Career Contessa

Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "How to Be Bold," shares insights on courage and overcoming fear in your career. He explains that true courage is acting despite fear, not the absence of it. Listeners learn about the 'fear equation' and how uncertainty impacts our actions. He introduces the 9 C's of Courage and emphasizes the importance of personal narratives. Ranjay also shares mental strategies like rituals and reframing that help manage fear in real-time, ultimately guiding us to take bold actions.

Goldie Chan, a personal branding strategist and author, dives into empowering introverts to enhance their authentic presence. She debunks myths about introverts being quiet and shares her journey in building a successful online community with over 100,000 followers. Goldie emphasizes the 'Five C's'—clarity, consistency, competency, confidence, and community—as essential for personal branding. She also discusses practical ways to avoid burnout and redefine success, showing that sharing expertise can feel less like self-promotion and more like connection.

Cas Holman, a renowned play designer and author, dives into the crucial role of play in adult creativity and resilience. She highlights how curiosity can spark innovation at work and shares her journey into play design. Holman discusses the mindset shift needed to embrace adult play, emphasizing judgment release and success reframing. She also provides practical tips for leaders to incorporate playfulness into meetings and offers easy ways to integrate playful activities into daily routines, enhancing productivity and well-being.

Your time isn’t your most valuable resource—it’s your attention. In this episode, Dr. Zelana Montminy (Dr. Z), behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus, joins Lauren to explore why learning to protect your attention is the new workplace superpower. From the myth of multitasking to the everyday “focus thieves” draining your energy, Dr. Z shares practical strategies for reclaiming your focus and thriving at work—without burning out.You’ll learn:Why multitasking sabotages productivity and how your brain really works.The most common “focus thieves” and how to spot and stop them.Dr. Z’s simple, science-backed tools to reclaim your attention starting today.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest ResourcesDr. Zelana website: https://drzelana.com/ Finding Focus book: https://drzelana.com/findingfocus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana 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/ SponsorsMerit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at merit beauty.com.Join thousands of small business owners simplifying their finances—open your FREE Found account now at found.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik tackle one of the most common struggles for all of us —setting boundaries at work. From overcommitting to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they break down why boundaries matter and how to enforce them in a way that feels fair, balanced, and realistic. You’ll Learn:How to replace “maybe” with clear, confident communicationHow to use tools and systems to make boundaries easier to stick toHow to anticipate (and handle) pushback when enforcing boundariesShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Resources Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Marnie’s Free Resourceshttps://www.marnielemonik.com/resources Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD 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/ 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/ Sponsors:Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first subscription order. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get startedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been told our whole lives that competition makes us better, sharper, and more successful. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, I’m joined by Ruchika Malhotra—founder of Candour and author of UNCOMPETE—to challenge the myth that competition is the key to growth. Instead, she shows us why uncompeting is the real path to abundance, joy, and lasting success.You’ll learn:Why the idea that “competition makes us better” is more harmful than helpfulHow to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundancePractical strategies to embrace collaboration without losing ambitionShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:Website: https://www.ruchika.co/Book: https://www.ruchika.co/uncompete-bookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm/ 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/Sponsor:Go to calm.com/contessa for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever worked for a bad boss? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this episode, workplace equity expert and author Mita Mallick unpacks the realities of toxic leadership and how to rise above it. From micromanagers to spotlight-stealers, Mita shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to protect your confidence and career.You’ll learn:The 13 types of bad bosses—and which ones do the most damage.How to navigate toxic power dynamics when you’re early in your career.A simple shift every leader can make to build trust and lead inclusively.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Mita Mallick website:https://www.mitamallick.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/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/ Sponsors:Get up to 35% off plus 2 free gifts when you use code CONTESSA at checkout at shopbeam.com/CONTESSA.Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do some people seem to instantly earn trust and command a room—without being pushy or fake? In this episode, executive communication coach Dr. Kate Mason shares research-backed strategies from her book Powerfully Likeable to help you show up with warmth, authenticity, and confidence at work.You’ll learn:The difference between being likeable and being a people-pleaserSubtle body language shifts that instantly build trustHow to handle tricky conversations without losing credibilityIf you’ve ever struggled to be taken seriously and stay true to yourself, this episode is for you.Show Notes:Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Kate Mason Website: https://www.katemason.co/ Powerfuly Likeable book: https://www.amazon.com/Powerfully-Likeable-Womans-Effective-Communication-ebook/dp/B0DQNQMHXN Kate Mason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/ Substack: https://katemason.substack.com/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/ Sponsors:Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month Shopify trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive coach and author Martin Dubin joins us to unpack the 6 most common leadership blindspots—and why the most successful people are often the most blind to them.You’ll learn:Why your biggest strength might secretly be a liabilityHow emotions can quietly hijack your leadershipThe first step to uncovering what’s holding you backShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Website: https://www.martindubin.com/ Blindspot Test: https://www.blindspotting.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZFK8J6?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true 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/ Sponsor:Go to Leesa.com for 25% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code CONTESSA, exclusive for my listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marnie Lemonik, a career coach known for her expertise in interview preparation and career development, joins Lauren to explore the importance of crafting your career story. They discuss the three key components every narrative should have and provide practical frameworks for creating a powerful personal introduction. Listeners will learn to craft a succinct career thesis statement, filter past experiences to maintain relevance, and navigate the initial awkwardness of sharing an evolving story. Get ready to enhance your communication skills for career success!