

Career Contessa
Career Contessa
Shortcut your path to being more successful at work. This show helps you figure out what you truly want, land a job, make more money, advance your career, and improve your work life with actionable insights from experts that boost work performance.
We're covering job searches, job interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, how to get paid and get a salary raise, career growth tips, leadership and management advice, workplace interpersonal skills, wellness strategies, work-life balance, confidence, career transitions, workplace toxicity, and more!
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow @careercontessa on Instagram for daily career tips, and subscribe to our newsletter at www.careercontessa.com/newsletter
We're covering job searches, job interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, how to get paid and get a salary raise, career growth tips, leadership and management advice, workplace interpersonal skills, wellness strategies, work-life balance, confidence, career transitions, workplace toxicity, and more!
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow @careercontessa on Instagram for daily career tips, and subscribe to our newsletter at www.careercontessa.com/newsletter
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 35min
Human-Design at Work: Your Guide to Finding More Career Clarity
Have you ever made a big work decision—only to second-guess it immediately? Or felt like you’re constantly pushing against a career path that’s supposed to feel “right”? According to Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones, the issue might not be your ambition—it might be your alignment. In this episode, Erin joins us to talk about her new book, How Do You Choose?, and how Human Design can offer a practical framework for making better career and life decisions. You’ll learn:The 3 key Human Design elements that influence how you make decisions at workWhy “success” might look—and feel—very different depending on your typeHow understanding your own design (and your coworkers’) can reduce burnout and improve collaborationShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:First Career Contessa Podcast episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-use-human-design-in-your-career/id1434354911?i=1000451886054 Erin Claire Jones Website: https://erinclairejones.com/Human Design Blueprint: https://humandesignblueprint.com/ How Do You Choose Book: https://erinclairejones.com/bookGuides and use “career” for a discount: https://humandesignblueprint.com/guide/?_rvid=0197a7ae-38c4-75ab-9a16-135105f59d02 Career Contessa ResourcesBook 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ SponsorsGo to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodSign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 29min
How to Get Noticed at Work (Without Becoming Someone You’re Not)
Lorraine K. Lee, a LinkedIn Top Voice and author of 'Unforgettable Presence,' shares her insights on how to stand out at work authentically. She discusses the importance of visibility for career growth and effective self-promotion without losing one's true self. Lorraine offers practical strategies for enhancing executive presence online and mastering subtle self-advocacy. She emphasizes reshaping personal branding through everyday interactions, encouraging listeners to identify their core identity with three defining words.

Jul 29, 2025 • 32min
Trusted, Visible, Respected: How to Build Your Professional Reputation
Author Brad Englert shares how to build lasting influence through trust, visibility, and real relationships. Learn how to strengthen your internal and external networks and why influence is a must-have leadership skill—not just a nice-to-have. You’ll Learn:Why influence is a hard skill every modern leader needsHow to strengthen relationships inside and outside your organizationPractical habits that help you build trust and credibility for the long haulShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW The Successful Networker: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networkerGuest ResourcesSpheres of Influence: https://bradenglert.com/spheres-of-influence/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ SponsorsGo to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodStop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 22, 2025 • 37min
3 in 30: How to Turn Career Clarity Into Action
Marnie Lemonik, a career coach dedicated to helping individuals find clarity and direction, joins the discussion. She shares key strategies to turn career insights into actionable steps. Learn how to bypass the obsession with perfection and create a personal list of non-negotiables for job searches. Marnie also emphasizes the importance of setting weekly goals to stay motivated and consistent. This episode equips listeners with a roadmap to confidently advance in their careers.

Jul 15, 2025 • 39min
Owning Your Reputation Narrative: Crafting a Public Presence That Matches Your Private Impact
Join Kimberly Brown, a career and leadership expert and author, as she dives into how to manage your professional reputation. Discover the importance of conducting a personal branding audit to gather feedback and reshape how others perceive you. Brown shares practical tips for boosting visibility without self-promotion and emphasizes articulating your professional identity. The discussion also explores crafting a narrative that fosters authenticity and collaboration, highlighting the difference between mere career success and creating a lasting legacy.

5 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 30min
When You're Told You're Not Strategic Enough at Work— Here's What To Do
Dr. Luis Velasquez, an executive coach and Harvard Business Review writer, tackles the frustrating feedback of being 'not strategic enough' at work. He clarifies what strategic thinking really means and differentiates it from strategic presence. Luis shares actionable steps to enhance your strategic capabilities, regardless of role. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication and self-advocacy in responding to vague feedback, and offers tips for fostering collaboration and gaining buy-in in the workplace.

Jul 1, 2025 • 34min
How to Avoid Non-Promotable Work—According to a Former Google Exec
If you’re doing all the “right” things at work but still not getting promoted, this episode is your wake-up call. Former Google exec and Wild Courage author Jenny Wood joins us to unpack the hidden career traps that keep high performers stuck—and how to finally break through. From redefining “selfish” to reclaiming your power assets, Jenny shares the real talk (and practical tools) you need to stop spinning your wheels and start owning your career.You’ll learn:What “NAP work” is—and how to stop doing itHow to set career-protecting boundaries (without burning bridges)A mindset shift that will actually help you get promotedShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWMaui Nui Venison is offering our listeners a limited collection of my favorite cuts and products. Head to mauinuivenison.com/contessa to secure your access now.OpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/contessa.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Guest Resources:Jenny Wood Website: https://itsjennywood.com/Wild Courage book: https://wildcouragebook.com/Woo with You:Newsletter: https://itsjennywood.com/newsletter Career Contessa Resources:Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
The Antidote to Feeling Hopeless at Work
Ever feel like work has lost its spark—or wonder if your 9–5 has any meaning at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by award-winning journalist and workplace expert Jennifer Moss, author of Why Are We Here?, to unpack what she calls a collective workplace crisis. We explore why so many people feel hopeless or disengaged at work—and what you can do about it, even if you’re not ready to change jobs. You’ll learn:Why burnout and disengagement are symptoms of a bigger issue—and how to address the root causeHow to redesign your current role to feel more fulfilling (without a major career change)Small, science-backed habits that can reignite your sense of purpose and hope at workShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Website: https://www.jennifer-moss.com/ Book: https://www.jennifer-moss.com/why-are-we-here-book Career Contessa ResourcesBook 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
3 in 30 : How to Figure Out Your Next Career Move
In this engaging discussion, career coach Marnie Lemonik, known for her expertise in career clarity, shares her insights on making successful career transitions. She emphasizes the importance of creating mental space for reflection and how a 'listening tour' can highlight your hidden strengths. Marnie also discusses connecting your career aspirations to the right company culture, helping listeners to navigate their paths effectively. Packed with personal anecdotes, this conversation is a must for anyone seeking clarity in their career journey.

Jun 10, 2025 • 35min
The Skill Every Boss Wants You to Have
Leadership expert Suzy Welch shares why execution — not ideas or charisma — is the real key to career growth. Learn how to build a reputation for follow-through and become the person every boss wants on their team.You’ll learn: ✅ Why execution drives promotions ✅ Habits that build trust and credibility ✅ How to turn ideas into actionShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:CNBC article: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/08/most-underrated-trait-of-highly-successful-people-harvard-career-expert.html Becoming You book: https://www.suzywelch.com/books/becoming-you-the-proven-method-for-crafting-your-authentic-life-and-career/Website: https://www.suzywelch.com/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.