The Career Change Maker Podcast I Career Change, Career Advancement & Leadership Development #296: How Having Difficult Conversations Can Accelerate Your Career Growth with Michelle Schafer
***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration***
On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event.
I would love to see you there. Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available.
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In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development.
Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment.
Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to confidently navigate difficult conversations that shape your career trajectory
- The mindset shift from waiting for opportunities to creating them through dialogue
- Simple ways to prepare for a meaningful career development conversation
- How to raise your visibility by connecting with colleagues across your organisation
- Why reflection and self-awareness are key to making aligned career decisions
🧭 Action Steps:
- Reflect: Identify what gives you energy, what drains you, and your non-negotiables.
- Initiate: Schedule a dedicated career development conversation with your leader — don’t wait for the annual review.
- Connect: Build internal relationships by being curious, joining cross-functional projects, or engaging in workplace communities.
✨ Memorable Quote:
“It’s not your forever place. You’re not going to feel stuck forever — there are always choices and steps you can take.” — Michelle Schafer
🔗 Connect with Michelle:
- LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer
- Website: mshafercoaching.ca
- Get a free chapter of her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose via her website.
🔗 Connect with Janine
- LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
- Website: Career Change Makers
- Join the waitlist to explore 1:1 coaching
🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!
We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!
Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.