
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
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 39min
3 in 30 : Our Top Work Routines + Habits
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your work routines and habits! Learn three tangible tips in 30 minutes to help you stay organized, productive, and energized—no matter where or how you work with host Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik as they dive into: ✅ The difference between routines and habits (and why you need both) ✅ Tried-and-true strategies for structuring your workday ✅ The power of time blocking, prioritization, and daily reflectionPlus, we’re sharing our personal work routines, a rapid-fire “love it or hate it” segment, and a fun way to grab exclusive productivity resources.Show 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/ Sponsors:Go to zocdoc.com/CONTESSA to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Sign up for your $1/month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.OpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa. Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.Resources Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/ Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=1822Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnCareer 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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 36min
Decoding Tech Salaries: Maximizing Stock Options, RSUs, and Compensation
Navigating tech salaries and equity can be confusing, but understanding the details of stock options, RSUs, and compensation strategies can significantly impact your financial future. Compensation expert, Kimberly Hodgdon, who has worked with major tech companies like Netflix and Pinterest, breaks down key insights to help you maximize your earning potential such as:How to decipher and negotiate tech compensation packages, including RSUs and ESPPs.Strategies for evaluating a company's stock value before accepting an offer.Expert tips on managing equity for long-term financial success.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWThe Salary Project: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/LevelsFYI: https://www.levels.fyi/Blind: https://www.teamblind.com/salaryGuest Resources:Kimberly Hodgedon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyhodgdon/The Comp Team: https://www.thecompteam.com/Comp. Template: Spreadsheet to calculate Total CompensationCareer 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/Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 1, 2025 • 33min
The 3 Things That Make Work Meaningful
We’re in the middle of the biggest transformation in work in over a century—from remote work and burnout to shifting employee priorities. Through it all, one factor remains essential: meaning. In this episode, workplace motivation experts Wes Adams and Tamara Myles share how leaders and employees alike can create more meaningful work and why it leads to higher engagement, productivity, and success.You’ll learn:How the three Cs—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—are the foundation of meaningful work.Why meaning at work drives engagement, happiness, and even financial performance.Simple, research-backed strategies to create a workplace culture that prioritizes purpose.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Meaningful Work Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533 Wes Adams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Tamara Myles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/ Website w/ assessment: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.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.

Mar 25, 2025 • 36min
3 in 30: How to Find Career Clarity
Feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next move? You’re not alone! In this episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik break down 3 actionable steps to help you gain career clarity—without the overwhelm.Tune in to learn:The biggest misconceptions about career clarity (and what to focus on instead) How to identify your strengths, non-negotiables, and new opportunitiesOur favorite tools and resources to guide your next career moveWhether you’re considering a job change or just want more direction in your current role, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action.Show 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 Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/ Marnie’s Career Clarity IG Series: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFOjMnu0Lc/ Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnCareer 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.

Mar 18, 2025 • 32min
How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges
Learn how to navigate tough workplace conversations with grace. Leadership Strategist Talia Fox joins us to share strategies for fostering openness, maintaining trust, and handling sensitive topics like a pro. You’ll learn: The biggest mistakes people make during tough conversations at work.How to use her L.O.V.E approach to difficult conversationsPractical frameworks including how to play Values Bingo with your coworkersShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Critique Crash Course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/critique-crash-course/ Guest Resources:Talia Fox Website: https://taliafox.com/The Power of Conscious Connection: https://taliafox.com/book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliafoxspeaks/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliafox/Kusi Training: https://www.kusitraining.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/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 11, 2025 • 39min
Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge
Feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of how to get what you need from your boss? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re tackling the essential skill of managing up with special guest Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up. You’ll learn how to:Understand your boss’s motivations and set clear boundariesAdvocate for yourself while maintaining strong workplace relationshipsImprove communication skills to navigate office dynamics like a proShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Managing Up: https://melodywilding.com/managingup/ Melody Wilding on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/ 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.

Mar 4, 2025 • 28min
Why Work Feels So Hard Right Now—And How To Fix It
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes in your job, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to keep up, this episode is for you. LinkedIn’s Career Coach, Catherine Fisher, is here to share: What’s driving these tough realities about work3 practical strategies for navigating any career stage right nowThe top skills hiring managers are looking for + how to show themShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Lauren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Guest Resources:Catherine Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinefisherlinkedin/ Career Companion newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/career-companion-6994037905178398720/ 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/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 37min
3 in 30: How to Let Go of Perfectionist Tendencies
Marnie Lemonik, a career coach with a knack for helping professionals tackle perfectionism, joins Lauren McGoodwin to discuss letting go of perfectionist tendencies. They share relatable before-and-after stories and practical strategies for navigating perfectionism, especially in leadership roles. The duo highlights the importance of self-compassion and making swift decisions, while also addressing how social media pressures can amplify perfectionist traits. For those feeling the weight of perfectionism, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Feb 18, 2025 • 25min
5 Signs You're Doing Great Financially
Whether you’re crunching numbers every day or avoiding them entirely, this conversation will redefine how you think about financial success. We’re breaking down the five key signs of financial health with author and financial expert Dr. Annie Cole. You’ll learn: Which sign is the most foundational for financial successHow to improve your financial health without earning significantly moreSimple habits to reduce money anxiety and shift your mindset toward lasting financial confidenceShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Guest Resources:www.money-essentials.comFollow on Instagram @build.wealth.with.annieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-essentials-for-women/Grab a copy of my new book, 101 Ways to Build WealthLearn how to reach financial freedom: https://money-essentials.systeme.io/financial-freedom-guideBook a free financial consultation: https://calendly.com/annie-mackenzie-consulting/15-minute-financial-callCareer 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/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 34min
How to Break a Cycle of Inaction
Dr. Margie Warrell, a bestselling author and expert in courage and resilience, shares insights from her book 'The Courage Gap.' She discusses how to transition from overthinking to decisive action. Listeners learn a practical five-step formula for activating courage and resetting their relationship with discomfort. Margie emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear in career decisions and encourages reframing limiting beliefs to unlock true potential. Her engaging anecdotes inspire embracing discomfort as a pathway to personal growth.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.