you appear confident, in control and to look directly into the camera to create some type of eye contact connection.
· In today’s job market, a candidate having multiple jobs in their past is really expected so don’t worry about being labeled a “job hopper”.
· It is important that you set strong goals for yourself and have the resilience to work toward them; to be very aware of your strengths/areas to improve – this mean you are doing a critical self-assessment and do something with the information; model the behavior you want to be seen as – your self-brand is very important for your success.
· You don’t have to be an extrovert to be successful at networking – you just need to take steps early on, be strategic in your efforts and build it over time – you will be able to leverage that network for your success.
· Our workforce of the future will see an even faster pace of digital transformation, a constant need to upskill and fluid/new ways to work will be the norm.
· In your work life, you are going to have ups and downs, accept this, build resilience into your character.
And Victoria had many other comments and observations for the person who is changing their jobs/life. For more information about Victoria unstoppable approach to work/life, go to her website https://victoria-pelletier.com/
Susan Collins spent over 20 years in HR with a front-row seat, watching professionals search for their place in organizations. She believes that finding joy and purpose at work not only leads to a more successful career but also enhances everything else in life. She now supports leaders eager to clarify their goals, achieve their objectives, and unlock their potential. For additional information, go to Susan’s website https://www.thenetworkconcierge.com/. As a special bonus, she shares some of her secrets from her days of recruiting in this free download to help you manage recruiter perception based on your candidate profile: https://www.thenetworkconcierge.com/TopSecret
In this episode, Susan covered many tips and techniques to make finding your next great job opportunity easier and maybe even fun. Here are a few of her ideas:
· Make sure you are clear on what you want in your next job before you start your search.
· The further you are in the interview process; the more information you should have researched about the company you are talking with.
· After your interview, it is a good idea to email the hiring manger every few weeks to follow-up; really a great idea if you can email with some article or something that ties back to your interview.
· Networking is the most important thing to do in your job search – everyone should start it now and not wait until it is needed.
· Remember, you are not in your transition alone – let people help you.
Susan is bright, energetic, smart, and experienced at the entire recruiting cycle. Make sure you share this episode with friends, they will thank you for caring enough to give them this gift. Enjoy!
Donna Peters is the author of the #1 international bestseller, Options Are Power: Career Strategies for High Performers Who Want a Life. She is host of the The Me-Suite podcast, 2021 finalist for both Best Business Podcast and People's Choice Award. Donna is a certified Executive Coach, speaker, and leadership faculty with 20+ years advising senior executives and next generation leaders at the world's most admired companies. Donna acted professionally on stage, film, and stand-up for 10 years before pursuing an MBA at Cornell and becoming a senior partner and practice leader in Management Consulting. She helps driven professionals take control of the future they want to have.
During this week’s episode, Donna covered many transition tips and techniques, some key thoughts discussed include:
· Negative stories don’t get us to where we need to be.
· She describes the two types of networking time for her own schedule – “I think of you – I tell you “and my “time to think” – both help her keep her network fresh and engaged.
· The mindset of what the personal brand you are trying to convey in those first impression moments impacts everything you do in the interviews you have; the other mindset you should have is that the interviewer would really like you to be the perfect candidate – it is to their advantage that you succeed in the discussion, keeping this in mind helps us join the discussion in a more positive frame of mind.
· You need to have a job-hunting strategy, so you know what to say “no” to.
· Recruiters look at technical, functional, and interpersonal skills – be ready to discuss and give examples of your strength in each.
· You should ask yourself, how does your presence on LinkedIn help your personal brand.
Donna shared so many more ideas to help you in your job search, you are going to want to listen to this one several times to get all her tips/suggestions. Please make sure you share this with a friend, you will be glad to you did – thanks!
Nathan A. Stuck is an experienced Director level executive with a demonstrated history of affecting organizational change, implementing solutions, and driving results. Jack of all trades and well versed in Business Planning, Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Operations Management, Sales, Marketing, Team Building, and Market Research. He is passionate about giving back and all things B Corporation (the term used for any for-profit entity that is certified by the nonprofit B Lab as voluntarily meeting higher standards of transparency, accountability, and performance). Nathan has a diverse work experience and is a well-rounded professional, with an MBA focused on Marketing and Consulting from The University of Georgia - Terry College of Business.
In this episode, Nathan covered many topics, some of them he will deal with in more detail in his soon to be released book. Some of the key points we discussed include:
· LinkedIn is your friend in your search, get to know it’s power and use it to your advantage.
· Networking is not transactional; it is relationship based and long-term focused.
· Spend time learning, at least 1 hour a week or 1 hour a day, think of the growth you can achieve if you invest in yourself 365 hours each year!
· Always use thank you notes after interviews or discussions, in today’s electronic world, they take virtually no time/effort to use and can make the difference between your going to the next phase or not.
· If you want to pivot into a different area/industry, go get the experience, volunteer, whatever it takes to gain the experience in that area/industry so you can talk with confidence and knowledge about why you have what is needed for the new role.
Nathan brings such insight, realism, and passion to the job search process. Make sure you not only listen to the episode but also share it with a friend. Nathan has offered to help any of my listeners in their job search, so feel free to reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Dr. Benjamin Ritter is a leadership, executive, and career coach, L&D director, values geek, international speaker, podcaster, author, mentor, and passionate about guiding leaders in finding, creating, and sustaining a career they love.
With over 10 years of experience working with clients from companies such as Amazon, Coursera, Doordash, Google, Fiserv, Northwestern, Pinterest, and Yelp, Ben understands how to navigate any career path you decide you want to travel.
From empowering professionals to get unstuck, to guiding senior leadership on how to stand out from the competition, develop executive presence, and feel confident in being a leader, Ben is an expert in his field and will guide you toward truly living for yourself at work and in life.
Key links(s): Liveforyourselfconsulting.com / youtube.com/c/benjaminritter / linkedin.com/in/ritterbenj
Some of the information he shared during our discussion include:
· Sometimes, you need to do a hard audit on yourself to really know what you want and where you are going to.
· If you are running away from a job, you might just run right back into the problems you have had, always better to run to the next great opportunity.
· You must believe in yourself to be successful in the job search, rejection is not directed at who you are, the skills you have just don’t match the need.
· When the inner critic is shooting at you, bring clarity, confidence, and control to deal with it.
· If you are at a job impasse, give yourself some kindness, break for a while and then start back slowly and explore where you are at and where you need to go to.
Ben provided so much thoughtful, helpful, and actionable advice in this episode. You are going to want to listen to the recording several times to make sure you got it all. He lives his life with this philosophy, “I think there is a way to beat the system. To work outside of it. To change the boundaries of work for myself and for everyone.” and shares how we all can achieve this success.
With a unique, innovative, and practical evidence-led, neuroscience-based approach ICF certified Executive, Leadership and Career Coach, Bruna De Palo empowers people to understand why the brain triggers certain behaviors and how to optimize its functions. With an ability to bring cutting-edge neuroscience concepts to life through practical frameworks and tools, she helps people stop acting as Human Doings and start living as Human Beings and feel alive at work.
In this episode, Bruna discusses many transition tips and techniques, including:
· It is not money or title that is important, it is to feel “alive” that is key; and we feel most “alive” when we use our own special gifts.
· You should use/expand your personal network before you go to job boards in your search.
· Emotional intelligence leads to wellbeing which leads to feeling alive at your work.
· Fear of the unknown is often what stops people from finding their next great job opportunity, a coach can help you work through this challenge.
· A networking group can help you deal with your fear on networking.
· To improve your marketability, you need to show how you can solve the companies’ problems.
· Always bring who you are to what you do.
· Go For It! Bruna motto for life.
Bruna provides so many great ideas on knowing yourself, the actions you need to take to make your career transition and a science-based career change framework. Focusing on developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the power of "bringing who they are into what they do", participants increased their confidence, control, and balance to lead a more fulfilling life. For more information go to https://brunadepalo.com/ Enjoy!!
Marsha Friedman is a Career and Personal Transformation Coach for professionals who are struggling to get through the challenges of life, which are affecting their family, finances, relationships, or career. Marsha helps her clients rediscover their passion, reinvent their lives, and reach their full potential.
Prior to founding MEF Coaching & Consulting Group, Marsha was the head of learning and organization development for Diebold Global Service Logistics.
Marsha is co-facilitator of Summit Networking Group for executive level jobseekers. Marsha is also the author of Surviving & Thriving Despite the Drama and Job Search Mastery: How to obliterate obstacles on the path to your next job. For more information on Marsha, go to, https://consultmef.com/jobseachmastery
In this episode, Marsha discusses with us:
· If you are looking for that next great job opportunity, you should develop your own marketing plan to help guide your job search efforts.
· Everyone should have an accomplishment log or “brag book” to help them deal with the dark times they may have during their job search and to provide concrete examples of asked how you have added value in past.
· Effective job search starts with you, have you stayed current/relevant, how can you bring value, and know what you are looking for.
· Do something positive for yourself each day – be kind to yourself during the journey.
. For more information on how to ask for help on your job search, go to, https://consultmef.com/how-to-ask-for-anything/
In her networking groups and during her podcast, Marsha talks about the importance of selfcare, positive emotions and a “I can do this” attitude. Even if you are not looking for that next job right now, Marsha’s coaching will help you have a better day/week/life.
AJ Eckstein founded Career Coaching Company during the COVID-19 pandemic to “pay it forward” and help students and professionals land their dream internships and jobs. He built up the coaching team to include over 15 coaches who are recent grads at top companies that specialize in 1-on-1, live tailored coaching. AJ previously coached over 320 hours and has helped over 100 individuals land top offers. AJ is a 5x intern and has worked for Fortune 100 companies like Disney and tech startups like TeleSign. In addition, AJ was awarded "Most Outstanding President" & "Diversity & Inclusion Award" out of 20,000 USC undergrad. For more information on AJ, go to his website, https://thefinalround.com/
In this episode, AJ talks with us about:
· Almost all recruiters/hiring managers will use LinkedIn to help them fill positions – make sure your page is current and represents you well.
· Doing interviews on telephone requires the candidate to make up for the lack of visual communication, some ideas to help include to stand up during the interview and bring energy/passion to your voice.
· To help stay focused during your job search, you may want to have an accountability buddy.
· There probably is no complete course or video on networking – you just need to dive in and do it, start early, be comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings it may bring you and be excited about the potential for new friends or connections.
· Networking is all about building long term relations vs. a transaction of getting more business cards or a job lead.
· Don’t be afraid to ask for help in your transition.
No matter if you are a college senior looking for that first job, or a more experience professional, AJ has insights into the recruiting process that will help you. He brings energy, experience, and creativity to the job search process. I know you will want to listen to this episode more than once to make sure you get all the recruiting tips and techniques AJ shares.
Mark Herschberg is a seasoned executive and cybersecurity expert who can bridge the divide between business and technology. He has started, grown, and fixed startup companies spanning 10 different verticals as well as helped two Fortune 500 companies with their internal startup initiatives, and helped create educational programs at MIT and HBS in business and leadership. He understands that networking, negotiating, communicating, leading, career planning — are all skills critical to your career success. But did anyone ever teach these skills to you – probably not. But in this episode, Mark will share his thoughts/expertise on many of these skills/areas. Key points discussed during the recording include:
· If you have ever wondered how to answer those brain teaser questions, like how many ping pong balls would fit into the Empire State building, Mark will tell you the way to approach them if used in your interview
· Mark discusses how to develop an effective resume, which should use a standard/professional format, employee bullet points to help focus the reader on key information and never be more than 3 pages long
· Mark talks about how you can handle the discussion with a hiring team if the role you are interviewing for is a step down for you
· We discussed the keys to networking, which is really about relationship building and when you need to start building your network
· In our lighting round we discussed; use of individual addressed thank you notes (even if they are emailed), the candidate needs to dress just a little “better” than the interview team, the applicant should not bring up the question of compensation too soon in the discussions and to give thought beforehand to the questions you want to ask the company
Mark’s academic credentials and his business experiences have provided the framework to help him guide any professional through their job transition. For additional support or information from Mark, go to his web site https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/ . You are going to want to listen to this episode several times and share it with your friends. I know you will join me in saying, “Thank you Mark for all your great ideas!”
Cord Harper is the founder and CEO of Endeavor Agency, one of the leading career transition and outplacement firms in the US for executives and professionals. Cord founded Endeavor Agency in 2011 to help executives and professionals gain every advantage for themselves in the challenging process of making a career change. Prior to that he led the physician division of one of the largest healthcare recruiting firms in the country, Maxim Healthcare. His early career covered many different industries including, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, hospitality, real estate, construction, and agriculture. His LinkedIn profile lists that he is a "Disciple of Taking Action" and anyone who knows or works with Cord will agree he lives his life “in action”!
In this episode, Cord discusses many transition tips and techniques, including:
· Managing your internal emotions/communications is a key to transition success
· Looking for a job means you will have rejections – and that hurts – an accountability partner can help you deal with the emotions tied up in rejection
· Fear keeps us from networking – but really there is no downside to reaching out to new connections – the worse that it can be is they don’t want to connect with you and then you move on
· Have a work plan to help guide you through the transition – and execute it each day
· Your LinkedIn brand, including your picture on it, is an important part of your marketing material
· Get some help – accountability partner or professional support – to be a part of your transition management/job search
Cord has helped scores of people as they change jobs. His favorite line that sums up Cord and this episode so well is, “I love starting conversations with new people every day. Amazing things happen when you go on a voyage of exploration. Above all, take action and make it happen.” I think you will enjoy the recording and as always, share with me any feedback and share this with others
This week we have Jacob Share, an expert in job search techniques, a pro blogger, an outside of the box creative thinker, and a huge community builder (oh, and he does this all with a great sense of humor). You can summarize Jacob by saying, he likes to help people.
A consummate Internet professional since 1994 with far-reaching experience and success in authority blogging, social media, marketing, web development and e-commerce. I like to help people while doing things in a big way.
We discussed a range of topics, including:
· What tools can help a person during their transition/job search?
· Is there a difference between changing your job and re-inventing yourself in a new role?
· What are some tips/techniques to help build your self confidence during your job search?
· How do you leverage demand in your job search?
You are going to want to listen to Jacob several times to get the most out of this recording. For more information, go to his web site, https://jobmob.co.il/.
Thank you for listening and sharing this recording with others.
In this episode, we are so fortunate to have Diane Pleuss with us. Since 2004, Diane has matched hundreds of entrepreneurs with their perfect fit franchise opportunity, while successfully guiding them to avoid rookie mistakes – at no cost to her clients. As a result, they are creating wealth, making an impact in their marketplace, and enjoying the systems already in place to accelerate their path to success.
Diane discusses some key franchise information with us today, such as:
· What is the difference between buying a franchise and starting your own business?
· Who is an ideal candidate to own a franchise?
· What do you get when you buy a franchise?
· How much money does it take to own a franchise?
· How long does it take, from start to owning a franchise?
The answers to these and many more key issues are talked about. For many, owning a franchise and being your own boss is the transition plan you want to pursue, and this episode can help guide you down this path successfully. For more information, go to Diane’s web page, https://danianepleuss.com/
I would love to hear your comments on this episode and please, share this great opportunity with others.
Thank you!
In this episode, we are so fortunate to have Tami Jaffe, a success coach and consultant who has a passion for inspiring ambitious professionals who are dreaming to do something new or want to start a business. She has a broad range of expertise and interest including:
· Business start up
· Corporate leadership
· Keynote speaker
· Real estate consulting
· Job transition support
Tami covered topics about job change strategy and if you decide to go start your own business. Some key topics included:
· 99% of your first customers are people you already know
· When you start your own business, be clear on who and what your product/service can solve, don’t get caught up in the new shinny app or process that promises you overnight success and make sure you learn from others who have done what your business will do
· Fear is the biggest factor to hold people back in making a change – even if it is a good change
· Her key transition advice – make the decision and commit to it, get inspired on what you want to do as this will be your motivation during the tough times and you don’t have to do everything at first, but you do need to take that first step
I know you will enjoy listening to Tami as much as I did. She has incredible business knowledge coupled with a passion to help people find their next great opportunity, in a traditional role or starting their own business. You will want to listen to this episode a few times and make sure you share it with others. For more information about Tami go to https://tamijaffe.com/ .
We are so fortunate to have Tiffany Franklin join us for this episode. Tiffany has dedicated her career to helping people conceptualize and implement strategies for an effective and efficient job search. Since 1998, she has worked at three university career centers (UPenn, Vanderbilt, Drexel) and spent time as a recruiter for an international creative staffing firm. In 2011, she launched a side executive career consulting practice and has advised over 1,000 global clients across industries with a significant portion working for Fortune 500 employers. Her specialties include career exploration, job search strategy (identifying opportunities, resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, bios, mock interviews, evaluating and negotiating offers), as well as leadership development. Vanderbilt University named Tiffany one of their career coaches for alumni in 2014. Last year, Tiffany transitioned her side business, TJF Career Coaching LLC, into her full-time job and she launched her podcast, Job Search Strategies with Tiffany Franklin in June 2021. You can find her website: https://www.tjfcareercoach.com
In this episode, Tiffany discusses many job search topics, including:
· Be targeted in your search, don’t just blast out resumes, and make sure you tailor your resume to the company you are sending it to.
· Provided some ideas on how to handle ZOOM interviews, such as professional background, check your technology that all is working and practice your responses to standard recruiting type questions.
· She described how to use CAR in answering questions – Challenge you had, Action you took, and positive Results achieved.
· Asking the hiring manager good questions shows you are interested, and you did some research on the company.
· The significant things she wants anyone in transition to remember is to have perspective, be persistent and keep an open mind.
- Tiffany shared the following exercise which helps you identify the work and personal values that are most important to you. The list describes values and attitudes related to job satisfaction. It's a great exercise to complete at the beginning of a job search to provide direction for your search and at the end as you decide among offers. It only takes 5 minutes!
https://cdn.uconnectlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/74/2019/08/Exploring-Values.pdf
Tiffany has such great recruiting knowledge, no matter if you are a senior heading to your first job or an experienced professional, her skills and advice work. I know you will enjoy this episode as much as I did and as always, please leave me any comments about the program and share it with a friend.
Scott Singer is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, a Certified Professional Career Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. He helps job seekers market themselves by providing the excellent marketing materials and tools they need to succeed in their search, including resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, as well as the coaching to help them successfully navigate what can be a challenging and complicated process.
In this episode, Scott discussed many tips and ideas for your job search, including:
· Ensure you resume looks good and talks about your achievements and not just your job responsibilities.
· When you are doing your ZOOM screening interviews, remember to dress professional, be in a quiet place, and be prepared with information about the company and position.
· Establish a routine for your time and make sure you take care of yourself, including eating right, workout and remember the rejections are not personal.
· Scott gave three great ways to combat ‘ageism’ in the marketplace.
· People in transition should explore many avenues to finding their next great job – don’t just apply on-line.
Scott was so engaging and filled with practical ideas on job searches. I know you will enjoy this episode as much as I did. As always, I want to hear your comments and feedback on the recording and be sure you share this with a friend. Thank you!
This episode features Daniel Alfon who is the author of Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success. Daniel joined LinkedIn in early 2004 and publishes Articles , interviews and exclusive content about advanced LinkedIn strategies to clients and subscribers to his website, www.danielalfon.com .
In this recording, Daniel shares many key tips and techniques to use with LinkedIn and just in general, such as:
· How to make sure your resume and profile have key words to ensure applicant tracking systems pick you up.
· Are you looking for quality or quantity of contacts in LinkedIn, this is a question you should ask yourself, because it is very difficult, if not impossible, to have both?
· How you should use an accountability partner.
· And always remember, if I looked at my own resume or LinkedIn profile as a recruiter or hiring manager, would I want to know more? If not, you need to improve on them
Daniel was so giving of his time and talents. I know you will want to listen to this episode again and again to be sure you picked up all his tips/techniques. Please, send me your comments about this episode, and as always, share it with a friend. Thank you.
This episode is with Connie Dorigan, an executive search professional in the food processing world. The love of food comes naturally to Connie. With a dad who grew up on a dairy farm and a mom who read cookbooks like novels, she understood at an early age the unifying power of food.
The human condition is something she’s always been fascinated with. Educated in social work and psychology and recruiting for over 30 years, she applies her love for people and greater understanding of the “business of business” to build her network of genuinely good, dedicated, and skilled contacts.
In this episode, Connie shares with us:
· Being effective in your job search means you need to research the company and people you are speaking with, map the skills they are looking for with your skills, make a list of questions you want to ask about the company/position and practice your interview.
· Great resumes are clear, concise and to the point.
· The old myth that no company hires during holiday months is false.
· You need to make the time to network.
· Many different ideas on how to keep your confidence up while you are looking for that next great opportunity.
For more information on Connie, go to her web site at https://dorigan.com/. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, share your thoughts with me and as always, please share it with a friend. Thank you!
This episode, with Edythe Richards, provides so much support in helping you find your next great job opportunity. As a career counselor, nationally recognized expert on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®), and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Edythe has helped thousands of Baby Boomers, Veterans, Recent College Grads, Immigrants, and Mid-Career Adults locate and sustain meaningful employment.
Edythe shares her tips/techniques to build your self confidence when you are in career transition, including:
· Grieve the loss of your job – you may need to take a few days off just to release any negative feelings you have about the loss.
· Process your feeling externally – your family, friends or a career coach can be a great sounding board for your emotions and help you chart the steps you need to take next.
· No set time frame – everyone goes through this transition process on their own schedule, don’t think you need to be at a certain spot until you are ready to be there.
· Be kind to yourself – you might not be able to control what happens around you, but you can control how you behave and represent yourself to the world.
I know you will want to listen to this episode several times to make sure you get all the great advice Edythe shares. Please, send me your comments on this recording and don’t forget to share it with others. Thank you!
Brad Minton is a Career Coach and Certified Resume Writer who has spent the last 10 years helping students, new graduates and early career professionals find their purpose and land the careers that they aspire to have. He started his career in mental health working as a therapist. In 2011, he made a career transition taking his talents to move into career development. He began working in higher education career for 3 different institutions. In 2020 he started his own business, Mint To Be Career LLC, providing career clarity and job search coaching, as well as starting his own podcast “Your Career GPS”. Brad now works as a Postsecondary Success Navigator for Wayne RESA an educational service agency that provides education support services.
In this episode, Brad discusses:
· How your appearance still matters in todays job market
· The importance of “leaving your negative stories at the door” when you interview
· Show on your resume the impact you had on your employer, how you did things and why you did them
· Before you start the job search process, you need to spend time on your own “self discovery” – what is your central mission
· Why it is important to remember it is ok to seek support
This is an episode of caring, discovery and many useful techniques. Please let me know your thoughts on it and as always, please share the recording with others. Enjoy!
This week’s episode is information packed as well as being a real treat to listen too - Mitch Gray is my special guest. He is the author of “How to Hire and Keep Great People”, where he teaches leaders how to hire talented and really terrific people. He is also a sought-after speaker, a leadership and personal development guide, a writer, and the host of “The Mitch Gray Show” podcast at Mitch Gray Media.
In the episode, some key points Mitch talked about included:
· The recruiting world is filled with a lot of “noise” – how can you stand out.
· If you can, physically visit places you are interested in working at, you are remembered better, and it is harder for them to reject you in person.
· When you lose a job, you need to 1. Take inventory of what you liked and did not like at job 2. Shift your mindset from loss to opportunity 3. Make sure you have a good support group around you during the transition.
· Use hobbies, meditation, and friends/family to help you deal with the stress of being unemployed.
· Remember as you go through your transition to 1. Function from a place of patient diligence – finding that opportunity takes time 2. Do all you can to shift to a positive mind set 3. Know (and believe) that it is going to be OK for you.
Mitch has so many great experiences and knowledge about being in transition and finding that opportunity that aligns with your own personal needs/interests. You will get several great ideas on how to make your job change easier and less stressful. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did, please leave me your comments. And as always, I hope you share this with other who maybe going through their own job change challenges. Thank you!
Valerie Woerner is an accomplished CEO/ President/ CFO, as well as an experienced and influential Board member, for family and corporate Boards of Directors. Her authentic and collaborative leadership experience in manufacturing consumer facing products began in banking where she developed a strong finance foundation. High growth business building roles, startups, and turnaround success are among her skills. She is a qualified financial expert with marketing, HR, M&A and board expertise, and public speaker, who consistently creates and delivers value. By request, Valerie has taught Finance, Entrepreneurship and other business and HR courses including Compensation at two universities.
In this episode, Valerie shares several helpful job transition tips including:
· Networking is critical to your job change success – and it does not have to be a stressful activity. “Never Eat Alone” is a great book to help you be more effective in your networking.
· To help you do better on your phone or ZOOM interview, make sure you do your research on the company and people you will be working with.
· Create your job-hunting plan, help others along the way, exercise and remember – you need to be happy with the job too, not just the company being happy with you.
· Be a lifelong learner – read, take courses, and learn new skills.
This is a high impact episode that you will want to listen to a couple of times to get all the key points from it. Enjoy, give me your comments, and share it with others.
Pin Cher is quadrilingual, globally minded, and driven by curiosity and a desire to learn.
She has resided in Asia for over 9 years. She has been positively influenced by the great people surrounding him. Being a German native speaker, fluent in English and Mandarin and conversational in Cantonese, this diversity gives him a competitive advantage when it comes to breaking through in today's business world.
In this episode, Pin Cher discusses:
· If you just "hate" your job or you just don't like where you’re at, it is not enough to just be down/upset, you need to act, to wallow in your negative feelings, do something.
· In change, people feel fear, of what others think or their judgement of you and of the unknown, you need to understand where this fear is coming from and do the things needed to overcome the fear.
· Pin Cher described what a coach is and is not, and how someone in job transition might use one.
· Being clear what type of job and environment, you want and use the key words in LinkedIn to find jobs that match your needs/expectations.
· "Feel the fear and do it anyway" is her best job transition advice.
This is an information packed, warm, caring and reflective episode. Please share with me your thoughts about the recording and as always, share it with others who may need the support.
Thank you!
Juliana Rabbi is a recruiter-turned-career coach. After working for over 15 years as a recruiter and part of the human resources teams in multinational corporations all over the world, she has been working remotely for the past 8+ years and now helps professionals to create a career and a lifestyle that makes them happier. Juliana has a background in Psychology, a master’s degree in human resources. She currently works as a Career Coach and helps professionals to land their dream remote job in 90 days. She is also a Digital Nomad who has been to 51 countries, she can't resist playing with dogs, she tries different animal poses in yoga and enjoys acting in comedy improv.
Some key points for Juliana recording are:
· Losing your job is hard, we place a lot of importance on work, if you are down after you lose your job, you are normal; but soon it is time to move on, don’t hide at home, be with people you care for, create your job search action plan, and work it.
· Juliana breaks down how to make the most introverted person tools and techniques to help them network with confidence and success.
· Being someone connected is a superpower and anyone can do it.
· You need to create a file which you keep track of who you have connected with and what was discussed, this will help you connect dots on discussions and activities you are pursuing.
· In your transition you need to be clear on what you want to do next, what are your short/long term goals, what is the price you’re willing to pay to get you there, ask for help when needed, and don’t settle for less.
Juliana has such practical advice that is easy to implement today for anyone looking for a new job. She understands how recruiters operate and she is a great coach to help those who need the knowledge. I am so excited about your listening to this episode, please leave me your thoughts/questions and as always, share this with a friend.
Brain Golod has successfully mentored executives, managers, and professionals around the world and across dozens of industries to help them find their next great job opportunity.
There is only two main problems jobseekers approach Brian with:
1. They can’t get interviews, or
2. They can’t get offers
In this episode, Brain discusses several key issues on these problems including:
· Always remember to make your resume applicant tracking system compliant to ensure it does not get excluded just because of a format issue
· He shared several great techniques to use when you do a phone or ZOOM interview that can be implemented immediately
· Make sure you LinkedIn profile is complete and robust; also ensure all the settings for sharing/viewing are turned on correctly
· If you are struggling with something during your job search – don’t try to deal with it alone – get professional support/help
· Today, start to build meaningful relationships that can help you when you are in a job transition and can provide great resources to you in your day-to-day job role.
Brain brings passion, experience and caring to this episode of People in Transition. You will want to listen to this recording several times to get all the meaning and suggestions he shares. And as always, you would be doing someone a favor by sharing it with them. Enjoy!
Sheila Shupp connects the dots. People. Problems. Processes. A solution-oriented, self-motivated, reputable HR professional, she leverages communications to grow relationships and brings about business objectives. People trust her, which often allows her to call out the best in them and advance organizational growth.
During this session, she touched on so many ideas and concepts about transitions including:
· How to keep your courage up during your search.
· How she bridged the transition gap after being out of the labor market for many years
· How to create your networking plan
· When you are talking with a company, use all your senses to get a read on the environment/culture
· How to use other people who are also in transition to your advantage
· Always remember, your transition does have an end and you will find that next great opportunity
I think you will really enjoy this smart, engaging, and caring person – Sheila Shupp. Please share with me your thoughts and comments about this episode on my LinkedIn site. Thank you - People in Transition has had over 2,000 downloads!
This episode features Dr. Wiktor Tutlewski. Dr. T experience lies in assisting and guiding major corporations in designing, developing implementing Strategic Organizational Development, Strategic Human Resource Management, Learning and Development, Business Change Management, Leadership and Talent Management initiatives. He has a very strong background in both the public and private sectors and have held many senior leadership and Board level positions.
Some of his key points he shared during our time together includes:
· Successful job searches entail preparation, patience, and good self-packaging
· Make sure you are clear on what you want to do, and as important, what you don’t want to do
· Discussed how you need to manage your uncomfortability
· To help keep in a positive frame of mind, which is key in your transition, make daily small steps/accomplishments
· Face your fears – how can you learn skills or be better prepared to help you deal with these apprehensions
· Remember to treat life like a journey
I have known Dr. T for many years, and I am always amazed at what he knows and shares. I think you will really enjoy this session.
This episode features Susan Howington, the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and career coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc. She is a highly sought-after expert in the career transition field, applying her practical knowledge and intuitive wisdom as a Career Consultant, Executive Coach, Author, and industry speaker. Her lifelong goal is to help professionals of all levels manage and advance their careers through career enjoy and fulfillment, which ultimately, leads to their success.
Several knowledge nuggets shared in today’s recording including:
· A description of what outplacement is and how it can support you in your job search.
· A key in your job search strategy is to know what job/position you want, what industry you are interested in and what sort of company you want to work for.
· In networking, remember that most people want to help you, but you need to tell them how they can help.
· There used to be a stigma in being laid off; today if this happens to you, you are just part of the “club” of people who have been without a job.
· To be more effective in your interviews, be prepared, use ZOOM or whatever media to your advantage – learn to “show up” on screen and be relatable.
Susan had so many other great ideas and suggestions for anyone going through a job search. Dealing with people in transition is her passion and we are fortunate to hear from the expert in making this change effectively and maybe even enjoyable.
Paul has over 25 years of human resources professional experience in a variety of industries from the plant level to corporate headquarters (Reynolds Metals Company, International Harvester, USG Corporation, Griffith Laboratories). His experience encompasses all areas of human resources. Prior to founding Scherer, Schneider, Paulick, he was the Vice President-Human Resources for Griffith Laboratories and held the senior level human resources position for U.S. Gypsum Company, a $1.3 billion subsidiary of USG Corporation, a Fortune 100 company. Currently, he is a Partner at Keystone Partners. Paul’s specialties include: Human Resources Management, Career Transition Management, Executive Coaching, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and Leadership Development.
In this episode, Paul shares many useful tools and techniques in your job search, including:
· #1 tool for your search is your network, does not have to be a huge number of people, but people who you can count on to be honest with you – communicate with them status every 3-4 weeks to keep them engaged.
· Establish your LinkedIn profile - now.
· Major struggle for everyone in transition is to keep the mental wellbeing positive.
· Before your ZOOM interview – practice with a friend, look professional, make sure your lighting is good and that your background is professional.
· See the transition as a positive adventure that you can learn and grow from.
Paul has coached thousands of people through the transition process – every one of them has got a new job and over 80% of them a better job. Listen to this episode to help you land that next great opportunity.
Mac Prichard is a communications strategist, career expert, and business owner based in Portland, Oregon. His career and businesses are built on his commitment to service, relationships, and community-building. His two businesses are: Prichard Communications, founded in 2007, is a public relations agency that works with social change makers across the country; and, Mac’s List, founded in 2001, has evolved into a one-of-a-kind regional job board and career community.
In this episode, Mac discusses:
· If a friend of his lost his job, the 3 things he would coach that friend to do are:
o Take time for yourself and mourn the loss
o Invest the time to be clear on what you want to do next
o Determine where you want to go and start to build relationships inside of those companies to help you
· On your resume, you need to talk about your accomplishments, don’t just list job responsibilities; companies are looking for problems solvers and result achievement
· Invest time in understanding how to network effectively, remember, each contact is like a business meeting and you need to be clear on the steps you need to take for this meeting to go well
· Computer boards like Mac List are important, but you need to make sure you are not just using them, referrals and networking are critical as well
This episode was informational, fun and helpful for anyone looking for a new job now or in the future.
For more information on Mac, see these links:
Mac's List
Macslist.org
Find Your Dream Job podcast
macslist.org/podcasts
Sarah Hodges is a certified coach, speaker, and creator of the A+ Method™️ for Sustainable Solutions. The powerful A+ Method™️ helps clients 'get out of their own way' to excel in business and thrive in life.
Sarah's passion for personal growth began after she struggled with obesity and depression as a professional musician and opera singer. After losing 90 pounds and transforming her own life, which was filled with struggles and transitions, she sought out extensive education in the science of behavior change. In the several years since, she has helped thousands of people make positive changes in their lives and careers from the inside-out.
In this episode, Sarah discusses several key issues, such as:
· When using social media, it is most important to be authentic in your connection, don’t try to be someone you are not
· If a friend lost a job, some thoughts to support them include:
o It is ok to give yourself space to grieve
o Make sure you give yourself compassion and kindness
o Remember, transition is a normal part of life in today’s world
· Progress is not only measured by external items (e.g. performance reviews, promotions, compensation) but also internal things (e.g. happiness, stress levels, energy)
· Volunteer work not only helps you network, it gives you a sense of purpose and gratitude
· Find the culture that fits you, don’t you try to fit the culture
This is just a few of the ideas and coaching Sarah provided. Remember, if you are in transition or you know of someone that is, be kind, listen or share this recording, it maybe just what is needed for that day.
Thank you.
VIRGINIA “GINNY” CLARKE is an executive recruiter with unparalleled skills and insights. Working with some of the world’s leading executive search firms and now one of the world’s leading technology companies, she honors the “art and science” of search and executes meticulously. A systems thinker, Ginny can deconstruct processes and behaviors to carefully assess organizational and individual capability. From there, she provides integrated solutions to affect change. Ginny is known to be an expert in the area of diversity recruiting, not just because of her vast network of executives around the world, but for her profound understanding of how global talent must be assessed and optimally deployed in varying organizational and national cultures.
In this episode, Ginny discusses many topics including”
· Competencies – it is less important about your experiences or pedigree and more on the behaviors/skills you have, just because you have done a role/task in the past does not mean you did it well, what are your aptitudes/abilities and how can you use/transfer them to a new role.
· You can improve any job interview by knowing what you want and why you want the position, help recruiters to connect the dots of your background with the position.
· Competencies level the playing field for all potential candidates.
· Applying for “800 jobs” is just like playing the lottery, you might be in it to win, but your chances are slim; be targeted and laser focus on what competencies are needed for a role and how your capabilities match up to them.
· So, you lost your job, the real story is how you handled it and what you did about it.
· You don’t network when you need something, you need to keep connecting throughout the year and pay-it-forward all the time.
· You need to believe in yourself – you own your future.
This is a fun, information filled and useful recording. I have known Ginny for many years – and I still always learn from her when we are together. For more information, make sure you pick up her book, “Career Mapping” or her podcast, “Fifth Dimensional Leadership”.
Brandon Schaefer is a corporate business strategist who uses data and technology to help entrepreneurs, CEOs, and startup founders, improve their sales processes, improve their client and prospect communications, and improve their lead generation campaigns. Brandon assists his clients in discovering the best ways to effectively manage their business processes, including leveraging employee engagement, social media marketing, content marketing, and network marketing.
In this episode, Brandon shared several insights on changing jobs and life in general, including:
You can write whatever “life book” for your self you want to – negative or positive – but
remember, whatever story you tell yourself is the story you are going to believe.
You general come across people when it is the right time to have them in your life.
Persistence wears down resistance.
If you have lost your job – don’t beat yourself up, don’t give up and don’t drive from the
rearview mirror – go forward if even just step by step.
You never know who will circle back into your life, some of my worst enemies have later turned
into my biggest advocates – don’t burn bridges with anyone.
Stop using words like should, would or could – they are not words that give you power.
Brandon believes that if you let fear take you over, you will miss out on the magic that presents your next great opportunity. He lives by the need to be true to yourself, showing up authentically and being positive. Enjoy this fast pace, energized and informative interview.
This episode features Derek Lundsten. Derek is an entrepreneurial CEO at LifeGuides, a transformative platform for conscious leaders and values driven cultures, and Executive Chairman of Scrimmage, a modern mobile learning, development and training technology firm with a global footprint. He leads and supports dynamic growth businesses with a focus on serving all stakeholders, using business as a force for good in the world.
In this episode, listen to Derek share many useful job (and life) transition ideas:
· Sometimes, the best thing to do is just do something, because that first action leads us to a 2nd step, and then a 3rd step, and that is how you start your journey.
· You need to take charge of what your career is and what it is not, and then create an action plan to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
· Work is only one part of our lives – don’t let it rule you.
· Everyone has weaknesses – own yours and how to improve in that area.
· How you use your time and the focus of your energy in those time windows is a key separator for people.
· Health and well-being are a top priorities, but you must work on it – don’t think you can just let it happen.
For me, my key take-away was Derek talking about how we need to be able to sit in those moments of discomfort (during our transitions) for the benefit of our own growth. I hope you enjoy this episode of Derek Lundsten and share it with others who are going through a job or life transitions.
What a great episode with Tim Spiker, leadership advisor and author. He shared so many great lessons that he has learned through his years of research and his own personal journey. Some key points from this recording includes:
- Practice - plan - get ready - do this over and over - and then deliver
- If you have lost your job - a critical first step is to forgive yourself - this is a key to your healing and to get rid of the anger and hurt you might be experiencing
- Always remember, you are of value
- The person who is responsible for your career is looking back at you in the mirror - by having this responsibility it means we can take action
- When we lean into victimhood we also lean into hopelessness
- Remember - you are more than your job, nothing last forever and always be authentic
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Please share with me your thoughts and comments on my LinkedIn site. Thank you!
Beverley Patwell is one of the world's foremost experts on organizational development and leading meaningful change/transition. She is an author, coach and consultant. In this episode, Beverley highlights when you are in transition, you need to CARE for yourself:
C= be compassionate to yourself and others
A= adapt and figure out what you need to do and then execute the plan
R= follow a routine to find comfort and structure during this chaotic time
E= exercise, your mind, body and soul
Beverley gives us great advice on how to embrace change/transitions and the importance of being the best self you can. I know her call to action on what you need to do during a transition will be helpful and even enjoyable.
Justin Breen provides some tough, and direct, advice for people in transition today but, as you can hear in the recording, he has a great heart (clue of this big heart, his children playing in the background – just like many of us – this work arrangement is our new norm) and understands not everything is within our control, especially right now. Take a listen for solid lessons and takeaways from someone who deals with start-up companies daily and truly knows what it takes to be successful in today’s unique market. Key points include:
* How to find a job = less talk and more action by the job seeker
* If you lose your job - get over it, embrace it, and do something to find your next opportunity
* Two keys to success: 1. Have the right mindset 2. Your network is a key to success
* As you are using social media, find your tribe; the right people will then find you if you put yourself in the right places
* Network = your net worth
* Time is the great equalizer
* We are always either winning or learning
I think you will enjoy Justin’s passion, drive and determination.
This episode features Nita Butler who has personal experiences of transitioning from event planning to brand strategy to going back to school to become an HR professional. She shared so many great transition ideas:
· Networking (even for introverts) can be made easier if you remember, what is the worst that can happen, the person does not respond – in which case, they are probably the wrong person anyway.
· The value in being a part of organizations to help in your transition.
· Don’t feel pressured to be someone you are not.
· The need to do what is right for you.
· Transitions are tiring – be kind to yourself – treat it like a job – but don’t let it take over your life.
· Getting to know what you don’t like is as important as knowing what you do like.
Nita had so many great thoughts and suggestions. My favorite thought that I wrote down and have it posted on my computer is, “Don’t be afraid to change, it is ok to be uncomfortable, good things can come from that point.”
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
This episode features Michelle Smith who has personal experiences of transitioning between jobs and now helps others make this change easier and faster. Michelle coaches’ people who have lost their job due to COVID to:
· File for unemployment – you have earned it – use it
· Try to stay positive – yes, your life has changed – but you have not, and you will find that next great opportunity
· Give yourself a few weeks to grieve – you need to get this out of your system before you start to interview
· Start to schedule your day – you need structure and focus so you can be effective in your search.
You will learn about “dragon slaying stories” and the importance of them in your search, the importance of volunteer activities in your networking and the need to be a lifelong learner.
Michelle is so real and vulnerable in sharing her own journey – I know you will be glad you listened to this episode and will be able to implement techniques she suggests immediately.
Jason started out in life wanting to be a truck driver, but several significant trigger points changed his trajectory and today he is a trained psychologist. Jason gave so many useful tips to deal with these uncertain times:
- the rule of reciprocity in providing support - sometimes you are going to need to be the speaker and sometimes the listener
- maintaining an engaged workforce during these unsettling times - for every negative stimulus, we need to counter it with at least 5 positive inputs
- if you have lost your job, due to COVID or other reasons, remember it is not your fault, it does provide you with opportunity to reevaluate what your values are and what is important to you and then when you find that next opportunity - find the company that nurtures those values
- the power of habits in our lives and how we can use them to our advantage
- the importance of a constellation of people to help you with your brand management
- what is an alter ego and how you can use it to bring the best out when you are under stress or your inner dialogue is negative.
I think you will enjoy the warmth, wisdom and support Jason provides. Enjoy!
This episode is focused on helping college seniors move into their first job. Thomas Goonan shares how to use a career center, professors and job boards. He discusses how to make networking less of a dreadful activity, practicing for your telephone and in-person interview and using the S (situation), T (task), A (action) and R (results) in developing your story tool box to answer answer questions.
Thomas shares that these are not normal times and that people are going to be stressed out during their job search - to recognize that this is normal. But, he stresses, you have skills, character and a lot to offer so stay focused on your search activities.
He leaves us with these key reminders:
- be confident - you are a young professional that employers are looking for
- build honest connections - be real and genuine and you will find your network
- ok to be stressed - your strengths will help guide you to the opportunities that are out there
I hope you enjoy this episode - please share it with new or soon to be graduates.
Jamon discussed with us how, if you lost your job, you should try to find the positive in this and turn the hardship into a blessing. He reminded us to never burn bridges with employers or contacts. He gave us some very useful information on crafting an effective elevator speech. His coaching for an in-person interview is to:
- be clear on why you want to work for this company
- what can you bring to the company
- dress the part
- be on time
We also discussed how community activities can help you in your networking and enhancing skills.
Jamon believes it is important in your transition to be flexible, remember experience builds experience and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to help you grow.
I know you will get as much out of this episode as I did - enjoy!
Justin has experience transition first hand. He started his career wanting to be a photographer and through a number of transitions, he now works in the telecommunication industry. Along the way, he has moved, been laid off and has drove Uber for 15 hours a day to keep his family feed, while he was looking for his next career opportunity. He understands the importance of using social media to help increase his network - and believes that if you are always a taker on social media you will get little, if you are always a giver, you will get plenty.
His suggestions for people who will have a telephone interview are so valuable:
1. practice your presentation and have a smile in your voice
2. record yourself while you practice, to be able to listen/make changes as needed
3. double check your technology, to make sure everything is working correctly
4. don't forget to breathe and pause when needed
This is a powerful episode with so many great tips and ideas for you during your transition. Justin will help you change your perspective on how you manage your transition - enjoy!
Nick Dorsey has such a great attitude, a positive/can-do style and cares about people. In this episode, Nick talks about what it feels like being unemployed, how to improve your skills for a telephone interview, the key to effective networking is to have a purpose, what should you do when you run across "trolls and haters", and ways to make the transition fun.
His key take aways are:
- be patient during the transition
- be excited about the transition journey
- be positive about what life has given you
- stay open minded about the future
I hope you enjoy listening to Nick as much as I did talking with him.
Cori shared so many key points in this episode:
- To better prepare for transitions, you need to have a goal of where you are going.
- Social media can be a huge support group for someone in transition.
- To be effective in networking, you have to be willing to give.
- The most successful interviews are those with stories and personal touch added.
- Before you jump into an entrepreneurial role, make sure you are clear why you want to do this.
- You never know what someones past experiences are - give people a chance.
- Care about others - be nice.
- Always learn.
I think you will really enjoy this smart, engaging and caring person - Cori Haber.
Our guest on this episode is Josh Fox. Josh is more than a business owner - he is someone who cares about people, relationships, the world and all of the animals he has had in his life who have had an impact on him.
Josh shares how his philosophy of TGIM (thank god it is Monday) is important for people in transition. This is used in his company where everyone writes down the "5-20 positive things your experienced this week" - so that on those bad weeks - you can go back to them and remember the good experiences.
The 3 things he wants everyone to remember are:
- people/relationships are key
- personal health is something you have to work on each day
- remember, do something you love
I hope you enjoy and get as much out of this episode as I did - enjoy and please share.
Greg is an ordained Metaphysical Minister, acupuncturist (traditional Chinese medicine) and a clinical and medical hypnotist. He has studied many other holistic treatment modalities, which he will use for patients when appropriate. His personal mission, as a problem solver, is to help people feel better, naturally. In this episode, Greg talks about ways people can stay focused and positive, even during the most difficult transitions. He outlines his 4 steps to make transitions easier:
· Have a positive attitude
· Stay calm - this will pass
· Be practical in your approach
· Have a support system that help you stay positive and motivated
This is a real caring episode and I know you will get a lot from Greg's wisdom and practical advice. Also, to get more information from Greg, go to https://www.mindandbodyantiaging.com/people-in-transition
for your free ebook.
Enjoy!
Sabrina Runbeck, our guest this week, is a terrific speaker who helps overwhelmed young professionals to be BOTH - powerhouses in their career and passionate people in their life. You will learn her 3-step system to help successfully overcome your personal workload which takes a toll on your personal and professional life. She is on a mission to help each of us find that passion/energy/happiness.
You will learn to say NO to...
o Vagueness, so you can share your purpose and achieve more
o Negative thoughts, so you can reclaim your mental strengths and embody your success
o Enhancing your self-care, so you can give the best of you, not what is left of you
This is a great episode you won’t want to miss.
Eric has many years as an HR executive, owner of his own company and executive search professional. In this episode he discusses:
- what are things you should do right now if you lost your job
- techniques to use to handle the "stress" of a job search
- networking techniques
- how to prepare for an interview
- STAR technique in answering behavior based interview questions
- what does not work after you have lost your job
- his recommendation on best search book to provide you more material
And much more - you won't want to miss this value pact interview.
This is a great interview with Jerilynne who discusses:
- being kind to yourself
- that all things, even bad things, are the recipes that make you who you are
- having a goal in mind before you use social media
- 2 ideas to help improve your resume
- and how to deal with gaps in your work history
You won't want to miss this fun and informational episode - she knows how to navigate life and do it with a smile.
In this episode, Dana shares her experiences in transition management, some of her key points include:
- to better understand yourself - you need to understand your personal brand
- seek out people who know you to support and provide guidance during your transition
- positive attitude can overcome many issues - do the transition with enthusiasm
- if you have a "blemish" in your past work history - own it
- how to make a resume with impact
- life is evolutionary - enjoy the ride
- think for ways to standout - to distinguish yourself
I think you will enjoy Dana's wit and learn from her years of experience.
Dr. Wiberg provides great thoughts on key issue in transition:
- own your strengths
- understanding your slaying story
- remember your past successes to help deal with Gremlins
- creating your elevator speech
- the edge introverts have in networking
- telephone interview tips
- building on your strengths
In these difficult times - we need all the help we can get and Catherine will help you gain that edge you are looking for.
Listen to Pam discuss a number of key topics:
- unemployment filing
- taking time during transition to improve your skills
- resume tips
- phone interview techniques
- how to gain information about industries and companies
- positive mental attitude
- networking skills
She left saying - "transition can be the best thing that ever happened to you" and throughout the episode gave you skills/ideas to make it that positive experience.
In this episode, we talk with JB, The Wizard who is a public speaker coach, actor from the "Prison Break", coach to CEO's and so much more. You will hear about his coaching to each of us to get back to our positive state (even in these stressful times with COVID -19) and what your atomic core means for you, how do you network even if you are an introvert, finding the right company culture for you, how to live "refuse to feel sorry for self", how to deal with the "gremlins" that tell you about your shortcomings, and tools to help you in transition. You are not going to want to miss this one. Share it with others - we all can use the help.
This is such an exciting episodes - Denise Cooper talks about transition techniques, how to keep your negative emotions in check, hearing "in between the spaces" and G.R.A.C.E. - (listen to this 30 minute podcast for the definition). If you are in transition or know someone who is - you won't want to miss this value packed episode.
Listen to Janaed talk about his transition from studying actuary science (and being very unhappy pumping out spread sheet after spread sheet), to being self employed. His company, NoDegree, works with companies that see past the college degree and looks at the whole person. Janaed brings energy, wisdom and experience to the market place and shares many tips/techniques to those who are changing jobs or are thinking about going out on their own. You won't want to miss this information packed episode.
Dan discusses his experiences in coaching people in transition and his own transition. He gives great advice on things to do in your search as well as things to not do. At the end he gives a number of IT tools and readings to help you in your search.
Discussion of Teresa's career in helping people make transitions to new roles. Her experience is enhanced by her own personal transition experience. Real actionable techniques to use in your transition.