Career Contessa

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.

What sets top performers apart? In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and coach Marnie Lemonik share three key lessons high achievers live by—like embracing self-awareness, mastering adaptability, and owning your time. Packed with practical tips and tools, this episode will help you level up at work and beyond. Listen in to learn:Why adaptability is your most employable skillHow self-awareness is redefining leadershipSmart, realistic strategies to own your time and energyShow 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/ 3 in 30 Episode - Routines & Habits: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-in-30-our-top-work-routines-habits/id1434354911?i=1000703562586 Rule of 3 worksheet: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/productivity-rule-of-three/Productivity Powerhouse: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/productivity-powerhouse/ Resources The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnMarnie’s Virtual Resume Review Service: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/virtual-resume-review Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code on Marnie’s Website: CCPOD Sponsors:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Found: Open a Found account for FREE at found.com/contessa. 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.

Talking about your achievements can feel uncomfortable, but self-marketing is a crucial skill for career growth. In this episode, career coach and author Michelle Schafer shares how to confidently articulate your value—without feeling like you’re bragging.You’ll learn:How to reframe self-promotion as sharing facts, not boastingKey ways to showcase your value beyond your resumeSimple daily habits to build confidence in self-marketingShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/Free offer: A free chapter from my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose (or buy the whole book)- sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/Email: michelle@mschafercoaching.caBook a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer 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/SponsorOpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a career strategy. In this episode, we’re unpacking the powerful link between sleep and work performance with Terry Cralle, RN and certified clinical sleep educator from the Better Sleep Council, to explore how your sleep habits can make or break your productivity, decision-making, and even long-term career growth.Whether you're burning the midnight oil or battling afternoon brain fog, this conversation will give you the tools you need to prioritize rest and show up as your best, most focused self at work.You’ll learn:Why sacrificing sleep to get ahead is actually holding you backScience-backed sleep hygiene habits that improve rest and focusHow to create a sleep-friendly environment without a full bedroom makeoverShow Notes:Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org/ 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 40% off with code CAREER at CozyEarth.com. May 2nd - 4th, it's Buy One, Get One Free on their bamboo pajamas. Just use code CAREERBOGO at checkout.Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today 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.

The very trait that makes you a great employee might be holding you back when it comes to negotiating. In this episode, we’re joined by negotiation experts Gerta Malaj and Alex Choi from YourNegotiations.com to discuss why over-communication can hurt your negotiation power—and what to do instead.You’ll learn:Why over-communication weakens your position in a negotiationPractical strategies to use intentional silence to your advantageHow to confidently shift the conversation when faced with tricky salary questionsShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:6 Dos and Don’ts of Successful Salary Negotiations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-dos-and-donts-of-a-successful-salary-negotiation/id1434354911?i=1000631573542YourNegotiations.com: https://www.yournegotiations.com/Weekly newsletter: https://yournegotiations.kit.com/Book a free call: https://calendly.com/alexhapki/callcareercontessaGerta LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertamalaj/Alex LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhapki/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:Cozy Earth: Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.