Career Contessa

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a world where AI is transforming the workplace faster than ever, self-leadership has become a must-have skill. But what does it actually mean to lead yourself—and how can you start?In this episode,  Leading Yourself author and leadership consultant Elizabeth Lotardo breaks down four essential practices of self-leaders. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, looking for more meaning in your work, or trying to stay motivated without a micromanager, this episode is your guide to becoming the kind of leader your career needs—starting with you.You’ll learn:The 4 core practices of self-leadership and how to apply themHow to find meaning in your work, even if your job isn’t your dream roleSimple habits to stay accountable, focused, and resilient—even when no one’s watchingShow NotesGet 15% off OneSkin with the code CONTESSA at https://www.oneskin.co/  #oneskinpodWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Elizabeth Lotardo website: https://www.elizabethlotardo.com/ Leading Yourself: https://www.elizabethlotardo.com/writing 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.

Feeling overworked and undervalued? You might be operating below the resentment line—but you don’t have to stay there. In this episode, Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, shares four key strategies to help you set boundaries, stay motivated, and reclaim your career satisfaction. You’ll learn:How to recognize when you’re operating below the resentment line and why it happensPractical strategies to set boundaries, assess capacity, and navigate trade-offsHow to advocate for fair compensation and resources without fear of backlashShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Amina website: https://www.aminaaltai.com/ The Ambition Trap Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734356/the-ambition-trap-by-amina-altai-foreword-by-rachel-rodgers/ Overcome work conflicts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-overcome-workplace-conflict-5-strategies-that-work/id1434354911?i=1000532948090 Overcome the frozen (middle) career stage: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcome-the-frozen-middle-career-stage/id1434354911?i=1000483134747 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.

Struggling with small talk? Dreading awkward silences? According to Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks, there’s a 10-second trick that can instantly make you a better conversationalist—and it’s backed by science. In this episode, host Lauren McGoodwin sits down with Alison to explore why meaningful conversations matter more than ever, and how we can all get better at them with just a few intentional changes.You’ll learn:The “10-second trick” that boosts connection and flow in any conversationThe biggest mistakes people make when trying to be engaging—and how to fix themHow stronger conversation skills can accelerate your career and build confidenceWhether you're prepping for a performance review, networking event, or just want to connect more deeply with the people in your life, this episode will give you practical tools to speak up and stand out.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Sponsor:Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Guest Resources:Buy the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks/Follow the TALK book tour: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/events/ Practice using call-backs: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/conversation-book/ Download the TALK workbook: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/conversation-book/ Follow Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wood-brooks-7b98b826/ And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profalisonbrooks/ 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.